Bri and Siera are young women with huge hearts and strong wills; they want nothing more than to find a peaceful and secure space to be, a place that fulfills their needs and gives them the freedom to be themselves. But the world is a harsh place for anyone who is different. Bri’s Aunt Olivia is a vet with a thriving practice. She is set in her ways, single and surviving, channeling her emotions into her work and her love of Bri. Siera has a supportive but silent father, an overpowering helicopter mom, plus her Aunt Deb who adores her. Despite their individual battles against hurt, prejudice and rejection, can these four women find love against the odds?
Annette is an award-winning author, published by Affinity Rainbow Publications, who lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her wife and their five furry kids. With over thirty published novels, four Lesfic Bard finalist awards, two Lesfic Bard Awards, and one Goldie Award for her fourth novel, Locked Inside, she finally feels like a real author. Annette is as much a reader as a writer and always looking for the next lesfic novel to cue up. She came up with the One Fan at a Time tagline because it rolled off the tongue much better than One Reader at a Time. After pondering who she was at her core, it was all about connecting to each reader on a personal level. She would be the first to admit she doesn't do well with the masses. If someone picks up her book and it touches them she believes she has achieved what she wants with her writing by reaching each reader. It is who she is at her core. Drop her a line she loves to hear from readers: annettemori0859@gmail.com or sign up for her mailing list at: http://eepurl.com/cS3amj You can also catch her latest blogs at: https://annettemori0859.wordpress.com/ or visit the Affinity Rainbow Publications website for her books and many other outstanding authors: https://www.affinityebooks.com
Each time these girls are together, I had to smile. Their questions, their remarks, their feelings, all felt so natural and innocent. Bri and Siera, two characters who have touched my heart deeply. They are presented in such a lovely way and the author did an awesome job of showing us how it all affects the families. Everything felt so real. There are complications, misunderstandings, overprotection, so much love and with many moments where I chuckled out loud and moments I wanted to shake Kathleen from her stubborn refusal to see what's right in front of her. This story is well written, vibrant, rich, sensitive and the delicate subject is handled with grace. An unforgettable story and definitely one of the best romance I've read. It is high on my to re-read list and I recommend it strongly.
Bri and Siera (special needs NA's) are 100% absolutely lovable/adorable. Then there's Olivia and Deb. I get why Olivia is like she is to a point but but after the 20'th or 30'th time she says no it gets REALLY freaking old. We get it, move on. Deb's a freaking saint for putting up with her. The constant repetition is tiring and detracts from story flow.
5 stars for Bri and Siera's story arc. They're super sweet and all the great feels.
1-2 stars for Olivia/Deb's arc. They're so bloody boring it pulls the entire book down.
And just skip over the Kathleen parts (Siera's mom), I did.
Can I give it 10 stars?... No?! Okay, here’s my review of Unconventional Lovers by Annette Mori.
This novel was outstanding! Better than I could have ever imagined.
There are two love stories running in parallel throughout this novel. The first one is between Bri and Siera who met unexpectedly and discover their likeness in every way from personality to appearance. Siera comes from a somewhat sheltered life where her mother thrives on using Siera to prove the world wrong. Bri has recently come to live with her Aunt Olivia and is working for her in the veterinary clinic where she proves that her abilities with animals go beyond any college qualification. These women find each other and begin to understand the true meaning of soul mates and one person completing the other. While Bri and Siera embark on a life changing love, their aunts begin to spend time with each other finding their own version of love. Olivia adores her niece, Bri and knows the only way to broaden her horizons is to have her come live with her where she can hone in on Bri’s special abilities with animals thusly giving her the freedom she deserves but has never received at home. When Olivia meets Siera’s Aunt Deb the attraction is instant but she isn’t ready to move on after the death of her partner, Diane but that doesn’t mean they can’t be friends. Deb is attracted to Olivia from the moment she lays eyes on her. She wants more than friendship but with Olivia keeping her at arms length she’s willing to wait it out because what they could have is worth the wait.
Anette Mori has been able to bring down barriers not just in the Lesbian Fiction but also with the preconceived idea that not everyone gets to fall in love. Everyone should get the chance to experience the magic and you will understand the true meaning of love by the end of this novel.
The heroes of this story are definitely Bri and Siera who have quite literally left me stunned in the best possible way. I shed many tears reading this book most of which were from the moments these two graced the page together. I love that the internal thoughts of both Bri and Siera let the reader know that they are actually so much more switched on than anyone in the novel thinks they are.
Deb and Olivia are the kind of people I would be close friends with. These women would do anything for their nieces including being their biggest advocates and support their relationship from the beginning. Debs flirtatious and funny nature is much like mine so I had a few chuckles at her teasing of Olivia.
I have so much more to say but I really don’t want to spoil what’s is truly one of the best books I’ve ever read... and I’ve read a lot of books! This book is everything and if like me you like authors who think outside the box and push the boundaries then this book is definitely for you.
Go buy it now... seriously go!!! You can thank me later.
This book felt like a lost opportunity, one that was promising at first to tell a unique story about two young women with Down syndrome falling in love. That storyline is original, fresh and one worth telling. However, not long into this book, it shifted its focus away from the two women and instead followed the story of each woman's aunt falling for each other. I can't count the number of lesfic stories I've read with a womanizer pursuing a woman who has had her heart broken/is emotionally unavailable until one day that woman realizes she loves the womanizer and has changed her. It's a dull, hackneyed plot. And my god, the amount of telling instead of showing in this book! The two younger women, Bri and Siera, had a sweeter story but their relationship progressed because the author told us it was, not that there were organic moments unfolding in front of the reader. The aunts, Deb and Olivia, are a lost cause. There was absolutely no chemistry between them, and in addition to Deb's terrible dialogue excused as "flirting" (i.e. flirting for the ham-handed), their relationship is shoved down the reader's throat. I didn't see any fireworks between them, yet every character had to mention how "in love" they looked at all times. I really wish Deb and Olivia were all but abandoned and instead the focus was where it should have been--with Bri and Siera finding each other, discovering feelings they had never had, and acting on it. THAT would have been a breakthrough book! Oh, what could have been.
This book is extraordinary in so many ways that I am having a hard time even writing this review because I don’t think I can find the words to really do it justice.
There are two very special love stories combined in this book. The first is between two young Downs women right on the cusp of adulthood, whose chance meeting and initial friendship help them both navigate this tricky transition towards independence. They both struggle with parental aspirations, societal judgments, and understanding of their growing love for each other. They are supported in their budding relationship by their two aunts, whom also form a very special relationship with each other. Both Aunts have their own demons to face down before their platonic love can evolve into a full loving partnership.
This book more than any I have read in a long time exemplifies that love is love and no matter what roadblocks we face in life they can be overcome when the right person enters our lives. Give this book a chance and discover for yourself that no matter the difficulties a person faces whether physical, mental or emotional, it can be overcome with love and support.
******** P.S. Even though this book covers some very emotional situations, it is done with understanding, humor and hopefulness, so the reader's spirit feels uplifted, not saddened or depressed. It's a feel good book.
I listened to Annette read a few excerpts from this novel, and I was intrigued. What I loved the most about this sweet story was the budding romance between Siera and Bri. Innocent and free, they explore their feelings with a sense of patience, love, and acceptance. Really made my heart swell to travel on their journey through the pages. It showed me that love is pure, timeless, and completely open to all who embrace its gift.
Unconventional Lovers is like drinking ambrosia: the gods’ food that enriches mind and soul. The writer bravely displayed in plain view her perception of beauty and perfection. What we think we know about these two concepts is in totality wrong as the writer effortlessly constructs her story pointing out the truth about humanity. What is different than the norm does not necessary mean unnatural or unattractive. Different, at least for the author, is a higher concept and she attempts to convince the reader by introducing Siera and Bri. Is she successful? I must confess that the writer made me recall all the social doctrines that I carried in my soul but never dared to vocalize. I wasn’t brave enough or good enough to utter my opinion. Ms. Annette Mori does just that: she declares with conviction an opinion that truly matters. She shutters the whole world by establishing a new order where Down syndrome is not a disability any longer but an asset. She lets the reader glimpse to her soul exposing her vulnerability, yet her story is worth telling. She presents it as a gift to humanity. Ms. Annette Mori you are brave and your words will last for thousands of years. Thank you for a great read.
I loved everything about this book. Bri and Siera face challenges everyday but finding love and facing those challenges together was so heart warming. Then intertwining Olivia and Deb’s story of overcoming grief and finding love again and then the love and support Olivia and Deb have for Bri and Siera. This is 5 big stars of feel good....
I loved Unconventional Lovers. What a beautiful story of love and hope. I loved the main characters and it’s a good lesson for all of us to be more compassionate.
When I say another tissue grabber I mean that in a good way. I don't think I can say which of Annette Mori books I love because all of them touch me in some way. I really thought the two love stories along with how Bri's mother made the storyline. I think in some way each character grew by the end of the book. Annette as usual did a killer job with the Down syndrome. The way the girls act and talk to each other. Another awesome job. I definitely recommend this book.
This is a really wonderful story. Annette Mori has a gift for writing stories about women overcoming problems that would be hard for many people to overcome. She did this in one of my favorite stories by her. Locked Inside. She did this in this story too. Bri and Siera are two young women with Down Syndrome. These two spunky women don’t let what others might see as a disadvantage hold them back from falling in love and fulfilling their dreams of independence. Their two aunts Olivia and Deb help them to embrace their strengths and reach goals. I also liked the love story between the aunts. Olivia and Deb carry some baggage from their past. It did take a little time for Olivia and Deb to come to their senses and let go of the past and realize that they were made for each other. All in all this story goes in my all time favorite list.
This was a very interesting and entertaining read, it was thoroughly enjoyable. I did not want it to end. Would love to read a sequel to this story. There is so much more one could learn from both couples.
I was gifted by the author with a copy of the novel which in no way has biased my opinion. ***
I have read Ms. Mori's work before, and she has a distinctive style, breezy, almost carefree. What I like most about this novel is the smoothness of the narrative and the characters. All of them are well drawn out, and the situations are presented realistically and emotionally, with a lot of fine shading in between.
The love felt between Deb and Olivia was palpable, but never overdone or overwrought. Ms. Mori maintains that delicate balance between portraying friendships turning romantic without diving into the maudlin realm. By the same token, we have a separate friendship-turning-into-love story between Siera and Bri, two young ladies with Down's Syndrome who are quite aware of their situation/condition, but still want to be independent and make their own choices in life.
On a personal note, I have known some children with Down's Syndrome. Some are at the low end of functionality in social situations, while others are quite articulate. This is the 'normal' or 'conventional' situation that is shown in this novel, and it is not only done well, it is done superbly, IMO. Even the father, who could have been done in stereotypical fashion, comes across as being believable in his thoughts and actions. There are flashes of humor in between the drama, and the pace is constant, with no filler, always a plus in my book. (No pun intended).
Highly recommended.
***Received no chocolate, gifts, money, or promises to put my children through school. Darn.
This book is one of your best . Respectfully done . I loved how you characterized Bri and Sierra. I am Not good with words but I know what I like and this book is a winner . ☺💕
I loved it. It is a story that needed to be told, and Annette Mori superbly wove a truly wonderful love story about two young women who just happen to have Down Syndrome. The challenges and prejudices they face are common, but we get to see their view about, and how they deal with them. Bri and Siera are two of the most lovable characters I have ever enjoyed reading. The book brought tears to my eyes, and made me laugh. I absolutely recommend 'Unconventional Lovers' to anyone who believes that love can conquer prejudice; and even if you don't believe it, you may want to expand your comfort zone, for this book is about more than just the love that women have for each other. It is about acceptance of yourself, and others, the desire to succeed and be respected. It is about individual growth and family. Did I say I loved it!
When I finished this book I had to pause and reflect on the magic of the story. Then the tears started falling not of sadness but joy.. Wow just Wow. I have never read a book like this before. Annette Mori took a very sensitive subject and made it into beautiful, sensitive and creative love story. I had heard rumor about this story a few years back and hoped that it would make it out in the world. Thank you Annette Mori for this wonderful book..
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a beautifully sweet book. It centres around two young women with Down syndrome and their blossoming relationship. This was lovely to see explored in the lesbian fiction genre and seeing how they overcome any worries of their parents and loved ones to excel at life and be together in a happy loving relationship.
It also has a running relationship developing alongside between the girls’ lesbian aunts. They have their own trials and tribulations to overcome in dating, but always nurture and encourage Bri and Siera’s relationship in the best way they can. Just wonderful to see a supportive network around them and a really happy story.
Annette has represented the characters perfectly. They are so cute, with an innocence we could all learn from. The story is so well developed and follows the two of them on this wonderful journey in becoming like every other ‘normal’ person in this world.
A heart-warming, wonderful read that I would highly recommend to anyone who wants to read a lovely story about two young women falling in love. Brilliant!
I think authors in general are really brave people, putting their thoughts and dreams on the pages we read. Then there are authors that bring into Light all the crap society would like to ignore, avoid or hide and puts you right in it so the reader has an opportunity to rethink old paradigms... these take courage to another level. Annette Mori is one of these authors and we are fortunate to have her perspective of the world. I was fortunate enough to grow up in a loving family that accepted whatever the universe gave us with grace, dignity and a lot of love. However, everyone has to step outside of the family and face society which can be cruel and f#####g scary because ignorance seems to run the herd mentality. To read an uplifting story that describes the everyday challenges of those that are different is inspiring and I have recommended or gifted this book and several others to family members. One of the reviewers stated that it would be unrealistic for someone to wait 3 years for the person they loved to overcome the devastation of grief and loss... my wife waited 10, so nope, not unrealistic!
One thing I do know is this, I know this story will be one of my favorite re-reads. I also know that this is my favorite story written by this wonderful author. Bri and Siera are such sweethearts and I really enjoyed reading about them. I applaud the way this author portrayed the issues both young women faced and I fell in love with each character in this delightful story because I laughed and I felt like crying at the really touching moments.
This is an amazing double love story that includes some very amazing characters. There is not enough books written about characters who are different in any way and this was such a sweet, amazing, eye-opening book. Definitely a must read.
I so enjoyed this chance to read about two special women, two special aunts, two sets of supportive parents and love growing between all of them. This is a very sweet story that exemplifies “love is love.” Well done Annette Mori!