Unworthy

by Cassia Brightmore

Irrelevant. Insignificant. Inconsequential.

Three pointed words designed to break down a person’s self-confidence. To strip away any sense of worth until all that’s left is a shell of the person they wish to be. Sometimes, courage comes in the form of enduring endless pain and suffering; sometimes, bravery can blind you from the truth.

What would you do if you were trapped? Unable to break free of the bindings of shame and rejection? For Maisie Pierce, finding herself in a world that has done nothing but betray her has proved almost impossible.

Until him.

Ridge Buchanan doesn’t have time for love or any kind of a committed relationship. With putting everything he has into making his private security business a success, finding a woman is the last thing he wants or needs.

Until her.

Two broken souls not searching for each other. A lost woman desperate to escape the constraints of her past. A bitter man resigned to living a life of empty one-night stands and meaningless connections. A volatile, dark cloud looming over both of them.

When faced with a chance at happiness after a life filled with disappointments, can they be the beacon of hope each other needs? Or are they destined to forever live a life of misery and regret?

Contains graphic and violent situations that may cause triggers. Recommended for readers 18 or older.

Genres: Romance

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2017

About the author

Cassia Brightmore is a Canadian dark romance author. She loves writing dark stories with twisted characters that she hopes will thrill the reader as well as make them fall in love.

She loves hockey, video games and online shopping. If she's not writing or editing, you can usually find her doing one of these things. Writing is her passion and publishing her first book as an indie author was truly a dream come true.

Her titles include:

The Darkness Series
Book One: Malevolent
Book Two: Evanesce
Book Three: Denouement
Book Four: Repentance
The Darkness Series: The Complete Saga (Books 1-4)

The Trauma Series
Book One: Lincoln Hospital
Book Two: Flatline
Book Three: Resuscitation

Standalones
Unworthy
The Book Splash Horror Story
Deviant
Misdirection

COMING SOON
Laird
You Better Watch Out

CONNECT WITH CASSIA
TWITTER - INSTAGRAM - PINTEREST - FACEBOOK - WEBSITE
cassiabrightmore@gmail.com

JOIN CASSIA'S READER GROUP:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cassi...

Reviews

[Leo (Queen of the Rants and Spoilers)]

No rate..
That ending...

[✰ Charlie ✰ Chisholm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow Cassia has done it again,

This book is so different from her normal serial killer or murderers but it was amazing..

I have to say that ending OMG I really didn't see that twist, Brilliant.

Loved the characters and sub ones hated Brant.. I wanted to crawl into the book at the start and just hug Maisie.. I hated her mother too.

If you Love Cassia's books then grab this one and have some tissues handy too...

[Amy Zec · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will need a box of Kleenex for this one.

This was my first read by Cassia and I am completely blown away. This was definitely an emotional read and had me on edge from the very beginning.

[Jamie Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Standalone??????

Really loved this amazing book! Just a little confused on the ending. It says it is a standalone and I would have to disagree especially after reading the epilogue. I really hope more is to come from this set of characters I mean you can't give us what you did and not consider it a cliff hanger!!
I, myself can't leave a read like that.
So in saying that it was definitely a well written book filled with a lot of angst. I loved Maisie, my heart felt broken for her. I cried for her. To feel lie she did her whole life as unworthy is a devastating thing to endure. To which followed her into adulthood. For five years she put up with escalating abuse because she felt like it was her fault. Finally having enough she tries to leave and more atrocities occur. Will it ever end??
Ridge is a life saviour for Maisie. Ridge is helping her come into herself, see that she is worthy. And I am going to leave this review now because I don't want to give anything away. So you as a reader need to read this book and as a reader you will understand my dilemma!
So with confusion I am done and dumbfounded.
Thanks Jamie Nibarger Ellis

[Natalie Miernicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another amazing story from the very talented Cassia. This was very different from her other stories but it had it's own dark undertones. Maisie had a rough start in life with a mother who used to mistreat her and broke down her self esteem so much she felt she didn't deserve anything good... When she fell into an abusive relationship she accepted this as all she was good for, never feeling like she deserved any better. That was until he come along... Ridge was everything Brant wasn't and he listened to her and encouraged her to go for her dreams. Can she find the courage to follow her heart or will her past keep beating her down. Highly recommend this story, it's a great read with a twist in the tail I never saw coming...

[Dawn Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassia Brightmore had me hooked from the very beginning with this book, and I read the whole thing without putting it down. Maisie as a little girl broke my heart. Maisie as an adult made me want to slay her demons, and then kick her booty for feeling the way she did about herself. Loved the book, loved all of the characters, except the boyfriend. I don't think anyone can love him. That ending though...haha, okay, I loved it too! Great read!

[Cindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm all for shocking subject matter books and if I am reading say a horror book I expect NO happy ending but what the author did here- not acceptable to me. Complete waste of time reading for it to end the way it did.

I do recommend her Trauma Series though. At least there you know what your getting into from the start..

[Tammi · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an emotional book! I am not sure how many times this story brought me to tears. My heart broke over and over for Macie this girl had such low self confidence because of the crap life handed her. She just couldn't catch a break. Anytime life was good something or someone ruined it, putting her back to her Unworthy feelings.
But Damn if this author didn't give us a WTF ending! It changed everything.

[Meagan Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book isn’t like cassia’s other books but don’t let that turn you away! This book is so good! It definitely is an emotional roller coaster leaving you happy sad and pissed! If you read this book you won’t be disappointed. You will need some tissues for sure! And remember YOU ARE WORTHY!

[Lani Kiebat · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the end

I love this book all the way through is an emotional ride and it true cassia form the end come straight out of left field can't wait

[Rebecca Waldron · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT????

Amazing read! Very heartbreaking, and emotional. The things that Maisie went through, and goes through, is un freaking real! Then, ahhh. The light at the end of the tunnel. Hot, sexy moments, and then..... BAM! A WTF? Didn't see that coming! Seriously, there better be another book! Please don't leave us hanging like that!

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so up in the air on how I feel about this book!!!! On the one hand, I was crying my eyes out within the first few pages. I was heartbroken, to say the least!!! Then, the further in to the story I read I started getting angry!!! I desperately wanted Maisie to have a better life. And towards the end, I really thought she had found it!!!! Even with all she's had to go through, Maisie fights to find her happiness. BUT, I forgot who was writing this book!!!! I KNOW Cassia Brightmore is the master of twists!!!!

And that, my friends, is all I'm going to say!!!!

[Cindy Fong · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a part of everyone that feels like they are "not good enough" for anything or anyone. Maise started out her life just wanting acceptance and love. She eventually finds it but the scars of her early childhood hover on the fringe of all she does. She ends up in a bad relationship, afraid to admit it to her family or do anything about it. When an adoptive family member gets sick, Maise finds the catalyst to make changes in her life. With the support of her sister Blake and her friend Greer, she has the support system in place. Add in a hot guy who has taken an interest in her and that makes for a great read.

In true Cassia fashion, you will feel every emotion reading this book and won't see the twists coming. That ending....I am still thinking wtf!!! I easily read this in an evening, but it is a story that won't be long forgotten.

[~Misty~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just wow

I honestly was not expecting what I read . This story hurt my heart, left me in sobbing fits, moments where I just had to put my kindle down and gather myself to continue reading. I am absolutely in love Ridge! Masie and him fit and I love the healing and patience and gah! Everything with the two of them made me smile and sigh with happiness .... But the ending...OMG!! Would never expect that!

[Julie Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say! that had me totally gripped, wanting to finish but not wanting the book to end. I do believe I just popped my Cassia Brightmore cherry.

Maisie one very tough strong lady, how she got through half of that I'll never know, she may have came off weak when she didn't stand up to Brant, believing she deserved what was happening. She was really lucky to have found or been found by her adoptive parents, and them her, all their kindness, and unconditional love still did not stop her from feeling unworthy.

I adored Blake, her sister, whilst a bit on the wild side, she did love her sister. And Greer, so funny and sweet with Maisie.

I can't even begin to imaging how Maisie felt, we read some truly heart wrenchingly sad scenes, and thankfully for to experience some of Maisie's best bits.

Finally going to meet her birth mother, certainly had Maisie questioning herself, but her good heart didn't feel any remorse towards her, she was ready to forgive her birth Mother and hopefully move on with her new life with Ridge.

Fate certainly had other ideas, OMG I was shocked! BUT Maisie showed her true strength and did what she had to do to get through it. When Brant opened the door for some odd reason I was thinking of a whole different ending.

The epilogue confused me, I think I might have missed something. It certainly leave a whole other area to explire, one maybe where Maisie is very happy living out her HEA, and that Ridge looks deep into his own heart, seeing that True Love really does win.....

[Mel Shank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unworthy is really good!! It is just a really good story all the way around and the first book I have read by Cassia Brightmore. I had all kind of feels and wanted only happiness for Maisie. The ending threw me and that was surprising and fun. The editing is a little rough. I don't worry about commas so much but I noticed lots of wrong words. It was enough that it bothered me a little, but again the story is great.

[Linda Diamond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well damn this was one hell of a book! This is the kind of book that you don't want read but you can't put down. It will have you biting your nails and holding your breath! It was what they call antsy I'm guessing. It brought out a lot of emotions , but it was a really good story just what you would expect from Cassia Brightmore!!! If you love her books will will definitely love this... Really just check it out for yourself I promise you'll like it!!!!

[Tee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning- Unworthy will break you. It will rip you apart and put your back together again and just when you think all is well, don't get too comfortable.
This was my first read by Cassia Brightmore and I think I have found a new favourite. Brilliant, gut-wrenching and amazing.
Go read Unworthy now!

[Karen C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feeling inadequate and being constantly degraded is a feeling that so many face. Most are unable to see the light because they are cloaked by the darkness and negativity of others. Maise is one of those people. Her story is not an easy one to read but it is well worth the time.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally did not expect that ending! A must to have Kleenex on hand when reading.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do not read in public!

Do not read where you wouldn't want someone to see all of your emotions. I don't mean happy nostalgic kind of emotions either. I mean rip your heart out and stomp on it over and over again kind. This is what U worthy did to me. The worse part of the novel is Cassia's prolog. That it's her story with added drama so to speak. Each word read made me wonder "did she really go threw this?, How on earth did she survive it all" you can feel the pain and anguish in each sentence. It was a great read, but bring the tissue some wine and you're favorite chocolate because once you finish this you're going to need it. Especially with the twist at the end. Wow. Did not see that coming. Cassia I need to know more on that. Truth or fiction?

[Jennifer Richey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional story

Wow poor Maisie at 4 years old her mom called her names she was fortunate someone caught on and she found the pearsons and they adopted her but when she moves out with a abusive boyfriend how far is too far than she meets a cute boy at her job will she leave the abuser for him?

[Nikki Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book, but the ending is strange

I picked this up as a needed a quick stand-alone read.
It’s a good book and you empathise with Maisie, you fall in love with her family and you’ll sob with her on her darkest day.
However the ending reads as a twist and a 2nd book!
I’d love it if somebody, anybody can clarify this, or do I just want there to be the 2nd book...

[T.H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

WoW!!!!

This story had me on pins and needles from beginning till the end...and then the end...OMWoW!! My heart ached for our leading lady in so many ways. Her past, her present and for whatever happens next.

PS: I need to know more!!!!!

Amazing story, loved it!!!

[Stefanie Kral · Rating 4 out of 5]

✯✯4 Worthy Stars!!!✯✯

Cassia sure is one evil genius. I was hooked to this from the very first page. This book was fantastic and if you've read Cassia's previous books then you'll know to always be prepared.

All Maisie's ever wanted her entire life was to be loved unconditionally. Early in her life that wasn't the case. Not until she was adopted. Then, she had loving parents and a sister who loved her.

When she met Brant she thought she'd met her Prince Charming. But, looks can be deceiving. Brant got his hooks into Maisie deep. He turned into an abusive monster. If Maisie didn't do what he wanted and when he wanted it turned disastrous for her. He broke her down so much she didn't realize she was worth so much more then him breaking her down.

The only one who knew her secret was her sister Blake. She had to beg and plead with her to not say anything. Blake was only going to stay quiet for so long before she tells their parents.

When Maisie meets Ridge everything changes. He makes her feel things Brant never did. He's the perfect gentleman and notices that Maisie's been through things that nobody should ever have too.

Maisie finally realizes she's strong enough to stand up for herself. Things start to look up for Maisie and she's never been happier. Then as fast as it came it all fell apart. When she looses one of the people closest to her, her mother makes an appearance and Brant won't let anybody make a fool of him. The only good in her life is Ridge.

This book was full of emotions. My heart hurt for Maisie. I hated that she felt she couldn't talk to her parents, her sister or her friend Greer. I was glad she finally stood up for herself. I totally understood why she went to that hotel. I would've too if I was her. I wish she would have gotten answers.

I went through so many ups and downs reading this. But, then I got to the end. And, just like every single Cassia Brightmore book I was left shocked, loss of breath, jaw dropped and saying out loud "WTF!!". I legit read the last few paragraphs like 5 times BC I did NOT see it coming. This is another must read from this author!

[Jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the first I have read of this author and while I didn't love the book, the writing was intriguing enough that I would try another one of her books. I honestly thought this book was supposed to be a standalone but it is not. I have found, through reading comments, that there is supposed to be a follow-up novella coming.

The book is written in third person, not something I am a huge fan of but it did hold my attention. I did not feel like there was a lot of suspense throughout the book and it was slightly predictable. The story was okay but I felt like the last quarter of it just went off track and I don't know that I feel like Maisie became stronger or was just happier.

[Laura G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this story not expecting the events that occurred happening. All Maisie ever wanted to be was loved & accepted. I found myself feeling so bad for Maisie, as no one deserves to be treated the way she was from an early age. This story brings out every emotion you have & was heartbreaking. I was drawn in from page 1. Finally Maisie meets Ridge who shows her that she deserves to be wanted & loved. But in true Cassia Brightmore fashion, the ending takes a sharp turn. I NEVER saw that ending coming.

[tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find this book really strong but have to say you did burst my bubble,
didn't see that coming at all and how I wish I had skipped the epilogue and pretended it to be just fine and be able to wish maisie a good life ahead after all she struggled against and for , only to know another piece of her heart will be shattering soon.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a decent read, but not my favorite by this author.