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Unexpected #5
Undefeated
Porter
“Porter, only you can help yourself. We’re here to guide you, but we can’t take you to the next level if you refuse to work.”
…there’s nothing they can do for me.
No matter what I tell them, what I do or whom I talk to, my woman is gone, my kid is dead, my career is over and the only family that loved me, now despises me.
I was once the nation’s biggest musical sensation. An International heartthrob. Now, I’m a skeleton of a life I once lived.
Porter Kendrick: the man, the myth, the legend.
A fallen branch of the Colthurst-Decker dynasty.
The demons of my past haunt me. Do I have the strength and will power to put them to rest? Can anyone really have it all?
Mackenzie
Love is a four-letter word more powerful than the energy of the sun. Love can move mountains. Love can conquer all. But there’s also the other side of the story, the sad truth. Love can destroy. Once, there was this boy I met with a set of amber eyes and a bright smile who took my breath away. It wasn’t love at first sight. No, we fell in love slowly, through the day-to-day contact.
Leonard Brooke promised to be my prince charming, as long as I could save him when he needed me. No other man could make me feel strong, safe, loved, and cherished.
But Leonard Brooke died, leaving me to figure out how to handle the grief of his loss. Inside though I’m incomplete. Broken.
My sassy-fiery daughter and my creative-sweet son are who keep me afloat. Trying to find a new normal without the love of my life, I head to Oregon. Leaving behind our old life and dreams.
Am I strong enough to start over? Can I turn my back on the only man I’ve loved?
“Porter, only you can help yourself. We’re here to guide you, but we can’t take you to the next level if you refuse to work.”
…there’s nothing they can do for me.
No matter what I tell them, what I do or whom I talk to, my woman is gone, my kid is dead, my career is over and the only family that loved me, now despises me.
I was once the nation’s biggest musical sensation. An International heartthrob. Now, I’m a skeleton of a life I once lived.
Porter Kendrick: the man, the myth, the legend.
A fallen branch of the Colthurst-Decker dynasty.
The demons of my past haunt me. Do I have the strength and will power to put them to rest? Can anyone really have it all?
Mackenzie
Love is a four-letter word more powerful than the energy of the sun. Love can move mountains. Love can conquer all. But there’s also the other side of the story, the sad truth. Love can destroy. Once, there was this boy I met with a set of amber eyes and a bright smile who took my breath away. It wasn’t love at first sight. No, we fell in love slowly, through the day-to-day contact.
Leonard Brooke promised to be my prince charming, as long as I could save him when he needed me. No other man could make me feel strong, safe, loved, and cherished.
But Leonard Brooke died, leaving me to figure out how to handle the grief of his loss. Inside though I’m incomplete. Broken.
My sassy-fiery daughter and my creative-sweet son are who keep me afloat. Trying to find a new normal without the love of my life, I head to Oregon. Leaving behind our old life and dreams.
Am I strong enough to start over? Can I turn my back on the only man I’ve loved?
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2016
36 people are currently reading
469 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 55 reviews
March 18, 2016
5 DECKER-COLHURST STARS
“You and me. The possibilities are endless.”
I know I go on and on about the Deckers and I always will. From the moment I met them in Unlike Any Other, they burrowed into my heart and became MY family. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every single book and while I certainly have my favourites – Mason, Chris, Mattie – all of these characters are phenomenal, complex, flawed and so endearing. With all that said, there was one character, adopted into the family (lucky bastard), that I was not a fan of – Porter Kendrick.
He’d been given a gift and an once-in-a-lifetime chance at a young age, and yes, while he did have a rocky and ugly start into the world, he fucked it all up. And when this book begins, finally, Porter’s at a point where he’d be the first to admit it.
Porter's trying to move on some way, some how, when Mackenzie (Mac) Brooke and her two children: Harper and Finn, walk into his life. Mac's a widow of two years but she's still very much in mourning and desperately trying to get out of a depression for her children’s sake.
I really tried to read this book slow and cherish every word, every moment. It was hard because Claudia's phenomenal gift of bringing a family to life and all of those emotions that go with that bond had me hook, line and sinker that I didn’t want to put it down.
This book is about forgiveness, forgiveness from others but also more importantly, learning to forgive yourself and to accept forgiveness from others.
“How do you teach your heart to beat again, your lungs to breathe and find a new way to live?”
It’s also about second chances even when you don’t think you deserve it or even if you fight it or even if you don’t see it right in front of you.
Mac and Porter's story isn't easy but it was so real and raw.
"...loving her like I'll only love her. Trying to share with her my every thought, my every heartbeat, my entire soul."
And when it got difficult, Porter came through and that's what had me changing my mind about him. We all make mistakes and every one should get a second chance.
“I see it. The reflection of my soul within his. We’re kindred spirits. Two broken people who found each other. He helped me find the broken pieces of my soul and stayed by my side while I put them back together.”
I highly recommend this book, this series. If you haven't met the Deckers, you need to. Do it now!! Finally, for all of your Decker fans, the Epilogue!!!
Claudia, you brought me to my knees with Chris' POV. The absolute BEST of the epilogue was this:
"Thank you, college boy. Without you, I wouldn't have my family. I love you."
"Happy Birthday, rock star."
GAH! Just writing that has me wanting to read the entire series again, now!! Thank you, Claudia, for bringing this beautifully complex and utterly amazing family to life and sharing it with me!!
**ARC generously provided by Claudia Burgoa in exchange for an honest review.**
-------
Comments upon finishing book:
This was an awesome ending to a heartwarming and fantastic series!! I'm all over the place right now.
For more reviews and blog posts.
“You and me. The possibilities are endless.”
I know I go on and on about the Deckers and I always will. From the moment I met them in Unlike Any Other, they burrowed into my heart and became MY family. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every single book and while I certainly have my favourites – Mason, Chris, Mattie – all of these characters are phenomenal, complex, flawed and so endearing. With all that said, there was one character, adopted into the family (lucky bastard), that I was not a fan of – Porter Kendrick.
He’d been given a gift and an once-in-a-lifetime chance at a young age, and yes, while he did have a rocky and ugly start into the world, he fucked it all up. And when this book begins, finally, Porter’s at a point where he’d be the first to admit it.
Porter's trying to move on some way, some how, when Mackenzie (Mac) Brooke and her two children: Harper and Finn, walk into his life. Mac's a widow of two years but she's still very much in mourning and desperately trying to get out of a depression for her children’s sake.
I really tried to read this book slow and cherish every word, every moment. It was hard because Claudia's phenomenal gift of bringing a family to life and all of those emotions that go with that bond had me hook, line and sinker that I didn’t want to put it down.
This book is about forgiveness, forgiveness from others but also more importantly, learning to forgive yourself and to accept forgiveness from others.
“How do you teach your heart to beat again, your lungs to breathe and find a new way to live?”
It’s also about second chances even when you don’t think you deserve it or even if you fight it or even if you don’t see it right in front of you.
Mac and Porter's story isn't easy but it was so real and raw.
"...loving her like I'll only love her. Trying to share with her my every thought, my every heartbeat, my entire soul."
And when it got difficult, Porter came through and that's what had me changing my mind about him. We all make mistakes and every one should get a second chance.
“I see it. The reflection of my soul within his. We’re kindred spirits. Two broken people who found each other. He helped me find the broken pieces of my soul and stayed by my side while I put them back together.”
I highly recommend this book, this series. If you haven't met the Deckers, you need to. Do it now!! Finally, for all of your Decker fans, the Epilogue!!!
Claudia, you brought me to my knees with Chris' POV. The absolute BEST of the epilogue was this:
"Thank you, college boy. Without you, I wouldn't have my family. I love you."
"Happy Birthday, rock star."
GAH! Just writing that has me wanting to read the entire series again, now!! Thank you, Claudia, for bringing this beautifully complex and utterly amazing family to life and sharing it with me!!
**ARC generously provided by Claudia Burgoa in exchange for an honest review.**
-------
Comments upon finishing book:
This was an awesome ending to a heartwarming and fantastic series!! I'm all over the place right now.
For more reviews and blog posts.
July 27, 2016
This review is based on an ARC by the author and/or publisher provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
I would call this the epitome of a second chance romance. It wasn't a quick and light read you would expect from a second chance romance. but this was his second chance at HUMANITY. There was just romance at the end of his rainbow. He was a real butt-munch in previous books. This final of a series let a leopard change his spots.
I would call this the epitome of a second chance romance. It wasn't a quick and light read you would expect from a second chance romance. but this was his second chance at HUMANITY. There was just romance at the end of his rainbow. He was a real butt-munch in previous books. This final of a series let a leopard change his spots.
March 21, 2016
With the release of “Undefeated” on the horizon, I thought I would post my thoughts on this series and this book in particular.
The first book in this series, “Unlike Any Other”, was a complete and total surprise to me. I’d read the synopsis, and was intrigued by the celebrity of the main characters, but otherwise went into it blind. It moved me beyond words. Burgoa’s writing gave me chills. Her writing is so lyrical; many times a beautifully written sentence would stop me cold, pausing to reread and reflect.
If you can’t tell I was pretty much a goner after the first book and waited with baited breath for each subsequent installment. All of those installments, “Unsurprisingly Complicated”, “Uncharted”, and “Uncut” are beautifully written with lots of opportunities to sit and reflect. And tissues, don’t forget the tissues. Now, finally, it’s Porter’s turn. The guy who was a primary antagonist for the first two books, now gets his own book. That, in and of itself, is unusual…not often do we see the antagonist of a series given a chance at true redemption. Porter gets his chance.
Once again, Burgoa tackles hard subjects in a beautiful manner. In this case, it’s Porter’s past demons and his widowed next-door neighbor and kids. Both are completely closed off to the world, doing the minimum, on auto-pilot to survive. Neither one truly living. The depth of loss for both sides is gut-wrenching. I hurt so much for both of these characters, and the children. (Once again, don’t forget the tissues!).
Undefeated should have been a one sitting read…BUT…I tried to pace myself since I knew it was the end of the Colthurst-Decker saga. Truthfully there were also a couple of times I had to set it down to recover and dry my tears. It’s a gut-wrencher, but so worth it.
I’m thankful that I picked up “Unlike Any Other”, it gave me a new series which I have LOVED from the first page and it introduced me to Claudia Burgoa. The books are on my “Favorites” shelf for lots of future re-reads, and Claudia is on my list of favorite authors that I will automatically pre-order.
The first book in this series, “Unlike Any Other”, was a complete and total surprise to me. I’d read the synopsis, and was intrigued by the celebrity of the main characters, but otherwise went into it blind. It moved me beyond words. Burgoa’s writing gave me chills. Her writing is so lyrical; many times a beautifully written sentence would stop me cold, pausing to reread and reflect.
If you can’t tell I was pretty much a goner after the first book and waited with baited breath for each subsequent installment. All of those installments, “Unsurprisingly Complicated”, “Uncharted”, and “Uncut” are beautifully written with lots of opportunities to sit and reflect. And tissues, don’t forget the tissues. Now, finally, it’s Porter’s turn. The guy who was a primary antagonist for the first two books, now gets his own book. That, in and of itself, is unusual…not often do we see the antagonist of a series given a chance at true redemption. Porter gets his chance.
Once again, Burgoa tackles hard subjects in a beautiful manner. In this case, it’s Porter’s past demons and his widowed next-door neighbor and kids. Both are completely closed off to the world, doing the minimum, on auto-pilot to survive. Neither one truly living. The depth of loss for both sides is gut-wrenching. I hurt so much for both of these characters, and the children. (Once again, don’t forget the tissues!).
Undefeated should have been a one sitting read…BUT…I tried to pace myself since I knew it was the end of the Colthurst-Decker saga. Truthfully there were also a couple of times I had to set it down to recover and dry my tears. It’s a gut-wrencher, but so worth it.
I’m thankful that I picked up “Unlike Any Other”, it gave me a new series which I have LOVED from the first page and it introduced me to Claudia Burgoa. The books are on my “Favorites” shelf for lots of future re-reads, and Claudia is on my list of favorite authors that I will automatically pre-order.
April 5, 2021
Wow. Every single review for this besides mine is either 4 or 5 stars. The average review in Hoopla is 1 star. On its own, it's a story of redemption for the H, with constant, constant flashbacks and so many pointless fanservice scenes with the characters of other books. The h is an afterthought at best, and second best by a thousand miles to the H's ex.
Don't read this as a standalone.
Don't read this as a standalone.
April 1, 2016
“For those who fight their demons, because everyone deserves a second chance in life.”
“That’s the beauty of the famous scientific method. You observe your subject, ask questions, and then research before establishing a hypothesis.”
“Someone once taught me that
never and ever should be used with caution. They are words that mean forever.”
“Our two broken souls found each other in the dark and began to heal each other’s wounds. That doesn’t mean that we’re completely healed.”
“How many times can a person hit the restart button? Is there a limit?”
“Losing your loved one isn’t something you get over with,” Pria says. “More like you learn to live with their absence and move into a place where you can find happiness. It’s a process; finding the new place is difficult. But once you reach it, you find you survived. There are cuts and a few bruises, but you made it—undefeated.”
“How do you teach your heart to beat again, your lungs to breathe and find a new way to live?”
“You just do,” he responds. “With one foot in front of the other, one exhale after the last inhale. It’s hard and takes time, but you learn to be with yourself and the memories. The good ones that will drag a smile out of you during those moments when you can’t breathe. They become your oxygen, the energy that carries you to the next day.”
“Home. That’s the word that comes to mind when I have her in my arms.”
“I wish you’d give yourself a chance to feel again, to live instead of guarding your heart. Will I leave you?” He shrugs. “I can’t promise that I won’t, because I don’t know how long I’ll live, but no one has a crystal ball and knows what’s going to happen tomorrow, or in five minutes. I’m asking you to give me those five minutes.”
“Friends, who in a week, taught me that life is better when you have someone to lean on. That if I let myself share some of the weight I carry, it’s easier to manage.”
“Families share everything, the good, the bad, the happy, and the sad.”
“Her words are like music to my heart, the answer to what I’ve been wondering all night.”
“We created a dream together and we work to make it a reality every day.”
“Live every day as if it was the last, leave this life with zero regrets.”
Undefeated the fifth book and conclusion to The Unexpected Series. (I’m going to miss The Deckers wretchedly. They have ingrained themselves into my soul.)
Porter’s story his personal journey, redemption, losing the love of your life, second chances, forgiveness and the importance of family bonds.
Undefeated is an exceptionally written novel with the right elements that will take two broken souls to the darkest lowest point in life to find each other to begin grieving, healing, discover the light once again and find a purpose for breathing and living again.
Porter had a traumatic childhood and was found by Chris & Gabe in a bar bathroom stall holding on to his guitar. The Deckers accepted Porter into their unconventional, unconditional loving family.
As a child and young adulthood, Porter believed himself unworthy ignorant, and he'd never fit in with just being himself.
One day fate decides to intervene, and a beautiful young woman who is presently grieving the loss of the love of her life with her two children inadvertently knock on Porter's door. Destiny had another plan for them. Their first encounter reawakens Mackenzie's soul.
Porter must face his past and make amends.
Will The Decker Clan forgive Porter his past transgressions?
When we believe, we've found our One and only soulmate we later discover The Universe has a different plan, and we end up having to endure the most unimaginable heart-breaking traumatic loss to have The Universe bring forth Our actual soulmate.
From time to time without perceiving our vows, promises made to loved ones in life keep us restrained to a non-existent entity and unable to move on. We end up living in despair when in reality Life is about the choices we make and how we handle and respond to the outcome.
The growth and development of the relationship between Porter, Mackenzie, Harper, and Finn are distinctive, compelling, sympathetic and outstanding. The internal conflicts they must overcome before moving on.
Author’s writing skills are powerful. She can lure you in slowly and seize you page after page.
So many unexpected gripping twists in this novel. Overall the scenes progress in a realistic, compelling manner. The plot flows with effective transitions, and the appropriate pace was not dragging. It’s an excellent book. I loved it!!!! Porter and Mackenzie’s (Harper & Finn) story including the whole Decker clan pulled at my heartstrings. No cliffhangers. Fresh, interesting and unique. Author has a gift for writing realistic family interactions with diversification, issues, and topics which perhaps may not be freely communicated in particular cultures.
Without reservation, I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
The Author provided an advanced review copy of this book.
Pre-Ordered on Amazon.
"The true test of love is not always ‘Will you fight for it?’ The real test of true love is often ‘Are you willing to give it up?"~ #TiffanyReisz
Playlist:
Let You Go by #NovaSkies
One Last Breathe by #Creed
LegoHouse by #EdSheeran
I Just Wanna Love You by #TheShires
If You're Gone by #MatchboxTwenty
It’s Been Awhile by #Staind
Let It Out by #EdSheeran
#Undefeated by #SecondhandSerenade
Let It Go by #JamesBay
If I Ain’t Got You by James Bay
Firefly by Ed Sheeran
Fall by Ed Sheeran
Higher by #Creed
Wake Me Up by Ed Sheeran
Give Me Love by Ed Sheeran
Kiss Me by Ed Sheeran
One by Ed Sheeran
With Arms Wide Open by #Creed
“That’s the beauty of the famous scientific method. You observe your subject, ask questions, and then research before establishing a hypothesis.”
“Someone once taught me that
never and ever should be used with caution. They are words that mean forever.”
“Our two broken souls found each other in the dark and began to heal each other’s wounds. That doesn’t mean that we’re completely healed.”
“How many times can a person hit the restart button? Is there a limit?”
“Losing your loved one isn’t something you get over with,” Pria says. “More like you learn to live with their absence and move into a place where you can find happiness. It’s a process; finding the new place is difficult. But once you reach it, you find you survived. There are cuts and a few bruises, but you made it—undefeated.”
“How do you teach your heart to beat again, your lungs to breathe and find a new way to live?”
“You just do,” he responds. “With one foot in front of the other, one exhale after the last inhale. It’s hard and takes time, but you learn to be with yourself and the memories. The good ones that will drag a smile out of you during those moments when you can’t breathe. They become your oxygen, the energy that carries you to the next day.”
“Home. That’s the word that comes to mind when I have her in my arms.”
“I wish you’d give yourself a chance to feel again, to live instead of guarding your heart. Will I leave you?” He shrugs. “I can’t promise that I won’t, because I don’t know how long I’ll live, but no one has a crystal ball and knows what’s going to happen tomorrow, or in five minutes. I’m asking you to give me those five minutes.”
“Friends, who in a week, taught me that life is better when you have someone to lean on. That if I let myself share some of the weight I carry, it’s easier to manage.”
“Families share everything, the good, the bad, the happy, and the sad.”
“Her words are like music to my heart, the answer to what I’ve been wondering all night.”
“We created a dream together and we work to make it a reality every day.”
“Live every day as if it was the last, leave this life with zero regrets.”
Undefeated the fifth book and conclusion to The Unexpected Series. (I’m going to miss The Deckers wretchedly. They have ingrained themselves into my soul.)
Porter’s story his personal journey, redemption, losing the love of your life, second chances, forgiveness and the importance of family bonds.
Undefeated is an exceptionally written novel with the right elements that will take two broken souls to the darkest lowest point in life to find each other to begin grieving, healing, discover the light once again and find a purpose for breathing and living again.
Porter had a traumatic childhood and was found by Chris & Gabe in a bar bathroom stall holding on to his guitar. The Deckers accepted Porter into their unconventional, unconditional loving family.
As a child and young adulthood, Porter believed himself unworthy ignorant, and he'd never fit in with just being himself.
One day fate decides to intervene, and a beautiful young woman who is presently grieving the loss of the love of her life with her two children inadvertently knock on Porter's door. Destiny had another plan for them. Their first encounter reawakens Mackenzie's soul.
Porter must face his past and make amends.
Will The Decker Clan forgive Porter his past transgressions?
When we believe, we've found our One and only soulmate we later discover The Universe has a different plan, and we end up having to endure the most unimaginable heart-breaking traumatic loss to have The Universe bring forth Our actual soulmate.
From time to time without perceiving our vows, promises made to loved ones in life keep us restrained to a non-existent entity and unable to move on. We end up living in despair when in reality Life is about the choices we make and how we handle and respond to the outcome.
The growth and development of the relationship between Porter, Mackenzie, Harper, and Finn are distinctive, compelling, sympathetic and outstanding. The internal conflicts they must overcome before moving on.
Author’s writing skills are powerful. She can lure you in slowly and seize you page after page.
So many unexpected gripping twists in this novel. Overall the scenes progress in a realistic, compelling manner. The plot flows with effective transitions, and the appropriate pace was not dragging. It’s an excellent book. I loved it!!!! Porter and Mackenzie’s (Harper & Finn) story including the whole Decker clan pulled at my heartstrings. No cliffhangers. Fresh, interesting and unique. Author has a gift for writing realistic family interactions with diversification, issues, and topics which perhaps may not be freely communicated in particular cultures.
Without reservation, I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
The Author provided an advanced review copy of this book.
Pre-Ordered on Amazon.
"The true test of love is not always ‘Will you fight for it?’ The real test of true love is often ‘Are you willing to give it up?"~ #TiffanyReisz
Playlist:
Let You Go by #NovaSkies
One Last Breathe by #Creed
LegoHouse by #EdSheeran
I Just Wanna Love You by #TheShires
If You're Gone by #MatchboxTwenty
It’s Been Awhile by #Staind
Let It Out by #EdSheeran
#Undefeated by #SecondhandSerenade
Let It Go by #JamesBay
If I Ain’t Got You by James Bay
Firefly by Ed Sheeran
Fall by Ed Sheeran
Higher by #Creed
Wake Me Up by Ed Sheeran
Give Me Love by Ed Sheeran
Kiss Me by Ed Sheeran
One by Ed Sheeran
With Arms Wide Open by #Creed
March 19, 2016
Had the honor of receiving an ARC.
Once he was one of the nation’s greatest artist. He had women, drugs, and alcohol all at his command. Yet the one thing he loved, he let it slip from his fingers and his world is forever changed. Now the bad boy rocker is BACK! And even with everything that he has done I’m sooooo happy he came back.
Porter Kendrick has had a very traumatic childhood, and was saved by Chris and Gabe. They bring him into their family with open arms while also introducing him to his first two loves – AJ and music. With him learning music from the Decker family, he becomes a great performer setting his musician future. Chris only had a few rules no drugs, no alcohol and condoms, and these are the things that lead to his downfall. He put himself, his family and the person he loved the most in danger. The Deckers saved him once yet it is time for him to save himself. With the lost of everything, he decides to seek help but his life is never the same. Until he opened the door to her.
Mackenzie Brooke is heartbroken over the recent lost of her husband. They had plans for their happily ever after, their forever yet life is unpredictable. Her life would change in a blink of an eye for the worse as her kids aren’t there normal happy selves and she is not looking all the well either. When a hand is given to aid her, she takes it with caution not ready to leave her past behind her. New changes mean new opportunities and for her kids she will do anything to get back their smile before everything is lost. What she wasn’t expecting was to see a sexy guy opening the door to her new home and her heart beating faster than normal.
This story is AMAZING, and a rollercoaster of EMOTIONS. Not only do we get inside Porter's head and see the reasoning for his actions, but we get to see him redeem himself. The once cold-hearted broken rocker comes back to life with the help of Mac’s unexpected arrival. When it came to Mac, I cried so much and by the end of the book I was out of tears. Losing someone is never easy, but the love of your life has to be the worse feeling in the world. She closed the idea of love and second chances for the promise to be loyal to Leo and their robbed future. Porter and Mac developed their relationship beautifully and the ending was perfect. Although this is the last book in the series, I seriously hope we see of this family in the future like Gabe says “stick around, there’s so much more to come.”
Once he was one of the nation’s greatest artist. He had women, drugs, and alcohol all at his command. Yet the one thing he loved, he let it slip from his fingers and his world is forever changed. Now the bad boy rocker is BACK! And even with everything that he has done I’m sooooo happy he came back.
Porter Kendrick has had a very traumatic childhood, and was saved by Chris and Gabe. They bring him into their family with open arms while also introducing him to his first two loves – AJ and music. With him learning music from the Decker family, he becomes a great performer setting his musician future. Chris only had a few rules no drugs, no alcohol and condoms, and these are the things that lead to his downfall. He put himself, his family and the person he loved the most in danger. The Deckers saved him once yet it is time for him to save himself. With the lost of everything, he decides to seek help but his life is never the same. Until he opened the door to her.
Mackenzie Brooke is heartbroken over the recent lost of her husband. They had plans for their happily ever after, their forever yet life is unpredictable. Her life would change in a blink of an eye for the worse as her kids aren’t there normal happy selves and she is not looking all the well either. When a hand is given to aid her, she takes it with caution not ready to leave her past behind her. New changes mean new opportunities and for her kids she will do anything to get back their smile before everything is lost. What she wasn’t expecting was to see a sexy guy opening the door to her new home and her heart beating faster than normal.
This story is AMAZING, and a rollercoaster of EMOTIONS. Not only do we get inside Porter's head and see the reasoning for his actions, but we get to see him redeem himself. The once cold-hearted broken rocker comes back to life with the help of Mac’s unexpected arrival. When it came to Mac, I cried so much and by the end of the book I was out of tears. Losing someone is never easy, but the love of your life has to be the worse feeling in the world. She closed the idea of love and second chances for the promise to be loyal to Leo and their robbed future. Porter and Mac developed their relationship beautifully and the ending was perfect. Although this is the last book in the series, I seriously hope we see of this family in the future like Gabe says “stick around, there’s so much more to come.”
April 1, 2016
Undefeated is the 5th and final book the Unexpected Series. It's Porters story. I anxiously waited for this final chapter about the "black sheep" of the Decker Clan. Claudia Burgoa blew me away with this beautifully written story about a broken man, and a broken woman who come together to find not only themselves, but love. It's a emotionally raw story about life, struggles, sorrow, finding your way back, love, and forgiveness. This book reeled me in from page one and wouldn't let me go!
Porter Kendrick is a guy I wanted to hate. Throughout all of the books in this series he was the cause of so much heartache for the Decker's. He had been dealt a hand in life that most people would cherish. He was adopted by a loving family who took them and made him family. They gave him everything he needed to succeed in life. In this book, Claudia gives us a heartbreaking look at what went on with him and why some things happened as he climbed the ladder of success before and after he came tumbling down. I wanted to hate him, I did, but by mid way through Undefeated, I found myself falling for him more and more. He's been broken, with no one to turn to…until Mac enters his life.
Mackenzie Brooke is a broken woman. Her husband was murdered 2 years ago and left he a single mother of 2 kids, Harper and Finn. Still in great mourning for her husband, their father, they pack up and move hoping to start fresh and bring life back into their family.
What neither of them expected, was each other.
He's trying to move on.
She's trying to try to move on.
He's just trying to keep his head above water and stay on track.
She's still in mourning over he late husband.
Will they be able to put the pieces of their shattered hearts and lives back together?
Will Porter find what he's looking for? Forgiveness? Love?
Will Mac be able to heal? Move on?
I can't say enough how truly in love with not only Undefeated I am, but the entire Unexpected series. Claudia has absolutely beautiful, phenomenal writing skills! She knows how to put the feels in a story and bring the characters and their worlds to life. Her words just jump off the page and pull you in for a crazy, emotional, love filled ride!
I'm sad to see this families story end. They became a part of me. I may just have to revisit the entire clan soon! I'll miss them...it's hard to say goodbye, but it was done in such an EPIC fashion! That Epilogue! Oh how I loved seeing Chris' POV at the end! What a way to end it! Absolutely, 100% love! Thank you Claudia for sharing your love or writing with the world.
I can't wait to see what Claudia will bring us next!
I didn't go into much detail here because, this is one of those stories that you need to experience yourself. If you haven't met the Deckers, go grab the first book in the series, Unlike Any Other, and jump in! You won't regret it!
Porter Kendrick is a guy I wanted to hate. Throughout all of the books in this series he was the cause of so much heartache for the Decker's. He had been dealt a hand in life that most people would cherish. He was adopted by a loving family who took them and made him family. They gave him everything he needed to succeed in life. In this book, Claudia gives us a heartbreaking look at what went on with him and why some things happened as he climbed the ladder of success before and after he came tumbling down. I wanted to hate him, I did, but by mid way through Undefeated, I found myself falling for him more and more. He's been broken, with no one to turn to…until Mac enters his life.
Mackenzie Brooke is a broken woman. Her husband was murdered 2 years ago and left he a single mother of 2 kids, Harper and Finn. Still in great mourning for her husband, their father, they pack up and move hoping to start fresh and bring life back into their family.
What neither of them expected, was each other.
He's trying to move on.
She's trying to try to move on.
He's just trying to keep his head above water and stay on track.
She's still in mourning over he late husband.
Will they be able to put the pieces of their shattered hearts and lives back together?
Will Porter find what he's looking for? Forgiveness? Love?
Will Mac be able to heal? Move on?
I can't say enough how truly in love with not only Undefeated I am, but the entire Unexpected series. Claudia has absolutely beautiful, phenomenal writing skills! She knows how to put the feels in a story and bring the characters and their worlds to life. Her words just jump off the page and pull you in for a crazy, emotional, love filled ride!
I'm sad to see this families story end. They became a part of me. I may just have to revisit the entire clan soon! I'll miss them...it's hard to say goodbye, but it was done in such an EPIC fashion! That Epilogue! Oh how I loved seeing Chris' POV at the end! What a way to end it! Absolutely, 100% love! Thank you Claudia for sharing your love or writing with the world.
I can't wait to see what Claudia will bring us next!
I didn't go into much detail here because, this is one of those stories that you need to experience yourself. If you haven't met the Deckers, go grab the first book in the series, Unlike Any Other, and jump in! You won't regret it!
March 5, 2016
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There is always a book that comes along that sucks you in, a book that holds you hostage to every page, every sentence, every word.
The final book in the Unexpected series did just that.
This book needs to be savoured, as much as you want to flip the page to see what happens next, you want to savour every part as you know it's got to end at some point, but you want to delay the inevitable.
Undefeated was a true work of art.
It's Porters story. I am the first to admit I am so not a fan of Porter and yes Claudia is very well aware of that fact I am not team Porter at all. But with her amazing story writing, she has just captured the true essence of one amazing man and has changed my view on him, undefeated
has just surpassed every other book in this series and has become my favourite read of them all.
The emotion only pages in, the feeling of heartache, the feeling of regret, the need of forgiveness were so captivating I wanted to be the one to offer that shoulder of support.
Porter and Mackenzie are captivating, his raw emotion towards her, with the slight hesitation after what happened with AJ was beautiful to watch.
He seriously captivated me on every single level. I was addicted.
Undefeated truly defeated all my emotions and just made me Porter Kendrick's #1 fan
There is always a book that comes along that sucks you in, a book that holds you hostage to every page, every sentence, every word.
The final book in the Unexpected series did just that.
This book needs to be savoured, as much as you want to flip the page to see what happens next, you want to savour every part as you know it's got to end at some point, but you want to delay the inevitable.
Undefeated was a true work of art.
It's Porters story. I am the first to admit I am so not a fan of Porter and yes Claudia is very well aware of that fact I am not team Porter at all. But with her amazing story writing, she has just captured the true essence of one amazing man and has changed my view on him, undefeated
has just surpassed every other book in this series and has become my favourite read of them all.
The emotion only pages in, the feeling of heartache, the feeling of regret, the need of forgiveness were so captivating I wanted to be the one to offer that shoulder of support.
Porter and Mackenzie are captivating, his raw emotion towards her, with the slight hesitation after what happened with AJ was beautiful to watch.
He seriously captivated me on every single level. I was addicted.
Undefeated truly defeated all my emotions and just made me Porter Kendrick's #1 fan
May 15, 2016
A must read!!
Omg!! Claudia has done it again!! I was having mixed feelings about reading Porter's story but I am so glad I did. The way the story so effortlessly flows along and how the story molds into twists and turns had me captivated. I felt several emotions come out of me and felt like it was I that was in this book. I don't like giving away any spoilers but this is a must read book. It captures you heart, body and soul and makes you want more and more. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful series with me Claudia. I greatly enjoyed the Decker-Colhurst crew.
Omg!! Claudia has done it again!! I was having mixed feelings about reading Porter's story but I am so glad I did. The way the story so effortlessly flows along and how the story molds into twists and turns had me captivated. I felt several emotions come out of me and felt like it was I that was in this book. I don't like giving away any spoilers but this is a must read book. It captures you heart, body and soul and makes you want more and more. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful series with me Claudia. I greatly enjoyed the Decker-Colhurst crew.
March 4, 2016
This book is the story of Porter Kendrick. The boy who almost ruined AJ's life. The struggles he went through after his stint at rehab.
Who would have thought he's be able to love again after his obsession with AJ?
You have truly redeemed yourself, kid. I have no words. This book gave me a huge hangover!
April 11, 2016
Perfect end to the series
I didn't intend to read this one, because like the Decker clan I was done with Porter. After finishing book 4, though, I was curious. I had to see how he'd be redeemed. Also, I can't get enough of this family. I've read all five books in a week. I'm glad Porter faced his demons and found his happy ending.
I didn't intend to read this one, because like the Decker clan I was done with Porter. After finishing book 4, though, I was curious. I had to see how he'd be redeemed. Also, I can't get enough of this family. I've read all five books in a week. I'm glad Porter faced his demons and found his happy ending.
April 6, 2016
Just fucking beautiful- I said it all in my book4 review but this series is stunning. It's all about Hope, second chances and love conquering all. I'm so glad Porter got his book and his HEA ... It's all complete ❤️
May 12, 2016
The entire series blew my mind and kept me turning pages. I'm very happy that a not so nice person turns out to be spectacular. I love happy endings and I wouldn't mind reading about the children growing up.
January 5, 2021
Porter endured a devastating childhood until he was taken in by the Colthurst-Decker’s and was given a home and a family. When he decided to pursue a career in music it led him into a downward spiral of self-destructive until they believed the only way they could help him was by walking away. He has accepted responsibility for his decisions and actions and has a created a new life for himself but doesn’t believe he is worthy of love until Mac and her children come into his life and make him feel.
Mac and her children have endured a devastating loss and they are all trying to deal with the aftermath and are struggling. A new start in Portland living with her Aunt brings Porter into her life but is she ready to open her heart and her life to Porter and love especially with the burden of not only her past but his as well.
This story takes us on an emotional journey that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Both Porter and Mac have experienced so much devastation and there is no one more deserving of a happy ever after Mac, Porter and the kids.
Mac and her children have endured a devastating loss and they are all trying to deal with the aftermath and are struggling. A new start in Portland living with her Aunt brings Porter into her life but is she ready to open her heart and her life to Porter and love especially with the burden of not only her past but his as well.
This story takes us on an emotional journey that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Both Porter and Mac have experienced so much devastation and there is no one more deserving of a happy ever after Mac, Porter and the kids.
March 8, 2018
When you read as many books as I have – you reach a certain point where you feel that you can not be surprised anymore. Its not that you stop feeling with the books your read – its just that you start categorizing books and place them in certain folders.
But then every once in a while you get reminded that there can be something new and different at any given time. And I just found that “something” just nowI read “Undefeated” the 5th book in the “Unexpected” series by Claudia Y. Burgoa – and now comes the “NEW thing”
I discovered while reading it.
NEW is that it is my first book in that series and I AM HAPPY ABOUT THAT and I will most probably NOT READ any of the others…
OK .. hmm wording it like that sounds bad …when it is actually FAR from it – so I guess I have to explain myself.
When you read a series that consists of standalones there are basically only a few given reactions.
a) You start with book 1 – go with the flow and read them in the right order
b) You start with a book in the middle and then stop because it was only OK and you do not feel the need to read more or you go backwards and read them all because the book was so good that you crave more
But since yesterday I learned that there is a third reaction …
You start with reading a book in the middle of a series (or in this case the last book as the author explained at its beginning) and once you finish it you refuse to read any of the other books BECAUSE that book was so good.
Yes that still sounds strange but I will explain myself if you give me a moment… - I need to gather myself and wipe away some stray tears
As I said – I did not read any of the other books (my co-blogger did though) – so I did not know Porter but from the storytelling of this author and the way the story developed I have to assume that he was mentioned often in the other books. And I am quite sure that it was not in a good way.
And then there is me – I feel like Mackenzie – Porter enters my life with a clean slate – I did not know anything about him . So I was open to see him for the person he is now. I listened to his story the way he told it to Mackenzie and I could feel for him.
If I would go back now to read any of the previous books – I would probably see him the way he was before. And even though I KNOW how he was, I guess it would like almost physically hurt to see him like that.
But it is not only him…It is also the resignation of his family, all the people that cared for him and how they must have developed this hard shell to protect themselves from the hurt he put them through.
I am not sure I could read all that happening once I know him now the way he is now.
So this series actually leaves the reader only once choice – even though they work as standalone novels – you need to read them in the right order.
For me – this recommendation is to late – I can not got back – and undo what I learned about Porter and maybe that is also a good thing – because I am not sure that I could have felt for him the way I do now If I had known him from book 1.
He must have been a prime example for a selfish bastard. But the way he presents himself in this book, I am happy I entered this journey without prejudice so he has me on his side.
I guess this book teaches a lot about forgiving.
March 22, 2016
How do you begin to write a review for a book when you feel you have no words to describe how amazing the story was; how amazing the series was a whole? Well I’ll try my best…..Undefeated was an amazingly, sweet and romantic second chance at redemption, life and forgiveness love story. This book felt bittersweet. I’ve wanted all of the characters in this story to have their HEA’s since I first read about them, and now I feel as if I have closure to everyone’s story. I’m more that satisfied with the ending of this book and if this is truly the end of the series, or if there is still more to come I’m satisfied either way. I didn’t know what to expect from this author when I first started this series, but after reading all five books in this series I’m excited to see how she tops one. There were some unconventional relationships in this series but they were done in the best ways. I highly recommend this series to all romance readers who are willing to go into this series with an open mind and experience the most amazing and unconditional love between family, not only through blood but through bonds. This series definitely ranks in my top ten favorites. I didn’t know how things would turn out for Porter and even though I think he struggled to prove his worth and that he’d changed to his family; I understand that everything takes time and sometimes forgiveness is not freely given, sometimes it must be earned. I also understand Mackenzie's hesitation to fall in love again. However, when you get to experience the type of love that the characters in this series shared it’s worth fighting for that second chance.
April 5, 2016
“How do you teach your heart to beat again, your lungs to breathe and find a new way to live?”
Oh my God! I started this final novel from the Unexpected Series with hugely negative thoughts about the main character, Porter Kendrick. In the previous novels, his attitude and actions made him completely persona non grata with me. However, in this novel, the author has written an amazing story and turned my opinion of Porter on its head! In fact, I think I might be a little bit in love with him.
Porter has had a hard few years, exiled from his foster family, losing the love of his life to someone else, going through rehab, and then clawing his way through his day-to-day life, fighting his addictions and working dead-end jobs to keep himself afloat. One day, Mackenzie Brooke and her two kids knock on his door and waken him from his stupor, get his blood pumping again, and crack through his emotional defences into his heart.
Mackenzie is struggling to get her life back together, moving to Portland to live with her aunt and start afresh. Widowed too young, the last two years have been a slog where she neglected her children and simply existed day to day, instead of really living life.
Porter sparks an interest in her but she’s not ready to move forward. Porter has his own demons to contend with before he can commit himself to Mackenzie.
This was SUCH a wonderful story about redemption, forgiveness, family, second chances, and finding love again. It was really emotional and totally pulled at my heartstrings. A beautiful novel to end an engrossing series.
I love the Decker clan and I’m really going to miss them!!
Oh my God! I started this final novel from the Unexpected Series with hugely negative thoughts about the main character, Porter Kendrick. In the previous novels, his attitude and actions made him completely persona non grata with me. However, in this novel, the author has written an amazing story and turned my opinion of Porter on its head! In fact, I think I might be a little bit in love with him.
Porter has had a hard few years, exiled from his foster family, losing the love of his life to someone else, going through rehab, and then clawing his way through his day-to-day life, fighting his addictions and working dead-end jobs to keep himself afloat. One day, Mackenzie Brooke and her two kids knock on his door and waken him from his stupor, get his blood pumping again, and crack through his emotional defences into his heart.
Mackenzie is struggling to get her life back together, moving to Portland to live with her aunt and start afresh. Widowed too young, the last two years have been a slog where she neglected her children and simply existed day to day, instead of really living life.
Porter sparks an interest in her but she’s not ready to move forward. Porter has his own demons to contend with before he can commit himself to Mackenzie.
This was SUCH a wonderful story about redemption, forgiveness, family, second chances, and finding love again. It was really emotional and totally pulled at my heartstrings. A beautiful novel to end an engrossing series.
I love the Decker clan and I’m really going to miss them!!
April 2, 2016
I was so happy to get Porter's story. In the first 4 books of this series I really hated him but I could also tell that he was dealing with demons. Doesn't mean I didn't want to punch him so hard to the point he couldn't keep up with his antics but... yeah. Anyways, Porter is finally starting to get his life together. He is still lost but he's not making the same mistakes he once did. He realizes fully what all his poor choices caused him to lose now and is trying to be a better person. He doesn't talk much but that all changes when a woman comes knocking on his door. Will Porter continue to better himself? Will he be the man that Mackenzie and her kids need? Can he prove to her that she is it for him?
Mackenzie has lost the love of her life. She is lost and she has no idea how to move on from the pain. She sees the toll its taking on her kids but she doesn't know how to find a new normal. Her aunt has offered for her to stay with her so she can start over and after realizing that she needs to make a change she accepts. She meets Porter her first night there when she mistakenly knocks on his door. She has no idea that her life is about to change. Will she be able to find happiness once again? Will it be with Porter? Will she push away the most important person in her family's life and lose him forever?
Don't miss out on another great read by Claudia. I am going to miss this amazing family. You are going to want to read the entire series because these books are so, so good!!
Mackenzie has lost the love of her life. She is lost and she has no idea how to move on from the pain. She sees the toll its taking on her kids but she doesn't know how to find a new normal. Her aunt has offered for her to stay with her so she can start over and after realizing that she needs to make a change she accepts. She meets Porter her first night there when she mistakenly knocks on his door. She has no idea that her life is about to change. Will she be able to find happiness once again? Will it be with Porter? Will she push away the most important person in her family's life and lose him forever?
Don't miss out on another great read by Claudia. I am going to miss this amazing family. You are going to want to read the entire series because these books are so, so good!!
July 19, 2016
I was so excited when I received this book!!! I read the last one in this series and couldn't wait to read more about the Deckers. Everyone deserves a family that is this supportive of their children and their children's families. I love how they accept everyone, faults and all, into their lives. I'm sad to see this series come to an end but look forward to more from this author.
The only thing that stopped me from giving this book 5 stars was Mackenzie. For the most part I liked her character and enjoyed the depth that the author gave her. I thought her grief over her husband's death was very realistic. The part that bothered me though was that she didn't argue about accepting Porter's money. She seemed to have no issue allowing a complete stranger to pay the rent on the house she was living in or sending money to her. I thought she should have at least argued about this; I would have felt like I was taking advantage of the person if I used their money especially when I had money sitting in the bank from the sale of my house. I think she should have used that money as payment for her son's medical testing before accepting money from Porter.
Overall though, I really enjoyed the turmoil between Porter and Mac. Loved the way he took care of her kids and accepted them as a package deal. I liked that he realized she needed time and space to work on her own issues before they started something between them.
** ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review **
The only thing that stopped me from giving this book 5 stars was Mackenzie. For the most part I liked her character and enjoyed the depth that the author gave her. I thought her grief over her husband's death was very realistic. The part that bothered me though was that she didn't argue about accepting Porter's money. She seemed to have no issue allowing a complete stranger to pay the rent on the house she was living in or sending money to her. I thought she should have at least argued about this; I would have felt like I was taking advantage of the person if I used their money especially when I had money sitting in the bank from the sale of my house. I think she should have used that money as payment for her son's medical testing before accepting money from Porter.
Overall though, I really enjoyed the turmoil between Porter and Mac. Loved the way he took care of her kids and accepted them as a package deal. I liked that he realized she needed time and space to work on her own issues before they started something between them.
** ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review **
April 1, 2016
This was the final book in the series and I was really curious to learn more about Porter. I have to say that I ended up loving this book and I really loved and admired Porter for everything that he has gone through.
Porter has had a rough start to life and we all know how his teenage years went. He has been struggling for years. Mackenzie is a widow now for two years and she is in a deep depression since losing her husband. The only thing that is keeping her going is her two children. These two meet and an attraction is felt but neither of them are ready for a relationship.
"How do you teach your heart to beat again, your lungs to breathe and find a new way to live?"
Living next door together they start spending time and a bond starts to develop between them. Mackenzie two children are also starting to flourish under the care and affection that Porter shows them.
"Our two broken souls found each other in the dark and began to heal each other's wounds."
This was such a beautiful story of hope, finding love again and finding strength to move on. It's not an easy path that they are on but the love that blooms between these four is breathtaking. I loved this story and was sad to see it end.
"You three are the spark that ignited the flame and became my reason to become a better person."
Porter has had a rough start to life and we all know how his teenage years went. He has been struggling for years. Mackenzie is a widow now for two years and she is in a deep depression since losing her husband. The only thing that is keeping her going is her two children. These two meet and an attraction is felt but neither of them are ready for a relationship.
"How do you teach your heart to beat again, your lungs to breathe and find a new way to live?"
Living next door together they start spending time and a bond starts to develop between them. Mackenzie two children are also starting to flourish under the care and affection that Porter shows them.
"Our two broken souls found each other in the dark and began to heal each other's wounds."
This was such a beautiful story of hope, finding love again and finding strength to move on. It's not an easy path that they are on but the love that blooms between these four is breathtaking. I loved this story and was sad to see it end.
"You three are the spark that ignited the flame and became my reason to become a better person."
April 1, 2016
In this fifth and final book of the Unexpected series, we revisit Porter Kendrick. We see what happened when he was found and rescued from the cartel. It was heartbreaking alone in the first two chapters, to read everything that I read and well worth it. This book is a little odd in the way it is written compared to the other books in this series. Depending on who the chapter is focusing on depends on if it is in the present or in the past and jumping forward. Mackenzie's chapters are all in the present, with Porter being her aunt's tenant that shares part of her house. Kendrick's side starts way back and flashes forward a year or two or three at a time. Once you get used to how things are going, understanding what is happening is easier. This book was nothing like I had expected, but it was at the same time everything more than what I expected. You're going to have to read it to find out what I mean. I cannot wait for the next series to come out that brings some of these characters in and out. This was a great way to end the series. Good job Claudia Burgoa! You really changed my outlook on PK through this one, through revelations. Thanks!
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M.Brennan.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M.Brennan.
April 1, 2016
It is Porter's turn now. I have to admit, I did not have any empathy for this character. This is the fifth book in the series, and so far, Porter has been that character you learn to not care for. He was supposed to be AJ's best friend as well as her first love. He fooled around on her, took drugs, and even put her life in danger more than once. I figured it would be a cold day in hell before I could possibly feel anything for this character.
This story is his journey to maturity. He had fallen so low there was no other way but for him to climb up or stay in the gutter. Life is not easy for him now that he is clean. It is a struggle every day for him to stay sober. He carries the guilt of what he did and has become a virtual hermit.
Along the way, he is lucky to meet Mackenzie and her children. This wonderful woman makes him want to be a better man. He loves her children and that also spurs him to finally admit his wrong-doings and face those who loved him in the past.
With tears in my eyes, I finished this story. Once again I had to remind myself that human beings can do anything they set their minds to. All it takes is that second chance and will-power. Our author has written a beautiful story of redemption raw and true to life as possible.
This story is his journey to maturity. He had fallen so low there was no other way but for him to climb up or stay in the gutter. Life is not easy for him now that he is clean. It is a struggle every day for him to stay sober. He carries the guilt of what he did and has become a virtual hermit.
Along the way, he is lucky to meet Mackenzie and her children. This wonderful woman makes him want to be a better man. He loves her children and that also spurs him to finally admit his wrong-doings and face those who loved him in the past.
With tears in my eyes, I finished this story. Once again I had to remind myself that human beings can do anything they set their minds to. All it takes is that second chance and will-power. Our author has written a beautiful story of redemption raw and true to life as possible.
April 6, 2016
Porter, Porter, Porter!! I have to be honest. I had my doubts. Anybody who has read the rest of the books in the series is probably with me in this. He was not one of my favorite characters. Only Claudia could completely change my mind and make me fall in love with a character that I couldn't stand. I absolutely loved every minute of this story, from the heartbreaking realizations, to the funny secondary characters and the passion between Porter and Mackenzie. This was a beautifully written story that will definitely be on my re-read list. I adore this entire family! I have loved every single book written in the series and this one was no different. Just jump in and enjoy the emotional rollercoaster it takes you on.
April 2, 2016
So glad I got to "know" Porter!
I am soooo glad Porter finally had the chance to tell his story. I've pitied him, wanted to mother him, disliked him, almost hated him and now I've come to love him. Thanks Claudia for giving us the opportunity to get to know him as well as McKenzie and her children. This has been an awesome series and I look forward to reading about their futures.
I am soooo glad Porter finally had the chance to tell his story. I've pitied him, wanted to mother him, disliked him, almost hated him and now I've come to love him. Thanks Claudia for giving us the opportunity to get to know him as well as McKenzie and her children. This has been an awesome series and I look forward to reading about their futures.
June 1, 2020
this is the first book in the series that I've read . I loved the story and the characters, they were both well written. this book is amazing, it is a rollercoaster of an emotional ride which will leave you wanting more. this author manages to tackle hard issues in a very beautiful way. you will defiantly be reading this long into the night and remember the tissues you'll need them
highly recommended
https://www.obsessedbookreviews.com/
highly recommended
https://www.obsessedbookreviews.com/
April 14, 2016
5Stars Are Not Enough
It takes an exceptional Author who can take a world class a-hole and turn him into a Prince of a man and do it in such a believable way. This book is a gift to all of us that followed the Colthurst/Decker series. Am I the only one who thought that this story would make a wonderful Christmas movie? Heartache ,Sadness,Forgiveness, Love and Redemption, and Family this book has it all. Be kind to yourself and get this series, it truly is classic.
It takes an exceptional Author who can take a world class a-hole and turn him into a Prince of a man and do it in such a believable way. This book is a gift to all of us that followed the Colthurst/Decker series. Am I the only one who thought that this story would make a wonderful Christmas movie? Heartache ,Sadness,Forgiveness, Love and Redemption, and Family this book has it all. Be kind to yourself and get this series, it truly is classic.
March 6, 2016
All I can say is keep the tissues close. I went into this book prepared to not like Porter, but it didn't take long before I was cheering for him. This book had me on an emotional rollercoaster. Both Mackenzie and Porter are very strong characters who have so much to overcome. While I am sad to see this series end, this book was the perfect ending to it. I will miss the Deckers very much.
March 23, 2016
I am so going to miss this series. Porter Kendrick....alcoholic, druggie rock star.. turned amazing man!! MacKenzie Brooke...widow, mother...I wanted to love her but she drove me crazy with her indecisiveness! This was probably one of my favorites in this series for sure, loved every minute!
May 15, 2016
I really enjoy this series and this was no exception as I adore single mom stories.
April 1, 2016
This last book in the Unexpected series is so beautifully raw, and poignant giving us the consummate closure to the Colthurst-Decker family story. I was totally engaged from start to finish feeling every struggle and emotion both Porter and Mackenzie endured. They were static in their lives, finding it impossible to move on from the tragedies they suffered. In previous books we read about Porter and all the poor choices he made and the trouble he brought on his foster family, the Colthurst-Decker clan. It was hard to see how he could be redeemed after 4 books of not liking him very much. But Ms Burgoa deftly revealed his logic, what lead to those actions and who he truly is inside. He is striving daily with his addictions but has yet to find his passion to live again. Until one day a beautiful grieving widow and her 2 wounded children move in next door. Mackenzie is lost in her depression of the sudden loss of her husband 2 years ago. She is trying to start a new life for the sake of her kids. Porter finds himself falling for all 3 of them and slowly permeates their lives. Mac is very appreciative of his help but feels guilt over her growing feelings, thinking she is cheating on her husband. I really grew to love Porter with his strength to find and stay true to his quest to be a better man and also his patience to be there for Mac and her kids. It was beautiful to watch Mac's transformation and resolve to be stronger and a better mother to her 2 adorable children. We also learn how the whole Colthurst-Decker family struggles to come to terms with Porter's request for forgiveness and accept him back in their lives. This is not always an easy story to read but it is honest and organic. Ms. Burgoa does not rush through their trials, making it feel genuine and true. This is a well rounded and deeply moving story that will take you on a journey from the deep pits of despair, through the struggles of choosing to live, to the hope and joy of seeing the possibilities of life and love and believing you are deserving of happiness, to grabbing onto it for all it's worth. This is story telling at it's absolute finest. I loved this whole series and am sorry it's over but can't wait to see what Ms. Burgoa creates next!
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