What do you think?
Rate this book
Unwritten
No strings is fun until it unravels…
Romance doesn’t come with a rulebook, but Shay lives by one keep things simple and light and never get too close. It’s worked so far, allowing her to be the rock her family and friends lean on while she enjoys no-strings sex.
Between her new career and dealing with her mom’s outrageous behaviour, Rosie has been struggling to find love. Now she’s given up her search for Princess Charming and is just looking for fun and casual.
That makes a no-rules situationship between Shay and Rosie just about perfect. But when family, emotions, and expectations collide, nothing is ever as simple as it seems.
Romance doesn’t come with a rulebook, but Shay lives by one keep things simple and light and never get too close. It’s worked so far, allowing her to be the rock her family and friends lean on while she enjoys no-strings sex.
Between her new career and dealing with her mom’s outrageous behaviour, Rosie has been struggling to find love. Now she’s given up her search for Princess Charming and is just looking for fun and casual.
That makes a no-rules situationship between Shay and Rosie just about perfect. But when family, emotions, and expectations collide, nothing is ever as simple as it seems.
1 pages, Audio CD
Published September 16, 2025
84 people are currently reading
54 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 37 reviews
October 10, 2024
Short bit of advice. Don’t judge the book by the first few chapters. They are necessary the way they are written!
I just felt adrift in the first chapter I couldn’t keep clear who was who, and frankly couldn’t retain the mains information. Chapter two only really had three characters in it but a fair bit of name checking so I still felt adrift. It is very possible it is just me and I’m not quite in the book yet. I felt more settled in the third chapter but but really disliked the father, as presumably I am supposed to. The next chapter shows an equally unsatisfactory parental relationship for the other main, and the established Ms right now relationship between the mains.
I loved the fact the writer didn’t make us observe every scene, some we were told what had happened either in a sentence or a conversation topic. This helped keep the book tight.
My relationship with this book evolved a bit like the main’s relationship. I was attracted by the blurb, outside package if you want. Then as I got more in to the book, I appreciated the depth. What was surface level interest at the start deepened as I saw more of the characters.
The father….. that I didn’t like? I cried in a later on scene.
I just felt adrift in the first chapter I couldn’t keep clear who was who, and frankly couldn’t retain the mains information. Chapter two only really had three characters in it but a fair bit of name checking so I still felt adrift. It is very possible it is just me and I’m not quite in the book yet. I felt more settled in the third chapter but but really disliked the father, as presumably I am supposed to. The next chapter shows an equally unsatisfactory parental relationship for the other main, and the established Ms right now relationship between the mains.
I loved the fact the writer didn’t make us observe every scene, some we were told what had happened either in a sentence or a conversation topic. This helped keep the book tight.
My relationship with this book evolved a bit like the main’s relationship. I was attracted by the blurb, outside package if you want. Then as I got more in to the book, I appreciated the depth. What was surface level interest at the start deepened as I saw more of the characters.
The father….. that I didn’t like? I cried in a later on scene.
December 29, 2024
With 7 characters on page 1 I was totally lost, even though book 1 was only finished 6 weeks ago. I needed a notebook, excel chart and an underlining pencil if I’m going to navigate this one. Life is too short.
October 21, 2024
Unbeknownst to each other
The friends with benefits fell in love. This book definitely gets better the further you read. The scene where they confess their love is so sweet and funny. Lovely characters in a friends with benefits situationship is how it starts, and through communication they find their happiness. And we’ll probably meet them again in future episodes.
The friends with benefits fell in love. This book definitely gets better the further you read. The scene where they confess their love is so sweet and funny. Lovely characters in a friends with benefits situationship is how it starts, and through communication they find their happiness. And we’ll probably meet them again in future episodes.
November 13, 2024
Lovely Romance
Rosie is having a time of hit with a new career and family dramas with her mother, so the situationship she has with Shay is perfect. Shay isn’t looking for commitment, but with Rosie something is starting to change, and suddenly all the simplicity they’ve been enjoying isn’t so simple anymore.
Loved this! It perfectly sits within the series of books, but also works perfectly as a standalone story. Having read the first book in the Windy City Romance series, I’d already been briefly introduced to Shay and Rosie, and it was great to get to know them better in this story. It was also great to catch up with some old acquaintances from their friend group too. Shay and Rosie had a very cool and casual vibe, which suited what I thought I knew about them and where we joined them in this story, but there were these little hints that both of them had a much stronger connection beyond that.
It was great how Shay was there for Rosie through all the drama and heartache, able to support her, but I think that really made things harder for her. We really got an intimate look insight into how being there for Rosie without things becoming complicated really became and emotional challenge for Shay. I had to admire how she handled it, and was glad she had support from their other friends to help her work through her thoughts and feelings, so she could reach the place Rosie was already at and just too scared of ruining what they had to act on.
A complex drama romance, with lots of cute moments, lots of realisation, and a wonderful relationship developed from a close and strong friendship.
Rosie is having a time of hit with a new career and family dramas with her mother, so the situationship she has with Shay is perfect. Shay isn’t looking for commitment, but with Rosie something is starting to change, and suddenly all the simplicity they’ve been enjoying isn’t so simple anymore.
Loved this! It perfectly sits within the series of books, but also works perfectly as a standalone story. Having read the first book in the Windy City Romance series, I’d already been briefly introduced to Shay and Rosie, and it was great to get to know them better in this story. It was also great to catch up with some old acquaintances from their friend group too. Shay and Rosie had a very cool and casual vibe, which suited what I thought I knew about them and where we joined them in this story, but there were these little hints that both of them had a much stronger connection beyond that.
It was great how Shay was there for Rosie through all the drama and heartache, able to support her, but I think that really made things harder for her. We really got an intimate look insight into how being there for Rosie without things becoming complicated really became and emotional challenge for Shay. I had to admire how she handled it, and was glad she had support from their other friends to help her work through her thoughts and feelings, so she could reach the place Rosie was already at and just too scared of ruining what they had to act on.
A complex drama romance, with lots of cute moments, lots of realisation, and a wonderful relationship developed from a close and strong friendship.
November 1, 2024
3.75 stars. This book is the second book of the Windy City Romance series about 5 Veterans of the Military who come back to Chicago after mustering out. I like stories that have each one in the group have their chance at love and success. If you have read the first book you get a sense of who the main characters are, but this book can not stand on its own without reading it. There is no real introduction to the Main Characters and very little story connecting them at the beginning of the book. It makes for an awkward start. Once you get into the book the story evens out and Rosie and Shay take center stage. Neither is looking for a forever thing but life has a way of getting in the way of best laid plans. It is a solid romance with appropriate angst and HEA. Helena Harte is a good author with very good storytelling skills. If you liked the first two stories, you will like this one as well.
November 1, 2024
Loved it! There are many lovely and interesting characters, and I love the main characters Rosie and Shay. When I first started this story I hadn't read the first book where a few of the other characters that we meet right off the bat were introduced. While you can totally read this book as a standalone, the backstory and references from the previous book give you all the context. I went and got that book too, but not having read it first did not affect my enjoyment of this story.
I also enjoyed the writing style. The opening scene hinted at a hot and heavy steamy scene around the corner. So I figured ok, lots of spice coming on. Not so much. The steam happens off-page but there is still plenty of spice on the pages. The characters have depth and are relatable. I was rooting for them throughout.
I definitely recommend this book.
I also enjoyed the writing style. The opening scene hinted at a hot and heavy steamy scene around the corner. So I figured ok, lots of spice coming on. Not so much. The steam happens off-page but there is still plenty of spice on the pages. The characters have depth and are relatable. I was rooting for them throughout.
I definitely recommend this book.
November 8, 2024
Awesome
As Shay’s and Rosie’s a story unfolds, Harte takes us on a journey of friends with benefits. Weaving spice, friendship and obligations follow the main characters and their found family. The series will keep you anxious for the third book in series.
As Shay’s and Rosie’s a story unfolds, Harte takes us on a journey of friends with benefits. Weaving spice, friendship and obligations follow the main characters and their found family. The series will keep you anxious for the third book in series.
October 9, 2024
MORE, MORE, MORE!
Unwritten has a supremely hot friends-with-benefits plot whose conclusion embodies a Thomas Merton quote:
'Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone - we find it with another.'
Harte's latest book in the Windy City Romance series not only gives pause to Merton's quote in the form of romantic love, but also the deep, unwavering love of the platonic kind found between friends and found family. I love that in each new instalment it is clear Harte not only intends to give us the most amazing romantic pairings, but also a continued strengthening of those new and established bonds of friendship: a veritable cocktail of love, family and friends.
This time around readers get a completely different coupling from the likes of Gabe and Lori in Sanctuary. For starters, Shay is a stud and a proud Black main character, with familial expectations weighing on her psyche ever since the death of her much- adored momma. No strings sex is all Shay has the time and emotional bandwidth for.
And then there's Rosie, eternally craving "the one", yet always falling short. But with a new career path, and a wayward leech of a mum to deal with, Rosie might just be on the market for some harmless, sexually loaded fun.
Thus, Shay and Rosie's story is one of uninhibited desire driven forth by the need for simplicity. But hidden beneath those spicy yet, "straightforward" romps in the sheets, is a silent accumulation of emotion, stealthily simmering to a boil. And oh, what enjoyment there is to behold in watching this particular pot boil!
In between the scorching moments Harte still gives readers plenty of tenderness. As first Rosie, and then Shay explore what family and grief really means to each of them, and in the end when all is said and done, what they mean to each other. It is a reminder that everyone needs someone, sometimes.
Something that struck me immediately with Unwritten is that some of the plot overlaps with what happens in Sanctuary, but from completely new perspectives - in this case Shay and Rosie's. Rather than feeling stale it weirdly, yet wonderfully, feels fresh - like you're embarking on a completely new journey that's also tethered to an already established core. I wouldn't be sorry if every new book in the series runs onto the previous in this way: it's unique, interesting, and very well executed as a concept.
Two other things which starkly stood out to me in comparison to other Sapphic books I've read is firstly, Shay's character is not just Black in name only. It is clear from Shay's interactions, mannerisms, choices of words, and actions that her blackness is proudly and decisively on the page; as it should be. And secondly, Rosie's journey through her grief communicates that feelings less steeped in sadness and loss and more tainted by anger and indifference are equally as valid in that experience. Plus Rosie's grief journey gets a very apt and darkly humourous conclusion. Just deserts springs to mind...
Unwritten firmly cements the already solid foundations previously laid down by Sanctuary. It offers another glimpse of what is sure to be a WOW-factor series, individually, and most certainly as a whole. I can't help but submerge myself in the Windy City universe, and without exception completely invest in the characters that Harte is crafting into a freakin' awesome series. If book three in the series was released tomorrow, it would be one day too long to wait.
I received an arc of this book from Butterworth Books in exchange for an honest review.
Unwritten has a supremely hot friends-with-benefits plot whose conclusion embodies a Thomas Merton quote:
'Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone - we find it with another.'
Harte's latest book in the Windy City Romance series not only gives pause to Merton's quote in the form of romantic love, but also the deep, unwavering love of the platonic kind found between friends and found family. I love that in each new instalment it is clear Harte not only intends to give us the most amazing romantic pairings, but also a continued strengthening of those new and established bonds of friendship: a veritable cocktail of love, family and friends.
This time around readers get a completely different coupling from the likes of Gabe and Lori in Sanctuary. For starters, Shay is a stud and a proud Black main character, with familial expectations weighing on her psyche ever since the death of her much- adored momma. No strings sex is all Shay has the time and emotional bandwidth for.
And then there's Rosie, eternally craving "the one", yet always falling short. But with a new career path, and a wayward leech of a mum to deal with, Rosie might just be on the market for some harmless, sexually loaded fun.
Thus, Shay and Rosie's story is one of uninhibited desire driven forth by the need for simplicity. But hidden beneath those spicy yet, "straightforward" romps in the sheets, is a silent accumulation of emotion, stealthily simmering to a boil. And oh, what enjoyment there is to behold in watching this particular pot boil!
In between the scorching moments Harte still gives readers plenty of tenderness. As first Rosie, and then Shay explore what family and grief really means to each of them, and in the end when all is said and done, what they mean to each other. It is a reminder that everyone needs someone, sometimes.
Something that struck me immediately with Unwritten is that some of the plot overlaps with what happens in Sanctuary, but from completely new perspectives - in this case Shay and Rosie's. Rather than feeling stale it weirdly, yet wonderfully, feels fresh - like you're embarking on a completely new journey that's also tethered to an already established core. I wouldn't be sorry if every new book in the series runs onto the previous in this way: it's unique, interesting, and very well executed as a concept.
Two other things which starkly stood out to me in comparison to other Sapphic books I've read is firstly, Shay's character is not just Black in name only. It is clear from Shay's interactions, mannerisms, choices of words, and actions that her blackness is proudly and decisively on the page; as it should be. And secondly, Rosie's journey through her grief communicates that feelings less steeped in sadness and loss and more tainted by anger and indifference are equally as valid in that experience. Plus Rosie's grief journey gets a very apt and darkly humourous conclusion. Just deserts springs to mind...
Unwritten firmly cements the already solid foundations previously laid down by Sanctuary. It offers another glimpse of what is sure to be a WOW-factor series, individually, and most certainly as a whole. I can't help but submerge myself in the Windy City universe, and without exception completely invest in the characters that Harte is crafting into a freakin' awesome series. If book three in the series was released tomorrow, it would be one day too long to wait.
I received an arc of this book from Butterworth Books in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2024
Helena Harte’s Unwritten has given me all the emotions I could handle and more. This book made me laugh, cry, get angry on behalf of the main characters and made me fall in love with Shay and Rosie.
Unwritten is the second book in the “Windy City Romance” series and even though this book could technically be read as a standalone, I strongly recommend reading the books in order to not miss out on the complexity of the secondary characters.
Harte has an amazing talent for multi-layer and complex characters and Shay and Rosie, who drive the story with their friends with benefits arrangement, are no exception. The emotional depth and character development that evolves throughout the story is stunning. The tenderness and intimacy between the characters is a perfect counterbalance to the tension and family drama both characters experience.
This book, like the first one, has an incredible cast of secondary characters. We see Shay’s chosen family as well as blood family throughout the story. Those characters are rich and have their own character depth that helps to understand and get to know Shay throughout the story. Rosie’s character is equally influenced by the relationships in her life. Lorie, Rosie’s best friend, and Gabe from the first book, are a part of their chosen family, and it is awesome to see their relationship flourish.
Unwritten is a fantastic read with a lot of heat between the sheets that captures the journey from a casual hookup to friends with benefits and eventually finding love. The strong character relationships between Shay and her friends but also Rosie and Lorie are a joy to experience. This is an incredible second book in the series and I can’t wait where Helena Harte takes this group of characters next.
Unwritten is the second book in the “Windy City Romance” series and even though this book could technically be read as a standalone, I strongly recommend reading the books in order to not miss out on the complexity of the secondary characters.
Harte has an amazing talent for multi-layer and complex characters and Shay and Rosie, who drive the story with their friends with benefits arrangement, are no exception. The emotional depth and character development that evolves throughout the story is stunning. The tenderness and intimacy between the characters is a perfect counterbalance to the tension and family drama both characters experience.
This book, like the first one, has an incredible cast of secondary characters. We see Shay’s chosen family as well as blood family throughout the story. Those characters are rich and have their own character depth that helps to understand and get to know Shay throughout the story. Rosie’s character is equally influenced by the relationships in her life. Lorie, Rosie’s best friend, and Gabe from the first book, are a part of their chosen family, and it is awesome to see their relationship flourish.
Unwritten is a fantastic read with a lot of heat between the sheets that captures the journey from a casual hookup to friends with benefits and eventually finding love. The strong character relationships between Shay and her friends but also Rosie and Lorie are a joy to experience. This is an incredible second book in the series and I can’t wait where Helena Harte takes this group of characters next.
November 7, 2024
4.5*
This was a total mic drop, take a bow, smashed out of the park hit of a book! Without doubt Harte's best yet. I absolutely loved it.
The writing was brilliant. It flowed with a simple ease of someone who knows her craft and what she wanted to achieve with this story and she just waved magic onto the page.
The romance between Shay and Rosie was off the charts. The connection they shared sizzled off the page right from the start. Add to that the vulnerable, tender moments brought in later in the story as their relationship deepened, well just reel me in I,m hooked!
This story has so many quality aspects but for me its biggest shining light has to be the theme of 'family' that runs throughout. Not just family your born to but found family. It's a wonderful, relatable representation of the messy dynamics of family in whichever form it takes. The complexities, drama, pain and hurt all the way through to the joy, laughter, support, healing and most importantly of all love. That when you find the right people to truly call family you can overcome anything.
This story had me completely hooked so much so I almost finished it in 1 sitting once I finally got the chance to get stuck in to it! I absolutely, whole heartedly, shout it from the roof tops, recommend this to everyone. Read it, read it NOW!!
As a side note I wish there was a way to do half stars on ratings because it looks like you've underated when you haven't. Also the only reason I gave 4.5* instead of 5 is purely because I'm proper scrooge stingy with my 5* lol
This was a total mic drop, take a bow, smashed out of the park hit of a book! Without doubt Harte's best yet. I absolutely loved it.
The writing was brilliant. It flowed with a simple ease of someone who knows her craft and what she wanted to achieve with this story and she just waved magic onto the page.
The romance between Shay and Rosie was off the charts. The connection they shared sizzled off the page right from the start. Add to that the vulnerable, tender moments brought in later in the story as their relationship deepened, well just reel me in I,m hooked!
This story has so many quality aspects but for me its biggest shining light has to be the theme of 'family' that runs throughout. Not just family your born to but found family. It's a wonderful, relatable representation of the messy dynamics of family in whichever form it takes. The complexities, drama, pain and hurt all the way through to the joy, laughter, support, healing and most importantly of all love. That when you find the right people to truly call family you can overcome anything.
This story had me completely hooked so much so I almost finished it in 1 sitting once I finally got the chance to get stuck in to it! I absolutely, whole heartedly, shout it from the roof tops, recommend this to everyone. Read it, read it NOW!!
As a side note I wish there was a way to do half stars on ratings because it looks like you've underated when you haven't. Also the only reason I gave 4.5* instead of 5 is purely because I'm proper scrooge stingy with my 5* lol
October 22, 2024
The Windy City crew are back, and better than ever! This book is a rollercoaster of all the feels... a little slow to start as the scene is set, but boy, the twists and turns that come are worth the wait!
Friends with benefits doesn't adequately describe this Femme/Femme pairing of Shay and Rosie, as the screen of my kindle was literally steaming at times, and that was before they even got into the bedroom! There is so much more to this story than first expected, and while I enjoyed the easy familiarity of revisiting the characters from the first book in the series, the book is clearly written so that it can stand alone as well.
Shay was possibly my favourite character from the first Windy City book, so to have her front and centre in this book was exactly what I had hoped for - and Harte didn't disappoint. We get to see so much more of Shay's background and learn why she is who and how she is, and it honestly just makes her all the more loveable.
Once again, the cast of characters from Windy City are diverse and familiar, but even the peripheral characters get glimpses of more depth and complexity as you move through this book, so there is surely much more to come from this series... and I cannot wait!
Friends with benefits doesn't adequately describe this Femme/Femme pairing of Shay and Rosie, as the screen of my kindle was literally steaming at times, and that was before they even got into the bedroom! There is so much more to this story than first expected, and while I enjoyed the easy familiarity of revisiting the characters from the first book in the series, the book is clearly written so that it can stand alone as well.
Shay was possibly my favourite character from the first Windy City book, so to have her front and centre in this book was exactly what I had hoped for - and Harte didn't disappoint. We get to see so much more of Shay's background and learn why she is who and how she is, and it honestly just makes her all the more loveable.
Once again, the cast of characters from Windy City are diverse and familiar, but even the peripheral characters get glimpses of more depth and complexity as you move through this book, so there is surely much more to come from this series... and I cannot wait!
September 17, 2024
Unwritten by Helena Harte seamlessly continues the story from the first book in the 'A Windy City Romance' series. I highly recommend reading these books in order; it's turning out to be one hell of a series!
Shay's all about no commitment relationships, preferring one-night stands. That's just how she rolls. Shay is not just a pillar of strength for her family, but also a dependable source of support for her ex-army friends.
Rosie has given up on her career as a therapist and is now working in the marketing sector. She's abandoned the idea of romantic relationships and opted for uncomplicated friends with benefits. After all, her mother provides way too much drama in her life.
As Shay and Rosie's story unfolds, it's hard not to feel a connection to both independent women who each have an underlying soft side. The book effortlessly carries you along with its smooth and fluid writing, allowing you to become fully engrossed in the story. Some unexpected twists took me by surprise, and one part in particular had me doubled over with laughter! Nice one!
Thank you, Helena Harte and Butterworth Books, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Shay's all about no commitment relationships, preferring one-night stands. That's just how she rolls. Shay is not just a pillar of strength for her family, but also a dependable source of support for her ex-army friends.
Rosie has given up on her career as a therapist and is now working in the marketing sector. She's abandoned the idea of romantic relationships and opted for uncomplicated friends with benefits. After all, her mother provides way too much drama in her life.
As Shay and Rosie's story unfolds, it's hard not to feel a connection to both independent women who each have an underlying soft side. The book effortlessly carries you along with its smooth and fluid writing, allowing you to become fully engrossed in the story. Some unexpected twists took me by surprise, and one part in particular had me doubled over with laughter! Nice one!
Thank you, Helena Harte and Butterworth Books, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 27, 2024
Helena Harte’s Unwritten is a continuation of her series that explores the complexities of love, family, and personal growth. The romance between Shay and Rosie is lovely to read. What begins as an uncomplicated hookup gradually evolves into a deep, heartfelt connection. Harte weaves their story and draws out the chemistry that blossoms as they navigate their own insecurities and past experiences.
One of the things I loved about this novel is the depth of characters. Both Shay and Rosie are rich, each grappling with their individual family dynamics that add layers to their relationship. It’s great to see more from the cast of secondary characters at the garage, especially Gabe and Lori from the first book. The parallel timelines is an interesting feature.
Harte balances moments of rising tension with tender, intimate scenes. The finale is satisfying, tying the story and emotional threads in a way that feels fulfilling.
Unwritten is a great read that captures the journey from casual romance to lasting love, while also delving into family relationships. It’s a strong addition to this series, and I look forward to seeing where Harte takes this troupe of characters next.
One of the things I loved about this novel is the depth of characters. Both Shay and Rosie are rich, each grappling with their individual family dynamics that add layers to their relationship. It’s great to see more from the cast of secondary characters at the garage, especially Gabe and Lori from the first book. The parallel timelines is an interesting feature.
Harte balances moments of rising tension with tender, intimate scenes. The finale is satisfying, tying the story and emotional threads in a way that feels fulfilling.
Unwritten is a great read that captures the journey from casual romance to lasting love, while also delving into family relationships. It’s a strong addition to this series, and I look forward to seeing where Harte takes this troupe of characters next.
October 10, 2024
Helene Harte has given us the second book of the Windy City Romance series and the women who were in the service together and opened the garage together are back together once again.
We are introduced to Shay and Rosie, the two MCs in this book. Of course, we still get a look into the lives of the other characters and their relationships as well.
Shay loves the women but prefers “no strings” hookups. She is the rock her family and everyone turns to her when things go wrong. Her father is very demanding on her time, and she never turns away even when treated very poorly. She is always there for her friends as well.
Rosie on the other hand has a new career and a mother that can’t seem care much about Rosie and given both of those scenarios, Rosie has been unable to find love.
Join Rosie and Shay and follow them in their “no strings” hookup as they move through the challenges their families put them through and what both of them find out and realize in the end!
I received an ARC from the author.
We are introduced to Shay and Rosie, the two MCs in this book. Of course, we still get a look into the lives of the other characters and their relationships as well.
Shay loves the women but prefers “no strings” hookups. She is the rock her family and everyone turns to her when things go wrong. Her father is very demanding on her time, and she never turns away even when treated very poorly. She is always there for her friends as well.
Rosie on the other hand has a new career and a mother that can’t seem care much about Rosie and given both of those scenarios, Rosie has been unable to find love.
Join Rosie and Shay and follow them in their “no strings” hookup as they move through the challenges their families put them through and what both of them find out and realize in the end!
I received an ARC from the author.
October 21, 2024
So, I was really looking forward to this book because of how much I enjoyed the first book. It took me a while to get into it. There was just a lot going on early and if I hadn't read the previous book, I think I might have been quite lost. The other issue I have with this book is a personal preference thing. I much prefer sequels that are more chronological and sequential in nature. This book is more of a parallel storyline, or at the very least overlapping. So, I highly recommend reading (or re-reading) the first book prior to jumping into this one, to help you keep things ordered.
All that said, I really enjoyed the story and the two MCs were easy to root for. The details of family dynamics and background info was thorough and instrumental to the story. You also get to revisit the MCs from the first book from a little different perspective. I love the background characters and the gradual forming of their roles in this series. I can't wait to read more in the Windy City series and get to learn more about the entire cast of characters. Keep them coming!!
All that said, I really enjoyed the story and the two MCs were easy to root for. The details of family dynamics and background info was thorough and instrumental to the story. You also get to revisit the MCs from the first book from a little different perspective. I love the background characters and the gradual forming of their roles in this series. I can't wait to read more in the Windy City series and get to learn more about the entire cast of characters. Keep them coming!!
October 22, 2024
Helena Harte excels at conversations and uses this skill to draw us inside her main characters in this new novel so that by the end we feel we know them both personally as people. I advise new readers to start the series with Helena Harte's previous excellent story about Chicago-based female army veterans, Sanctuary, first. Otherwise, the opening chapters may seem bewildering and I wouldn't want anyone discouraged from reading on. The first chapter in a crowded bar has everyone talking at once, but it is a great scene setter. Then, as the story develops, things calm down considerably, and we dig deep into the dynamics between two very different, but well-drawn women, of different ethnicities. Their reluctance to commit and trust themselves to a serious relationship is excellently paced, and the ending is very satisfying. Using their parents as objects of frustration and misunderstanding isn't new, but in this novel, in one of their families, relationships healed believably. I look forward to reading more of this series, and suggest readers bookmark the author.
October 10, 2024
Another episode in the Windy City Romance series and it was certainly worth waiting for! I re-read the first book Sanctuary so that I could get myself back into the group of women and get the most out of this, the second episode.
Whilst the other members of the group feature, this episode highlights the relationship between Rosie and Shay. Both women are happy in their sex only, no rules relationship until they aren’t. Harte is exceptionally good at bringing out the nuances in their relationship and highlighting the roles of the different characters in their respective families. Her writing flows easily through the story and ensures you turn the pages wanting to read what the next part of the story says.
I finished reading the book having never wanted it to end. Now sadly I’m back in the position of waiting for the next episode again.
Well done!
Whilst the other members of the group feature, this episode highlights the relationship between Rosie and Shay. Both women are happy in their sex only, no rules relationship until they aren’t. Harte is exceptionally good at bringing out the nuances in their relationship and highlighting the roles of the different characters in their respective families. Her writing flows easily through the story and ensures you turn the pages wanting to read what the next part of the story says.
I finished reading the book having never wanted it to end. Now sadly I’m back in the position of waiting for the next episode again.
Well done!
October 21, 2024
This is the story of two women who have both given up on love and agree to keep things simple. No strings attached. But family secrets and expectations seep out and cause them to look at themselves and each other.
What I love about Helena Harte’s work is the depth she weaves into the characters, and the issues they face. You feel you could rock up to a bar and find them there. It’s also refreshing to read about characters with ordinary jobs with difficult family circumstances, as it is simpler to relate to, and the happy ending seems more believable and attainable.
It’s worth reading Sanctuary first as Unwritten follows immediately after.
If you love found family/ close friendships, love winning through hardships and a slice of spice, this is for you! Put it on your TBR!
What I love about Helena Harte’s work is the depth she weaves into the characters, and the issues they face. You feel you could rock up to a bar and find them there. It’s also refreshing to read about characters with ordinary jobs with difficult family circumstances, as it is simpler to relate to, and the happy ending seems more believable and attainable.
It’s worth reading Sanctuary first as Unwritten follows immediately after.
If you love found family/ close friendships, love winning through hardships and a slice of spice, this is for you! Put it on your TBR!
November 1, 2024
This is the second book in the “Windy City Romance” Series and I look forward to more. Rosie and Shay’s hook-up was off page. In terms of spice…in the beginning it’s off page, continue reading and things heat up. It’s worth the wait! Rosie and Shay both agree to a no strings attached situationship…friends with benefits. Then Shay accompanies Rosie to Mexico to claim her mom’s body, after her passing. As Rosie and Shay spend more time together, get to know each other’s pasts, Rosie revealing how her mom wasn’t really around. Shay shares why she has a tenuous relationship with her father. They both catch feelings and struggle to keep those thoughts to themselves. I enjoyed the book and look forward to the next in the series. I definitely recommend this book and the series.
October 22, 2024
Shay and Rosie are the second couple to be featured in this series. Shay the strong reliable, dependable stud. Rosie the former therapist who has given up on love. Thus the lust (love) story begins. And they begin their friends with benefits agreement.
At first I was having a hard time relating to Shay and Rosie. But as I got further into the book I began to understand their motives and desires. I was frustrated with Shay for being kind of a wimp when it came to standing up to her father and brothers. But by the end …well I’ll let you find out. 😁
Ultimately I recommend this book - get past the first few chapters - it’s worth it!!
At first I was having a hard time relating to Shay and Rosie. But as I got further into the book I began to understand their motives and desires. I was frustrated with Shay for being kind of a wimp when it came to standing up to her father and brothers. But by the end …well I’ll let you find out. 😁
Ultimately I recommend this book - get past the first few chapters - it’s worth it!!
October 22, 2024
This is the 2nd in the Windy City Romance books. Rosie is Lori's best friend. Shay is Gabe's best friend. Rosie and Shay have the same rules when it comes to dating. Or really just hooking up. No strings attached. But sometimes life gets in the way. Both have family issues come up. And they really need someone to lean on. Helena has a great way of fleshing out a story and the characters involved. And even though both MC'S want the same things, they are totally different. Helena has a way of getting me invested in their history and their present. I highly recommend this book.
November 2, 2024
No expectations
This was a nice follow up to book one. I was looking forward to Shay and Rosie's story and this book did not disappointed. Getting background on why Shay and Rosie viewed relationships the way that they did helped sale the story. Family can be complicated and leave us with scars unseen. A tragedy leads to Shay and Rosie unwittingly helping each other work through hang ups that keep them from seeing what they had in each other. I think anyone who enjoys characters with a little emotional baggage will enjoy this series.
This was a nice follow up to book one. I was looking forward to Shay and Rosie's story and this book did not disappointed. Getting background on why Shay and Rosie viewed relationships the way that they did helped sale the story. Family can be complicated and leave us with scars unseen. A tragedy leads to Shay and Rosie unwittingly helping each other work through hang ups that keep them from seeing what they had in each other. I think anyone who enjoys characters with a little emotional baggage will enjoy this series.
November 2, 2024
The road to steamy hook-ups is a smooth one for Shay and Rosie - after all, they're both looking for uncomplicated, right? The road to 'something else' is not so smooth. When you join them on the tortuous path you'll be crossing your fingers and everything else as they journey together and separately through the obstacles of life, with the help and distractions of families both blood and of choice. Unwritten is a tender tale of love and human connection - you'll thank me for the lack of spoilers when you read it. Read it NOW!
February 4, 2026
Stressed out counselor quits to go into sales meets mechanic who is a player with commitment issues.
Helena Harte’s delightful very slow burn is soothing to my heart. The erotic content is quite exciting and leads the two MC’s into a relationship neither expects. Family issues cause both women to avoid “forever” relationship possibilities. An un expected death of a parent while they were outside the country, leads the women to realize how much the other means to them. It is really well written and the story line pulls you right to the end.
Helena Harte’s delightful very slow burn is soothing to my heart. The erotic content is quite exciting and leads the two MC’s into a relationship neither expects. Family issues cause both women to avoid “forever” relationship possibilities. An un expected death of a parent while they were outside the country, leads the women to realize how much the other means to them. It is really well written and the story line pulls you right to the end.
November 18, 2024
Rough Start, decent end
I guess it’s been a year since I read the first book and it definitely took me a minute to sort out where and who and what was going on.
That said, there’s a lot to like here. Rosie and Shay are both fun characters, their trauma was interesting as they all worked to deal with it.
I would have loved more story with the pair of them meeting Shay’s family and dad, more life building.
But it is what it is.
I guess it’s been a year since I read the first book and it definitely took me a minute to sort out where and who and what was going on.
That said, there’s a lot to like here. Rosie and Shay are both fun characters, their trauma was interesting as they all worked to deal with it.
I would have loved more story with the pair of them meeting Shay’s family and dad, more life building.
But it is what it is.
October 21, 2024
Wow what another swooning story I loved the main characters they give up on finding the one so they decided a booty call relationship is the key but the twists making them look for answers from within themselves realising the one has been infront of the this whole time, it's an incredible love story a highly recommend MUST READ congratulations
November 3, 2024
Chosen Family
Shay is dedicated to situational relationships with no real connection required other than sex. Rosie is a former therapist who now works in marketing. They agree to a friends with benefits situationship and it appears to work and be what they both desire. Their story is one of growth and healing as they touch each other’s lives and hearts.
Shay is dedicated to situational relationships with no real connection required other than sex. Rosie is a former therapist who now works in marketing. They agree to a friends with benefits situationship and it appears to work and be what they both desire. Their story is one of growth and healing as they touch each other’s lives and hearts.
November 30, 2024
The crew that the series follows has plenty of memorable characters. Both Rosie and Shay were strong on the page, and stylistically there is more of a serious tone with this work. All that was engaging.
I was looking for the authentic Chicago connection, but didn't feel it. Both of books in the series seem like a tourist writing about a place.
I was looking for the authentic Chicago connection, but didn't feel it. Both of books in the series seem like a tourist writing about a place.
October 23, 2024
This is a good, quick read once you get into the book. Shay and Rosie both want casual, no strings attached relationships, but what they find together is anything but. A nice addition to the Windy City series. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
November 8, 2024
Loved this!
I loved reading both of these books. Slow burn was fine with me since it ended in HEA for Shay and Rosie.
Hopefully there will be books with the other characters, namely Solo.
Enjoy
I loved reading both of these books. Slow burn was fine with me since it ended in HEA for Shay and Rosie.
Hopefully there will be books with the other characters, namely Solo.
Enjoy
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews