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Unspoken

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Palmer Sinclair was on the edge of happily ever after when she broke off her engagement to Brady Grant. The end of their relationship marked the beginning of a painful solitary journey for her. Though she makes places beautiful with her work as an interior designer, the rest of her life is anything but beautiful – it’s slowly pulling her under.

Brady, a contractor, is swiftly building his business into an empire. Work is a faithful companion that never lets him down like Palmer did. When he sees women now, it’s on his terms. And his terms are simple: just sex. He won’t let a woman break him again.

Palmer is barely holding it together when she and Brady are unexpectedly paired on a project after a year apart. The pull between them is stronger than ever, but the fallout from their reconnection leaves them both wondering if maybe some things are better left unsaid.

Unknown Binding

First published October 18, 2014

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1308 people want to read

About the author

Brenda Rothert

91 books2,266 followers
Brenda Rothert is the author of more than thirty Contemporary Romance novels. You can learn more about her books at her website, www.brendarothert.com, which features teasers, excerpts and trailers for her books. Follow her here:

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
Profile Image for Catarina.
896 reviews2,249 followers
January 1, 2015
2 Frustrated Stars.

Let me just sum up this book in one image:

description

Yep. That’s it.
Okay, let me be real quick. Brady and Palmer were engaged and on the verge of getting married. But a series of misunderstandings left them broken and apart.
They never talk to each other again and a year later they “coincidentally” have to work together. Well, old feelings start to grow again and they finally start to realize their past mistakes and how stupid they were. And that’s it.

description

Rating: 2 Stars.
Storyline: Okay, this book can be the perfect example of “it’s not you, it’s me”. It is, in fact, a sweet and steamy romance with a nice plot (hence, the 2 stars). However, the amount of miscommunication in too damn high. I don’t even know if it can be considered miscommunication (An unclear or inadequate communication), because they don’t even try to talk about it. There’s no communication at all, they just assume, and all this drama could be prevented if they have had a five minutes talk. And I’m sorry, but that’s just too much stupidity for me to handle.
Writing Style: First person. Dual POV. Sexy and engaging.
Character Development: OMG, THEY WERE BOTH SO FRUSTRATING. Seriously, Palmer was a doormat who assumed stuff without even try to discuss it with her fiancé and Brady? He was just an huge asshole who didn’t even tried to fix problems with the woman he supposedly wanted for the rest of his life, after a year apart and he just finding out that her mother is pretty sick and she still loves him… he just tell her about all the women he had during their separation and how they are just fuck buddies in the present. ASSHOLE!
Steam: Hot.
HEA:
Profile Image for Patrycja.
639 reviews4,046 followers
Read
November 16, 2014
DNF

I've been reading it so slowly and being so uninterested in the story, I decided to stop. But maybe it picks up and hopefully I will come back to it sometime later.
Profile Image for Ⓐlleskelle - That ranting lady ッ.
1,038 reviews957 followers
March 31, 2015
⭐️1 STAR⭐️
I'm going to leave this here. It sums up the story perfectly.



You know how people can't seem to look away when there's an accident down the road? They don't want to look but can't help themselves and watch anyway?

I didn't know I was one of those people.

Let me just tell you about one scene in this book. One scene that made me face-palm in the metro, looking like a crazy person.

Oh, below are spoilers. Not that it matters in this story anyway.

So, the heroine's mother is dying from cancer, home cared by her daughter. Heroine and hero broke up a year ago because of reasons. "UNSPOKEN reasons". But that's just another word for DRAMA. Poorly crafted drama.
Like they were madly in love, about to get married, but went their separate ways because the heroine proposed to put the wedding off to take care of her mother (Which was dying, let's all keep that in mind.) and little brother (himself suffering from some disorder.).

The hero, on a whim, or most precisely after throwing a sissy fit, decided to LEAVE. He almost stomped his foot, but instead he punched a wall.



Anyway, story goes on, they eventually meet again one year later, blablablah, casually hooking up.
One night the heroine calls because she needs help getting her -days from dying- mother out of the tub. They tuck the mother in bed. They both go downstairs to have dinner, or... Or have crazy sex and make unusual and completely OUT OF THE BLUE requests, you know, just BECAUSE :

-“I want you to tie me up, I mean tie me to my bed. Arms and legs. So I can't move.”
-“And then what?”
-“Anything. Everything. As long as it's intense. I don't want you to hold back. Make it hurt. Make so I can't feel anything else.”

Going to leave you with that "oh so special and spontaneous" moment. You're welcome.


Profile Image for Michelle.
2,103 reviews1,416 followers
October 18, 2014
ARC provided by author in exchange of honest review

☆☆☆☆☆5 Beautiful Unspoken Stars ☆☆☆☆☆

#UNSPOKEN

Unspoken by Brenda Rothert can be summed up as breathtakingly emotional and beautiful. This book captured my heart and had me tearing up. It rendered me speechless on how personal and close to home this book hit leaving me a beautiful mess. Ms. Rothert will take her readers on an emotional journey that circles on life, love,sacrifices, friendship, family and second chances. This was a journey that everyone should experience. The raw emotional connection of the hero and heroine was a bond that survived all odds and separation. In times of unspoken words, sometimes the bonds of love doesn't need to be said. It is felt. And so Ms. Rothert will make you feel as two lovers chronicle their love as they fight and claw their way to get it right the second time around.

Unspoken Words….Those unspoken words can be the hardest words to say because there is a reason why they are unspoken. Sometimes the words we leave unspoken are the most important ones that should have been said especially when it comes to LOVE. It seems broken hearts are often caused by the words left unspoken. And so begins the coulda, woulda, and shoulda. So when true love and fate is on the line, can those unspoken words be finally said? Or will they continued to be left unspoken?

Second Chances is one of the greatest gifts in life. It allows us to start over and get it right the second time around. This gift allows us to say the I love you’s and I’m sorry’s. So when two lovers are separated because of unspoken words, will they finally get their second chance to get it right? For Brady and Palmer, the coulda, woulda, shoulda comes into play. There was no doubt that these two people had a love that was deep and meaningful but when pride and unsaid words are left in the air, two hearts are left hurt and broken. Call it fate or whatever, when Palmer and Brady are reunited can they finally get it right this second time around? Will they finally utter those unspoken words that needed to be said?

#Unspoken_1

In my opinion, Unspoken by Brenda Rothert is one of the best books that she has written so far. This book was emotional, heartfelt, raw, and captivating. It truly showcases the power of love, sacrifices, family, friendship, life, death, forgiveness and second chances. This was no ordinary love story because it was not only a love story between two lovers but also a story of family and how precious life is. One of the greatest gift in life, is to experience love whether it be between two lovers, friends, or family members. The beauty of love is that it heals and forgives. In this case, Palmer and Brady’s love is a testament that love must be fought. Love must be spoken. In love, pride must be left at the door. And in this case, it is so true when they say when you love someone you have to let them go and if they come back to you then you know its true love. Well in this case, time and distance proved that Palmer and Brady’s love could survive the odds. Unspoken will steal your heart. It will tug and pull on all the heartstrings. The emotions are raw. The writing and storytelling will capture your attention. And this book will leave you a beautiful mess. Though this book dealt with an aspect that I could relate to and left me in tears, the pain and experience was worth it. This book was cleansing in some way because it reminds us all that love is worth the sacrifice. And I highly recommend you to go read this book and have tissues on standby.
Brenda Rothert

Profile Image for Aestas Book Blog.
1,059 reviews75k followers
Want to read
October 21, 2014
Aww!! I love the sound of this second chance romance!!

The hero & heroine were once engaged but she broke it off, leaving them both in a lot of pain... After a year apart, they're paired together on a work project and the pull between them is stronger than ever... giving them a second chance.

STANDALONE
Profile Image for ✝✝ Ⓓaisy ❣ ✝✝ .
494 reviews270 followers
October 25, 2014
Brady and Palmer were nice characters but the plot was little too much cheesy drama. It all started with an unwanted fight. I skimmed it.

Not my kind of book, the second chance romance would be nice if there was a real break up.

D xo
Profile Image for ✿kawehi.reviews.
1,453 reviews429 followers
October 20, 2014
☆ I received an ARC via the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ☆

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Before I go into my actual review, while reading this book, I came across two particular quotes that held a lot of meaning (to me) and that I felt really embodied the title and essence of the book, Unspoken--

“I've always believed that if you are precise in your thoughts, it's not the lines you say that are important - it's what exists between the lines. What I'm compelled by most is that transparency of thought, what is left unspoken.”
Vera Farmiga

“Lack of communication has a way of clipping our wings, which keeps us from flying. When things are left unspoken, we forget that everyone is destined to share the sky together.”
― Shannon L. Alder

I'm sure these quotes are pretty self-explanatory and that many of you can catch my drift of what I'm entailing, but, for those of you who do end up choosing to pick up and read Unspoken, think closely to what you personally feel what the story signifies to you. It might just change your outlook on things.

That said…

Unspoken told the tale of love, family, sacrifice, and second chances.

From estranged lovers to co-working on a business project together, we journey with Palmer and Brady as they learn how to forgive, forget, and move on towards their future whether it is separately or together.

Their rekindling is not an easy, as their reality is faced with a lot of tough lessons, misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and learning to re-trust in one another. Not to mention, lots and lots of lost time and make up sex to make up for! *wink wink*

Author, Brenda Rothert, writes with astounding beauty and conviction, so much so that the reader will feel the pain, the loss, the triumphs and beauty that both Palmer and Brady resonate and their ever existing pull that neither could sever no matter how hard they try to deny or ignore it!

An absolutely breathtaking spin on highlighting the defining moments of life and to take what you are given not for granted!!

#GREAT JOB, BRENDA!

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Profile Image for Ashleyjo.
826 reviews522 followers
June 16, 2015
First, as the mom to a child with a total care disability and two other children without disabilities, a lot of the non-romantic content in this book hit very close to home for me. It's a subject not often broached in books, but one that has such far reaching demands, responsibilities, pains, and joys. I applaud the author for writing about it. I just wish the author would've paired it with a romance that didn't make me want to eat nails!

The romance/relationship portion of this book made me uncomfortable and irritated. It was bad, got worse, got a little better, then just nosedived right back into 'worse' before a HEA that I just couldn't swallow reading after everything else. The author took the male MC character too far black before trying to turn him into a white night.

Synopsis

Female MC's mom is sick & has a disabled child. Female MC decides to shoulder the burden of care for both. Male MC has his own financial and family burdens. Female MC decides to push back their wedding and explains her reasoning being her mom is sick with terminal cancer. From here, it turns into a huge argument of him thinking she doesn't love him, is cheating, etc.... Which escalates the situation into her pushing him away and a final breakup.

They don't see each other for a year. He's equally resentful & lustful. She's in a place that she just wants him to fuck away her woes & pain.

Can they forgive misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and wounded pride? Can one stop trying to do everything alone and one stop letting anger and pride rule his decisions?

^The bigger question is will readers even care after the the author makes the male MC the biggest, stupidest bastard ever?!? The answer for me was no!

WTF Is Wrong With This Guy?

Clearly, he is insecure, but to completely ignore that SHE SAYS HER MOM HAS CANCER & storm off never to talk to her again is just beyond assholish. Forget overreacting & taking verbal jabs at someone that just shared absolutely devastating news with you... He became instantly irredeemable in this moment because there's no f'ing way you listen to someone you love tell you their mom is dying of cancer and then you accuse them of being a cheater and abandon them all because your pride is hurt because she says "I want you, but I don't need you." Pure F'ing Stupidity!

When these two meet almost a year after the breakup, he continues to willfully hurt her - Talking about all the other women he's been with, calling her nothing but a "fuck buddy," & continuing to basically dismiss the gravity of her mom FUCKING dying. Again, there's nothing about this that remotely resembles love.
So, how are readers supposed to root for a love clearly not even present!?!?

To make it worse, she is constantly apologizing to him! Yep, she's apologizing for his narcissism and hatefulness. She's like a vulnerable puppy taking orders from him as he uses her sexual needs as a tool to emotionally hurt her.

So what if she didn't lay out word for word that part of the reason she told him to go was because she didn't want to burden him with sharing care for her brother. ANY F'ing idiot could deduct that scenario! Any F'ing idiot would've cared and supported her during her mom's illness vs running away with wounded pride.

Eventually, it dawns on him that his selfish ass abandoned her when she needed him the most.

She needs help. He runs to help her. Don't get me wrong... It's good that he wants to help her. Again, it's (for me personally) a matter that some mistakes can't be undone and a reader can't suddenly feel all this love when his previous actions were ANYTHING but loving. He tries & it may be enough for some readers.... Just not for me.

Weird Shit

I read BDSM and graphic sexual novels all the time. But, there is just something very jarring and weird about going from bathing a disabled brother & tucking in her cancer mom to the MCs immediately having a convo about anal sex, bondage, & all the sexual escapades he's had after her. Not weird enough? Well, in between anal and bondage topics she has an oops moment where she has to pause to turn on the baby monitors to her dying mom and disabled brother's rooms. Omg weird... Like waking up to baby aliens mind controlling an armadillo to shoot you in the ass with a ray gun kinda weird.

When the above mentioned bondage scene happens, it's clear she's seeking sexual pain to alleviate emotional pain. I guess him denying her this sexual pain and saying he can't hurt her is the author's way of redeeming him from all the previous emotional pain he inflicted on her. Glad he had sense enough not to do it, but I still just can't buy into this "love" and it's all just too little - too late!

Bottom Line

I honestly wish to Gawd I'd have never opened this book because the romance portion frustrated me on so many levels.
Profile Image for Ann Lou.
573 reviews87 followers
October 23, 2014
I was really looking forward to this one hoping it would be a good second chance romance. But Brady ruined it for me. He is such a selfish prick. In fact, I just skimmed the last few chapters hoping to end my misery. He doesn't deserve Palmer and Palmer should not have let herself be treated that way. She should have let him work hard for it not that easily. So disappointed in this.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
461 reviews40 followers
October 18, 2014
ARC Review:

Palmer and Brady were only weeks away from getting married but then life happened. Palmer had some medical issues to deal at home with her mom and Brady had some financial issues to deal with. In the end they parted ways. Brady didn't want anything to do with Palmer but they had to learn to work together. The more time Brady and Palmer spent together the more they wanted to be together. I loved this book so much that I read it in two hours. This was one of my favorite books of the year. Brenda you did an awesome job!!!! I am hoping Troy will get his own story!!!
Profile Image for Carrie.
1,304 reviews2 followers
October 18, 2014
Unspoken is both an emotional and beautiful story. There are 2 major story lines going on throughout the book. The first is a second chance love. Brady and Palmer were engaged to be married but due to some unforeseen circumstances Palmer realized that she wouldn't be able to give 100% to the marriage. So she set Brady free. But we all know the old adage that if you love someone you should set them free and if its meant to be then they will come back to you. Brady and Palmer run into each other almost a year later when they are both working on a developing house. Brady is in charge of the construction of the house while Palmer is in charge of the interior design. Their reunion brings up old emotions both of anger and hurt but also of love.

The other theme in this book is that of sacrifice. The reason Palmer was unable to commit fully to a marriage to Brady was because her mother was diagnosed with lung cancer. Her mother was also the person who raised Palmer's disabled brother. Palmer took over his care, her mother's care, and became the primary breadwinner that kept them all afloat. Palmer's stress and grief was almost tangible at times. You want to keep the tissues handy when you read this book.

This is an amazingly poignant and beautifully written story. This is deeper than just a contemporary romance. This is the sort of book that separates Brenda from a sea of other independent writers.


***I was fortunate enough to beta read this book***
Profile Image for Beth.
184 reviews6 followers
March 22, 2015
An All-Time Favorite! A Beautifully Written Second Chance Romance!

Brenda Rothert is my go-to author when I want a quality story with stellar characters. Unspoken has it all. It’s a heartfelt, character-driven, second chance love story that is about family, sacrifice, forgiveness, love and learning that things outside your control don’t always have to dictate your outcomes. It’s a touching story that I’ll always remember. It’s truly flawless in its entirety!

Palmer and Brady seem to have it all: a promising future, good careers and lots of love, but they each face family challenges that are outside their control. When Palmer is delivered some sad and traumatic news about her mother, their insecurities and fears are brought to the surface and each refuse to speak their true feelings, which results in them breaking up.

When Palmer and Brady are reunited almost a year later, many things have changed. Palmer is stressed from taking care of her ailing mother, brother and her fledgling business. Brady’s taken on the responsibility of saving his family’s business and making sure his brother stays clean from drugs. He’s harder and more intense. From the beginning, their chemistry is electric and intense and it’s something they cannot deny even though they are both hurting from their past.

Ms. Rothert wrote such a raw, poignant and enthralling story of love, family and sacrifice. It’s so easy to relate to these characters, even the secondary ones. They are everyday people dealing with everyday problems people face that are outside their control. Isn’t that something we all have to deal with at different times in our lives? Palmer and Brady sacrifice so much for the ones they love, but it’s through love and forgiveness that heals old wounds and helps them get through the pain and suffering that life unfairly throws at them.

This is a very relatable and believable story. Sometimes it’s what’s left unspoken that can hurt others and sometimes it’s what can heal us. Ms. Rothert does such a phenomenal job allowing the reader to see these characters evolve as they learn to face their fears and learn to love again. It’s a highly emotional love story which deals with some interesting changes in their relationship, not only emotional ones, but sexual ones as well. Their life experiences change them and allow them to be more open with each other in what they need as a couple. It’s an unfiltered and fascinating look into how their relationship changes when they are together for a second time. It made the love scenes honest, beautiful and emotionally intense. And the sexual tension between these two is palatable.

This is a very gripping adult romance. The author does such a fantastic job developing these characters that I wanted to reach inside the book and hug them and alleviate their pain. I cried while reading it both tears of sadness and joy. Ms. Rothert takes a story about sacrifice and selflessness and turns it into an uplifting expression of love and honor.

I enjoyed the world Ms. Rothert created. I hope she will consider writing a book about Troy, Brady’s brother, and exploring his story. I would read it in a heartbeat. Thank you, Ms. Rothert, for giving us such a beautiful and uplifting story! I loved every minute of it! It’s now one of my all-time favorite books.

If you are looking for a quality, well written, fast-paced, poignant love story about life and the unexpected curveballs it can throw at you, this is it! I laughed, loved and cried throughout the entire journey!
Profile Image for Jessica Zelkovich.
843 reviews6 followers
October 21, 2014
"An untested love may not be what you think it is." In Rothert's latest, Unspoken, the reader meets Brady and Palmer set to be married in the coming weeks. But life happens and it tests not only love, but resolve and loyalty, in friendship and family relations alike. In true Rothert style, she works on multiple planes as her characters face their issues and weave so intricately back together again. Brady is the man you love to hate because he is flawed yet beautiful, in both senses of the word. Palmer is like most women I know, wanting to shoulder the world and not become burdensome to others. I loved Rothert's supporting characters of Georges (Palmer's best friend and business partner), Troy (Brady's brother), Amanda (home health aide), Danny (Palmer's brother), Derek and Adriane (clients and friends) and the parents on both sides. Each brought valuable insight and sometimes strong shoulders when needed. Rothert's writing is clean and no detail is wasted. Literally laughed out loud at the use of "pretty okay" because I say that all the time much to the dismay of my husband. Rothert's writing to me is real and the kind of book I love to read. The best part is summed up in the continuation of the aforementioned quote..."But when you get through shit together, that makes things stronger."

Definitely a good read!
Profile Image for Ash P Reads.
1,054 reviews16 followers
March 13, 2016
A bittersweet love story about how we can lose the greatest loves of our lives because of our fears and by not speaking the words that we really should.

Brady and Palmer are seemingly the perfect couple, but when they fall upon hard times due to circumstances in their lives beyond their control, they lash out at each other pushing the other away. A year later when a common project pushes them together once again, only then do they realize how much time was wasted and how much heartache and sadness could have been avoided if they had only learnt to reach out and lean on each other, if they had only held back their pride and depended on their love to pull them through.

Stories about second chances are among my favorites and this one is definitely a must read. Dark and brooding, but hopeful this book teaches us the many forms of love that exist in our lives, that life is not all happiness and fairytales but that the reality of it is brutal and shattering and how important it is to have that one person in your life who will be the glue that holds it all together.

Free copy provided for a honest exchange
Profile Image for Arlene Cavill Thurston.
133 reviews13 followers
January 12, 2015
Second chance love

This is my first book by Brenda and I was not disappointed. I am a sucker for a second chance love story, the kind where there is no easy road back home. Well this story had that plus a whole lot more. I loved that this story felt real. This could have been me or someone I knew. I could relate to Palmer being the dutiful daughter, making supreme sacrifices, for her family even at the expense of her own happiness. Brady Loved Palmer beyond reason and could not see past his own anger and hurt and see her reasons for pushing him away. I loved the tension between these two, the torture of their encounters, the answers to those questions you want to know but don't. Coming to terms to what they did to one another and other struggles make for a touching story. Very happy I one clicked. Best surprise of the New Year
Profile Image for Manoela.
1,177 reviews24 followers
December 30, 2017
A good read, although some things that happened that I didn't like,
Profile Image for Marlene.
419 reviews10 followers
October 20, 2014
I have reviewed eight of Brenda Rothert's books to date. Each time I sit to type out a review for one of her books, I find myself at a loss for words. She writes with so much thought, skill, and emotion that I am afraid I will not do her work justice. So this time, I won't be writing a few paragraphs with my interpretation of the story. Nor will I be listing all of my likes and dislikes. (Which there were no dislikes by the way!). This time I am listing the `feels' I experienced through this journey. I hope you find it helpful. So here goes:

Joy - That feeling you have when you are marrying the man that will hold your heart forever.

Panic - When you know your world is about to turn upside down.

Heartbreak - When you let go of one love to cope with the falling of another.

Selflessness - Giving up your happiness and dreams in order to put others first.

Innocence - Experiencing life through the eyes of a grown man with the mind of a child.

Determination - Knowing what needs to be done and giving it all that is left of yourself.

Loneliness - Taking the world on alone and feeling the loss of love every day.

Surprise - Coming face to face with your past and not knowing how to react.

Passion - Occurs when chemistry between two people can't be denied.

Curiosity - Pushing the limits in order to feel and to also forget.

Dominance - The burning need to take control of one's body for both selfish and unselfish reasons.

Devastation - Accepting a loss and finding the strength to move on.

Happiness - The feeling you will have when you reach the end of this book and discover that through it all, there really can be a happily ever after!

Thank You, Brenda Rothert for another work of art.
Profile Image for Anne OK.
4,110 reviews555 followers
January 18, 2015

With my first read of this author’s work, I was thrilled with the prospect of finding a standalone novel with a second chance/reunion theme. This is one of those books - you know the ones that could have/should have/would have been a five star with just that extra dose of depth and maturity for the age of the characters. But, alas, it was still a fast read and fun-to-read as well.

You never know what you’ve got until it’s gone – and that’s exactly how Brady felt and well he should have. Brady was not an easy character to fall for immediately. Sometimes he was a big huge pain in the ass. His reactions to Palmer’s feelings often times were a bit cold and a lot self-centered with little understanding towards her feelings. But he wasn’t the only one at fault.

Even though I gave Palmer more rope to hang herself with due to her family crisis, she grated on my nerves, too. Neither made it clear or listened to the other with both ears. They over-reacted to everything. When Palmer suggests postponing their wedding a while because of a serious family situation, along with financial burdens, Brady blows up, accusing Palmer of cheating and they break up when Palmer hands her engagement ring to Brady.

After taking off to Colorado for a year, Brady is back in town and without either knowing it, a job throws Palmer in his path. Will they be able to patch up the mistakes of their past? Is a happily-ever-after still attainable. You’ll have to read the book to find out – and although not one of the best second chances at love stories I’ve read, it still makes for a good afternoon of reading.
Profile Image for Jaix.
226 reviews43 followers
February 9, 2017
I've read plenty of second chance/reunion romances. Huge fan of that theme actually. So when I read the blurb, I had to start this immediately. Well, it made the bottom of my list. (Tied with a select few.) God, this was so disappointing. So stressful. The hero was an absolute ass from the start. I hoped he would redeem himself somehow. But whatever he did, it just got on nerves. Gaaaaah. The heroine on the other hand needed to stop being a doormat! God, woman, have some dignity, will ya. The guy was an ass to you yet you let him take advantage of you. I don't know which of these characters I hate more. And the reason for their separation? It was soooo shallow! It makes their "love" or whatever they think they have seem extremely weak. In fact, it made the characters seem weak. Immature. Petty. Bleh.
3 reviews
October 19, 2014
Brenda Rothert has proven AGAIN why she is one of the up and coming authors in the romance genre. Unspoken has everything a good book is supposed to have. This is no fairytale. Palmer and Brady had to fight, work, and fight some more for their love story. This book had real emotion and at times I wanted to stop reading because my heart couldn't take anymore. This was real and really felt. Brenda left nothing out of this story. The characters were flawed, but loveable. If you are looking for something different, look no further. You've just found it!
Profile Image for ❤️Melanie G.📖💛.
2,235 reviews
October 21, 2014
*****5 Asking For Help Stars*****

This was such a beautiful, touching and loving story. Palmer and Bradey made me laugh, cry, angry, happy and hopefully. This book is filled with love between a man & woman, sister & brother, mother & daughter, family, friendship and being ok with needing help. This book has so many lessons in it that it has you thinking about your own life. This story is so beautifully written and extremely sexy. A MUST read!!
Profile Image for Stephanie Reid.
Author 4 books81 followers
October 22, 2014
A heartfelt novel from a gifted writer. As you'd expect from a Brenda Rothert novel, the pacing is quick, and the writing is crisp with scenes that burst off the page and into your mind like you're right there. This one has a little something for everyone: a wounded alpha, a relatable heroine, gut wrenching emotion, steamy sex and a happily ever after! A must read!
Profile Image for Three Chicks.
2,633 reviews419 followers
November 15, 2014
4.5 Stars by Jen Skewes

Unspoken is a beautiful second chance love story but but it is also so much more. There is also another story being told throughout the book but never once did it overshadow the love story between two people who have been given a second chance at love. This is a story of love, family, sacrifices, forgiveness and second chances.

Palmer was engaged to Brady, the love of her life. And everything seemed perfect as she planned her wedding. But one day she receives news that completely shatters her world. As a result she needs to take a break from the wedding planning and possibly put the wedding on hold. But in doing so it causes major miscommunications, misunderstandings and two broken hearts. Her and Brady end their relationship and Brady decides to take the opportunity to move away and start his own business in construction.

About a year later Brady is back in town when his friend has hired him to build him and his fiancé a new home. But what Brady doesn’t know when he accepts the job is that his former fiancé is the designer on the job, which means they will be working side by side to get the job done. Brady’s heart was broken a year ago when he and Palmer broke up. And seeing Palmer now has brought back many felings in him. He is not over her but he’s afraid to be with her again for fear of getting his heart broken all over again. Not to mention the fact that he is still angry and very bitter towards her, but he cannot deny the attraction and connetion that they still have. I honestly do not want to give too much of this story away at all. I will say that working together is not going to be easy for Palmer and Brady. Brady has tried to move on and up until recently he has been doing a good job. Palmer has had her hands full and hasn’t really had time to even think about moving on. But when working together again brings back all those old feelings will they get their second chance with each other or will the anger and bitterness take over causing more heartache?

So I really loved Brady but have to be honest in saying that at times he completely pissed me off. I think he let his anger get in the way of what was really going on and the feelings that he had. And because of that he did things and acted in ways that made me a bit mad. But I also think that deep down he didn’t intentionally mean any hurt by what he did. I think it was more about protecting his own heart. In the end he made me smile and completely won me over.

My heart honestly went out to Palmer. She has so much pressure and stress going on in her life. I think Brady being back in her life helped to take away some of that stress even if only for a few moments. She was a very strong and determined woman. But there were moments where I honestly hurt for her, on more than one occasion. She was just so loving and devoted and I just loved her. I wanted to see her and Brady get their happily ever after. She has been faced with so much that she truly deserved happiness. Sometimes in life the unexpected happens and the way you deal with it may not be the best. And in times like that it is important to be honest with your feelings so not to let miscommunication and understanding get in the way. I think for Brady and Palmer they learned that the hard way. But in the end they loved each other and that trumped it all. Brady was there when she really needed him the most. I felt hurt that they both went through and I even understood Brady’s anger. This book brought out so many emotions, from happy, to sad, to frustrated and angry to sad again. But in the end I found myself smiling and filled with happiness. This is a must read and another amazing job by Ms. Rothert.
Profile Image for BethyMac.
720 reviews25 followers
October 19, 2014
Another fabulous read from Brenda Rothert...

ARC provided by author in exchange of honest review

I always know when I pick up a Brenda Rothert book it’s going to be a story that pulls me in right from the start and leaves me wanting more. Once again she has truly not disappointed me. Unspoken is a beautiful story about a second chance at a love that was meant to be for all time that took me on an emotional roller coaster I didn’t want to get off.

Brady and Palmer are just weeks away from getting married. They were truly happy but family and real life has seem to add some bumps along the road and is making the journey one now filled with stress and challenges facing them, ones that were not part of the plan at all. Because all that has come up and happening in their lives, it causes issues in their relationship to the point it ending and them both heartbroken going their own ways. But a year later they find themselves working on the same project, Brady building it and Palmer doing the interior design. Forced seeing each other again and having to work together has brought back many of the feelings they once have but on a much more intense level. They know they still love each other but now a year later with all that they still have facing them, can they forgive and find their way back to each other.

I knew very early on this one was going to be an emotional read. The intensity of the emotion happening in this story especially between Palmer and Brady. Their love was the love that lasts a lifetime but they let their lives get in the way of it and then let their pride not allow them to find a way back to each other until they are forced to be together. Palmer was such an amazingly strong and selfless character, she had to take so much on with her mother and brother and didn’t want to drag Brady down with her. To go through all that she went through on top of running her own business, she truly was a strong women. But I must admit, there were times I wanted to take both her and Brady and bang their heads together, they were so stubborn and would see what truly was there right in front of them, a love they shared that people only dream about. But I truly believe their emotions were just so strong and they were such passionate people, that things just ignited between these two, sometimes good, very very good ;) but sometimes not so good and very explosive.

Brady too had his share of troubles and stubbornness when it came to him and Palmer but when it was truly needed, he too stepped up to the plate. And I must also add,

Overall, this was another fabulous story that was a great mix of hot and sexy, heartbreaking moments and chance at second love. I always enjoy Brenda Rothert’s books, she is such a great writer who pulls me in every time and adds so much emotion that you can’t help but feel part of their story and this one truly had me feeling every emotion. There were so many moments I felt truly heartbroken for both of these characters. They say everything happens for a reason and I truly believe this holds true for these two as well, all that has happened to them, including the breakup, all was part of the plan giving them a second chance at love, and second time around, it was so much better.
Profile Image for Jamie  Zishka.
803 reviews12 followers
October 31, 2014
Unspoken was a story about powerful love that you thought would stand the test of time, but when tragedy strikes lives will change...and here begins the journey of Unspoken. This story will show you that family will always come first and that nothing can stand in the way. I really enjoyed reading Palmer and Brady's story the love they share is something most couples never share in a lifetime. I would give this book a 4 star. It is told in dual POV's and I would recommend this story to friends. This is a standalone no cliffy book (thank heavens!) and even though there is rocky journey in the end they will find there HEA and its a beautiful one.

Palmer and Brady have a power house kind of love and they are only weeks away from there wedding. Palmer makes a decision to put a hold on the wedding because her mother will fall ill, but when Brady takes it as her not wanting to marry him her life will crumble because he leaves her. Month's will go by and Palmer is struggling to take care of her dying mother and her brother that is disabled. She often thinks of Brady and what there lives could have been...but he moved on moved far away. When she gets an job assignment that is sure to bring in a huge pay she finds her self finally excited about something since Brady left. But what happens when she is brought face to face with Brady again because he also is assigned to the project? Can they work together and not be reminded of there pasts? Or will they both soon realize that maybe they shouldn't have let each other go so easily. Brady is torn between hating and loving the woman who broke his heart..she is like a drug to him ..but he can't let his heart get involved again.. when the settle for a just sex relationship feelings will return for them both but will they be able to hold onto what they have created again or will it get lost when tragedy strikes again?

"I ride my brother's ass all the time about drugs, but you know what? You're my drug. You've been on my mind nonstop since Friday night. I crave you, Palmer. No one else. My heart's always belonged to you, and you broke it, but there's something about knowing your body belongs to me that makes it feel just a little bit better."-- Brady

That Man. Even with his ability to frustrate the hell out of me, he'd become my port in the storm-- Palmer

This is the first story I have read by Brenda Rothert but I will definitely be reading more! Thanks for a great story and can't wait for more in the near future hopefully! GO get this book now you won't be disappointed!
Profile Image for Gretchen Anderson.
348 reviews75 followers
January 26, 2015
I’ve never read Brenda Rothert but I can definitely say I’m now a FAN!!! Unspoken is a wonderful story of the different kinds of love and how powerful they can be in such different ways. The powerful love between a mother and daughter or father and son, the almost heartbreaking love between brother and sister; brother and brother, and the all consuming passionate love between a man and a woman.

Palmer and Brady are getting married. They have so much sweet love for each other it’s….well, it’s sweet. They care deeply about each other and they both understand that they have each found their other half in each other’s arms. However, what happens when both of them are pulled in different directions will bring serious tears to your eyes. Palmer has a design business that’s barely making it, a handicapped brother, a mom facing death and Brady’s stuff just adds to the already overwhelming pile of crap that she’s dealing with. She decides that she doesn’t have it in her to deal with it all, plus she doesn’t want to hold Brady back, she sets him free.

Brady has a father in prison, a brother who can’t keep off the drugs and a business that is going under due to his father. He needs to leave and start over somewhere he’s not as well known. He wants that to be Colorado and he wants to bring Palmer and her family with him along with his mom and brother. A complete start over.

Palmer’s mom needs to stay and it would be really hard on Danny to move. Besides her business can’t afford to begin again. All these decision and her mom’s health is just too much to deal with. Brady leaves and is devastated after their fight.

After almost a year of barely existing for them both they run into each other again. He’s the builder, she’s the designer and they both have to do this major job. It’s his BFF’s house and it’s her livelihood. She can’t afford to walk away from this job. Can they work together? Will he forgive her? Will they be able to move past all the crazy hurt they’ve done to each other.

I loved this book. It’s a quick easy read and just wonderful! Give it a try….you won’t be sorry.

Highly Recommend!!!
Profile Image for Lee Anne.
192 reviews10 followers
October 19, 2014
"The things people should say to each other but don’t can be more toxic than the cruelest of words.” Unspoken, Brady

If I were forced to use only one word to describe Unspoken it would be REAL. Unspoken will undoubtedly remain with me for a very long time simply because of the honest emotion imbued in every page. This is not a fluffy, frilly romance story. Unspoken is MORE than romance and it is BETTER for that very reason.

Unspoken is a tale of love, family, beginnings, endings, second chances and the power of words both said and unsaid. It is by far and away one of the most true to life, touching novels I've ever read. Palmer and Brady's story is told in alternating POV's, a format that I love. The story flows well and kept me engaged from beginning to end. Brenda is a master at making you feel her words and the emotions of her characters. I have yet to read one of her books and not be left with a massive book hangover but Unspoken does more - it makes you think about and evaluate your own life and relationships during your hangover.

Brady and Palmer, the H/h, were both very easy to relate to for me. I especially identified with Palmer and adored Georges, her best friend and business partner. I admit to having moments where I fantasized about swinging a 2x4 into Brady's gut and moments where I wanted to shake Palmer and give her a verbal beating but it was those moments that made these characters real for me. The secondary charcters of Danny, Amanda and Troy are wonderfully written and are as important to the story as Palmer and Brady. Janelle, Palmer's mother, brought me to tears more than once and although Brady's parents are not heard from in much of this book, they are both important voices that help the reader understand Brady and his brother.

I truly believe this is a book every single, married and divorced person should read. Yes, Unspoken is a work of fiction, but it is an incredible story that I truly believe has the power to help and heal readers' real life relationships.




Profile Image for Janett The Pleasure of Reading Today.
723 reviews28 followers
December 10, 2014
What would you sacrifice for the ones you love? Your life as you know it? Your freedom? The opportunity to live a happy life with the man you love? This is a story about sacrifice, acceptance. forgiveness, friendship, second chances and never ending love.

There are books that you read and you connect with them in such a way that they leave a deep footprint in your heart and soul. This is one of those books. The realness in which Brenda wrote the characters and the circumstances surrounding them makes the reader able to relate to both. At times I was so overwhelmed by the emotions the characters were going through that all I did was cried. I felt for them and with them.

Due to unforeseen circumstances Palmer Sinclair's life comes to a halt, due to those same circumstances she does what she thought was best at the time for the man she was supposed to marry, she lets him go. But she lets him go withholding the real reason why she's doing it. Palmer then goes to take care of her mother and disabled brother, going through life the best way she could.
After the break up, Brady Grant moves from Chicago to Colorado and throws himself into work, for a whole year he goes through life bitter and hooking up with women trying to forget the one that got away. After being separated for a year, Palmer and Brady see each other again and sparks fly, but there's still resentment, things that need to be forgiven and unspoken words that need to find their way out.

It is clear to me that the author put her heart and soul writing this book, the essence of this can be felt in every word, in every page. I'm a fan of Brenda's work, but this book is her best work to date in my opinion. The brilliance of the storyline mixed with the depth of the characters is something that makes this book one of the best books I've read this year. Five stars doesn't even begin to do it justice. Highly recommended.
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