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Unfinished Love #1
Before That Night
Before that night, Addison Millan had been just a college dropout secretly raising her two young siblings in a beat-up minivan she'd bought with her first semester's tuition refund--the only money her addict mother hadn't taken off with when she'd abandoned them nearly two years ago.
Before that night, Caine Spencer had been just a rough, gruff cop sent to check out the phoned-in claims of suspected child neglect involving the same woman he'd met the month prior when she'd first served him the city's worst diner coffee...which he'd been drinking daily ever since.
Before that night, Addison would never have thought the man she'd been fighting hard not to fall for--her only friend in her new shadow of a life--would be in a position to rip her family apart.
Before that night, Caine would never have believed any woman could make him fall head over heels, let alone make him feel so damn compelled to look the other way when it came to his job.
Then that one perfect night changed everything.
BEFORE THAT NIGHT (Bk 1 of 2) chronicles the events that take place seven years prior to EVERY NIGHT WITHOUT YOU (Bk 2 of 2), Caine & Addison's story of love, sacrifice, and the lengths one will run--and chase--when their past threatens their future.
Note: The Unfinished Love series follows four brothers, each fighting for their second first chance at love. Each of the couples have two books (duets) that take place years apart. This is Caine & Addison's Book 1; Book 2 reunites them seven years later, and concludes their story.
The UNFINISHED LOVE Series
Four Spencer brothers.
Each fighting for their second first chance at love.
Years be damned.
A heartfelt new series from NYT bestselling author Violet Duke.
(Caine & Addison) - Summer 2016
-- Book 1: Before That Night
-- Book 2: Every Night Without You
(Gabe & Hannah) - Fall 2016
-- Book 3: Before That Kiss
-- Book 4: Every Kiss Goodbye
(Drew & Skylar) - Winter 2016
-- Book 5: Before That Promise
-- Book 6: Every Promise Unspoken
(Max & Kennedy) - Spring 2017
-- Book 7: Before That Chance
-- Book 8: Every Chance We Lost
Before that night, Caine Spencer had been just a rough, gruff cop sent to check out the phoned-in claims of suspected child neglect involving the same woman he'd met the month prior when she'd first served him the city's worst diner coffee...which he'd been drinking daily ever since.
Before that night, Addison would never have thought the man she'd been fighting hard not to fall for--her only friend in her new shadow of a life--would be in a position to rip her family apart.
Before that night, Caine would never have believed any woman could make him fall head over heels, let alone make him feel so damn compelled to look the other way when it came to his job.
Then that one perfect night changed everything.
BEFORE THAT NIGHT (Bk 1 of 2) chronicles the events that take place seven years prior to EVERY NIGHT WITHOUT YOU (Bk 2 of 2), Caine & Addison's story of love, sacrifice, and the lengths one will run--and chase--when their past threatens their future.
Note: The Unfinished Love series follows four brothers, each fighting for their second first chance at love. Each of the couples have two books (duets) that take place years apart. This is Caine & Addison's Book 1; Book 2 reunites them seven years later, and concludes their story.
The UNFINISHED LOVE Series
Four Spencer brothers.
Each fighting for their second first chance at love.
Years be damned.
A heartfelt new series from NYT bestselling author Violet Duke.
(Caine & Addison) - Summer 2016
-- Book 1: Before That Night
-- Book 2: Every Night Without You
(Gabe & Hannah) - Fall 2016
-- Book 3: Before That Kiss
-- Book 4: Every Kiss Goodbye
(Drew & Skylar) - Winter 2016
-- Book 5: Before That Promise
-- Book 6: Every Promise Unspoken
(Max & Kennedy) - Spring 2017
-- Book 7: Before That Chance
-- Book 8: Every Chance We Lost
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2016
2087 people are currently reading
2372 people want to read
About the author
Violet Duke
36 books1,263 followersNEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author Violet Duke is a former professor of English Education ecstatic to be on the other side of the page now writing emotion-rich stories with fun, everyday characters and sweet, sexy match-ups. Since her debut series in 2013, over a million readers have put all four of Violet's laugh & cry contemporary romance series on bestseller lists and Top 10 charts across the major eretailers, both in the U.S. and internationally.
When she isn't feeding her book-a-day addiction, Violet enjoys doing far too many things without checking the directions first (often with outrageous power tools she has no business operating), and cooking impossible-to-replicate 'special edition' dishes that laugh in the face of recipes. She lives in Hawai'i with her kids (Violet & Duke) and Mr. Violet Duke (their ringleader), with a PJs-and-rubber-slippers work dress code she takes very seriously.
♥ For fan info & epic giveaways, visit: www.facebook.com/VioletDukeBooks
When she isn't feeding her book-a-day addiction, Violet enjoys doing far too many things without checking the directions first (often with outrageous power tools she has no business operating), and cooking impossible-to-replicate 'special edition' dishes that laugh in the face of recipes. She lives in Hawai'i with her kids (Violet & Duke) and Mr. Violet Duke (their ringleader), with a PJs-and-rubber-slippers work dress code she takes very seriously.
♥ For fan info & epic giveaways, visit: www.facebook.com/VioletDukeBooks
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 276 reviews
June 18, 2016
This is a predictable/okay story of a girl taking care of her siblings working at a diner and living in a van until she can save enough for their own place. She falls in love with the cop in town who has several siblings whom will get their own books in the future. Addison faces danger in the form of a stalker and makes a tough decision that will protect her siblings. The story ends with a cliff and the conclusion is set to release on July 7, 2016.
not-interested
January 21, 2017A book that ends in a cliffhanger and the second book is... 7 YEARS LATER?? No no no
So many things happens in 7 years. Other man, other woman for example. Nope. 7years?!.... REALLY???
So many things happens in 7 years. Other man, other woman for example. Nope. 7years?!.... REALLY???
Want to read
December 17, 2017💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/17/2017)! 💝
June 26, 2016
I need to do better research. This book is the first in a 2-part novel. It ends with a pretty big cliffhanger and the next book isn't out for a couple more weeks. I hate cliffhangers when I can't get the next book right away. This is also a short novel- about 200 pages, which makes me grumpy about having to buy 2 seperate books to get what should be 1 complete novel. I am not a fan of this trend.
This book was, however, a quick and addicting read. I had some issues with plot holes and writing style, but this book definitely kept me interested.
This book was, however, a quick and addicting read. I had some issues with plot holes and writing style, but this book definitely kept me interested.
December 7, 2018
The plot of the story is very very interesting. I have to admit the blurb alone makes me hunt down the audio book. Now that I heard it, I am ..... lost. Each of the character can not connect together. Addison and Caine is stiff and shallow. And David? He is suppose to be bad guy right? But bad guy in what way? David does not initiate bad things to Addison. It was Addison who lure David with her seduction. A seduction that approved by Caine.
And why the polices do not do anything to rescue Addison while she is being hold hostage by David?
But the cliffhanger makes me want to read the second book.
3 stars
And why the polices do not do anything to rescue Addison while she is being hold hostage by David?
But the cliffhanger makes me want to read the second book.
3 stars
June 4, 2018
Typical story, not bad not good. Girl wants to take care of her siblings like a good girl would. Girl falls in love with local cop. Now I did not feel the chemistry between these two. I’m not sure if it was just the writer or the story itself, I just could not grasp it. Felt pushed. I really felt for Addison, having a junkie mother and her poor siblings. Nothing breaks my heart more. I liked Caine for the most part but thought he was a little bossy and overprotective, maybe that’s just the cop in them. This story does have a twist that I will not give away. Earned a 3.5 star but gotta round down to a 3…..
February 16, 2019
3,5 !
L’histoire est sympa mais je suis toujours un peu frustrée par les traductions québécoises...
Des tournures de phrases un peu spéciales, des expressions qu’on n’emploie plus (comme fichtre ou sapristi 🙄) qui gênent un peu ma lecture...
J’ai quand même commencé la suite pour savoir ce qu’il advient du couple Addison/Caine !
L’histoire est sympa mais je suis toujours un peu frustrée par les traductions québécoises...
Des tournures de phrases un peu spéciales, des expressions qu’on n’emploie plus (comme fichtre ou sapristi 🙄) qui gênent un peu ma lecture...
J’ai quand même commencé la suite pour savoir ce qu’il advient du couple Addison/Caine !
June 30, 2016
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4.5 stars
**Reviewers note: Anyone who reads my reviews or follows me on Facebook knows how I feel about cliffhangers in books. The Unfinished Love series by Violet Duke is a set of 4 duologies, and the 1st book in each of these sets ends with the couple apart. In Before that Night I can tell you that while the couple is apart neither of them is in peril, this was a case of the heroine deciding to not put the hero in a position of compromising everything in his life. Because I knew that this book was ending like this and because I knew the next book would be out in July 7th, I was okay reading it. I hope that clears up any questions you have, if not please feel free to contact me or the author for clarification.
I was blown away by Before That Night by Violet Duke in that she wrote these characters with such emotion that I could feel it coming off the page. Addison Milan was put in a position no one at age 19 should be put in, but instead of complaining or whining Addison stepped up to the plate and did everything she could to ensure that her siblings were taken care of and healthy. And for a little over a year things were going very well and then police officer Caine Spencer really begins to take notice of her and she of him. I loved the innocent flirtations between these two that turned into more as this book went along. I loved that he accepted she had responsibilities of looking after her "aunt" and her siblings and that she worked hard at her job. I loved that Caine made her feel safe and made her long for more in her life. As this book progresses so does their friendship and they both get very much attached to each other. Her siblings Kylie and Tanner begin to accept Caine as someone they can count on as well. I enjoyed watching them all interact. When a stalker threatens Addison's and spills secrets that can end her very tenuous existence things become very complicated for all of them.
It was so easy to get caught up in this story, their burgeoning relationship and Addison's home situation and each and every part of this book had so many feels to it. While I would have loved to have both parts together to read back to back, I am not sorry I read this first half and I can't wait to read the second half. Emotional, sweet, sensual and simply put just a fantastically told story.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4.5 stars
**Reviewers note: Anyone who reads my reviews or follows me on Facebook knows how I feel about cliffhangers in books. The Unfinished Love series by Violet Duke is a set of 4 duologies, and the 1st book in each of these sets ends with the couple apart. In Before that Night I can tell you that while the couple is apart neither of them is in peril, this was a case of the heroine deciding to not put the hero in a position of compromising everything in his life. Because I knew that this book was ending like this and because I knew the next book would be out in July 7th, I was okay reading it. I hope that clears up any questions you have, if not please feel free to contact me or the author for clarification.
I was blown away by Before That Night by Violet Duke in that she wrote these characters with such emotion that I could feel it coming off the page. Addison Milan was put in a position no one at age 19 should be put in, but instead of complaining or whining Addison stepped up to the plate and did everything she could to ensure that her siblings were taken care of and healthy. And for a little over a year things were going very well and then police officer Caine Spencer really begins to take notice of her and she of him. I loved the innocent flirtations between these two that turned into more as this book went along. I loved that he accepted she had responsibilities of looking after her "aunt" and her siblings and that she worked hard at her job. I loved that Caine made her feel safe and made her long for more in her life. As this book progresses so does their friendship and they both get very much attached to each other. Her siblings Kylie and Tanner begin to accept Caine as someone they can count on as well. I enjoyed watching them all interact. When a stalker threatens Addison's and spills secrets that can end her very tenuous existence things become very complicated for all of them.
It was so easy to get caught up in this story, their burgeoning relationship and Addison's home situation and each and every part of this book had so many feels to it. While I would have loved to have both parts together to read back to back, I am not sorry I read this first half and I can't wait to read the second half. Emotional, sweet, sensual and simply put just a fantastically told story.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
January 5, 2017
2.5 stars - I gave it 3 because 2 just always seems harsh. Honestly, I'd like to go back in time and have this conversation with myself:
PAST ME(upon finishing the free sample): Hmm, this is *okay*, not great, but the set up of the plot and characters has a lot of potential. Do I click "buy" and hope it pans out?
PRESENT ME: What you see is what you get - it pretty much flatlines from the sample chapter on. It's not worth your dollars! Go find something on Kindle Unlimited.
PAST ME: Wow, thanks Future Me! You just saved me 3 dollars.
PAST ME(upon finishing the free sample): Hmm, this is *okay*, not great, but the set up of the plot and characters has a lot of potential. Do I click "buy" and hope it pans out?
PRESENT ME: What you see is what you get - it pretty much flatlines from the sample chapter on. It's not worth your dollars! Go find something on Kindle Unlimited.
PAST ME: Wow, thanks Future Me! You just saved me 3 dollars.
April 24, 2017
See Duo edition for our review
October 28, 2018
What a cliffy! I definitely fell in love with Caine and Addison! Onto the next part!.
December 8, 2018
4.5 ****
May 4, 2019
I wish I had read the reviews before starting this book. I would not have bothered reading it.
It starts off with a good story - Addison is looking after her 2 siblings by working 2 jobs and living in a large van. She's only 20 and worried that the kids will be put in foster care because she is not legally entitled to have them. So she is very secretive about her living arrangements.
Enter Caine, the local cop, who is very attracted to Addison and wants to take care of her.
But the ending is just so frustrating and illogical that I am a little bit angry with the author. I won't be reading the conclusion to the story in the next book because it takes place 7 years later! Just not reasonable for 2 people who love each other.
It starts off with a good story - Addison is looking after her 2 siblings by working 2 jobs and living in a large van. She's only 20 and worried that the kids will be put in foster care because she is not legally entitled to have them. So she is very secretive about her living arrangements.
Enter Caine, the local cop, who is very attracted to Addison and wants to take care of her.
But the ending is just so frustrating and illogical that I am a little bit angry with the author. I won't be reading the conclusion to the story in the next book because it takes place 7 years later! Just not reasonable for 2 people who love each other.
February 26, 2022
This was sweet but it was heartbreaking. I should have read more closely that this was duet because I was so bereft when it ended. And the next book takes place seven whole years later! GAH! But you know I'm going to read it. There's no way I can't. I loved Addison. She was so strong and went through so much at her young age. She was such a good mother/older sister for those kids. I hated the way things ended but she did the right thing in my opinion.
July 30, 2019
My friend had me listen to this one.... I loved it- the family bond between the kids- and then the relationship between Addison and Cain. Was perfect.
Just... be prepared to get the second one directly after- because I felt like I hit a brick wall and needed to get to the other side. 😉
Just... be prepared to get the second one directly after- because I felt like I hit a brick wall and needed to get to the other side. 😉
August 24, 2018
❤
I loved everything about this book. I knew that the ending was going to be like that but I still wasn't ready for it. Can't wait to read the end of their story in the next book.
I loved everything about this book. I knew that the ending was going to be like that but I still wasn't ready for it. Can't wait to read the end of their story in the next book.
May 5, 2019
I hate reading a book and get all the way to the end to find out I have to BUY ANOTHER BOOK to find out what happens. Disgusted!
April 24, 2017
The thing about new authors is that sometimes it makes me a little nervous. Wanna know why? First of all because I don't know their writting, if I'm going to like it or not and second because I don't know if the book will speak to me.
Well so many questions invaded my mind but they were totally unnecessary.
Violet Duke has a simple, intense writing that will hook you up from the first chapter. I know that this can be seen as cliche but it's the truth.
Just find out why I'm saying this by grabbing this series and dig in.
Before That Night is the first book from the Unfinished Night series and it's so intense.
This book tells the stories of Addison and Caine.
Addison is a sweet girl that needed to grow up so fast to be able to raise her siblings since the day her drug mother abandon them. She had to drop out school and start working at a dinner to support them. Since they don't have enough money they all live in a van until she can gather the money for an apartment.
Caine is a police officer and a very grumpy one. One day he encounter the beautiful Addison and he can't take her out of his mind. But here's the catch since he's a cop he can't lie, no matter what and wanna know why I'm saying this? Just get this book and start reading.
This book is so intense that will leave you breathless in a sec.
The story unfolded in a way that made me want to read non stop. I loved the plot, the characters. Love the way they interact with each other but what I loved the most was that what happened in this book can happen to us. No-one can say that life is easy, no-one can runaway from our problems so we need to face all the adversities with our heads up.
I'm seriously mad with you Violet because why the hell did you end the book like this??? Seriously?? Are you kidding me?
Thank God I have the next book because if I didn't I would be insane.
Well so many questions invaded my mind but they were totally unnecessary.
Violet Duke has a simple, intense writing that will hook you up from the first chapter. I know that this can be seen as cliche but it's the truth.
Just find out why I'm saying this by grabbing this series and dig in.
Before That Night is the first book from the Unfinished Night series and it's so intense.
This book tells the stories of Addison and Caine.
Addison is a sweet girl that needed to grow up so fast to be able to raise her siblings since the day her drug mother abandon them. She had to drop out school and start working at a dinner to support them. Since they don't have enough money they all live in a van until she can gather the money for an apartment.
Caine is a police officer and a very grumpy one. One day he encounter the beautiful Addison and he can't take her out of his mind. But here's the catch since he's a cop he can't lie, no matter what and wanna know why I'm saying this? Just get this book and start reading.
This book is so intense that will leave you breathless in a sec.
The story unfolded in a way that made me want to read non stop. I loved the plot, the characters. Love the way they interact with each other but what I loved the most was that what happened in this book can happen to us. No-one can say that life is easy, no-one can runaway from our problems so we need to face all the adversities with our heads up.
I'm seriously mad with you Violet because why the hell did you end the book like this??? Seriously?? Are you kidding me?
Thank God I have the next book because if I didn't I would be insane.
February 2, 2017
Gah!!!
Maybe I should take some time to digest this book before writing my review, but I don't think I can. I bought this book when it first released, but I waited to read until the second book was released and I'm so glad that I did. I don't think I would have survived the wait.
Caine and Addison's story is so sweet, yet heartbreaking at the same time. Their friendship blossoms over the course of the book and when Addison's secrets catch up to her, she does what she has to do to protect her family.
This book drew me in from beginning and held me until the very end. Yes this book ends in a cliffhanger (as it is part of a duet) and no I haven't read the second book yet, but I know without a doubt that the second book will be just as spectacular as this one. In fact, it will probably be even better (if that is at all possible). Ms. Duke has a gift for writing these characters that capture your heart and won't let go.
Maybe I should take some time to digest this book before writing my review, but I don't think I can. I bought this book when it first released, but I waited to read until the second book was released and I'm so glad that I did. I don't think I would have survived the wait.
Caine and Addison's story is so sweet, yet heartbreaking at the same time. Their friendship blossoms over the course of the book and when Addison's secrets catch up to her, she does what she has to do to protect her family.
This book drew me in from beginning and held me until the very end. Yes this book ends in a cliffhanger (as it is part of a duet) and no I haven't read the second book yet, but I know without a doubt that the second book will be just as spectacular as this one. In fact, it will probably be even better (if that is at all possible). Ms. Duke has a gift for writing these characters that capture your heart and won't let go.
June 16, 2016
NOOOOOOOOOO!!! I can't wait almost a month for the conclusion of this incredible story! Cruel Ms. Duke, very very cruel. What an incredible story of love, determination, and sacrifice this is. Addison is a young woman who has had responsibility thrust upon her at a very early age. Providing and caring for her younger siblings is the only thing she has time for in her life. And secrets. She must keep her secrets to keep them safe, so when the very handsome police officer Caine Spencer starts spending more and more time at the diner where Addison works she knows she has to be careful. The two quickly grow close though and when her secrets are revealed he promises her everything. But at what cost??
You don't want to miss this one! I highly recommend it.
You don't want to miss this one! I highly recommend it.
July 24, 2016
That ending
Wtf? This was such a good book, but that ending.... No, no, no, no, no, no. I know it's supposed to pick up where they will get a happily ever after, but they won't get it for 7 years what the hell? That's a long time and a lot of things go down with other people in that time I'm sure. Being a firm believer in not sharing someone who's mine, I don't like books that do that. I mean it's possible Violet won't put others in the mix, but unlikely. I liked the book up til that ending, now I don't even want to read the next one, and apparently this whole series does this. I'm just gonna pretend it ended when they were in bed.
Wtf? This was such a good book, but that ending.... No, no, no, no, no, no. I know it's supposed to pick up where they will get a happily ever after, but they won't get it for 7 years what the hell? That's a long time and a lot of things go down with other people in that time I'm sure. Being a firm believer in not sharing someone who's mine, I don't like books that do that. I mean it's possible Violet won't put others in the mix, but unlikely. I liked the book up til that ending, now I don't even want to read the next one, and apparently this whole series does this. I'm just gonna pretend it ended when they were in bed.
November 22, 2019
Part One:::
Addison’s life is challenging. Needing help, she carries the burden of caring for her two younger siblings since they were all abandoned by their mother.
Homeless and without any means of support, she apples for a waitressing job at the local diner convincing them to take a chance on hiring her.
Addison’s life is challenging. Needing help, she carries the burden of caring for her two younger siblings since they were all abandoned by their mother.
Homeless and without any means of support, she apples for a waitressing job at the local diner convincing them to take a chance on hiring her.
Read
May 4, 2017Did a review of the whole duet, you can find it here: E-Reader Addict's review of Unfinished Night
August 2, 2016
Pretty good
This book was a pretty good read. The story was interesting enough, I just couldn't get the feeling of any chemistry with the two.
This book was a pretty good read. The story was interesting enough, I just couldn't get the feeling of any chemistry with the two.
January 3, 2019
It was a really good story line but what killed it for me was how it was written. I didn’t like the narrator view point. It should’ve been told by the characters point of view in my opinion
December 5, 2019
Make Way for Saint Addison
Move over Mother Teresa and make way for Saint Addison. Heresy you say? Maybe, except I think you can easily see the sarcasm dripping off the page. Addison is all things good: selfless, kind hearted, a model employee, an exemplary role model for her younger siblings who she’s been “mothering” practically their whole lives and everyone loves her - customers, boss, co-workers, and especially Caine the policeman that hangs around for hours at the counter drinking really bad coffee just so he has an excuse to spend some time with her. And the crowning touch is the bizarro scheme she’s devised to keep everyone who knows them in the dark about the fact the three of them have been sleeping in her old van because they’re temporarily homeless. Now I know homelessness is a serious societal issue so I’m not making light of it but you have to admit that the odds are squarely against them being able to maintain that charade and go undetected.
In “Before That Night” author Violet Duke has come up with a good storyline involving Caine and Addison. Her brother Tanner and sister Kylie are minor characters but their roles are a necessary part of the plot. And like their older sister, they’re model children, get good grades, would never think of hooking school or complaining about the lack of a tv or asking for clothes like their classmates wear. A parent’s dream for sure.
Just so you don’t think it’s too saccharine to be true, there is a bad guy. He’s stalking Addison and in brief, he’s a certifiable nutcase. His appearance in the story is a harbinger of major changes for all concerned. So good readers, brace yourself as this is book one of a duet. Ranting and raving is a waste of good energy so prepare to download book two. The good news is, both books are FREE to Kindle Unlimited members.
As an aside, author Duke’s bio says she was formerly a Professor of English Education and my response is well! I’m guessing she has at least a masters degree which should’ve made her a better than average writer of correct syntax, etc. But her incessant use of redundant phrases, especially “the reason why” and dangling participles, began to grate on my nerves. Some people will argue that “the reason why” is perfectly acceptable but I point out that the “reason” is the “why”. In the question “WHY did you do that?” one is asking for the “reason”. So its my opinion that THE REASON WHY is a redundant phrase that should be banished from our lexicon.
Due to the above comments and “Before That Night” being a slow starter, my rating is three and a half stars. That said, I’ve already downloaded book two of the “Unfinished Love” duet, “Every Night Without You” Just sayin’.
Move over Mother Teresa and make way for Saint Addison. Heresy you say? Maybe, except I think you can easily see the sarcasm dripping off the page. Addison is all things good: selfless, kind hearted, a model employee, an exemplary role model for her younger siblings who she’s been “mothering” practically their whole lives and everyone loves her - customers, boss, co-workers, and especially Caine the policeman that hangs around for hours at the counter drinking really bad coffee just so he has an excuse to spend some time with her. And the crowning touch is the bizarro scheme she’s devised to keep everyone who knows them in the dark about the fact the three of them have been sleeping in her old van because they’re temporarily homeless. Now I know homelessness is a serious societal issue so I’m not making light of it but you have to admit that the odds are squarely against them being able to maintain that charade and go undetected.
In “Before That Night” author Violet Duke has come up with a good storyline involving Caine and Addison. Her brother Tanner and sister Kylie are minor characters but their roles are a necessary part of the plot. And like their older sister, they’re model children, get good grades, would never think of hooking school or complaining about the lack of a tv or asking for clothes like their classmates wear. A parent’s dream for sure.
Just so you don’t think it’s too saccharine to be true, there is a bad guy. He’s stalking Addison and in brief, he’s a certifiable nutcase. His appearance in the story is a harbinger of major changes for all concerned. So good readers, brace yourself as this is book one of a duet. Ranting and raving is a waste of good energy so prepare to download book two. The good news is, both books are FREE to Kindle Unlimited members.
As an aside, author Duke’s bio says she was formerly a Professor of English Education and my response is well! I’m guessing she has at least a masters degree which should’ve made her a better than average writer of correct syntax, etc. But her incessant use of redundant phrases, especially “the reason why” and dangling participles, began to grate on my nerves. Some people will argue that “the reason why” is perfectly acceptable but I point out that the “reason” is the “why”. In the question “WHY did you do that?” one is asking for the “reason”. So its my opinion that THE REASON WHY is a redundant phrase that should be banished from our lexicon.
Due to the above comments and “Before That Night” being a slow starter, my rating is three and a half stars. That said, I’ve already downloaded book two of the “Unfinished Love” duet, “Every Night Without You” Just sayin’.
January 26, 2017
Before That Night is the first installment of the Unfinished Love series by Violet Duke.
Note: There are four brothers and each brother will have two books (duets) in this series.
Addison’s mother is a junky and doesn’t think twice when she goes on one of her conquest while leaving three kids behind. Addison being the eldest (18 in the beginning), takes on the responsibilities of caring for her younger siblings while putting her dreams on the back burner. For her, age doesn’t matter as long as she can keep them all together.
Caine Spencer is a workaholic, jumping on duty and being the ultimate protector for his town, but when he’s in Joe’s Diner he can’t help, but slow down and enjoy a bad cup of coffee with Addison. The more time he spends at Joe’s Diner, Caine and Addison realize they want much more from each other.
But, when a stalker threatens Addison and secrets are spilled will she make the ultimate sacrifice or will she finally lean on Caine?
Violet Duke where have you been!? I’ll admit, I’ve seen plenty of her books, but none of them have interest me like Before That Night. This story was written so elegantly that I’m literally kicking myself for not reading her previous work. Better late than never, right?
I’m sure a lot of you, readers have read similar books, but what you haven’t experience is the way Violet Duke writes. The emotions and the way Addison handles the responsibilities of two siblings at nineteen is remarkable. For her, it’s all about keeping her siblings together, but to people on the outside looking in, it’s so much more. I really enjoyed the Violet Duke writes about how Addison is doing despite her circumstance instead of writing unnecessary drama. Even though this story is slow build, it didn’t feel like it. Addison is a heroine that I absolutely admire as well as captivating.
Heck, I didn’t even mind the cliffhanger because these two are just getting started.
I look forward to seeing what Violet Duke has in store for us. I highly recommend, but if you don’t like cliffhangers, then I would suggest waiting until book two; Every Night Without You.
Tempting Sexy Thoughts
**ARC for Honest Review**
Note: There are four brothers and each brother will have two books (duets) in this series.
Addison’s mother is a junky and doesn’t think twice when she goes on one of her conquest while leaving three kids behind. Addison being the eldest (18 in the beginning), takes on the responsibilities of caring for her younger siblings while putting her dreams on the back burner. For her, age doesn’t matter as long as she can keep them all together.
Caine Spencer is a workaholic, jumping on duty and being the ultimate protector for his town, but when he’s in Joe’s Diner he can’t help, but slow down and enjoy a bad cup of coffee with Addison. The more time he spends at Joe’s Diner, Caine and Addison realize they want much more from each other.
But, when a stalker threatens Addison and secrets are spilled will she make the ultimate sacrifice or will she finally lean on Caine?
Violet Duke where have you been!? I’ll admit, I’ve seen plenty of her books, but none of them have interest me like Before That Night. This story was written so elegantly that I’m literally kicking myself for not reading her previous work. Better late than never, right?
I’m sure a lot of you, readers have read similar books, but what you haven’t experience is the way Violet Duke writes. The emotions and the way Addison handles the responsibilities of two siblings at nineteen is remarkable. For her, it’s all about keeping her siblings together, but to people on the outside looking in, it’s so much more. I really enjoyed the Violet Duke writes about how Addison is doing despite her circumstance instead of writing unnecessary drama. Even though this story is slow build, it didn’t feel like it. Addison is a heroine that I absolutely admire as well as captivating.
Heck, I didn’t even mind the cliffhanger because these two are just getting started.
I look forward to seeing what Violet Duke has in store for us. I highly recommend, but if you don’t like cliffhangers, then I would suggest waiting until book two; Every Night Without You.
Tempting Sexy Thoughts
**ARC for Honest Review**
Read
August 13, 2019I have to say this story made me kind of mad with the mother of Addison. She blamed a poor defensive child for not being a good mother, by telling her it was her fault that the man that knocked her up left. Why!! Would she do that to a 4yr old child.. then by the age of 10yrs old she was taking care of her brother Tanner, then came Kylie... Her mother was a drug addict and she left them to fend for them self often. Now fast forward to Addison Milan being 18yrs old, Tanner 12yrs old and Kylie 6yrs old. They are living with their mother and her now boyfriend that were no where to be found and if Addison. Don’t get some money to pay for the boyfriend’s apartment they are going to be kicked out.
So Addison took her collage tuition money to buy an old Chevy Conversion sport mini van. That her and the kids had to sleep in cause they couldn’t pay for the apartment that her mother and boyfriend left them in with water and lights off and rent passed due for 2 months they were better off living in the van.. but!! Addison had to get a job to keep them going.. so she did adult baby sitting a lady name Bernadette and Addison got a job waitressing at a diner called Joe’s.
Now there is always a handsome man that came alone and his name is Caine Spencer. Caine is a cop on the Creek Hills police department. Caine is 29yrs old and he’s been on the force for 8 yrs. He has two brothers Max and Gabe a foster brother name Drew age 13yrs and a stepsister name Lia.
This story was a little sad for me cause just when Addison thought everything was going well this guy David messed things all up and she had to do some dramatic things to get him caught. Plus she and Caine was falling for each other. Which made things even more complicated for Addison. So the ending was really dramatic for me and for her and the kids... you really have to read it to see what all poor Addis n had to endure for her and her siblings to stay together. Your going to love it. And you can’t wait to see what happens in the second book.
Her are some more key parties Shirley — she works at the diner with Addison. Joe —of course is Addison’s boss at the diner. Aunt Bernadette — the lady Addison work for. And Marco one of the cops that work with Caine.
Can’t wait for book to “Every Night without You”
So Addison took her collage tuition money to buy an old Chevy Conversion sport mini van. That her and the kids had to sleep in cause they couldn’t pay for the apartment that her mother and boyfriend left them in with water and lights off and rent passed due for 2 months they were better off living in the van.. but!! Addison had to get a job to keep them going.. so she did adult baby sitting a lady name Bernadette and Addison got a job waitressing at a diner called Joe’s.
Now there is always a handsome man that came alone and his name is Caine Spencer. Caine is a cop on the Creek Hills police department. Caine is 29yrs old and he’s been on the force for 8 yrs. He has two brothers Max and Gabe a foster brother name Drew age 13yrs and a stepsister name Lia.
This story was a little sad for me cause just when Addison thought everything was going well this guy David messed things all up and she had to do some dramatic things to get him caught. Plus she and Caine was falling for each other. Which made things even more complicated for Addison. So the ending was really dramatic for me and for her and the kids... you really have to read it to see what all poor Addis n had to endure for her and her siblings to stay together. Your going to love it. And you can’t wait to see what happens in the second book.
Her are some more key parties Shirley — she works at the diner with Addison. Joe —of course is Addison’s boss at the diner. Aunt Bernadette — the lady Addison work for. And Marco one of the cops that work with Caine.
Can’t wait for book to “Every Night without You”
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