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Brown County #4

Unconditionally

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Unconditionally is a novella part of a series but can be read as a standalone complete with a HEA. May not be for all readers as it contains M/M situations.

Toby Morgan grew up the black sheep in his illustrious uppity family due to his sexual preferences. He didn’t see how being gay was a hindrance in any light.

Being an accountant by day, a kickass singer for The Nation’s Capital on the side, and a fashion and makeup extraordinaire by night, he tried to face every obstacle he encountered with perseverance and positivity.

Always being one to bask in the limelight and being the center of attention, but what everyone didn’t see was the scared and insecure little boy lurking inside and behind closed doors.

He had waited his entire life to find love and his happily ever after and just when he thought he had grasped his dreams head on, doubt puts a screeching halt in his happiness.

Now it seemed that there were two different men with their sights set on him and they were both vying for his affection.

In the end, will Toby find his one special someone who will love him unconditionally?

Unknown Binding

First published August 20, 2014

3 people are currently reading
196 people want to read

About the author

Amber Nation

13 books570 followers
Amber Nation currently resides in Southern Indiana with her husband and two daughters. Amber writes Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, and Romance Comedy novels. She loves hoarding paperback books, shopping, concerts, road trips, and watching her daughters sport it up on the basketball court or in gymnastics.

Her personal motto is to always believe in yourself and above all else, be you!

Follow Amber on Instagram @ber2885, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ambernationauthor and on Pinterest at Ber2885.

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5 stars
27 (39%)
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26 (38%)
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11 (16%)
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3 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Anke.
2,506 reviews98 followers
September 19, 2014
Only .99c from amazon; you can't go wrong with that. Hopefully :)

Looks like sadly you can. I have to DNF this now. I made it up to chapter 8, 53% on my kindle, but now I'm done. I have no idea what all these people giving 5 and 4 stars to this book have read?! Looks like I'm the only one not liking this book. But I really don't like Tony! He thinks he is soo cool, such a great guy with his hair and his clothes and his sad family history, which he left behind. Yes. And he's a CPA, but save for the mentioning in the beginning of the story that's irrevelant so far for the story. So far the only one I liked was Tucker :)

Everything happening in this book was shallow, boring, uninteresting, could have left out. So far the essential stuff for the development of the story would have filled 5 pages.

What does it say about me that I found this a typical book written by a romance m/f author starting writing m/m books? If I may breathe a wish: please return to writing m/f books. This lacked everything I like about m/m books.
Looks like I was a tad bit aggravated. Sorry.
Profile Image for Shirley Frances.
1,798 reviews119 followers
September 8, 2014
Toby has know he was gay from a very young age. He has never made excuses for it or shied away from it, even when he was bullied or ignored by his parents. So when he noticed that his boyfriend Gio was not going to publicly recognize him as his lover, Toby broke it off. Although heartbroken, he managed to find some solace in knowing he would someday find that one person who would love him unconditionally.

But as the days passed and his loneliness increased he found himself questioning his wish to find the right man. Especially now that Gio has made a reappearance and his group of friends are settling down all around him.

As an M/M reader, I was expecting something different from this story. However, I was pleasantly surprised to see that although the story was not exactly what I expected it was still a sweet, touching story.

I loved Toby! His voice was unique, he had quirky personality and his heart was huge. All he ever wanted was to be loved for who he was and although he found that in his group of friends he wanted to find that romantically too.

My heart broke for him immediately after learning how his parents had shunned him and how his boyfriend had treated him, but I admired his tenacity and strength of character. He was a giver, a loyal friend and fun as hell too.

Like I said, I was expecting something different--especially in regards to the romance part of the story. It was hard for me to 'buy' the romance between Eric and Toby when it happened since there wasn't much development of their connection or exploration of their chemistry. However, it was nice to finally see Toby finding that elusive man that could love him as he was.

For me this was more a story about Toby's growth as a person and how he struggled to come to a place where he was open to accepting what fate had in store for him. There were funny moments, emotional ones and flirty ones as well, which was what made it such an enjoyable read for me.

I admit this is the first book by Amber Nation and that I've read but rest assured it won't be the last. Although this is the fourth book in the series, I can certainly be read as a stand alone, Since this one focused solely on Toby's journey towards his happily ever after.

All in all, a heart warming little read.

*I received a copy of this title in exchange of my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Savannah Stewart.
Author 14 books495 followers
September 8, 2014
Toby, Toby, Toby! I seriously LOVE Toby!!! This book was my first M/M adventure, and even though it isn't packed full of sex, it is a true heartfelt love story! I adored this story. My heart ached for Toby throughout his struggles so much, I just wanted to hug him tightly and tell him everything will work out for the best. There are so many strong characters in this story, Amber does a great job of making everyone stand out in their own way while keeping the story about Toby strong. Oh, and I seriously would love a BFF like Toby! He’s sassy, funny, and very caring of the people around him. I recommend this to anyone who loves stories about someone struggling to find their place in life, love, and happiness. It’s a quick and wonderful read!
Profile Image for Helen Oakes.
259 reviews32 followers
June 25, 2018
I’ve been eager for Toby’s story since I started this series but I feel it didn’t quite reach my expectations. I know it takes a lot for an M/F to write M/M and I applaud Nation for trying because it was a good attempt. I just feel like the length of the novel plus how many love interests Toby actually had to focus on was the downfall - I mean, seriously, three love interests? That’s more than any person never mind a writer can deal with!

However, this was an exceptionally cute series and I am extremely happy that I participated in a challenge which made me give these novels a chance!
Profile Image for Kim Gauger.
3,318 reviews6 followers
June 23, 2018
Toby gets his HEA

I am so glad you didn't leave Toby out of the HEA giveaways! This book was great. I have loved Toby in the other books and being able to see all of him from his POV was fantastic! I loved it!!!
Profile Image for Valentina.
203 reviews2 followers
October 14, 2018
I was excited to see this had M/M situations because ever since Cambria Hebert's beautiful M/M books I see and feel it in new ways, good ways. I can appreciate the love and sensitivity needed to write this and I applaud both Amber and Cambria for doing such a good job! In all, I LOVED this book!
226 reviews6 followers
September 21, 2018
I'm glad Toby finally got his HEA and I adore Ethan. I wish we could have gotten more of Ethan's POV also.
Profile Image for Jenni Copeland Belanger.
239 reviews6 followers
October 13, 2018
not a huge fan of M/M books BUT this was a GREAT read! I loved the banter between Toby and Ethan. hate to see this series end.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
423 reviews
February 1, 2022
1/31/22 EDIT: I did a re-read of this book and i’m surprised at how my feelings have changed from the first time I read it. I still like the H but I will admit he annoyed me at times. And I agree with my first review, I wanted to see the H and the person he chose together more. Their relationship was way to fast. It was like they were doing there own things and then BAMM their a couple in love. We only get a couple of pages of them REALLY being together and unfortunately thats not enough for me to believe that they’re meant to be but other than that I still like this book but I’m not sure if I would re-read it again. Who knows, in another couple years I may change my mind.




I need more!! I hate thinking that this is the last book in the series. Maybe we can get the author to write a Holiday Novella or something so we can see how everyone is doing. I especially want to know if Toby and his special someone *wink wink* ends up having a family, like they both wanted. This is Book 04 in the Brown County Series and If you have already read the first 3 books than you would have followed Toby on his journey to finding his HEA. In this book Toby is sad/kinda depressed because everyone around him is finding their true loves except him. He puts on an act but deep down he’s hurting. Now throw in an Ex wanting a second chance and wont stop calling, a Deputy who annoys the living hell out of him and yet he can’t seem to get him and his smoken green eyes out of his head and a Sexy Bartender. Mix together and you end up with a hot mess, which is exactly what Toby is dealing with. Now, even though I really enjoyed this book, I wish there was more interaction between Toby and his special someone after they get together. It seemed to happen so fast. Toby picks him and than *BAMM* Epilogue, 3 months later and that’s it. It just needed another chapter or two so we could feel all that gooey-love stuff that couples do after first getting together. You know what I mean? I am really happy with Toby’s choice though. I knew after reading about him that he was definitely the one. And I’m Kinda happy that the author threw in a little tidbit of what happens to the other guys. Like we all say “everyone deserves their HEA”. Now even though these books can be read as a standalone I recommend reading this series in order. Especially reading Book 02 before this one. Even though Book 02 is about Maggie and Charlie, you still witness how Toby and his Ex meet/breakup (the breakup part still makes me mad just thinking about it). And some times its good to know all the side characters and how they came upon their HEA’s. So with that said, I hope you give this book (as well as the others) a try. I think you’ll enjoy them. I certainly did.
Happy Reading🤓
Profile Image for Kathy.
2,613 reviews43 followers
September 12, 2014
This book is about Toby Morgan he is openly gay and proud of it. His life hasn't always been easy because of it. He was picked on as a child and as an adult his parents have shunned him. It has been a year since he broke up with his first real love. He is still in love with Gio and is deeply hurt by the way he was treated by him. Behind closed doors everything was great but out in public it was something different all together. It reminded him of the way his parents treated him. Now Gio has come out to his family and friends. They support him 100% just like they should. He has been calling Toby non-stop trying to talk to him. Toby doesn't want to talk to him because despite the fact that he is still in love with Gio he doesn't feel like he could trust his actions and behavior. Lately the Deputy Ethan Bradley and Toby have been having these interesting little conversations. Toby finds that he doesn't ever really know Ethan and gets annoyed with him when they talk yet can't stop thinking about him and may be interested in him. Ethan is definitely interested in Toby but was hurt by his ex and is afraid to put himself out there again. Toby finds himself with the option of two very different men. He can either give Gio a second chance or try something new with Ethan. Who will Toby choose and will be happy with the choice he makes?
I really liked this book. Toby has been through so much in his life. He loves his friends fiercely and with his whole heart. This book is wonderfully written with fantastic characters. I haven't read the other books in this series however after reading this one they are now on my TBR list for sure. Toby's real family doesn't want anything to do with him so he has made a new family that loves him just as much as he loves them. They would do anything for each other with out a second thought. Now he just needs to find that special someone to spend his life with. I was drawn into the story and their friendship. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series.
I was given this book in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Gretchen Anderson.
348 reviews75 followers
January 26, 2015
What’s better than a funny gay guy trying to find his love match? Well not much and Unconditionally delivers. Will Toby go back to his Ex, Gio or will he pick the stable hot Sheriff, Ethan? What about the recent one-night stand, Roman? Hmmmm….

Toby and his Ex, Gio broke up almost a year ago. He’s been faking his happiness ever since. Going through the motions of living and hanging with friends (most are married!) and not feeling nearly as happy as he’s pretending to be. His love live has completely gone bye-bye.

Toby loved Gio. Really loved him. But Gio was “in the closet” and wouldn’t acknowledge him outside of the house. At all. To the point of telling Toby to keep distance between them so no one will know. This didn’t sit well with Toby because of the way his parents and brother treated him his entire life. They broke up with Gio’s last words being “I’m done.” Needless to say, Toby’s isn’t looking to give him his second chance. But he still loves him….should he? Will he?

Meanwhile, the sexy sheriff, Ethan seems to be popping up everywhere Toby is. Ethan is the man…..the one that gives him butterflies and makes his heart speed up. He’s also a pretty big smartass but Ethan reaches a point where he just flat out wants Toby. The kiss that seals this deal is HOT!!! But there’s still Gio and maybe even Roman?

Roman is the hot bartender and they have been flirting for months. Finally Roman drags him upstairs and has his way with Toby. Will Roman want him forever or will he turn him out? What will this do to Toby?

I loved Toby’s character!!! He’s so real. So funny. So heartbreakingly lonely that you just can’t help but to love him.

I highly recommend Unconditionally!!!! :)
Profile Image for Mel Shank.
411 reviews14 followers
December 31, 2016
Unconditionally by Amber Nation
*was generously provided a copy in exchange for an honest review

UNCONDITIONALLY by Amber Nation is the 4th Novella in the A Brown Country series. It is a M/M relationship novella and is suppose to be a stand alone, however, I think I would have enjoyed it so much more if I had read the whole series. I did not realize that it was a part of a series when I agreed to do the review. I hate picking up books in the middle of a series. I do not necessary think I can give the story a fair chance when I am trying to play catch up.

Ms. Nation does an excellent job explaining who everyone is but I just felt I could not really get attached to Toby because I came in right in the middle of his anguish. I really liked the writing style but my whole issue was that I just felt like I was reading Toby’s journal where he whined a lot. I am sorry but I just could not get over it. I loved his friends and saw a great story starting to emerge but I felt Toby had too much self reflection and it was not enough story.

Now I did LOVE Ethan. I loved the banter between Toby and Ethan. When Ethan was around, I felt the story had some substance. I wanted to love their story. I really did. I mean I was rooting for Ethan and wanted so much more of his story.

Please do not hate me for this review. I think that anyone reading the series and has Toby history will love it and I saw so much potential from Ms. Nation. UNCONDITIONALLY was just not a home run for me. I really, really wanted it to be. I would really love to have more of Toby and Ethan together.

UNCONDITIONALLY receives 3 out 5 Platypires!!
Texas Hugs and Happy Reading!!

Profile Image for Melissa Cheslog.
259 reviews5 followers
August 28, 2014
I received this ARC for an honest review. This is a novella that is part of the Brown County series but is able to be read as a standalone. The author, Amber Nation has written a very good book about Toby, a gay man in Brown County. Toby has been shunned by his family for his sexual orientation and is searching for that unconditional love. His ex-boyfriend Gio broke his heart something fierce and now wants Toby back. Roman is the hot bartender at Big Pete’s that Toby thinks is hot. Ethan is a deputy in Brown County and seems to constantly be running into Toby. The story is told through Toby’s point of view so the reader is always aware of his thoughts and actions. He has his group of friends that is like family to him and while they are a great group he still wants that one person to hold close. The story is very sweet and well written. The journey of Toby looking for his Happily Ever After is very endearing and is much like everyone’s journey for their special someone. The Brown County Babes are a hilarious group of ladies that are very important to Toby and he is very important to them. While this is an M/M book it should be noted that it is more of a romance story than anything else. The sex scenes are not bawdy or trashy but very real and tastefully written. I am impressed with the author’s writing style and her ability to move the plot forward very well. This was a quick read and I recommend it to anyone looking for a great romance story.
Profile Image for Teresa Gomez.
120 reviews4 followers
September 5, 2014
When I first started reading this story I hadn't read the synopsis so I didn't know that it was a m/m story. It was an easy read and Amber Nation didn't go over board with all of the m/m situations that some authors do. It was a really good story. I fell in love with Toby right from the beginning. My heart hearing how hard things were for Toby growing up in a family that had tons of money but didn't care about him just because he was gay. They all loved his older brother who was into sports and straight. When his brother was in a car accident and died his parents completely forgot that they even had another son.

Toby got over it and had tons of great friends who were his family. He had a great job and even sang in a band once in a while. He was lonely though. He wanted that special person in his life. He thought he had that someone but whenever they were out in public his boyfriend would act like he didn't exist since he hadn't come out to his family or friends yet.

I absolutely loved reading about Toby and all of his adventures in finding his true love and himself. This book is a must read and Amber did a great job!
Profile Image for Casey Peeler.
Author 34 books530 followers
September 8, 2014
Unconditionally is a story of love, hope, heartbreak, and acceptance. Toby is living life by going through the motions, but what he really wants is someone to love.

After Gio refuses to go public with their relationship, Toby puts on a happy face, but inside he's crumbling. He finds comfort in his friends, but he's still missing his yen to his yang.

Toby kinds himself at a local bar/club often and keeps running into Ethan, he's super cocky, but Toby is drawn to him.

After Gio tries to walk back into his life, Toby has to decide who is his perfect match, and who will love him unconditionally?

This is the first M/M I've read, and I have to say it was hard for me read because it was different than my normal read. BUT with that being said, the story was beautifully done, heartwarming yet heartbreaking, a real life scenario, and I feel in love with Toby's personality and desire to be loved. It's a phenomenal story and you will not be disappointed!
Profile Image for Sassy Southern Book Blog.
5,430 reviews274 followers
September 9, 2014
4 stars

Toby is celebrating his twenty fifth birthday alone. But that is not all that unusual. His parents never were big on celebrating when he was involved. They just couldn't learn to accept him for who he is. He is not his brilliant older brother. He had brains and brawn. No Toby is average, but he is happy with that. He has great friends, and until recently, he had a great love life. Heartbreaks can be overcome, but can he finally decide where he wants his life to go? And with whom?
Gio has been the love of his life for so long, he is not sure if he can find a way to be happy alone. Then there is Ramon, hot bod and all! Toby's friends are determined to show him the time of his life and show him there are more fish in the sea! Even sheriffs deputy, Ethan is suddenly on the radar. They are going to make sure Toby follows his dreams, sheds all his old insecurities, and lives life to its fullest!
Author 3 books91 followers
September 12, 2014
I loved Toby!! He's is amazing! A wonderful man inside and out!!
However, that being said.. you will feel for him and the pain he's had to endure.

He's got plenty of friends but he wants someone to love-since the breakup he had a year ago still sitting heavily on him. It has him wondering if he will get his own love and fairy tale.

And that leads him to have a few fellas interested in him.. but who will he choose? Gio (his ex), Roman or Ethan... hmmm hmmm hmmm.

If you love passionate loving men, sexy guys, family, finding yourself, acceptance and more...you will love this book and enjoy the ride of Toby towards finding his HEA!

You will love his friends, sister in law and his nephew Tucker! Oh man... Tucker is a hoot! :)

This an amazing novella and exceptionally written. It's a great M/M read and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a quick romantic story!

4.5 stars from me!
Profile Image for Giana Racine.
14 reviews
September 8, 2014
This is my first M/M book and I must say I really enjoyed reading it. It was very classy, tasteful and overall a very heartfelt story. I LOVE TOBY! From the very beginning he captures your heart. He is such a wonderful character and like most would agree he is the DIVA of the group and I would love to have a BFF like him in my life. From the beginning of this series the struggles that Toby had to endure was just heart breaking! Having a family who goes out of their way to not acknowledge their son because he is gay is one of the toughest battles a lot of people have to go through. Prepare for your heart strings to be pulled in every way possible. This book is truly remarkable and really makes you view things differently. If you haven't read her 1st 3 books, I suggest you run out and get them right away! Amber Nation is simply incredible and so are her books.
Profile Image for Hrtnsoul28.
1,185 reviews
February 9, 2017
The book was ok. It did not keep me interested and found myself hurrying to finish. I think it was more due to the fact I had no connection with characters from the first books. It was an ok storyline.
Profile Image for Michelle Nageldinger.
398 reviews2 followers
September 12, 2014
Unconditionally by Amber Nation
4.5 Stars
Received an exchange for an honest review from addicted to books and authors.

Toby has known exactly who he was for a long time, when his long time boyfriend Gio decides he cannot go further with the relationship Toby is heartbroken but knows its time to move on. Toby has known Ethan since grade school but is now discovering that Ethan is also gay, however they seem to argue since Ethan is so very Cocky. As feelings between Toby and Ethan heat up Gio returns and has realized he loves Toby, can Toby choose the man who will love him unconditionally and can keep him happy?
This was my first read by Amber Nation but not my last.
Profile Image for Kristin.
350 reviews19 followers
September 8, 2014
I have to say I love M/M books :)

Toby rocks! I was so excited to receive a copy of this book. Now this isn't my first time reading M/M but have to say this is going to be one of my favorites!

This is true love at it's finest. Poor Toby what a rough life. You just want to love him.

This is a fairly quick read but you just want to dive in and finish it. I highly recommend this story and it fits perfectly in the Brown County series. Amber Nation nailed this one!

If you've never read a M/M consider giving this one a chance....It will be worth it ;)
Author 18 books167 followers
January 14, 2015
I LOVE Toby! I said it. I have loved him each of the other books and was happy to see him find his way and his happy ever after in Unconditionally. The book is pure Toby from word one - fun, over the top, totally makes your heart feel...Amber rocked this one.

This is the final installment of the Brown County series, and I think it is fitting that this is the last one. The character arcs are completed in this story. It is an easy read and one that I highly recommend!
Profile Image for Cee Brown.
1,310 reviews38 followers
September 16, 2014
31/2 stars for this one. I like it, but felt myself wondering why only Toby was carrying the entire story. Yes, he was funny and unpredictable, and things do not always work out the way one wants, however, he was true to self and eventually got his man.
Profile Image for Lisa Survillas.
Author 7 books156 followers
December 23, 2014
This is a tough review to write. I loved this series and even this book. I adore Toby's character and although a MM romance wouldn't typically be my thing, I needed to read Toby's story. I enjoyed his story and didn't mind the few intimate scenes and happy I read it!
Profile Image for Kristin.
503 reviews
July 20, 2016
Toby's story had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who he was going to end up with. At first I really wanted the bartender, I was completely against Gio, but I was really intrigued by Ethan. So glad to see how this story ended.
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