All That's Unrealized

SunnyDale Days #3

by Constance Phillips

Sunnydale Day Hearts, horses, and healing... It’s what the doctor ordered for Rhonda Gables, owner of three successful four weeks of rest between winning this season’s Retail Project and claiming her prize. Rhonda must decide if being a TV reality show star is worth leaving behind her loved ones, including the increasingly appealing Trevor Collins. In a month, fashion mogul and reality TV judge Conrad Ryse, of The Retail Project fame, has promised to take Rhonda Gables under his wing and invest in her fledgling career. That’s her grand prize after a winning season on his show. Too bad exhaustion has sent Rhonda out of her city apartment, away from her three successful boutiques, and into her cousin’s guest room for a month of recuperation in her hometown. She’s on the cusp of everything she’s ever wanted, but what will it cost? Doctor’s orders be damned, she balks at first. But soon Rhonda is both delighted and disconcerted by the attentions of her friend-maybe-lover, Trevor Collins, and the contentment she is surrounded by back home. She must realize all she’s willing to compromise and all her heart truly desires.

198 pages, Paperback

First published February 12, 2015

About the author

Constance Phillips lives in Ohio with her husband, daughter, and four canine kids. Her son, now on his own, is planning a wedding, reconfirming that romance still lives and breathes.

When not writing stories of finding and rediscovering love, Constance and her husband spend the hours planning a cross-country motorcycle trip for the not-so-distant future…if they can find a sidecar big enough for the pups.

Fairyproof and Resurrecting Harry are available now through Crescent Moon Press. The Novella sequel to Fairyproof, Council Courtship is also now available. Her first Contemporary Romance, All That's Unspoken, will be available from Turquoise Morning Press December 15, 2013 and The Ultimate Catch will be released in 2014 from Whiskey Creek Press.

Reviews

[Katie O'Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhonda Gables just finished a grueling season as a contestant on a fashion reality show-- and won! Bright lights, big city fame and fortune -- all the things shes always dreamed of are right within her grasp. She has one month to design runway-worthy dresses for the final test: if she passes, she'll be offered a job as a designer for an exclusive label, otherwise she merely takes home the cash prize. Obviously, career-driven Rhonda is going for the job, burning the candle at both ends until severe exhaustion lands her in the hospital.

The doctor insists she take a few weeks to recuperate, and she ends up staying with her cousin Hailey, back in her little hometown where life is slower paced but no less complicated. She realizes her feelings for her friend Trevor Collins are more than platonic, and it scares her. She doesn't want to be trapped in her hometown when the New York fashion world is finally within her reach. But being forced to slow down her whirlwind pace also forces her to take a closer look at what's important in life, and at the way true success should be defined.

Trevor is caring, sexy, and has a little plot line of his own regarding his own work/life choices, but this is really Rhonda's story. She's the one who needs to take a deep breath and realize what it is that makes her truly happy, and what she wants out of life. I love the way the author lets her characters go through their thought and growth processes in a natural way, including the insecurities each feels at taking the plunge into a new relationship.

This is a short and sweet romance, with all but the briefest of kisses happening behind firmly closed doors. The POV alternates between Rhonda and Trevor, and it's interesting to see how insecure each of them feels despite all outward appearances of confidence. Watching them each conquer certain insecurities is wonderful, and I love the way the author wraps up the ending. HEA all the way, and I loved it.

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads"

This is the third in the series, but can definitely be read as a standalone. I would however commend the previous two books, as they provide context and are good stories too!

I really enjoyed how this book tied up lots of loose ends from previous books, but at the same time provided us with Rhonda and Trevor's stories in the foreground. They have been firm friends for a while, but now a chance to take it further, even if only for a while, is too tempting to resist. Annoyingly, as soon as they redefine their relationship, they forget to communicate, and both misunderstand each other. The layers and interweaving of small town life contrasted well with the brashness of high fashion. It was particularly well done when moving from Joss to Conrad. The theme of strong women and the issues of career v family continues to be a focus, and the men that flank these women do an interesting role, both as foils and supporters.

Looking forward to the next one, so I hope you are busy writing Ms Phillips!

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life slows down for no one. We have to take the time and effort to take a break from the whirlwind of it all. Both series and author are good at delivering much needed advice in a heartwarming but totally nonjudgmental way. Rhonda has the chance of lifetime laid out at her feet but will it all turn out to be too much? Or will it lead her to the place she really belongs? Life is fragile and so are we, therefore we have to appreciate it while we can.

[Heidi Lynn’s BookReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Constance Phillips for providing me with All That’s Unrealized Sunnydale Days, Book 3 so that I may bring you this review.

All That’s Unrealized is book three in the Sunnydale Days series. It is followed by two other books in the series All That’s Unspoken and All That’s Unclaimed. They can be read as stand alone books. As with any series, I suggest you read them in order as you get to know the characters more in-depth.

All That’s Unrealized was my favorite book of all the Sunnydale Days series. It was such a sweet romantic that touched me on so many levels. I was excited to see my favorite Hailey, Nate and Lori back again this time around. Their story was featured All That’s Unspoken book number 1 in the series. I was over the moon happy to learn Hailey was pregnant with Nate’s child.

This time around it was time for Rhonda’s and Trevor’s love story. Rhonda was the winner of The Retail Project and Trevor is a Physical Therapist. They were both friends for years but secretly yearning for more.

One of my favorite characters that pulled on my heart strings the most was Joss Morgan. Joss is sweet young boy living with Duchene Muscular Dystrophy. His disease was progressing and the only thing that made him happy was riding his horse Trixi.

One of the sweetest interactions of the story was how happy Rhonda’s sketch of the horse made Lori. Lori’s enthusiastically wanted Rhonda to design a dress with that logo on it. It was adorable how badly she wanted this to happen.

I highly suggest Constance Phillips All That’s Unrealized to anyone looking to read a sweet romantic story.

[N. Kuhn · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received this book free in exchange for an honest review*

This is yet another sweet, sexy, endearing romance from the Sunny Dale series. I loved seeing the other characters, but also getting to know Trevor and Rhonda. They both have a lot of success coming their way. But watching them struggle with getting what they want and figuring out if it really is what they want or not... It's just a great romance to curl up with and enjoy.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life is tough at times we need to slow down because it becomes overwhelming, a little too much to handle in this fast pace world. For some a break means losing too much in your career it can make or break you but if you don’t take that break it just may break you anyway. Sometimes what we think we want isn’t what we really do. It takes time, doing, waiting and more time to see what we really want is right before our face. Another sweet, sexy read with a touching story line of their struggles to get where they want to be and with whom. As always it is nice to see past characters and retouch with them along with a few happy surprises along the way.

Rhonda and Trevor have always has sparks between them but here they will have to meet them head on and see just what they mean. Both have issues they must face and it looks like they may face them together bring them closer than they have ever been. One thing the author has showed us in this series is how important family value is to us all. Sometimes we need to work that out for ourselves. For this reason it was easy to relate to the characters and their story. There are some heartbreaking moments which really pulled me in along with a very sweet plot that touched me. It’s a pull and tug with one knowing what they want and the other wanting it to but not willing to give up the life and dream they have always had. Max is sweet and kind I really wish there was more about him and how Rhonda and Trevor interacts with him. He is a big part of the family and I felt something was missing there.

I did like all the characters it is a great plot with some touching reading that is very enjoyable. I enjoyed watching Rhonda and Trevor love grow and the sparks flying. They are just wonderful people that have a delightful story to tell you.
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[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This 3rd book deals with choices-fame, fortune and job success or love and family. The focus is mostly on Rhonda, a fashion designer who because of health reasons returns to Caseville under her cousin Hailey's care, and Trevor a physical Therapist with a big heart. Many of Ms. Phillips' characters return from the previous books and it's enjoyable reading about their continuing relationships. Joss, a young boy with duschennes and goes to Sunnydale Farms for therapy sessions particularly stirred my emotions. An emphatic, sweet romance that I suggest to anyone who loves a quick, feel good story to curl up with.

[Sandi Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book for a whole other reason. Great read

I knew I would love Rhonda's story and I have been waiting for it since I met her in book 1. As for Trevor..oh chunky, good guy, Trevor I knew I would love him!!!! I love this book and oh my goodness the description of the clothing that Constance Phillips wrote about...WoW ,I could just see it.

Great details and a great read.

[Amanda Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book fits well in the SunnyDale Days series. It isn't as centred around the farm as the other books in the series. Trevor is a character we got to know a little bit from the last book, but it was nice to find out more about him, and Rhonda is amazing. It was a very sweet, and easy read just like the rest of the series! I liked it, and I am curious to find out about more of the characters from the series.

[Tresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, another great book in a fabulous series!!! I really love Rhonda and Trevor's story and how there is more to life then your career!! I also love the cast of characters in this book, some beloved old and some amazing new ones!!! I don't think I will get tired of this heartfelt, sweet, romantic series. A definite MUST read!!!

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This is the third book in the Sunnydale Days series. I have read multiple books from the author and once again she has written a good book. While this is part of a series, each book can be read as a standalone.

The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat that info here. The author did a good job of describing the setting of Sunnydale Farm and what they do and the main characters of this book are Trevor and Rhonda. The storyline was average and predictable but it still was a sweet story. I enjoyed this book and I think you will too! I look forward to reading more books in this series.