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Bachelors in Demand #5

Bachelor Unforgiving

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Passionate payback 

They say living well is the best revenge. Virgil Bougard has other ideas. Four years ago Kara Goshay believed a vicious lie about him and ended their relationship. And even after her apology, Virgil is still bitter. He intends to get even with Kara when his family's firm hires her PR company to revamp his playboy image. But faking a liaison with Kara for the media backfires when the line between fantasy and reality is blurred by strong sexual attraction. 

Kara wanted forgiveness. Instead she's deep into a heated affair with the powerful, charismatic man she can't resist. The man who claims he'll never forgive her, especially when a secret enemy puts her professional reputation in jeopardy. Stakes are high—but so is their searing desire, a connection so intense it could possibly tame this elusive bachelor at last…  

 

Audiobook

First published July 19, 2016

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About the author

Brenda Jackson

899 books3,603 followers
In 1994, Brenda Jackson’s first novel, Tonight and Forever, was released. Since then she has had more than 100 novels and novellas published (the first African-American author to accomplish such a feat) and has over 3 million books in print.

A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.

In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.

In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.

Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
Profile Image for *TANYA*.
1,002 reviews429 followers
January 11, 2017
The Bachelor could have been a smidgen more forgiving. He was quite angry in his heart. Fun, fast to the point type of book.
Profile Image for Lisa (Remarkablylisa).
2,530 reviews1,813 followers
September 8, 2020
The problem with Brenda Jackson's harlequin romances is that it's too short. It doesn't have enough build up on backstories so it's hard for second chance romances. The romance was a little hard to believe.

TRIGGER WARNING: Rape
Profile Image for Ezi Chinny.
2,691 reviews529 followers
August 21, 2016
3.5 stars

Kara Goshay and Virgil Bougard had been a couple for a year when Cara's big sister Marty told Kara that she saw Virgil being unfaithful. When Kara confronted Virgil he denied the accusation and Kara broke up with him. 4 years later Kara overheard Marty bragging that she fabricated the story of Virgil's affair. When Kara asked her sister why she would do that, Marty responded that she thought Virgil would eventually hurt Kara. So she hastened the end of the story.

Kara sought out Virgil to apologize but Virgil wanted nothing to do with Kara as she had exhibited a lack of faith in him. So this book was Kara's fight to win Virgil forgiveness as well as his heart. But Virgil is a notorious grudge holder and he doesn't forgive. Can Kara break down his walls?

I came into this series late but I would have enjoyed more character building. I didn't know their personalities, only who they are AFTER the breakup. thought Marty was a shady, but I was unsure why Kara didn't do more investigation before breaking up with Virgil. Why it took 4 years for her to learn of her big sister's lies. I also didn't understand why a strong man didn't work harder to preserve a relationship with Kara.

Despite that, I enjoyed the story, the writing and the chemistry between Kara and Virgil. They were both independent, hard working and passionate. I love the idea of the godfathers and Bachelors. This subject matter wasn't heavy but it's realistic. It's entertaining and fun. In real life I would have told Kara to take Virgil at his word and let go. But it worked out for her. I look forward to the next story.

*Special Thanks to Harlequin Kimani via Netgalley for the e-arc given in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for April.
77 reviews32 followers
July 25, 2016
This was a Great love story about Forgiveness can't wait for the last Bachelor to fall!!!!!! Mrs. Jackson is a Awesome writer to me ☺️☺️ now on to the next exciting book.
Profile Image for Whit.
3,657 reviews51 followers
August 22, 2016
Awesome story! I love the six super-fine bachelors that make up the Guarded Heart Club. But in this story only two remain. The other four have found and married their soul mates. Virgil, wealthy CEO of Bougard Industries is unforgiving, stubborn and has no problem holding a grudge. He allowed a lack of veracity on Kara's sister's part to totally destroy their relationship. Virgil refuses to accept Kara's apology for not trusting him. Now he's about to let "the best thing that ever happened to him", walk away.
Profile Image for Namita.
640 reviews37 followers
October 5, 2020

Four years ago, based on a lie told to her by her sister Kara ended her relationship with Virgil . Virgil has never forgiven Kara and when his father hires Kara’s firm to improve his playboy image, Virgil realizes that this might be the perfect time to make Kiara pay

An enjoyable easy breezy romantic read by Brenda Jackson Bachelor Unforgiving is a great addition to the Bachelor in Demand series

I would like to thank Harlequin & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
Profile Image for SassyMama.
1,016 reviews4 followers
July 21, 2016
ABSOLUTELY loved it! Virgil's unforgiving nature will cost him the BEST thing to ever happen to him. Once Kara discovers she was deceived she admits her mistake, apologizes and asks Virgil's forgiveness, SADLY Virgil's heart is ice cold and he is unwilling to forgive and forget. I ENJOYED the INTENSE physical attraction between Virgil and Kara. It was a bit comical watching Virgil's attempts at resisting his desire for Kara throughout. And I was caught up in Kara's purposeful attempts at seducing Virgil and trying to melt the ice around his heart in an effort to get him to see that despite what happened they could move pass it, if he would only stop being so stubborn. And I was shocked and appalled at what happened to Marti. Granted what she did to her sister was DIRTY, but I can understand how she developed an animosity towards all men especially Virgil and his god brothers w/their Bachelors in Demand Club. Another GREAT read by Mrs. Jackson!
Profile Image for Celeste .
582 reviews6 followers
July 23, 2016
Kara and Virgil love conquers all

Nothing is ever perfect or what it may seem to be. Virgil being who he was had to learn what forgiveness truly meant. Kara for her part had to own up to her mistake and face the consequences. The two on their journey realized just how important matters of the heart can be. Trust is definitely important in any relationship but so is forgiveness. The dynamics between Virgil and Kara play out exactly how one should expect. The bomb is dropped when you learn the reason behind Marti's actions. You now look at her from a different lens. You appreciate the support of family.
Profile Image for Tia.
829 reviews294 followers
July 29, 2016
This was a solid read from beginning to end. A quick page turner about forgiveness, family and friendships and passionate love. I've read many of Brenda Jackson's books over the years and Bachelor Unforgiving is one of her best.
Profile Image for Joyce M. H..
1,398 reviews19 followers
August 13, 2016
Brenda Jackson has done it again. Great book.
There is only one of the God brothers left in the Guarded Heart Club. Come on Zion time to throw in the towel.
Profile Image for Dafort.
619 reviews19 followers
November 6, 2016
Customer Rating - 4.5/5
CONCEPT
The concept of this story woman apologizes to a past love and tries to rekindle the relationship, however he is unwilling to forgive her and vows to never forget.
STORY
They say you can forgive but you can never forget. Virgil Bougard takes that saying to heart. Four years ago Kara Goshay believed a vicious lie about him and ended their relationship. And even after her apology, Virgil is still bitter. He doesn't intend to make things easy for Kara when his family's firm hires her PR company to revamp his playboy image. But faking a liaison with Kara for the media backfires when the line between fantasy and reality is blurred by strong sexual attraction.
Kara wanted forgiveness. Instead she's deep into a heated affair with the powerful, charismatic man she can't resist. The man who claims he'll never forgive her, especially when a secret enemy puts her professional reputation in jeopardy. Stakes are high—but so is their searing desire, a connection so intense it could possibly tame this elusive, unforgiving bachelor at last…
CHARACTERS
Ms. Jackson does a splendid job with character development of both Virgil and Kara. Virgil is portrayed as a man who loves hard and is unwilling to forgive when he has been accused of a falsehood. Since his break up from Kara, he reverted back to his playboy image. He has now found that his playboy image is in fact hurting his father’s company. In comes Kara and her business to help clean Virgil’s image. Kara’s character takes the role as one who never stopped loving Virgil and once she realizes the enormity of what her sister did, Kara makes every effort to apologize to Virgil. Of course, she knew it would not be easy and she feels cleaning Virgil’s image may be her last chance to get this bachelor to forgive her. Embarking on the façade of a couple, Virgil is determine to fight his feelings for Kara but to no avail he cannot forget how explosive their relationship was. Kara is determine to get Virgil to see they are meant to be.
DIALOGUE
The dialogue was in line for the concept of this story and will keep readers in engaged throughout.
STRUCTURE
Again, the structure of the story fell in line with the theme. Readers can feel Virgil’s hurt that Kara did not trust in their love but at the same time he cannot resist her.
OVERALL
Bachelor Unforgiving was an enjoyable read. It was good to see Virgil and Kara’s journey. Virgil did not make the path easy for Kara but she was never know to quit and is willing to fight for their love even if it means pretending to be a couple. The passion between these two is explosive and each cannot help their feelings. Virgil will need to find it in his heart to forgive Kara and allow his love to blossom while Kara must pull out all stops to get Virgil to forgive her and ultimately love her again. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this installment in the Bachelor in Demand series.

UrbanDivaz Reviewer - DAFortner
Profile Image for Natalya | TheIslandReader.
283 reviews11 followers
September 18, 2016
FULL REVIEW POSTED -->
It’s always a good weekend when I can read a new Brenda Jackson novel.

She is back with her Bachelors in Demand series and this time it’s about Virgil, in Bachelor Unforgiving. If I’m being honest, the lapse has been quite long with the books in this series that I almost forgot about it. ALMOST.

Kara Goshay and Virgil Bougard were deeply in love four years ago. Everyone thought wedding bells were in the near future. However, Kara was told an unsubstantiated lie and she believed it, and that was the downfall of their relationship.

Years later, her PR firm is called to help fix Virgil’s image. A plan that I wasn’t in agreement with from the beginning, was put into place, and these two were thrust back into each other’s lives.

We’re familiar with this song and dance. Distance makes the heart grow fonder and when two people who loved each other as much as they did are made to spend so much time together, old feelings are guaranteed to resurface. But is it too late?

Kara was really naive, and she was one of the first Brenda Jackson heroines that I didn’t like that much. Someone tells you something about your boyfriend and you automatically take it at face value. You didn’t ask for proof, you didn’t take the information and investigate further? You weren’t being told he took your toothpaste, you were told he cheated on you. INVESTIGATE. If only briefly. I thought this was common sense. If you tell me something about my boyfriend, cousin or mother, I will appreciate the sentiment but I know I need proof before I confront someone.

She had no one to blame but herself.

With that being said, Virgil was definitely a bachelor unforgiving. He was not a fan of “forgive and forget”. After we learned a little bit more about their history, particularly Kara’s family, I did feel the need for Virgil to lighten up a bit. The past is the past and unfortunately, they couldn’t go back in time and change what happened. However, he was very much still into Kara and he became so adamant about denying it that he started to come off as petty. Everyone and their mothers could see that he was still in love with that girl and he just refused want to admit it.

After a close call and Virgil’s ego being almost too big to truly forgive and accept, Virgil and Kara found their way back to each other permanently. They were a cute couple with a solid history and just enough passion to keep readers interested in this short read. Bachelor Unforgiving was a nice addition to the Bachelors in Demand series, and I am ecstatic that Zane’s story is finally up next. I remember being intrigued by him for the longest. Something tells me it will take a very special woman to get the elusive jeweler to settle down.

Anyone else fans of this series by Brenda Jackson? Let me know what’s been your favorite story so far.
Profile Image for KBeautiful1.
690 reviews66 followers
October 4, 2017
Another stellar book by author Brenda Jackson and another Bachelor bites the "Marriage Dust" Woot! Woot!

Virgil Bougard and Kara Goshay were a couple that everyone believed were destined to walked down the aisle but a devastating lie told four years ago not only shattered those dreams, the broken heart of Virgil turned to stone.

Four years have passed and Kara over hears her sister Marti gleefully telling someone over the phone how her lie to her sister about Virgil worked perfectly. Kara confronts Marti and now not only has her heart broken all over again but she purposes to herself to apologize to Virgil for believing the lie when he desperately tried to tell her that it was a lie.

Virgil has returned to his womanizing ways but this time it has caught up to him and now his father makes the demand that he fix it because it is impeding on the family business. Enter Kara Goshay, the one woman Virgil never wanted to see again but the woman his dad hired to turn his image around if he were to eventually take over as CEO. Kara is great at what she does, Virgil just doesn't want her to be the one to do it.

Virgil and Kara must work together amicably to get it done, Kara being the professional vows to turn everything around regarding Virgil's image. Virgil, on the other hand has another idea and proposes it to Kara. The question is, will Kara go along with Virgil's plan or stick to what she has outlined already.

This is such a great story and a loved how it is written. I wanted to throat chop Virgil a couple of times in the story LOLL!!! Kara isn't blameless either because she should have believed her man but alas we all make mistakes.

There will be a final book in this series that will wrap up the "Bachelors in Demand" series and it will be Zion's story.

Well Until My Next Review Ciao Bellas!
Profile Image for Angela .
98 reviews
January 1, 2022
A story of forgive and forget. Virgil Bougard and Kara Goshay were lovers until a few years back when Kara broke off the relationship accusing Virgil of cheating. The hurt feelings of rejection and pain, Virgil is bitter towards Kara, refusing to have anything to do with her. But, once finding out the truth, Kara approached Virgil to apologize that he refused to accept.

Virgil was known as a womanizer and as his father put it, a male whore image that was affecting the company his father owned; causing a bad reputation for himself and the company. To help change Virgil’s image his father hires a PR company, owned by Kara Goshay. Virgil is stubborn as hell and totally caught up in his feelings and with him still having feelings for Kara, but too callous to admit, he is having a hard time working with Kara. However, that is where their struggle to healing begins.

This was one of those stories that made you think. Sometimes to forgive and forget can be one of the hardest things to do and this story proved it and it also proved that it could be accomplished. I like how the story unfolded, yet it was difficult to see how stubborn Virgil could be, but he was in pain and I do believe his pain was from love but most from pride and rejection. Like Virgil said that love should have made her believe him, but also love should have made him forgive her. They were both in a complex situation and I could see both sides of their stories. However, Virgil got on my nerves, at times he seemed like a spoiled brat, but I believe if the tables were turned, Kara’s character would have not been too much different. The story was a pretty good read, not my favorite and a slim chance I will re-read. I give it 3.75 out of 5 stars.

Cast:
 Lawrence Robinson as Virgil Bougard
 Denise Vasi as Kara Goshay
Profile Image for Carlise.
502 reviews1 follower
August 20, 2016
Forgive and forget..

A loving couple with plans for the future. A mistake made that derails the future. Can you learn to forgive, forget, and move forward? Well it seems that everyone can except Virgil Bougard. Virgil's woman accused him unjustly. Now, 4 years later when the error was found, she attempted to apologize with no success. Virgil is stubborn and bitter. Kara is confident that he working relationship with Virgil will remind him of what they had and rekindle their need for each other.

The storyline was Ok. Nothing original. The guy always thinks he can "pretend" and his feelings will never manifest..of course, he's always wrong. The only thing I wished was included was V and Kara working through the lie. Regardless that her sister lied, Kara believed it..where was her trust in the man she loved? Where was her understanding of her culpability? Virgil was extremely bitter and while you understood his point on some level, he just became childish as the story droned on.

In the end they got together, but you were more relieved that the story was finally coming to an end than in them finding their HEA.

I love Brenda Jacksons book, but not every one. This wasn't my fave, but I'll always recommend her writings.
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,965 reviews173 followers
July 14, 2016
Allegations of infidelity imploded Kara and Virgil's whirlwind romance. Will a little undercover masquerading repair the damage? I received an ARC of Bachelor Unforgiving in exchange for an honest review. Ms. Jackson gave something that isn't seen very often in a romance. A bromance that spanned generations. A close knit group of men who look out for one another is a rarity. Most of the time you see female relationships that span generations and Uriel, Virgil, Winston, Xavier, York and Zion flipped the switch on that stereotype. It was obvious to everyone, close friends, family and even strangers these two were made for each other. Can Virgil let go of the pride, bitterness, hurt and anger long enough to risk it all before it's too late? Bachelor Unforgiving uses humor to mask some deeply emotional and personal subjects. A huge reason why continue to be a fan of this awesome storyteller.
Profile Image for Debby.
1,737 reviews76 followers
September 3, 2016
Four years ago, Kara Goshay believed a vicious lie and ended her relationship with Virgil Bougard. Virgil remains bitter and knows he can never allow himself to trust Kara again. When his father hires Kara’s firm to improve his playboy image, Virgil has no intention of making it easy for her. When told he needs a special woman in his life, Virgil decides Kara would be perfect for that part. When lines are crossed and the two find the heat between them is still there, reality and fantasy are hard to distinguish.

Brenda Jackson writes some of the best romance around. Virgil and Kara are fighting thier attraction. Virgil wants a bit of payback while Kara wants forgiveness. It does not take long before neither is sure what they want. Therein lies an amazing story that only Brenda Jackson can weave. You do not have to look far for an excellent romance. Brenda Jackson’s Bachelor Unforgiving is perfect.
819 reviews3 followers
August 30, 2018
Virgil Bougard and Kara Goshay were in a serious relationship until she believed a lie told to her by her sister. For four years Virgil has been bitter and unforgiving. So when Kara comes to him and tells him that she learned her sister lied and ask for his forgiveness he is unwilling. Over the years Virgil has gone from one relationship to another which has given him the reputation of a womanizer.

His father would like to retire and hand the company over to Virgil but feels that Virgil needs to clean up his image. So he convinces Virgil that they should hire Kara's PR firm. In order to convince everyone that he has changed Virgil and Kara agree to a fake relationship. The chemistry between them proves to be more than Virgil expected.

Will the unforgiving bachelor realize what everyone else already knows?
Profile Image for Samantha Taylor.
126 reviews
February 16, 2020
I really enjoyed this romance novel. It was an easy read. Virgil and Cara had a noticeable love. It was pure and special. Everyone can see it. Unfortunately, a terrible lie from Cara’s sister, Marty, broke them apart. Her lie wasn’t even based off of jealousy. It was based off her own detrimental experience with a ex boyfriend that raped her with his friends. (That was a total unexpected shock).

Cara was determined but professional. She knew what her heart felt was sincere. But she also knew what type of walls had to be broken down in order for her love to shine. Virgil was probably the most stubborn dude I’ve seen in years. He was a lesson all by himself. There was a common theme of “forgiving but not forgetting”. And the book did great at showing how much energy this takes. It doesn’t cleanse the soul; it just complicates the human emotion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Selina Durio.
2,523 reviews12 followers
July 23, 2016
As with all other Brenda Jackson books, this book was a fantastic read! With only two bachelors left, it was inevitable that they would soon fall. Virgil and Kara's story was not totally dissimilar to his god brothers, so for him to feel that te would be able to hold on to his bachelor ways was laughable. My only concern in the book was the issue with Marti. When she acknowledges why she did what she did to Kara, there is a conversation about why she changed her phone number. With her past and helping to put people in jail, it seemed the author might be expounding on that story line. I actually hope Marti's story appears in another book. Look out Zion it's your turn!
Profile Image for Marilyn Diamond.
715 reviews43 followers
August 6, 2016
I utilized this book as a template for a old love and I learned about men and love. Virgil held onto a lie and was unforgiving for 4 years to the love of his life. Riveting, fast-paced and realistic. Kara Goshay was not about to give up once fate gave her the opportunity to re-kindle love. Sometimes we have to take a leap of faith and leave it up to the hands of the man above. The other interesting aspect of this lie was why Kara's sister told the lie and how sexual abuse in this storyline was dealt with. Mental Health issues should always be addressed if not can have deadly consequences. Again Brenda Jackson didn't fail on another NY Times worthy storyline... Bravo.
Profile Image for PurpleLadi.
562 reviews7 followers
August 1, 2016
Great Read!

Mrs. Brenda Jackson's new story did not disappoint. Kara and Virgil had what appeared to be insurmountable obstacles keeping them apart; lack of trust and an unforgiving spirit. Alone, each can cause serious damage to a relationship, but together they can be deadly. Mrs. Jackson wove her magic and wrote a fresh believable story with all of the passion and romance we've come to expect. Forgiveness is a beautiful thing.
Profile Image for Sarah Kinnon-Parks.
59 reviews9 followers
August 18, 2016
Umm the sparks are flying despite Virgil saying he was done! This was a great read. I have enjoyed this entire series and it was nice to have a little visit with all of the other godbrothers of the club. The love story of minding broken hearts will never get old. Great read and I'm looking forward to the final book of this series.
Profile Image for Toniette.
158 reviews6 followers
January 26, 2017
OMG......TALK ABOUT SHOCKER!!!!!!!!

I love this story and glad V finally learned to forgive and let go. I'm glad Marti is getting help but one thing that doesn't explain they calls she's getting and changing of the cell number? Does this mean she's getting her own book? Or, will she end up with Zion protecting her from one of the guys she put in prison?
Profile Image for Brenda Hillmon.
40 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2016
I love me so Brenda Jackson but this book was not the Brenda Jackson I love

I never been disappointed by Brenda Jackson but this book was not some of her best work. it seemed rush too me .this is the first time I've ever been disappointed with one of Ms. Jackson s
Profile Image for Shelita.
682 reviews13 followers
August 16, 2016
Love Brenda Jackson but this one is 3.75 for me. Virgil got on my last nerve! Her freakin SISTER told her something! Her sister! Who she's known since birth as opposed to a guy she's been with a year. That bother me so much. And once we found out why her sister did what she did, man! It was deep.
Profile Image for Annettej.
98 reviews3 followers
August 13, 2016
It was an okay read

I have enjoyed reading books one through three. Book four has been my least favorite. I couldn't connect with either Kara or Virgil, that has not been the case when reading a Brenda Jackson novel. I hope Zion's story is better.
Profile Image for Kyra Gates.
Author 14 books70 followers
February 7, 2017
Awe

I hadn't forgotten about the guarded hearts club. Beautiful story of Kara and Virgil. I'm hoping to read about the sisters story and hope she gets a real revenge. We need to find her a good man though a protector and someone who will treat her right.
Profile Image for Sarah S.
1,036 reviews13 followers
December 26, 2018
Solid set up, great characters, left me wanting to read some of the other stories in this series. Some typos/copyediting errors that distracted me near the start but either there were only errors near the beginning or I was so into the story I just stopped noticing.
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