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Unexpected #1
Unlike Any Other
AJ
The name AJ Colthurst may not have any meaning to the public eye, but it should, as I’m the daughter of two famous celebrities. Like any superstar, they crave privacy; so much of it, they built a house in the middle of nowhere for us children. As we grew older, we discovered the lies they built as a fort to protect us from the media, ended up causing emotional damage along the way.
I carry a portion of the guilt on my shoulders; the other part I discovered is the separation of my parents. Their unorthodox ways may have driven me bonkers, but knowing they are no longer together is unacceptable.
That’s why I decided to rattle their cage by reminding at least one of my parents of the past and the reason they belong together. They need to remember why their love is so perfect and why they have to fight to keep it alive. Even if it means I have to dredge up some of my own painful memories along the way.
Gabe
Back in the early eighties, I set myself to succeed in the financial world. The first step had been moving to New York City to become a stockbroker, but things didn’t work out the way I had hoped. Instead, I ended up making movies and by the end of the decade, Gabe Colt had become a famous name. The downside to my career of choice: the paparazzi. In order to protect my family and our privacy, I maintained my family away from the circus. It had been for their own good; a decision we had made before we started our family.
However, those past decisions ended up chasing my entire family away and now I’m trying to put the pieces back together along with my little girl.
The name AJ Colthurst may not have any meaning to the public eye, but it should, as I’m the daughter of two famous celebrities. Like any superstar, they crave privacy; so much of it, they built a house in the middle of nowhere for us children. As we grew older, we discovered the lies they built as a fort to protect us from the media, ended up causing emotional damage along the way.
I carry a portion of the guilt on my shoulders; the other part I discovered is the separation of my parents. Their unorthodox ways may have driven me bonkers, but knowing they are no longer together is unacceptable.
That’s why I decided to rattle their cage by reminding at least one of my parents of the past and the reason they belong together. They need to remember why their love is so perfect and why they have to fight to keep it alive. Even if it means I have to dredge up some of my own painful memories along the way.
Gabe
Back in the early eighties, I set myself to succeed in the financial world. The first step had been moving to New York City to become a stockbroker, but things didn’t work out the way I had hoped. Instead, I ended up making movies and by the end of the decade, Gabe Colt had become a famous name. The downside to my career of choice: the paparazzi. In order to protect my family and our privacy, I maintained my family away from the circus. It had been for their own good; a decision we had made before we started our family.
However, those past decisions ended up chasing my entire family away and now I’m trying to put the pieces back together along with my little girl.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2015
151 people are currently reading
1586 people want to read
About the author
Claudia Y. Burgoa
151 books6,395 followersClaudia is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author.
She writes alluring, thrilling stories about complicated women and the men who take their breath away.
She lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband and her youngest two children. She has a sweet Bichon, Macey, who thinks she's the ruler of the house. She's only partially right.
When Claudia is not writing, you can find her reading, knitting, or just hanging out with her family.
At night, she likes to binge watch shows with her equally geeky husband.
Instagram: http://bit.ly/ClaudiasIG
TikTok: https://bit.ly/CBstiktok
Bloggers/Influencers: https://geni.us/CBBloggers
Newsletter: https://geni.us/CBNewsletter
She writes alluring, thrilling stories about complicated women and the men who take their breath away.
She lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband and her youngest two children. She has a sweet Bichon, Macey, who thinks she's the ruler of the house. She's only partially right.
When Claudia is not writing, you can find her reading, knitting, or just hanging out with her family.
At night, she likes to binge watch shows with her equally geeky husband.
Instagram: http://bit.ly/ClaudiasIG
TikTok: https://bit.ly/CBstiktok
Bloggers/Influencers: https://geni.us/CBBloggers
Newsletter: https://geni.us/CBNewsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
February 5, 2016
5 TRANSCEND STARS
This was such a special read and the best part, I was so not expecting it! It crept up on me: this story, this family, these characters wormed their way into my heart.
“...love is about fighting, accepting and making things work because you want to be with the person who makes you a better version of yourself.”
At first, I wasn't sure this book was for me, the book starts in AJ's (Ainsley Janine) POV and I could feel how numb, how devoid of emotion she was. It bothered me because I didn't know if I'd be able to connect to her. But this all changed at about the 7-8% mark when she meets with Gabriel (Gabe), her father, and the story shifts to a dual POV: AJ's and Gabe's. Again, this threw me for a loop because how was a daughter/father story going to work? This was supposed to be a romance, right?
Ms. Burgoa does a brilliant job in creating such an original story and in bringing it to life in a very unique yet poignant way. This was an emotional read...
yet so relatable even though the story revolves around a celebrity’s life because it’s about family and the relationships and dynamics which we can all relate to.
“…a family – the love of my life and three children who I love so much, I’d give my life for them.”
The plot hangs on the concept of time, that weaves through our lives, our memories, emotions and even the mundane.
Yet, it’s not chronological, Ms. Burgoa takes us from past to present and back in a storytelling fashion that’s captivating. Time weaves the threads of these lives and it gets messy but it also makes sense. I ended up loving AJ and fully understanding why she was the way she was and I just adore the entire Colhurst-Decker family. There are such complex, beautiful and flawed characters and even some characters that I have a hard time liking although I feel for them. But all of it was just moving.
“I want us together, evolving every day. If no one agrees with who I am and who I love, I don’t give a shit. It’s you, only you, I want.”
“A love story, his and mine. Ordinary and yet extraordinary. One, unlike any other. You know how they say there’s not two fingerprints alike in the world…like that.”
I highly recommend this gem! There's love, laughter, loyalty, lies, secrets, friendship, heartbreak, family and also hope. I'm so glad there is more of the Colthurst-Decker clan and I'm so looking forward to Mason's story, Unsurprisingly Complicated. Thank goodness, I don't have to wait too long.
an ARC generously provided by my GR friends Didi and Carol (thanks lovelies) in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a special read and the best part, I was so not expecting it! It crept up on me: this story, this family, these characters wormed their way into my heart.
“...love is about fighting, accepting and making things work because you want to be with the person who makes you a better version of yourself.”
At first, I wasn't sure this book was for me, the book starts in AJ's (Ainsley Janine) POV and I could feel how numb, how devoid of emotion she was. It bothered me because I didn't know if I'd be able to connect to her. But this all changed at about the 7-8% mark when she meets with Gabriel (Gabe), her father, and the story shifts to a dual POV: AJ's and Gabe's. Again, this threw me for a loop because how was a daughter/father story going to work? This was supposed to be a romance, right?
Ms. Burgoa does a brilliant job in creating such an original story and in bringing it to life in a very unique yet poignant way. This was an emotional read...
yet so relatable even though the story revolves around a celebrity’s life because it’s about family and the relationships and dynamics which we can all relate to.
“…a family – the love of my life and three children who I love so much, I’d give my life for them.”
The plot hangs on the concept of time, that weaves through our lives, our memories, emotions and even the mundane.
Yet, it’s not chronological, Ms. Burgoa takes us from past to present and back in a storytelling fashion that’s captivating. Time weaves the threads of these lives and it gets messy but it also makes sense. I ended up loving AJ and fully understanding why she was the way she was and I just adore the entire Colhurst-Decker family. There are such complex, beautiful and flawed characters and even some characters that I have a hard time liking although I feel for them. But all of it was just moving.
“I want us together, evolving every day. If no one agrees with who I am and who I love, I don’t give a shit. It’s you, only you, I want.”
“A love story, his and mine. Ordinary and yet extraordinary. One, unlike any other. You know how they say there’s not two fingerprints alike in the world…like that.”
I highly recommend this gem! There's love, laughter, loyalty, lies, secrets, friendship, heartbreak, family and also hope. I'm so glad there is more of the Colthurst-Decker clan and I'm so looking forward to Mason's story, Unsurprisingly Complicated. Thank goodness, I don't have to wait too long.
an ARC generously provided by my GR friends Didi and Carol (thanks lovelies) in exchange for an honest review.
October 28, 2017
4.5 The Decisions We Make
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
Every day we make decisions. We take into account how our actions will impact others... how serious it will be... and then there is another factor which may not even be considered... what will the impact be because of the times we live in.
Most of us go about our lives working and interacting everyday without having to deal with the Media. Oh, we may use Social Media and read it...but does it track your every move...tell where you have eaten or who you have gone to a movie with... These are things which the famous have to handle constantly ... and depending how long they have been famous or part of the entertainment industry, decisions made surrounding their private life probably included thinking about these type of ramifications.
In Unlike Any Other, all of the characters in this book have had the Media on their back. Whether it is our main character AJ, daughter to the famous action star Gabe, or her brothers who are musicians and racking up fans all over the world... these people all have had their lives impacted by circumstances beyond their making.
It all comes to a head when AJ sees in the tabloids, the perfect marriage of her parents has been destroyed and splashed across the pages for all to see. Here is Gabe with a 20 something to his much older image gazing and holding a pregnant belly... claiming to be the dad.
This is not acceptable. This cannot be. How can he claim this girl and the baby when he has never claimed her or her brothers. This rocks AJ's world and she decides to confront her dad after being estranged for more than two years.
For AJ has had her own life issues to deal with; a love who kept her in the shadows. An unhealthy relationship she felt overwhelmed with. All of the guilt of feeling she should have known better played in her head adding to the pain. But no more... She was going to make her father explain all of this crap she saw in the rags once and for all.
This story is epic. I say this because it cannot be told in a straight line. It is revealed through conversations of raw emotions between father and daughter.... once and for all. The ugly is examined. The tears are shed and through it all we feel every ounce of love this family has for each other.
This story is many stories within and it takes us on all of the journeys to come out the other end stronger. It will take you through decisions made out of love which impacted all of them in ways they could not foresee. It will introduce you to characters which care deeply for our people and show there is more to tell.... and it will be... in later books.
These people exist... they maybe on these pages... but out there in the real world... I know there are those who have experienced all that Gabe and AJ have... and this may be the balm which will heal them.
I was fortunate to have read this book before all of it was said and done. The process of working with the author and editor to fine tune this was extremely rewarding. I hope this book will cause you to think about choices and decisions like it did me.
As I said earlier, this is the tip of the iceberg for these characters... there is a love story of major proportions here in this book and in the upcoming ones.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
Every day we make decisions. We take into account how our actions will impact others... how serious it will be... and then there is another factor which may not even be considered... what will the impact be because of the times we live in.
Most of us go about our lives working and interacting everyday without having to deal with the Media. Oh, we may use Social Media and read it...but does it track your every move...tell where you have eaten or who you have gone to a movie with... These are things which the famous have to handle constantly ... and depending how long they have been famous or part of the entertainment industry, decisions made surrounding their private life probably included thinking about these type of ramifications.
In Unlike Any Other, all of the characters in this book have had the Media on their back. Whether it is our main character AJ, daughter to the famous action star Gabe, or her brothers who are musicians and racking up fans all over the world... these people all have had their lives impacted by circumstances beyond their making.
It all comes to a head when AJ sees in the tabloids, the perfect marriage of her parents has been destroyed and splashed across the pages for all to see. Here is Gabe with a 20 something to his much older image gazing and holding a pregnant belly... claiming to be the dad.
This is not acceptable. This cannot be. How can he claim this girl and the baby when he has never claimed her or her brothers. This rocks AJ's world and she decides to confront her dad after being estranged for more than two years.
For AJ has had her own life issues to deal with; a love who kept her in the shadows. An unhealthy relationship she felt overwhelmed with. All of the guilt of feeling she should have known better played in her head adding to the pain. But no more... She was going to make her father explain all of this crap she saw in the rags once and for all.
This story is epic. I say this because it cannot be told in a straight line. It is revealed through conversations of raw emotions between father and daughter.... once and for all. The ugly is examined. The tears are shed and through it all we feel every ounce of love this family has for each other.
This story is many stories within and it takes us on all of the journeys to come out the other end stronger. It will take you through decisions made out of love which impacted all of them in ways they could not foresee. It will introduce you to characters which care deeply for our people and show there is more to tell.... and it will be... in later books.
These people exist... they maybe on these pages... but out there in the real world... I know there are those who have experienced all that Gabe and AJ have... and this may be the balm which will heal them.
I was fortunate to have read this book before all of it was said and done. The process of working with the author and editor to fine tune this was extremely rewarding. I hope this book will cause you to think about choices and decisions like it did me.
As I said earlier, this is the tip of the iceberg for these characters... there is a love story of major proportions here in this book and in the upcoming ones.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
July 17, 2015
Story Rating ~ 5 HUGE STAR!
Character Ratings ~ 5 ENORMOUS STARS!
Heat Level ~ 3 Stars
Ending ~ 5 Stars But Continuing
Overall Rating ~ 5 Sometimes Life Kicks You In The Ass Stars!
I can hardly believe what I just read. This was an AMAZING read for me, it took me on a journey of epic proportions. It did not pull me in from the very start to tell the truth I was worried that I may not like it. Then WHAM, all of a sudden things started to fall into place and it was not long before I found myself totally engrossed with the characters and the story line. It was like nothing I had ever read before.
This story is about family, love, devotion, secrets, lies & betrayal. The characters and the story line grabbed my very heart and soul. There were quite a few bumps in the road that tore my heart out and a few secrets and surprises that knocked me for a loop. There was NEVER a dull moment, I did not want to stop reading but you know real life always worms its way into our reading time.
I LOVED every single character, yep even Porter until he fucked up. We learned so much about them. They were very developed and original characters they were also unlike any I have EVER read about.
This book jumps back and forth in time but it was done it such a way that it did not interrupt my enjoyment. One thing I really liked was the chapters were short so when I had to stop reading because the hubby was bugging me, I could easily finish the chapter up quickly, do what he wanted and jump right back in.
This had some steam to it but not as hot as what I usually like. You know what? It made NO difference to me because I was too hooked into everything and everyone to give a fuck.
In the end a lot of things got worked out but the story is not yet concluded. No worries because there is no cliffhanger and YES I will be reading book 2 Unsurprisingly Complicated in the very near future.
In closing I’d like to thank Suzanne for writing such an outstanding review. I read it and it compelled me to give this series a try and I'm so happy I did!
Special note: This series has 2 books already release and book 3 Uncharted will be released 7/21/2015. If this book sounds good give it a try at the price of .99 what do you have to lose?
Character Ratings ~ 5 ENORMOUS STARS!
Heat Level ~ 3 Stars
Ending ~ 5 Stars But Continuing
Overall Rating ~ 5 Sometimes Life Kicks You In The Ass Stars!
I can hardly believe what I just read. This was an AMAZING read for me, it took me on a journey of epic proportions. It did not pull me in from the very start to tell the truth I was worried that I may not like it. Then WHAM, all of a sudden things started to fall into place and it was not long before I found myself totally engrossed with the characters and the story line. It was like nothing I had ever read before.
This story is about family, love, devotion, secrets, lies & betrayal. The characters and the story line grabbed my very heart and soul. There were quite a few bumps in the road that tore my heart out and a few secrets and surprises that knocked me for a loop. There was NEVER a dull moment, I did not want to stop reading but you know real life always worms its way into our reading time.
I LOVED every single character, yep even Porter until he fucked up. We learned so much about them. They were very developed and original characters they were also unlike any I have EVER read about.
This book jumps back and forth in time but it was done it such a way that it did not interrupt my enjoyment. One thing I really liked was the chapters were short so when I had to stop reading because the hubby was bugging me, I could easily finish the chapter up quickly, do what he wanted and jump right back in.
This had some steam to it but not as hot as what I usually like. You know what? It made NO difference to me because I was too hooked into everything and everyone to give a fuck.
In the end a lot of things got worked out but the story is not yet concluded. No worries because there is no cliffhanger and YES I will be reading book 2 Unsurprisingly Complicated in the very near future.
In closing I’d like to thank Suzanne for writing such an outstanding review. I read it and it compelled me to give this series a try and I'm so happy I did!
Special note: This series has 2 books already release and book 3 Uncharted will be released 7/21/2015. If this book sounds good give it a try at the price of .99 what do you have to lose?
March 6, 2015
Kitty's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Compelling, heart-wrenching, suspenseful. Just three words that describe Unlike Any Other. What I thought was going to be just a love story, turned into so much more than I expected. I was sucked in right from the beginning and damn near threw my Kindle when it was over. I want more. More of AJ. More of Mason. More of Gabe and Chris. More of MJ and JC. As for Porter – the jury is still out on him. But, I cannot say that I have read a more deep, involved story as this in a very long time.
I refuse to do a synopsis of this book. There is no way for me to do it justice. It honestly left me speechless. Ainsley Janine (AJ) grips you right from the beginning. It's not until about three-quarters of the way through the book that everything finally becomes crystal clear. Until that point, there were hints, there were conclusions drawn but proved to be false. You had to keep reading to find out just where everything was going, how it got there and if there was ever going to be a happy ending for anyone involved.
***POSSIBLE SPOILER*****
Well, there's an HEA, for now …. we've yet to see how it is all going to play out. How the public will handle the truth. Or how the family will band together. Am I sure they will band together? Positive. For a life that was hidden, this is one of the most supportive, caring, loving families I have ever read. Yes, there's support and then there's carrying on your back … “He's Not Heavy, He's My Brother” is what came to mind throughout this story. Love so great and powerful that it leaves you breathless.
But, if you are looking for a story filled with erotica … you are not going to get it. What you will get is a true love story. Yea, there's sex disbursed throughout (you can't understand Gabe and Chris without it) and alluded to. But, this story is not about the sex … it's truly about love, family, friends and what they will go through to protect and support each other. Powerful is the last word that I'll use to describe “Unlike Any Other”. “Unsurprisingly Complicated” is the next in the series and, believe me, I will be waiting for it to release. Mason's story … and it's going to break my heart, I just know it. I just know that it's not going to give me the HEA that I so desperately want. But, maybe that's what drew me into this story … it is “Unlike Any Other” that I've read. Off the beaten path but absolutely wonderful!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
Compelling, heart-wrenching, suspenseful. Just three words that describe Unlike Any Other. What I thought was going to be just a love story, turned into so much more than I expected. I was sucked in right from the beginning and damn near threw my Kindle when it was over. I want more. More of AJ. More of Mason. More of Gabe and Chris. More of MJ and JC. As for Porter – the jury is still out on him. But, I cannot say that I have read a more deep, involved story as this in a very long time.
I refuse to do a synopsis of this book. There is no way for me to do it justice. It honestly left me speechless. Ainsley Janine (AJ) grips you right from the beginning. It's not until about three-quarters of the way through the book that everything finally becomes crystal clear. Until that point, there were hints, there were conclusions drawn but proved to be false. You had to keep reading to find out just where everything was going, how it got there and if there was ever going to be a happy ending for anyone involved.
***POSSIBLE SPOILER*****
Well, there's an HEA, for now …. we've yet to see how it is all going to play out. How the public will handle the truth. Or how the family will band together. Am I sure they will band together? Positive. For a life that was hidden, this is one of the most supportive, caring, loving families I have ever read. Yes, there's support and then there's carrying on your back … “He's Not Heavy, He's My Brother” is what came to mind throughout this story. Love so great and powerful that it leaves you breathless.
But, if you are looking for a story filled with erotica … you are not going to get it. What you will get is a true love story. Yea, there's sex disbursed throughout (you can't understand Gabe and Chris without it) and alluded to. But, this story is not about the sex … it's truly about love, family, friends and what they will go through to protect and support each other. Powerful is the last word that I'll use to describe “Unlike Any Other”. “Unsurprisingly Complicated” is the next in the series and, believe me, I will be waiting for it to release. Mason's story … and it's going to break my heart, I just know it. I just know that it's not going to give me the HEA that I so desperately want. But, maybe that's what drew me into this story … it is “Unlike Any Other” that I've read. Off the beaten path but absolutely wonderful!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
Compelling, heart-wrenching, suspenseful. Just three words that describe Unlike Any Other. What I thought was going to be just a love story, turned into so much more than I expected. I was sucked in right from the beginning and damn near threw my Kindle when it was over. I want more. More of AJ. More of Mason. More of Gabe and Chris. More of MJ and JC. As for Porter – the jury is still out on him. But, I cannot say that I have read a more deep, involved story as this in a very long time.
I refuse to do a synopsis of this book. There is no way for me to do it justice. It honestly left me speechless. Ainsley Janine (AJ) grips you right from the beginning. It's not until about three-quarters of the way through the book that everything finally becomes crystal clear. Until that point, there were hints, there were conclusions drawn but proved to be false. You had to keep reading to find out just where everything was going, how it got there and if there was ever going to be a happy ending for anyone involved.
***POSSIBLE SPOILER*****
Well, there's an HEA, for now …. we've yet to see how it is all going to play out. How the public will handle the truth. Or how the family will band together. Am I sure they will band together? Positive. For a life that was hidden, this is one of the most supportive, caring, loving families I have ever read. Yes, there's support and then there's carrying on your back … “He's Not Heavy, He's My Brother” is what came to mind throughout this story. Love so great and powerful that it leaves you breathless.
But, if you are looking for a story filled with erotica … you are not going to get it. What you will get is a true love story. Yea, there's sex disbursed throughout (you can't understand Gabe and Chris without it) and alluded to. But, this story is not about the sex … it's truly about love, family, friends and what they will go through to protect and support each other. Powerful is the last word that I'll use to describe “Unlike Any Other”. “Unsurprisingly Complicated” is the next in the series and, believe me, I will be waiting for it to release. Mason's story … and it's going to break my heart, I just know it. I just know that it's not going to give me the HEA that I so desperately want. But, maybe that's what drew me into this story … it is “Unlike Any Other” that I've read. Off the beaten path but absolutely wonderful!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
Compelling, heart-wrenching, suspenseful. Just three words that describe Unlike Any Other. What I thought was going to be just a love story, turned into so much more than I expected. I was sucked in right from the beginning and damn near threw my Kindle when it was over. I want more. More of AJ. More of Mason. More of Gabe and Chris. More of MJ and JC. As for Porter – the jury is still out on him. But, I cannot say that I have read a more deep, involved story as this in a very long time.
I refuse to do a synopsis of this book. There is no way for me to do it justice. It honestly left me speechless. Ainsley Janine (AJ) grips you right from the beginning. It's not until about three-quarters of the way through the book that everything finally becomes crystal clear. Until that point, there were hints, there were conclusions drawn but proved to be false. You had to keep reading to find out just where everything was going, how it got there and if there was ever going to be a happy ending for anyone involved.
***POSSIBLE SPOILER*****
Well, there's an HEA, for now …. we've yet to see how it is all going to play out. How the public will handle the truth. Or how the family will band together. Am I sure they will band together? Positive. For a life that was hidden, this is one of the most supportive, caring, loving families I have ever read. Yes, there's support and then there's carrying on your back … “He's Not Heavy, He's My Brother” is what came to mind throughout this story. Love so great and powerful that it leaves you breathless.
But, if you are looking for a story filled with erotica … you are not going to get it. What you will get is a true love story. Yea, there's sex disbursed throughout (you can't understand Gabe and Chris without it) and alluded to. But, this story is not about the sex … it's truly about love, family, friends and what they will go through to protect and support each other. Powerful is the last word that I'll use to describe “Unlike Any Other”. “Unsurprisingly Complicated” is the next in the series and, believe me, I will be waiting for it to release. Mason's story … and it's going to break my heart, I just know it. I just know that it's not going to give me the HEA that I so desperately want. But, maybe that's what drew me into this story … it is “Unlike Any Other” that I've read. Off the beaten path but absolutely wonderful!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
March 1, 2015
Book – Unlike Any Other (Unexpected #1)
Author – Claudia Y. Burgoa
Publication Date – March 5, 2015
Genre –Romance
Type – Companion Series
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars
Complimentary Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
My Thoughts - Story
I have to start off stating that this may be a biased opinion since Claudia is a very close friend and I’ve had the pleasure of seeing this baby born and grow. Now, putting all that aside – I can’t even find the words to express how much this book affected me.
Author – Claudia Y. Burgoa
Publication Date – March 5, 2015
Genre –Romance
Type – Companion Series
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars
Complimentary Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
My Thoughts - Story
I have to start off stating that this may be a biased opinion since Claudia is a very close friend and I’ve had the pleasure of seeing this baby born and grow. Now, putting all that aside – I can’t even find the words to express how much this book affected me.
Why?
*There is a hidden gem that I never saw coming – definitely had that OH SHIT moment!
*I cried and choked up a few times – it affected me deeply
*I hated characters but then loved them and then hated them again but then ended up changing my mind throughout the book.
*Every emotion was tested in this book
*I wanted more after reading the last sentence
*These main characters (and some secondary ones) were developed perfectly
The above checklist is mainly what I look for in a book when I debate on how to rate the stars.
How to read this book?
*Go into this blind
*Don’t read spoilers (I know you are tempted)
*Don’t share spoilers (Let others enjoy the OH SHIT moments)
*Open yourself up to your internal “feels”
*Be patient (the beginning may seem slow and cookie cutter but it develops)
Trust me with the above advice…it will make your reading experience so much more delightful and will leave you with a storyline that you will reminisce about for a long time.
Re-Cap
I can’t say much about the story without giving the important parts away and spoiling this for you – so I’m going to try my best.
This is a story about a father and his daughter who are at odds with each other.
AJ, the daughter, thinks her childhood is the reason why she is so screwed up in the present and even though she loves her parents, she has an underlying disappointment with them. Gabe, her father, believes he did what was best in the past for his children by hiding them from the media.
After being estranged from her parents for a few years, AJ sees a front page article about her dad with a 20 something woman who is pregnant – no less with her father’s baby – she freaks. What happened to the great love between her parents? Why would her father announce this child but never told the public about her and her brothers?
She decides to confront her father, which leads to the two of them sharing the past with each other. We take a journey through the “Great Love Affair” between her parents in the 80’s, and AJ shares with her father her painful past. Through sharing, the two learn that they had made mistakes with each other and their significant others – to feel so much pain opens their hearts to rectify the present.
Along the way we meet the family and friends of these two and also sets the stage for the next book in the series!
This is the story of Gabe’s ultimate love and sets us up for the next book with AJ and her romance!
Reason for Reading – Beta Read with Wendy/Edited
Story – 5 out of 5 Stars
Steam – 5 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 5 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 5 out of 5 Stars
Told In – Dual POV
Heroine/Personality – AJ – she can be bitchy and uncaring but underneath she is just a hurt/naïve girl
Hero/Personality – Gabe – The Don Johnson of the 80’s – pisses me off but end up loving him.
HEA (Spoiler) -
Would Read More from Author? Oh yeah!
Recommend To – EVERYONE
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February 25, 2016
I have read 63% of this and I feel like I've read nothing, because anything that I was expecting doesn't exist in this book! Also, I read more than half of the book and if I had to resume it I could do it in one paragraph... because not too much happens. Nothing important. At least from what I got.
And also, can we discuss about the fact that this is put in Romance, New Adult and M/M and none of this are not the center of the story? Especially the M/M relationship. Because what's my problem. I wanted to read this and I read this because I was expecting a M/M relationship and also a straight one or whatever. Some kind of romance. I got it? NO!
This shouldn't be put in romance but in family memories or non fiction, because in 63% these people just discuss and discuss and DISCUSS their pasts and they whine about it and they tell how they cheated and stuff. I don't want a freaking memoir because if I wanted one I'd read non fiction and not a fucking Romance book! And can someone explain to me how this has so many huge ratings? Am I blind and stupid or wtf those people have read? Oh, don't tell me. The romance and M/M part is in the last part of the book. Hardly I think that.
So, taking aside my disappointment with this book, because it wasn't what I was expecting, I also got very bored because the writing style is mechanic, dull, plain and you read and just get nothing. No emotions, no color, nothing. The characters are a lot, all are boring, the dialogue is meh.
I don't hate this book. I can't! IT'S A HUGE NOTHING ABOUT NOTHING AND I lost 2 hours of my life trying to understand something and get my fucking promised romance. And if you tell me that it was there and I was blind... just shoot yourself.
And also, can we discuss about the fact that this is put in Romance, New Adult and M/M and none of this are not the center of the story? Especially the M/M relationship. Because what's my problem. I wanted to read this and I read this because I was expecting a M/M relationship and also a straight one or whatever. Some kind of romance. I got it? NO!
This shouldn't be put in romance but in family memories or non fiction, because in 63% these people just discuss and discuss and DISCUSS their pasts and they whine about it and they tell how they cheated and stuff. I don't want a freaking memoir because if I wanted one I'd read non fiction and not a fucking Romance book! And can someone explain to me how this has so many huge ratings? Am I blind and stupid or wtf those people have read? Oh, don't tell me. The romance and M/M part is in the last part of the book. Hardly I think that.
So, taking aside my disappointment with this book, because it wasn't what I was expecting, I also got very bored because the writing style is mechanic, dull, plain and you read and just get nothing. No emotions, no color, nothing. The characters are a lot, all are boring, the dialogue is meh.
I don't hate this book. I can't! IT'S A HUGE NOTHING ABOUT NOTHING AND I lost 2 hours of my life trying to understand something and get my fucking promised romance. And if you tell me that it was there and I was blind... just shoot yourself.
May 20, 2015
☆ I was recommended and received an ARC by my buddy Carol from StarAngel's Reviews in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! ☆
Wow. UAO turned out to be so much different from books I normally would have picked out to read. It was one of those plot synopsis' I just did not get what it was about (even after reading fellow readers' reviews), but was nonetheless, fascinated and extremely intrigued by the positive responses being garnered by it.
To me--- Unlike Any Other was unlike any other, pun intended, compared to all the books I’ve come across. It was different, it was complex, held great values and personal integrity, and it was over all very touching.
I’m glad I actually went through this read “blind,” as my friend Carol would have put it, and went by feeling and emotion only. Sometimes, that’s what seeps out of a book and gets and carries onto you the most. The rawness and unconventional qualities they exude.
For a brand new author to me, Claudia Y. Burgoa, makes a name for herself as I thoroughly found myself enjoying the out of the box plot line and mix of characters she brings into her writing.
I'd definitely recommend this to anyone looking for an enticing and heart endearing read!!
Wow. UAO turned out to be so much different from books I normally would have picked out to read. It was one of those plot synopsis' I just did not get what it was about (even after reading fellow readers' reviews), but was nonetheless, fascinated and extremely intrigued by the positive responses being garnered by it.
To me--- Unlike Any Other was unlike any other, pun intended, compared to all the books I’ve come across. It was different, it was complex, held great values and personal integrity, and it was over all very touching.
I’m glad I actually went through this read “blind,” as my friend Carol would have put it, and went by feeling and emotion only. Sometimes, that’s what seeps out of a book and gets and carries onto you the most. The rawness and unconventional qualities they exude.
For a brand new author to me, Claudia Y. Burgoa, makes a name for herself as I thoroughly found myself enjoying the out of the box plot line and mix of characters she brings into her writing.
I'd definitely recommend this to anyone looking for an enticing and heart endearing read!!
March 21, 2015
** Copy provided by the author for review **
March 19, 2015
1 star
I'm sorry but that is what this book would ever get from me.
From the very start, I'm already having a hard time understanding the plot of the story because it felt like I was thrown in the middle of all drama without understanding the why, and then a rumor was read in a magazine that made AJ wants to confront her father about it, thus the reunion of the family after being estranged for over three years.
Confrontation that turns into reminiscing of the past. By then I somehow I got the flow of the story. The past is where you get to know about Gabe's journey to fame and meeting the love of his life. I was okay with that but then AJ's brothers appeared to also confront their dad for the same reason. And yeah I lost it. To be honest, I felt no connection with all the characters in the story, most especially AJ's brothers.. I don't know who is who....as a matter of fact, I don't care and I don't wanna know. I just want to read on and be done with the story.
After Gabe's story comes AJ's OTT drama. I don't like the flow of the story because all I ever read here are gazillions of drama about the past especially for AJ. The odds of the guy who hurt her in the past being present during the time of her " big revelation " was just a lame way of making the scene more complex. Not hearing from him after their break up only to be present now just when she finally decided to tell all is plain corny to my taste. And puhlezz ... after the guy did what he did to you, you still hope for something? Get a grip. The guy acts like a TOTAL douche, in fact he was a total loser! And frankly, his reasoning sucks to a whole new level of LAME!
Also, I find it a waste of time analyzing who's dialogue is it already.
Overall, I'd say I didn't enjoyed it. It was a miracle I even finished the
book. The only reason why I even rated this book a star is because I really didn't expect the twist around 60% mark. Aside from that, nothing more. The ending was also abruptly done, I don't know if their story would continue on the next book, but you know what? I don't care because I. Am. Done.
What I've written here is sorely based on my opinion which may not be the same for others. As you may noticed I seemed to be the only one who didn't like this.
I'm sorry but that is what this book would ever get from me.
From the very start, I'm already having a hard time understanding the plot of the story because it felt like I was thrown in the middle of all drama without understanding the why, and then a rumor was read in a magazine that made AJ wants to confront her father about it, thus the reunion of the family after being estranged for over three years.
Confrontation that turns into reminiscing of the past. By then I somehow I got the flow of the story. The past is where you get to know about Gabe's journey to fame and meeting the love of his life. I was okay with that but then AJ's brothers appeared to also confront their dad for the same reason. And yeah I lost it. To be honest, I felt no connection with all the characters in the story, most especially AJ's brothers.. I don't know who is who....as a matter of fact, I don't care and I don't wanna know. I just want to read on and be done with the story.
After Gabe's story comes AJ's OTT drama. I don't like the flow of the story because all I ever read here are gazillions of drama about the past especially for AJ. The odds of the guy who hurt her in the past being present during the time of her " big revelation " was just a lame way of making the scene more complex. Not hearing from him after their break up only to be present now just when she finally decided to tell all is plain corny to my taste. And puhlezz ... after the guy did what he did to you, you still hope for something? Get a grip. The guy acts like a TOTAL douche, in fact he was a total loser! And frankly, his reasoning sucks to a whole new level of LAME!
Also, I find it a waste of time analyzing who's dialogue is it already.
Overall, I'd say I didn't enjoyed it. It was a miracle I even finished the
book. The only reason why I even rated this book a star is because I really didn't expect the twist around 60% mark. Aside from that, nothing more. The ending was also abruptly done, I don't know if their story would continue on the next book, but you know what? I don't care because I. Am. Done.
What I've written here is sorely based on my opinion which may not be the same for others. As you may noticed I seemed to be the only one who didn't like this.
January 19, 2020
3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK decent reads.
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March 16, 2015
WOW!! BEST READ OF 2015!!
I absolutely LOVED this story. There is a kind of preface before the dedication where the author explains where she got the story. I had to go back and reread it once I had finished "Unlike Any Other". I think she did a fantastic job meeting her goal.
This is an incredible love story (stories)...a beautiful depth and complexity that you don't run into frequently. I am so pleased to see this is the first book of a planned 5 book series...the only disappointing part is going to be the wait for the next installment.
The story and characters unfold and bloom over the course of the story. I was a bit surprised by the number of significant characters. With many spending some time at center stage, but this is really Gabe's and AJ's story. Planned sequels will highlight the other characters we spent time with.
Many twists and turns in the story...some I saw coming but most were a total surprise. It made for exciting reading and increased my inability to put the book down.
My emotions ran the gamut as I read. I loved and identified with AJ...she was seen as weak by so many until she revealed just how strong she really was. Gabe was so likeable until he wasn't. But I understood why he made the choices he made; though I really wished circumstances were different.
I remember running across this book and thinking the story was going to go one way from the story blurb and went somewhere completely different. It was such a pleasant surprise and now I really feel the need to get all of Ms. Burgoa's books! She is my kind of writer and she is exactly what I aspire to be.
I absolutely LOVED this story. There is a kind of preface before the dedication where the author explains where she got the story. I had to go back and reread it once I had finished "Unlike Any Other". I think she did a fantastic job meeting her goal.
This is an incredible love story (stories)...a beautiful depth and complexity that you don't run into frequently. I am so pleased to see this is the first book of a planned 5 book series...the only disappointing part is going to be the wait for the next installment.
The story and characters unfold and bloom over the course of the story. I was a bit surprised by the number of significant characters. With many spending some time at center stage, but this is really Gabe's and AJ's story. Planned sequels will highlight the other characters we spent time with.
Many twists and turns in the story...some I saw coming but most were a total surprise. It made for exciting reading and increased my inability to put the book down.
My emotions ran the gamut as I read. I loved and identified with AJ...she was seen as weak by so many until she revealed just how strong she really was. Gabe was so likeable until he wasn't. But I understood why he made the choices he made; though I really wished circumstances were different.
I remember running across this book and thinking the story was going to go one way from the story blurb and went somewhere completely different. It was such a pleasant surprise and now I really feel the need to get all of Ms. Burgoa's books! She is my kind of writer and she is exactly what I aspire to be.
March 8, 2015
From its title to its final page this books promises to do the unexpected. After a start that's a bit rocky in its choppiness regarding the flow of the story its numerous twists and turns and flashbacks quickly pull you in and lead to a story of putting the past behind you to make a better future. With its dual POV between a father and daughter, readers are taken on a journey full of angst, pain, and misconceptions that while heartbreaking is ultimately uplifting and powerful in its emotional intensity.
Rich girl AJ is a self-confessed emotionally dysfunctional mess who always chooses the wrong man and ends up hurting herself and others repeatedly. She blames her issues on her parents and their perceived lack of acknowledgement of her and her brothers. She thinks her inability to find love is because of the end of her parent's fairytale marriage and searches out the truth of their great love. What she soon learns is that what she thought was the truth couldn't be more wrong and as the truth is revealed the ramifications not only change AJ but possibly her entire family. AJ's a hard to like heroine early on as she's clearly bitter. She's looking for others to blame as she doesn't believe in personal responsibility. As her and her father talk about the past, and share their pain, you see a weight lifting off her and she becomes a more relatable character. I also like that her insulin dependance is realistically dealt with through her wearing a pump. This proves her invincibility and helps soften her hard-edged attitude.
Gabe is at the top of the acting world, beloved by all but the daughter who feels alienated. He may seem like he has it all, with a new wife and baby on the way, but as he reveals the truth of his life readers learn that his life isn't all glitz and glamour. Every choice he's made he thought was in protection of his family, but soon learns how easy misconceptions can be. As his angst-filled story is revealed he and AJ grow closer together in their mutual loss of love. Gabe is a compelling man who always tries to do the right thing. His story is full of surprising twists and turns and I look forward to how his honesty will affect future characters.
This is an emotionally intense story that takes a few unexpected turns to a satisfying conclusion that still leaves some things hanging. The dual POVs enhance the storytelling and give you deep insight into each character. Despite a start that frustrated me I was ultimately caught up in this tale and look forward to the rest of the family taking center stage.
Rich girl AJ is a self-confessed emotionally dysfunctional mess who always chooses the wrong man and ends up hurting herself and others repeatedly. She blames her issues on her parents and their perceived lack of acknowledgement of her and her brothers. She thinks her inability to find love is because of the end of her parent's fairytale marriage and searches out the truth of their great love. What she soon learns is that what she thought was the truth couldn't be more wrong and as the truth is revealed the ramifications not only change AJ but possibly her entire family. AJ's a hard to like heroine early on as she's clearly bitter. She's looking for others to blame as she doesn't believe in personal responsibility. As her and her father talk about the past, and share their pain, you see a weight lifting off her and she becomes a more relatable character. I also like that her insulin dependance is realistically dealt with through her wearing a pump. This proves her invincibility and helps soften her hard-edged attitude.
Gabe is at the top of the acting world, beloved by all but the daughter who feels alienated. He may seem like he has it all, with a new wife and baby on the way, but as he reveals the truth of his life readers learn that his life isn't all glitz and glamour. Every choice he's made he thought was in protection of his family, but soon learns how easy misconceptions can be. As his angst-filled story is revealed he and AJ grow closer together in their mutual loss of love. Gabe is a compelling man who always tries to do the right thing. His story is full of surprising twists and turns and I look forward to how his honesty will affect future characters.
This is an emotionally intense story that takes a few unexpected turns to a satisfying conclusion that still leaves some things hanging. The dual POVs enhance the storytelling and give you deep insight into each character. Despite a start that frustrated me I was ultimately caught up in this tale and look forward to the rest of the family taking center stage.
Want to read
July 11, 2018💝FREE on iBooks today (7/11/2018)!💝
Blurb:
AJ
The name AJ Colthurst may not have any meaning to the public eye, but it should, as I’m the daughter of two famous celebrities. Like any superstar, they crave privacy; so much of it, they built a house in the middle of nowhere for us children. As we grew older, we discovered the lies they built as a fort to protect us from the media, ended up causing emotional damage along the way.
I carry a portion of the guilt on my shoulders; the other part I discovered is the separation of my parents. Their unorthodox ways may have driven me bonkers, but knowing they are no longer together is unacceptable.
That’s why I decided to rattle their cage by reminding at least one of my parents of the past and the reason they belong together. They need to remember why their love is so perfect and why they have to fight to keep it alive. Even if it means I have to dredge up some of my own painful memories along the way.
Gabe
Back in the early eighties, I set myself to succeed in the financial world. The first step had been moving to New York City to become a stockbroker, but things didn’t work out the way I had hoped. Instead, I ended up making movies and by the end of the decade, Gabe Colt had become a famous name. The downside to my career of choice: the paparazzi. In order to protect my family and our privacy, I maintained my family away from the circus. It had been for their own good; a decision we had made before we started our family.
However, those past decisions ended up chasing my entire family away and now I’m trying to put the pieces back together along with my little girl.
Blurb:
AJ
The name AJ Colthurst may not have any meaning to the public eye, but it should, as I’m the daughter of two famous celebrities. Like any superstar, they crave privacy; so much of it, they built a house in the middle of nowhere for us children. As we grew older, we discovered the lies they built as a fort to protect us from the media, ended up causing emotional damage along the way.
I carry a portion of the guilt on my shoulders; the other part I discovered is the separation of my parents. Their unorthodox ways may have driven me bonkers, but knowing they are no longer together is unacceptable.
That’s why I decided to rattle their cage by reminding at least one of my parents of the past and the reason they belong together. They need to remember why their love is so perfect and why they have to fight to keep it alive. Even if it means I have to dredge up some of my own painful memories along the way.
Gabe
Back in the early eighties, I set myself to succeed in the financial world. The first step had been moving to New York City to become a stockbroker, but things didn’t work out the way I had hoped. Instead, I ended up making movies and by the end of the decade, Gabe Colt had become a famous name. The downside to my career of choice: the paparazzi. In order to protect my family and our privacy, I maintained my family away from the circus. It had been for their own good; a decision we had made before we started our family.
However, those past decisions ended up chasing my entire family away and now I’m trying to put the pieces back together along with my little girl.
November 13, 2018
Half a story 3.5 stars
I went into this one blind. I knew it was a family drama, but it took a while for the story to unravel.... too long. I wanted some romance and there was very little of that. I found it hard to connect to any of the mc’s. The only one I really wanted to know about was Mason, when I get to the end I find out the next book is about him.... I wish I had skipped this one and went straight to him, I am sure he will have no trouble bring the romance to the forefront. This one was not badly written, just not my preferred storyline.
I went into this one blind. I knew it was a family drama, but it took a while for the story to unravel.... too long. I wanted some romance and there was very little of that. I found it hard to connect to any of the mc’s. The only one I really wanted to know about was Mason, when I get to the end I find out the next book is about him.... I wish I had skipped this one and went straight to him, I am sure he will have no trouble bring the romance to the forefront. This one was not badly written, just not my preferred storyline.
March 9, 2015
To say i enjoyed this book is a understatement. A sign of a fantastic book: I was maybe a third of the way and I jumped in the car to go to my local bookstore to order a hard copy of this beautifully written wonderful love story. And make no bones about it this is a love story. A perfect wonderful beautiful real love story. The kind we all dream of having. One that lasts through all time. Like the Princess bride love story where Wesley tells Buttercup that death can not stop true love only delay it for a little while love story. I truly believe after reading about Gabe and Chris that they would go through a fire swamp for each other and both would definitely handle the ROUS’s for themselves and their children. Never thought I would find a love story to rival Wesley and Buttercups or one that Kindle alexander has in Always between Kane and Avery but this one does.
But the book is more than just a swoonworthy tale of two men and how they came to have a Princess Bride love story. This is also about healing and finding your family and self. AJ is lost she left her family in a wake of her pain and now is going to them to find out the truth. She feels hurt and betrayed. She has her own secrets and doesn’t want to deal with them. Upon arriving home reality crashes in and she is faced with many things. Her dads have wandered from each other, she is feeling alone and doesn’t know what to do. Gabe realizes this and makes a deal with her. He will tell the story of how her dad’s became her dads if she talks to. Getting her to talk not easy but in the end it is Gabe and Chris together who do. Those two are so meant for each other and the actions that Gabe does in the end to show Chris his love will have you in tears. Seriously this is a kleenex moment. The whole love story of CHris and Gabe and heartache and pain of AJ will just have you needing kleenex. Chris and Gabe are great. This book will have you laughing at how they met and became friends. Chris will have you smiling with how he comes up with material for songs, Their two boys are a hoot and just keep you entertained. Gabe is kind and caring but does lose his way a little. Thank heavens he finds it. So does Chris.These two are so perfect together. They pull together for their family and for AJ.
Each character even Porter will draw you to them and root for them. You don’t want to put the book down or have the story end it is just to heartfelt and warm. Such beautiful writing and emotions are poured into the page. You get invested from page 1 and so hope that things work out. A amazing wonderful story about love and family that will have you smile, laugh cry and just want more.
But the book is more than just a swoonworthy tale of two men and how they came to have a Princess Bride love story. This is also about healing and finding your family and self. AJ is lost she left her family in a wake of her pain and now is going to them to find out the truth. She feels hurt and betrayed. She has her own secrets and doesn’t want to deal with them. Upon arriving home reality crashes in and she is faced with many things. Her dads have wandered from each other, she is feeling alone and doesn’t know what to do. Gabe realizes this and makes a deal with her. He will tell the story of how her dad’s became her dads if she talks to. Getting her to talk not easy but in the end it is Gabe and Chris together who do. Those two are so meant for each other and the actions that Gabe does in the end to show Chris his love will have you in tears. Seriously this is a kleenex moment. The whole love story of CHris and Gabe and heartache and pain of AJ will just have you needing kleenex. Chris and Gabe are great. This book will have you laughing at how they met and became friends. Chris will have you smiling with how he comes up with material for songs, Their two boys are a hoot and just keep you entertained. Gabe is kind and caring but does lose his way a little. Thank heavens he finds it. So does Chris.These two are so perfect together. They pull together for their family and for AJ.
Each character even Porter will draw you to them and root for them. You don’t want to put the book down or have the story end it is just to heartfelt and warm. Such beautiful writing and emotions are poured into the page. You get invested from page 1 and so hope that things work out. A amazing wonderful story about love and family that will have you smile, laugh cry and just want more.
March 10, 2015
I literally fall in love with every single character this author writes about. I've been following Claudia's work since her first novel and have just fallen more in love with each and every book she writes. I can't even describe how much I adore the female protagonist A.J in this novel. She is beyond believable, independent, yet needy at the same time. And Gabe? Well...he is such a great addition to this heart pounding story.
What I loved most about this book was every single time I thought I knew what was coming, I ended up being completely off. This book surprises you at every turn. The story goes back and forth from A.J or Ainsley's story as to why she walked out on her family (brothers and Dad) three years ago to the story of how Gabe's (Dad) story evolved. A.J & Gabe come together to learn about each other and try to understand each other. It was very heartwarming to see an author depict a father/daughter relationship as the focal point of a novel, instead of the typical boy meets girl that we are constantly reading about.
Claudia definitely uses this book to write emotionally charged scenes on very sensitive subject matter. This book is mature in theme and it is NOT for the faint of heart. That being said, this book is for those of you looking to experience a fantastic book with perfectly woven chapters that just keep picking up in speed and plot points until the bitter end.
The more I read of this book, the more I was afraid to finish it. Since it is the first book in Claudia's new series, I was skeptical as to how it would end. A big cliff hanger? A last chapter that captivates you and infuriates you at the same damn time? Well....I'm not going to say but I will say this: The ending is simply magnificent and it just makes me that much more excited for the next installment in this series.
What I loved most about this book was every single time I thought I knew what was coming, I ended up being completely off. This book surprises you at every turn. The story goes back and forth from A.J or Ainsley's story as to why she walked out on her family (brothers and Dad) three years ago to the story of how Gabe's (Dad) story evolved. A.J & Gabe come together to learn about each other and try to understand each other. It was very heartwarming to see an author depict a father/daughter relationship as the focal point of a novel, instead of the typical boy meets girl that we are constantly reading about.
Claudia definitely uses this book to write emotionally charged scenes on very sensitive subject matter. This book is mature in theme and it is NOT for the faint of heart. That being said, this book is for those of you looking to experience a fantastic book with perfectly woven chapters that just keep picking up in speed and plot points until the bitter end.
The more I read of this book, the more I was afraid to finish it. Since it is the first book in Claudia's new series, I was skeptical as to how it would end. A big cliff hanger? A last chapter that captivates you and infuriates you at the same damn time? Well....I'm not going to say but I will say this: The ending is simply magnificent and it just makes me that much more excited for the next installment in this series.
April 4, 2016
Well that was unexpected! I struggled with this book for the first 50% and then the puzzle started to piece together- really enjoyed this once it started to make sense ! Enough of this now - time for book 2
probably-not-but-freebie
July 10, 2018Freebie at the 'zon.com right now: https://smile.amazon.com/Unlike-Any-O...
March 23, 2015
Note: This ebook was provided by Rock Star Lit PR via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
AJ Colthurst is one of three children and her upbringing was not a conventional, what with parents who both happen to be celebrities. After too many years of being kept secret, AJ has had enough and, after a heartbreaking confrontation with her parents, she walks out. It takes three years for her to come face to face with her father, Gabe Colt, and it comes on the heels of news of her parents' separation. She wants them to reconsider and maybe having Gabe reminisce and share their love story will help them to do so.
Gabe Colt's life changed from wanting to be a stockbroker after he's discovered as a model. Soon afterward, he becomes an actor and a famous one at that. Over the years, he's evolved even further but still remains in the industry that he loves...but at what cost? His family has always meant the most to him but with his only daughter leaving the family fold for three years spotlighting problems from within, Gabe may need to look back to the past if he hopes to fix the present and still have a future with his loved ones.
Unlike Any Other is the first book in the Unexpected series by Claudia Y. Burgoa and one that I enjoyed quite a great deal. I do wish that I hadn't seen this book categorized as a specific kind of romance on Amazon because then the reveal would have unfolded as a surprising twist rather than as an already known fact. The entire book isn't just about the romance but it is the focal point and one that sets the foundation for everything else that happens to the characters, especially the lead female, AJ Colthurst.
At its very core, this was a story about a family struggling to regain its roots and its balance, especially after daughter AJ, the only girl among the triplets, makes certain accusations regarding how they were raised toward her parents and then leaves and doesn't return for three years. Her sudden return is brought about by a news item regarding her father and that he is no longer a bachelor and is about to be a father; ironic since he already has three grown children and has been married for quite some time now.
I've always felt that the first book in a series is successful if it does two things: 1. Tells a great story and has memorable characters, and 2. Piques the reader's interest regarding the other characters in order to want to read future installments. Unlike Any Other most certainly did both and now I'm itching to find out what happens to the rest of the characters. This was such an unexpectedly (pun not intended!) addictive read and had I not known the twist going in, I would have given it a perfect five-star rating. It gets 4.5 stars! ♥
AJ Colthurst is one of three children and her upbringing was not a conventional, what with parents who both happen to be celebrities. After too many years of being kept secret, AJ has had enough and, after a heartbreaking confrontation with her parents, she walks out. It takes three years for her to come face to face with her father, Gabe Colt, and it comes on the heels of news of her parents' separation. She wants them to reconsider and maybe having Gabe reminisce and share their love story will help them to do so.
Gabe Colt's life changed from wanting to be a stockbroker after he's discovered as a model. Soon afterward, he becomes an actor and a famous one at that. Over the years, he's evolved even further but still remains in the industry that he loves...but at what cost? His family has always meant the most to him but with his only daughter leaving the family fold for three years spotlighting problems from within, Gabe may need to look back to the past if he hopes to fix the present and still have a future with his loved ones.
Unlike Any Other is the first book in the Unexpected series by Claudia Y. Burgoa and one that I enjoyed quite a great deal. I do wish that I hadn't seen this book categorized as a specific kind of romance on Amazon because then the reveal would have unfolded as a surprising twist rather than as an already known fact. The entire book isn't just about the romance but it is the focal point and one that sets the foundation for everything else that happens to the characters, especially the lead female, AJ Colthurst.
At its very core, this was a story about a family struggling to regain its roots and its balance, especially after daughter AJ, the only girl among the triplets, makes certain accusations regarding how they were raised toward her parents and then leaves and doesn't return for three years. Her sudden return is brought about by a news item regarding her father and that he is no longer a bachelor and is about to be a father; ironic since he already has three grown children and has been married for quite some time now.
I've always felt that the first book in a series is successful if it does two things: 1. Tells a great story and has memorable characters, and 2. Piques the reader's interest regarding the other characters in order to want to read future installments. Unlike Any Other most certainly did both and now I'm itching to find out what happens to the rest of the characters. This was such an unexpectedly (pun not intended!) addictive read and had I not known the twist going in, I would have given it a perfect five-star rating. It gets 4.5 stars! ♥
March 31, 2015
Love chooses you ... there is very little we can do when our hearts take the leap. It does not matter whether it is practical, part of our plans, or even good for us. When we encounter our special someone we just should embrace this gift with open arms.
AJ is thrown for a loop when she reads the headlines picturing her estranged father with a pregnant new love interest according to the paparazzi. The gossip rag was stating her Dad was getting married but what about his existing family? He had never admitted to having children due to his career ... so what now? Was he replacing all of them to make room for the pregnant twenty-something in the picture? What a shock! The only solution was to confront her father and find out once and for all what was going on.
Gabe Colt has been keeping secrets. As a famous movie star and producer, he has to play the Hollywood game and appear to be sexy and available. With the shocking news being spread about on the gossip rags he knew it would not take long for the entire family to be in an uproar. Was this the right time to come clean and disclose all his secrets to both his family and the public? Has AJ already paid the price his fame has exacted on him and his secrets? His little girl is lost and needs him to step up and take responsibility.
This story will surprise you. Masterfully weaved, it is the dual story of AJ and her struggle to find her identity and the story of Gabe and the cost of his rise to success. The decisions our characters make have consequences that have distorted and shaped all their futures. The loving family they all hoped to have has disintegrated into a farce that has shaped their destinies into something they never wanted. They must all face the truth no matter how difficult it may be and finally take responsibility for their actions.
This is a sensitive, emotional, and engrossing story you will not want to put down. I highly recommend it. The depth and complexity of this story only proves what an amazing author Claudia Burgoa is.
AJ is thrown for a loop when she reads the headlines picturing her estranged father with a pregnant new love interest according to the paparazzi. The gossip rag was stating her Dad was getting married but what about his existing family? He had never admitted to having children due to his career ... so what now? Was he replacing all of them to make room for the pregnant twenty-something in the picture? What a shock! The only solution was to confront her father and find out once and for all what was going on.
Gabe Colt has been keeping secrets. As a famous movie star and producer, he has to play the Hollywood game and appear to be sexy and available. With the shocking news being spread about on the gossip rags he knew it would not take long for the entire family to be in an uproar. Was this the right time to come clean and disclose all his secrets to both his family and the public? Has AJ already paid the price his fame has exacted on him and his secrets? His little girl is lost and needs him to step up and take responsibility.
This story will surprise you. Masterfully weaved, it is the dual story of AJ and her struggle to find her identity and the story of Gabe and the cost of his rise to success. The decisions our characters make have consequences that have distorted and shaped all their futures. The loving family they all hoped to have has disintegrated into a farce that has shaped their destinies into something they never wanted. They must all face the truth no matter how difficult it may be and finally take responsibility for their actions.
This is a sensitive, emotional, and engrossing story you will not want to put down. I highly recommend it. The depth and complexity of this story only proves what an amazing author Claudia Burgoa is.
March 9, 2015
It's not often I start a book almost totally lost and end up being blown away by it at the end. It's also not often I forget what a book is about before I start reading it, and I'm so thankful that this is one time it happened. I'm also thankful can read new things and realize I'm okay with it, even though that's not always the case with everyone.
This book was really different for me. Up until about 33% of the book, I wasn't sure what was going on. I had ideas, and hunches, but as it turned out, they were wrong. To try and get a grip on things, I stopped reading and read the blurb, but that didn't help clear up my confusion. Now let me clarify, even though I was confused as to what was going on and what the story was about, I couldn't stop reading it. I wanted to know what the great mystery was and the whole reason for secrecy that would deny children and a healthy relationship.
When it came to the characters, I was on the fence about how I felt about them. The story is told from AJ and Gabe's points of view. I liked both of them for the most part. There were parts when I felt like AJ was acting like a brat and there were points when I thought Gabe needed a good smack to the back of his head to bring him to his senses. Luckily, he managed to do that on his own, with some help from his children, so no violence was necessary.
I was also able to figure out the cause of my confusion. It turns out that the story starts in the present, goes into the past, and then comes back to the present. All of the chapters are neatly laid out, so you know whose head we're in and what year we're in. The story clicked for me after Gabe started recalling how he's met the love of his life.
There was a twist that I didn't see coming, and I was surprised by it. I like how the author laid it out there. It was something I'm not used to reading, and I know some people will not read the book because of it. I do like the message the book conveyed and the method in which it was conveyed. I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series and am hoping AJ finds some peace and happiness. She really had it rough in this book.
This book was really different for me. Up until about 33% of the book, I wasn't sure what was going on. I had ideas, and hunches, but as it turned out, they were wrong. To try and get a grip on things, I stopped reading and read the blurb, but that didn't help clear up my confusion. Now let me clarify, even though I was confused as to what was going on and what the story was about, I couldn't stop reading it. I wanted to know what the great mystery was and the whole reason for secrecy that would deny children and a healthy relationship.
When it came to the characters, I was on the fence about how I felt about them. The story is told from AJ and Gabe's points of view. I liked both of them for the most part. There were parts when I felt like AJ was acting like a brat and there were points when I thought Gabe needed a good smack to the back of his head to bring him to his senses. Luckily, he managed to do that on his own, with some help from his children, so no violence was necessary.
I was also able to figure out the cause of my confusion. It turns out that the story starts in the present, goes into the past, and then comes back to the present. All of the chapters are neatly laid out, so you know whose head we're in and what year we're in. The story clicked for me after Gabe started recalling how he's met the love of his life.
There was a twist that I didn't see coming, and I was surprised by it. I like how the author laid it out there. It was something I'm not used to reading, and I know some people will not read the book because of it. I do like the message the book conveyed and the method in which it was conveyed. I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series and am hoping AJ finds some peace and happiness. She really had it rough in this book.
March 10, 2015
Received from the author for a honest review. This is my second book that I have read from this author and her writing just gets better. Unlike Any Other is a story of AJ and her path back to her family. After 3 years of self-exile from her family, AJ sees something in the tabloids that make her return. Gabe is her father and is willing to tell his story if she tells hers. After a ok start of this book, the story takes off. We go from 2015 to 1987, back and forth until the story unfolds. It has lots of wonderful and sad surprises. I really enjoyed how we got to the end and can only hope for more from AJ and her "Unlike Any Other" family!
March 5, 2015
This author has spun a story that has an immense complexity to it that is addictively captivating.I look forward to journeying with each & every player in this series especially Porter.He seems to be the darkest of them all.
This book has a mature,mysterious,polished feel about it that is sorely lacking in many series that have plot lines that are entirely sexually driven.The cover does not hurt the eyes either.
This book has a mature,mysterious,polished feel about it that is sorely lacking in many series that have plot lines that are entirely sexually driven.The cover does not hurt the eyes either.
October 5, 2015
This book starts out with you thinking way and then completely shocks you. I didn't even see it coming and had no idea. This was such a great story of family, love and loss. I loved this story and can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series.
March 18, 2015
Shel: The first part of this review isn't going to sound like I liked this book very much so just stick with me, okay? Court: Sticking!
Shel: To be honest, I wasn't very familiar with Claudia Burgoa; I'd seen her novels floating past me on twitter or goodreads and they always looked appealing but I'd get distracted by other things. Then we got an invitation to read the book, and the blurb sounded interesting, and the preliminary reviewers were raving; we had time and a clear schedule, so I signed us up to review it. Ultimately, I'm glad I did but I'll be honest--the first 10%-ish of the novel was a challenge and the next 20% felt a little slow. There were some parts in AJ's initial narrative that were disjointed or jumpy and I couldn't quite follow what was going on, in the very beginning. As for Gabe's first major chunk, it was smoother reading but I kept wondering what was taking so long to get to the meat of the story. (I, obviously, am an impatient reader). My one other complaint was that there were instances when I felt things were over-explained or maybe a little cliche but.....I stuck with it and as the title suggested, it was unlike any other story I've read in a while. Court: Agreed. It started fast, and we knew that we were going to have a run for our money what with the first scenes with A.J. and the little things she says indicates there is some major family drama unfolding. Then, as we started into the meat of things with storytelling with Gabe and A.J. I wasn't sure that I was up for the challenge this novel was proving to be. Present POV changes and past changes? What. No. However, Shel said...let's give it a little bit longer...and I'm so glad I did. So. Glad.
Shel: The note at the beginning of the novel will explain this more clearly, but this novel follows the stories of AJ and Gabe (daughter and father). While it's supposed to be, I think, more Gabe's story, AJ's plight as a young girl and then a young woman is one that is evenly featured and works well with the story of Gabe's. Without getting too spoilery, I'll say that both story lines focus on coming of age/adulthood and with that--secrets, lies, and the hurts that are inevitable in love...or what you think is love. Court: No doubt. I came to love the idea of Gabe, and how he came to be this big star, and trying to figure out how he could hide his family away from the spotlight and no one knew that he even had a family. I don't blame A.J. at all for the way she reacted to things, and just as her Dad raised her to be independent and strong, he had a long way to go to win her back when things go so awry.
Shel: Again, without being spoilerific, I think that how Claudia Burgoa treated the relationships with AJ and Gabe's love interests and the emotions and feelings that went with those was very believable (considering we're in the fictional world of celebrities). I appreciated that she delved into the emotional impact of abandonment and fear. I also enjoyed reading a father's point of view and the corresponding daughter's point of view; this idea was one that I don't think I've read in this genre before and I found it refreshing. Court: I, too, loved that. The love and hurts, betrayals and misunderstandings...they are so much a part of this story, but it is also about how to overcome, understand people who might not have the exact same outlook as you...and go all in. I loved the surprises that this story held for me, and I am even more excited for the next book. All these boys we're introduced to get a book, with A.J. being the center of their family. I love these sorts of family centered stories and this one definitely was all about getting this family back to it's former glory. Hard feat, but I found it refreshingly original.
Shel: After getting over the initial bumps at the beginning, I'm glad that I stuck with it and I'm very curious about the next book in this series. Court: Indeed. Cannot wait for more!
Shel: To be honest, I wasn't very familiar with Claudia Burgoa; I'd seen her novels floating past me on twitter or goodreads and they always looked appealing but I'd get distracted by other things. Then we got an invitation to read the book, and the blurb sounded interesting, and the preliminary reviewers were raving; we had time and a clear schedule, so I signed us up to review it. Ultimately, I'm glad I did but I'll be honest--the first 10%-ish of the novel was a challenge and the next 20% felt a little slow. There were some parts in AJ's initial narrative that were disjointed or jumpy and I couldn't quite follow what was going on, in the very beginning. As for Gabe's first major chunk, it was smoother reading but I kept wondering what was taking so long to get to the meat of the story. (I, obviously, am an impatient reader). My one other complaint was that there were instances when I felt things were over-explained or maybe a little cliche but.....I stuck with it and as the title suggested, it was unlike any other story I've read in a while. Court: Agreed. It started fast, and we knew that we were going to have a run for our money what with the first scenes with A.J. and the little things she says indicates there is some major family drama unfolding. Then, as we started into the meat of things with storytelling with Gabe and A.J. I wasn't sure that I was up for the challenge this novel was proving to be. Present POV changes and past changes? What. No. However, Shel said...let's give it a little bit longer...and I'm so glad I did. So. Glad.
Shel: The note at the beginning of the novel will explain this more clearly, but this novel follows the stories of AJ and Gabe (daughter and father). While it's supposed to be, I think, more Gabe's story, AJ's plight as a young girl and then a young woman is one that is evenly featured and works well with the story of Gabe's. Without getting too spoilery, I'll say that both story lines focus on coming of age/adulthood and with that--secrets, lies, and the hurts that are inevitable in love...or what you think is love. Court: No doubt. I came to love the idea of Gabe, and how he came to be this big star, and trying to figure out how he could hide his family away from the spotlight and no one knew that he even had a family. I don't blame A.J. at all for the way she reacted to things, and just as her Dad raised her to be independent and strong, he had a long way to go to win her back when things go so awry.
Shel: Again, without being spoilerific, I think that how Claudia Burgoa treated the relationships with AJ and Gabe's love interests and the emotions and feelings that went with those was very believable (considering we're in the fictional world of celebrities). I appreciated that she delved into the emotional impact of abandonment and fear. I also enjoyed reading a father's point of view and the corresponding daughter's point of view; this idea was one that I don't think I've read in this genre before and I found it refreshing. Court: I, too, loved that. The love and hurts, betrayals and misunderstandings...they are so much a part of this story, but it is also about how to overcome, understand people who might not have the exact same outlook as you...and go all in. I loved the surprises that this story held for me, and I am even more excited for the next book. All these boys we're introduced to get a book, with A.J. being the center of their family. I love these sorts of family centered stories and this one definitely was all about getting this family back to it's former glory. Hard feat, but I found it refreshingly original.
Shel: After getting over the initial bumps at the beginning, I'm glad that I stuck with it and I'm very curious about the next book in this series. Court: Indeed. Cannot wait for more!
March 11, 2015
Claudia was kind enough to gift a copy for an honest review. Another fantastic story from this AMAZING author and have never read a book like this.
This story is not like any other when you have an amazing family that have so much love for each other but is torn between lies, publicity stunts, paparazzi and when one of your children is hidden from it all and lossed her parents in the process.
AJ is a daughter of the famous actor Gabe Colt and hasn't spoken to him in three years. AJ is also a triplet to famous brothers who are in the music industry. One loves the fame as the other one doesn't. AJ is hidden from the publicity and no one knows about her except her family and close family friends. AJ see's something in the paper about her father that she hates and decides to break the ice between each other. With doing this it brings her brothers, parents and her ex to the situation that brings up old memories for her and everyone starts to learn the truth. AJ wants to fix her relationship with Gabe and to understand why he has hidden her and his family from the public eye and hope to salvage her parents relationship.
Gabe Colt came from a loving family and was to take over his family's business. That all changed when someone saw him and asked if he had modeled before. Gabe did some modeling and then was introduced to the film industry where he struggled as his career was taking off but once he found the right roles the rest is history. As Gabe's career was taking off all he still wanted was the perfect house, with the perfect partner and have children. Was struggling with this but finally found someone who was also his best friend. At first it was tough between the two once both found out how much love they had for each other, there was no going back but to move forward and have that family that Gabe wanted and his soul mate wanted the same. The triplets were born and Gabe Colt's family was complete. One thing that Gabe wanted was to protect his soul mate and children from the public eye. To the public eye Gabe lead a single life and was quite the ladies man. To Gabe's family this was becoming too much and it pushed his soul mate away from him and his daughter.
AJ explains to Gabe how the whole situation feels and why she said what she said just before her father told her to leave. Gabe explains to AJ why he did what he did but regrets some of the situations but is now time to come clean not only for him or AJ but for his whole family.
This story you will learn a lot and will take something from it. I'm not a parent but as a parent and when you are in love with someone and have the family you wanted either planned or surprised you will do anything to protect them. Whether you are in the public eye or just any person you make choices not only for yourself but your family as well and those choices may be good or bad but at that moment there is a reason why you either chose to do it or you are gonna choose to do it. Problem is we think either in the Past or the Future but a lot of us don't think of the NOW... Some choices later down the track will come back and bite you in bum but if you don't give it a try you are not gonna know. In the end we protect our family and friends how we see fit and not everyone will agree but that is society for you. You can't please everyone.
From reading this book I have taken so much from it and seen how society can be not just from family or friends but from the general public. We choose to hide certain parts of our lives and other parts we don't. Our lives should never be judged from anyone as we make choices everyday good or bad and some have consequences but if we don't make mistakes how does one learn from them. Never judge a book by it's cover and someone is always fighting some sort of battle.
This story is not like any other when you have an amazing family that have so much love for each other but is torn between lies, publicity stunts, paparazzi and when one of your children is hidden from it all and lossed her parents in the process.
AJ is a daughter of the famous actor Gabe Colt and hasn't spoken to him in three years. AJ is also a triplet to famous brothers who are in the music industry. One loves the fame as the other one doesn't. AJ is hidden from the publicity and no one knows about her except her family and close family friends. AJ see's something in the paper about her father that she hates and decides to break the ice between each other. With doing this it brings her brothers, parents and her ex to the situation that brings up old memories for her and everyone starts to learn the truth. AJ wants to fix her relationship with Gabe and to understand why he has hidden her and his family from the public eye and hope to salvage her parents relationship.
Gabe Colt came from a loving family and was to take over his family's business. That all changed when someone saw him and asked if he had modeled before. Gabe did some modeling and then was introduced to the film industry where he struggled as his career was taking off but once he found the right roles the rest is history. As Gabe's career was taking off all he still wanted was the perfect house, with the perfect partner and have children. Was struggling with this but finally found someone who was also his best friend. At first it was tough between the two once both found out how much love they had for each other, there was no going back but to move forward and have that family that Gabe wanted and his soul mate wanted the same. The triplets were born and Gabe Colt's family was complete. One thing that Gabe wanted was to protect his soul mate and children from the public eye. To the public eye Gabe lead a single life and was quite the ladies man. To Gabe's family this was becoming too much and it pushed his soul mate away from him and his daughter.
AJ explains to Gabe how the whole situation feels and why she said what she said just before her father told her to leave. Gabe explains to AJ why he did what he did but regrets some of the situations but is now time to come clean not only for him or AJ but for his whole family.
This story you will learn a lot and will take something from it. I'm not a parent but as a parent and when you are in love with someone and have the family you wanted either planned or surprised you will do anything to protect them. Whether you are in the public eye or just any person you make choices not only for yourself but your family as well and those choices may be good or bad but at that moment there is a reason why you either chose to do it or you are gonna choose to do it. Problem is we think either in the Past or the Future but a lot of us don't think of the NOW... Some choices later down the track will come back and bite you in bum but if you don't give it a try you are not gonna know. In the end we protect our family and friends how we see fit and not everyone will agree but that is society for you. You can't please everyone.
From reading this book I have taken so much from it and seen how society can be not just from family or friends but from the general public. We choose to hide certain parts of our lives and other parts we don't. Our lives should never be judged from anyone as we make choices everyday good or bad and some have consequences but if we don't make mistakes how does one learn from them. Never judge a book by it's cover and someone is always fighting some sort of battle.
March 12, 2015
4.5 out of 5 stars
I received a copy of this story for an honest review for The Reading Room Blog.
Unlike Any Other is unlike any other book I’ve read recently and I was completely taken with the originality of the story. Part romance, part family drama, part tale on the hazards of fame - this story caught me off guard and I loved author Claudia Burgoa for it.
AJ Colthurst was raised by loving parents that did their best to protect she and her siblings from the outside world. The fact that those parents were both famous celebrities only intensified their need to isolate and defend. But can a girl made into a ghost grow into a woman able to love? When news of her parents separation reaches her AJ decides to return home to demand answers from her wayward father.
Gabe Colthurst never anticipated a life in the spotlight but fame and fortune can cause the best man to lose sight of what's important. When his baby girl shows up at his doorstep broken hearted and demanding answers about the breakdown of her parents relationship he knows its his job to help her understand, to go back to the beginning of the love story with his soul mate and figure out where things went wrong.
What I Loved: Unlike Any Other is a unique and wonderfully written gem. To call this a romance would be a disservice. It is definitely a love story but a love story about different types of love – love between soul mates, love between a parent and child, love between friends. Author Claudia Burgoa beautifully translates both the happiness and hurt that can be inflicted during the course of a relationship.
What I Didn’t Love: Unlike Any Other sets up an extensive universe that will grow into at least four more books in the Unexpected Series (Unsurprisingly Complicated, Uncharted, Uncut, Unable to Forget). To set the stage this story ends with several lingering questions about decisions made and paths not taken. Hopefully they will be addressed in the coming books.
Favorite Quotes:
"My life became Porter Kendrick. I lived and breathed only for him until he cut the oxygen supply and let me die."
“Mason’s stare is set on the horizon, I want him to look back at me with that flame. A flame I’ve never seen before. Not the burning kind that kills you, but the one that consumes you slowly and melts your heart keeping it alive, warm, and safe.”
“I’ll be here waiting for you until you’re ready. Be ready soon. The pain of not having you is killing me.”
I cannot recommend Unlike Any Other enough. It's originality reinvigorated me and I cannot wait to see what author Claudia Burgoa has in store next. Again, this is the first book in the Unexpected Series and will be followed with Unsurprisingly Complicated which will focus on Mason, AJ's superhero. I will be waiting with grabby hands.
Happy reading.
I received a copy of this story for an honest review for The Reading Room Blog.
Unlike Any Other is unlike any other book I’ve read recently and I was completely taken with the originality of the story. Part romance, part family drama, part tale on the hazards of fame - this story caught me off guard and I loved author Claudia Burgoa for it.
AJ Colthurst was raised by loving parents that did their best to protect she and her siblings from the outside world. The fact that those parents were both famous celebrities only intensified their need to isolate and defend. But can a girl made into a ghost grow into a woman able to love? When news of her parents separation reaches her AJ decides to return home to demand answers from her wayward father.
Gabe Colthurst never anticipated a life in the spotlight but fame and fortune can cause the best man to lose sight of what's important. When his baby girl shows up at his doorstep broken hearted and demanding answers about the breakdown of her parents relationship he knows its his job to help her understand, to go back to the beginning of the love story with his soul mate and figure out where things went wrong.
What I Loved: Unlike Any Other is a unique and wonderfully written gem. To call this a romance would be a disservice. It is definitely a love story but a love story about different types of love – love between soul mates, love between a parent and child, love between friends. Author Claudia Burgoa beautifully translates both the happiness and hurt that can be inflicted during the course of a relationship.
What I Didn’t Love: Unlike Any Other sets up an extensive universe that will grow into at least four more books in the Unexpected Series (Unsurprisingly Complicated, Uncharted, Uncut, Unable to Forget). To set the stage this story ends with several lingering questions about decisions made and paths not taken. Hopefully they will be addressed in the coming books.
Favorite Quotes:
"My life became Porter Kendrick. I lived and breathed only for him until he cut the oxygen supply and let me die."
“Mason’s stare is set on the horizon, I want him to look back at me with that flame. A flame I’ve never seen before. Not the burning kind that kills you, but the one that consumes you slowly and melts your heart keeping it alive, warm, and safe.”
“I’ll be here waiting for you until you’re ready. Be ready soon. The pain of not having you is killing me.”
I cannot recommend Unlike Any Other enough. It's originality reinvigorated me and I cannot wait to see what author Claudia Burgoa has in store next. Again, this is the first book in the Unexpected Series and will be followed with Unsurprisingly Complicated which will focus on Mason, AJ's superhero. I will be waiting with grabby hands.
Happy reading.
March 10, 2019
English Review
I didn’t know anything about this book before reading it. I think it was for the best and it helped me appreciate the story! That’s why I will try to say a minimum.
Nobody knows that AJ is Gabe’s daughter because he has always wanted to protect her (and her brothers) from the media. When AJ discovers (on the cover of a magazine) that her father is with a young woman who is pregnant of his baby, she panics. She goes to see him for an explanation. The confrontation between AJ and her father ends up by the two of them sharing their stories.
The story is told in dual POV (AJ and Gabe) and there is a switching between past and present. The first chapters are a little difficult because we don’t know everything at the moment and because of the switching time.
It is a romance? Yes but not as usual, it’s also a story about life, family and relationships.
Will you cry? Yes!
Will you love this book? yes!
Oh! There’s no cliffhanger :) It can be read as a standalone.
Avis en français
Je ne savais rien de ce livre avant de le lire. Je pense que c’était pour le mieux et que cela m’a aidée à apprécier l’histoire ! C’est pour cela que je vais essayer d’en dévoiler le minimum.
Personne ne sait qu’AJ est la fille de Gabe car il a toujours voulu les protéger, elle et ses frères, des médias. Quand AJ découvre (sur la couverture d’un magazine) que son père est avec une jeune femme qui est enceinte de son bébé, elle panique. Elle va voir son père pour avoir une explication. La confrontation entre AJ et son père aboutit à un échange de leurs histoires.
L’histoire est racontée en double point de vue (AJ et Gabe) et on passe du passé au présent. Les premiers chapitres sont un peu difficiles à cause de ces bonds dans le temps et parce qu’on ne sait pas tout.
Est-ce une romance? Oui mais inhabituelle, c’est aussi une histoire sur la vie, la famille et les relations.
Allez-vous pleurer ? Oui !!
Allez-vous aimer ce livre? Oui !
Oh! Il n’y a pas de cliffhanger :) Cela peut être lu comme un livre autonome.
I didn’t know anything about this book before reading it. I think it was for the best and it helped me appreciate the story! That’s why I will try to say a minimum.
Nobody knows that AJ is Gabe’s daughter because he has always wanted to protect her (and her brothers) from the media. When AJ discovers (on the cover of a magazine) that her father is with a young woman who is pregnant of his baby, she panics. She goes to see him for an explanation. The confrontation between AJ and her father ends up by the two of them sharing their stories.
The story is told in dual POV (AJ and Gabe) and there is a switching between past and present. The first chapters are a little difficult because we don’t know everything at the moment and because of the switching time.
It is a romance? Yes but not as usual, it’s also a story about life, family and relationships.
Will you cry? Yes!
Will you love this book? yes!
Oh! There’s no cliffhanger :) It can be read as a standalone.
Avis en français
Je ne savais rien de ce livre avant de le lire. Je pense que c’était pour le mieux et que cela m’a aidée à apprécier l’histoire ! C’est pour cela que je vais essayer d’en dévoiler le minimum.
Personne ne sait qu’AJ est la fille de Gabe car il a toujours voulu les protéger, elle et ses frères, des médias. Quand AJ découvre (sur la couverture d’un magazine) que son père est avec une jeune femme qui est enceinte de son bébé, elle panique. Elle va voir son père pour avoir une explication. La confrontation entre AJ et son père aboutit à un échange de leurs histoires.
L’histoire est racontée en double point de vue (AJ et Gabe) et on passe du passé au présent. Les premiers chapitres sont un peu difficiles à cause de ces bonds dans le temps et parce qu’on ne sait pas tout.
Est-ce une romance? Oui mais inhabituelle, c’est aussi une histoire sur la vie, la famille et les relations.
Allez-vous pleurer ? Oui !!
Allez-vous aimer ce livre? Oui !
Oh! Il n’y a pas de cliffhanger :) Cela peut être lu comme un livre autonome.
November 25, 2015
SNS Rating: 4.66
~~~~~~~~~~Jess's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
This was an AMAZING read for me, it took me on a journey of epic proportions. This story pulled me in from the very first chapter. I found myself totally engrossed with the characters and the story line. It was like nothing I had ever read before.
This story is about family, love, devotion, secrets, lies & betrayal. There were quite a few bumps in the road that tore my heart out and a few secrets and surprises that knocked me for a loop. This book jumps back and forth in time but it was done it such a way that it did not interrupt my enjoyment.
One final thought, amazing read and amazing author.
** Unlike Any Other is the First Book in the Unexpected Series from Claudia Burgoa **
~~~~~~~~~~Amanda's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
This is not one of my typical reads, but I have to say the author did an excellent job. This work is definitely an emotional book. I was ready to cry for how much pain AJ went through and how lost she felt. I still haven't figured out how I feel about Gabe yet, my emotions are up in the air. I can see why he did what he did, but I'm also disappointed in how he handled things. I do love how the book ended, and I think it may surprise you a little.
~~~~~~~~~~Dee's ★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
The first few chapters proved to be a challenge. There was so much switching between past events and present, some relationships were not fully explained and it was difficult to bond with the main characters. However, in time things began moving more slowly, secrets were revealed and people and their connections became more clear. Basically, it is a story about life and relationships. People make decisions and choices based on perceptions that many times is in error. This story line explores one family with their past mistakes and understandings, dealing with the present reality and forming a more loving future together.
~~~~~~~~~~Jess's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
This was an AMAZING read for me, it took me on a journey of epic proportions. This story pulled me in from the very first chapter. I found myself totally engrossed with the characters and the story line. It was like nothing I had ever read before.
This story is about family, love, devotion, secrets, lies & betrayal. There were quite a few bumps in the road that tore my heart out and a few secrets and surprises that knocked me for a loop. This book jumps back and forth in time but it was done it such a way that it did not interrupt my enjoyment.
One final thought, amazing read and amazing author.
** Unlike Any Other is the First Book in the Unexpected Series from Claudia Burgoa **
~~~~~~~~~~Amanda's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
This is not one of my typical reads, but I have to say the author did an excellent job. This work is definitely an emotional book. I was ready to cry for how much pain AJ went through and how lost she felt. I still haven't figured out how I feel about Gabe yet, my emotions are up in the air. I can see why he did what he did, but I'm also disappointed in how he handled things. I do love how the book ended, and I think it may surprise you a little.
~~~~~~~~~~Dee's ★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
The first few chapters proved to be a challenge. There was so much switching between past events and present, some relationships were not fully explained and it was difficult to bond with the main characters. However, in time things began moving more slowly, secrets were revealed and people and their connections became more clear. Basically, it is a story about life and relationships. People make decisions and choices based on perceptions that many times is in error. This story line explores one family with their past mistakes and understandings, dealing with the present reality and forming a more loving future together.
May 26, 2015
Wow!!! This book was nothing that I had anticipated. Let me first say that M/M books have never been on my radar. It is just not my thing, and I seem to find it a bit uncomfortable at times. Not to over analyze that
statement, but I have no real opinion on the subject one way or another, and to each their own, it has just ever appealed to me in my reading. Unlike Any Other is a very complex story, and it really forced me to explore my own feelings. This was not just a story about two people falling in love, but rather an entire dynamic of a family. The story telling between Ainsley and Gabriel was a very creative way to allow the readers to relive the past. Be sure to devote your whole attention since from the start of the story telling you will proceed to bounce around a bit to get the whole story. Although, told in such a way that you are still in the dark as to the dynamic of the relationship till you the majority of the way through the story. Gabe and Chris's story is very unique and non traditional, but it easy to see how this romance develops and feel the love that they have for their children. Unbeknownst to the children they have a very unusual life, but this was all done in the effort to create a world that would offer them privacy and protection. In order to create such an environment this is a story packed for of secrets and hidden truths. While I understand the beliefs this has created a mountain of issues for children and parents living with the secrets. The ultimate goal of this story is to lay the ground work, and see the start of overcoming the damage that has been done in hidding. Unlike Any Other is powerful and intriguing story that really tested me personally. It was an enjoyable journey outside my normal comfort zone. I look forward to the next story, and look for the story to shift from the group to a more direct focus on the future for Ainsley. ~BookWhisperer Reviewer Jax~
statement, but I have no real opinion on the subject one way or another, and to each their own, it has just ever appealed to me in my reading. Unlike Any Other is a very complex story, and it really forced me to explore my own feelings. This was not just a story about two people falling in love, but rather an entire dynamic of a family. The story telling between Ainsley and Gabriel was a very creative way to allow the readers to relive the past. Be sure to devote your whole attention since from the start of the story telling you will proceed to bounce around a bit to get the whole story. Although, told in such a way that you are still in the dark as to the dynamic of the relationship till you the majority of the way through the story. Gabe and Chris's story is very unique and non traditional, but it easy to see how this romance develops and feel the love that they have for their children. Unbeknownst to the children they have a very unusual life, but this was all done in the effort to create a world that would offer them privacy and protection. In order to create such an environment this is a story packed for of secrets and hidden truths. While I understand the beliefs this has created a mountain of issues for children and parents living with the secrets. The ultimate goal of this story is to lay the ground work, and see the start of overcoming the damage that has been done in hidding. Unlike Any Other is powerful and intriguing story that really tested me personally. It was an enjoyable journey outside my normal comfort zone. I look forward to the next story, and look for the story to shift from the group to a more direct focus on the future for Ainsley. ~BookWhisperer Reviewer Jax~
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