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Men of the First Brigade #2
Unforgiven
My days in the Army are over and now, with child support payments and a mortgage, I'm dumping all my spare time, money and effort into getting my security company off the ground.
The woman who saved me from myself has been pushing me to have dinner with her cousin, a woman I can confirm from photos is not hard on the eyes, and though it makes me a hypocrite, it concerns me that she's going through her second divorce.
The last thing I need to do is bring more drama home, because already I'm often in a courtroom, battling my bitter, angry ex for the custody of my teenage children. Kids that I left behind for years in order to save them from the mess I was, and returning to realize I have next to no relationship with them has been an unexpected blow. Especially since I have a past my ex preys upon; it's allowed her to control my interaction with my children for years.
When my daughter shows up on my doorstep, I'm overseas for work. I don't even learn she's run away from her mother's home for weeks, when Mia confesses she's taken her in and cared for her in my absence. Yet her involvement with my daughter frightens me, as I begin to understand that Mia is the caring figure we've never had, and she's been working to hold us together.
When the world begins to fall apart, we have to admit to ourselves that we both have demons: mine are dead, but hers are living, and they threaten to steal away from us what might be our only chance to make something good.
The woman who saved me from myself has been pushing me to have dinner with her cousin, a woman I can confirm from photos is not hard on the eyes, and though it makes me a hypocrite, it concerns me that she's going through her second divorce.
The last thing I need to do is bring more drama home, because already I'm often in a courtroom, battling my bitter, angry ex for the custody of my teenage children. Kids that I left behind for years in order to save them from the mess I was, and returning to realize I have next to no relationship with them has been an unexpected blow. Especially since I have a past my ex preys upon; it's allowed her to control my interaction with my children for years.
When my daughter shows up on my doorstep, I'm overseas for work. I don't even learn she's run away from her mother's home for weeks, when Mia confesses she's taken her in and cared for her in my absence. Yet her involvement with my daughter frightens me, as I begin to understand that Mia is the caring figure we've never had, and she's been working to hold us together.
When the world begins to fall apart, we have to admit to ourselves that we both have demons: mine are dead, but hers are living, and they threaten to steal away from us what might be our only chance to make something good.
- GenresMilitary FictionRomance
ebook
Published April 8, 2022
19 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Erin FitzGerald
28 books154 followersErin believes every story should have a happy ending and that very few characters are completely irredeemable.
She lives in the Metro DC area with her husband and two children, in a house full of pets and plants.
She lives in the Metro DC area with her husband and two children, in a house full of pets and plants.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 4, 2022
I used a whole lot of tissues while reading this book. Scott and Mia’s story will tear at your heartstrings, leave you in tears and perhaps even grinding your teeth. Then, the strength of the love that they managed to find and fight for together will melt your heart. The pain, the humiliation and the loss of self these two endured was horrendous. They were brought together by two friends that knew far too much about their histories, but could somehow still see or at least had hope that they could help heal the other. Their relationship was nothing short of a test of endurance, courage and hope. I say hope, because while each wanted to move forward toward each other and a blissful future together, their painful past experiences kept haunting them, dragging them back emotionally. Hope kept them moving forward toward each other instead of away. Another test of their relationship was his children and their own painful experiences. Mia’s open heart attitude helped heal not only Scott, but his children and Mia.
This book truly illustrates the power of love. It can heal, it can redeem and it can transform even the loneliest and most broken of hearts if one is brave enough to let it in and fight for it. This book took hold of my heart and mind right from the first. I could not put it down and it will be one that I will read again and again. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book truly illustrates the power of love. It can heal, it can redeem and it can transform even the loneliest and most broken of hearts if one is brave enough to let it in and fight for it. This book took hold of my heart and mind right from the first. I could not put it down and it will be one that I will read again and again. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 8, 2022
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this book it was great, the story was written well and the characters were amazing. Mia is in the middle of getting divorced for the second time and she is having a hard time finalising it, she has been working for her uncle in his bakery. Scott is ex-military honorable discharge he had to go through the death of his wife after she had Hannah then he married Gretchen had Michael then divorced her. He had to start up and grow his business while he has been going for custody, he had no time for anything else. He is scared, broken and doesn't think he is good enough for a relationship anymore. She is scared from her second marriage she has scars inside and outside that she covers up, yet she still has plenty of love and friendship to give. Can two broken souls have feelings for each other or maybe even more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this book it was great, the story was written well and the characters were amazing. Mia is in the middle of getting divorced for the second time and she is having a hard time finalising it, she has been working for her uncle in his bakery. Scott is ex-military honorable discharge he had to go through the death of his wife after she had Hannah then he married Gretchen had Michael then divorced her. He had to start up and grow his business while he has been going for custody, he had no time for anything else. He is scared, broken and doesn't think he is good enough for a relationship anymore. She is scared from her second marriage she has scars inside and outside that she covers up, yet she still has plenty of love and friendship to give. Can two broken souls have feelings for each other or maybe even more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 3, 2023
This is the second book in this intriguing series, and this is Mia and Scott’s journey. Both these charters are broken and wary of getting into another relationship. Mia is going through a second divorce, which Scott is ex-military, and after an honourable discharge he lost his wife, and divorced his second. Can these two take a chance of being together? This is a well written story which is an emotional roller coaster, with drama, challenges, family, friendships, romance, second chances, and love, which leads to a compelling page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 18, 2023
Readers, you have to be ready for some raw realities of being a single parent, or a parent n the throes of splitting up and what the effect is on your kids. This is a beautiful story, hard to read at times, but so rewarding.
Sometimes people in our lives aren't obvious to us until something triggers recognition - whether it be a trauma or a celebration - seeing people without our preconceived judgements and biases can be a powerful shift in relationships, and this is what happens here.
Beautifully told yet again by Erin Fitzgerald.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sometimes people in our lives aren't obvious to us until something triggers recognition - whether it be a trauma or a celebration - seeing people without our preconceived judgements and biases can be a powerful shift in relationships, and this is what happens here.
Beautifully told yet again by Erin Fitzgerald.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 31, 2023
This book is about Mia and our 1st Brigade member Scott. A sexy Greek Adonis to boot. Can an Italian and a Greek find love after so much damage in both their lives? You will have to read and find out for yourselves. Yep , it's an extremely slowburn before we find out if they will or won't but trust me it was worth the wait. These characters were amazing for the sole reason of they were so relatable. I won't lie I absolutely needed the tissues for this book. Well done on this book I say to the Author. Now onto more of this series!!! Stop wasting time reading reviews go start reading it for yourself!
September 21, 2023
Wow, this book is something else. The best I have read by this author so far. It has all the feels. Scott is ex-military, has had bad deployments, has lost a wife and been left by another thanks to him handling his problems in a bad way. He has 2 teenage kids who he has limited access to. Mia is just off 2 bad marriages, one violent. Both dont feel worthy of love. They fall for each other but must still learn to trust. The kids end up living with them. Loved the kids dynamic, that the characters were more mature and her Italian family dynamic. Highly recommend.
June 2, 2022
Scott has his past demons butbhebis trying to forge a path forward to a better future for his kids despite his ex's obstacles. Mia hasn't had it easy but being around Scott brings her some comfort especially when his kids need him and he's not around she steps up, but can they overcome everything together for a chance of happiness? Well written, ex military, romance drama, desires, and more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 9, 2022
Blind Date to Heal
I was introduced to this series by Hidden Gems ARC program and since I read the first book with them and was planning to read the third ARC, so I borrowed this one. The story of Mia and Scott was interesting and compelling. They come together as both are trying to recover from prior marriages and build a new life. Scott has two children and they are a large part of their recovery and building a home for all of them.
I was introduced to this series by Hidden Gems ARC program and since I read the first book with them and was planning to read the third ARC, so I borrowed this one. The story of Mia and Scott was interesting and compelling. They come together as both are trying to recover from prior marriages and build a new life. Scott has two children and they are a large part of their recovery and building a home for all of them.
July 8, 2022
This is the second book I’ve read in this series. Touching on very deep and emotional issues, this author does not shy away from painting a very descriptive scene of a true to life, sometimes ugly world. As someone who enjoys realistic books, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
April 16, 2023
This is a wonderful book. I wasn't expecting such an emotional rollercoaster ride. I loved ever minute of it! The characters are wonderful and the storyline is amazing! I can't wait to read the next book. Definitely worth recommending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 30, 2024
Unforgiven
Mia and Scott story is full of sorting out so many things that they both have suffered with all the pain and unresolved feelings left to fester. Learning to move on and excepting happiness with no strings.
When these two meet it becomes a chance for them both to heal with each other. A standalone within a series. I shed a lot of tears reading this one.
Mia and Scott story is full of sorting out so many things that they both have suffered with all the pain and unresolved feelings left to fester. Learning to move on and excepting happiness with no strings.
When these two meet it becomes a chance for them both to heal with each other. A standalone within a series. I shed a lot of tears reading this one.
August 18, 2024
Its ok
I really wanted to love this book, but I found depressing. The multiple awful storylines just made me want to skip to the end to see if there was even an HEA. There is at least that. I am unsure if I will read any more of this.authors because life is depressing enough I really don't want to read it.
I really wanted to love this book, but I found depressing. The multiple awful storylines just made me want to skip to the end to see if there was even an HEA. There is at least that. I am unsure if I will read any more of this.authors because life is depressing enough I really don't want to read it.
June 3, 2022
Unforgiven by Erin FitzGerald is a good, and enjoyable ex military romance drama read. The story has a good story line, and well written read. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 11, 2022
I totally fell in love with Scott and Mia. Both have some heavy issues that they most work through and are working through together but they stick together without taking the safe easy way out. I’m really looking forward to Giulia and Brendon’s book.
June 12, 2024
Oh my gosh, this story was absolutely amazing. Once I started it, I couldnt put it down. My emotions were all over the place with this one. I highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 11, 2025
Mia and Scott
This is a good book, but is darker than I normally read. This book has PTSD in more than one way, panic attacks, involving service men, domestic physical abuse, and child abuse, also includes scare tactics. Therapy sessions.
This is a good book, but is darker than I normally read. This book has PTSD in more than one way, panic attacks, involving service men, domestic physical abuse, and child abuse, also includes scare tactics. Therapy sessions.
February 20, 2024
By far my favorite book by Erin Fitzgerald! The slow burn build up was amazing and these characters stole my heart. The supporting characters are great and the entire book dynamic is phenomenal.
December 8, 2025
instantly sucked in
I could not put this one down. Check triggers, there’s a lot that happens in this one, and it’s tough. Proving that choosing love can overcome so much!
I could not put this one down. Check triggers, there’s a lot that happens in this one, and it’s tough. Proving that choosing love can overcome so much!
June 29, 2022
Unforgiven
-1 star for editing. I really enjoyable and emotional read, Scott and Mia had been through so much in their lives and the 3rd time around was definitely the right choice. Just enough suspense to balance the story out. Loved the twist.
-1 star for editing. I really enjoyable and emotional read, Scott and Mia had been through so much in their lives and the 3rd time around was definitely the right choice. Just enough suspense to balance the story out. Loved the twist.
July 21, 2025
This book… phew….
The emotional rollercoaster that this one put me through…
Fair warning this story is not for the faint of heart.
Two characters who have been through it, and at this point have come to terms with spending life alone because love and happiness are just not in the cards for them. Both making a great effort to push the other away because they are just too broken to be loved in anyway. But maybe, just maybe, they can help each other heal the broken pieces and build a family that full of love, acceptance, trust, and understanding.
This book and its characters are amazing, but keep those Kleenex close and be ready to really feel this one.
Happy Reading!
The emotional rollercoaster that this one put me through…
Fair warning this story is not for the faint of heart.
Two characters who have been through it, and at this point have come to terms with spending life alone because love and happiness are just not in the cards for them. Both making a great effort to push the other away because they are just too broken to be loved in anyway. But maybe, just maybe, they can help each other heal the broken pieces and build a family that full of love, acceptance, trust, and understanding.
This book and its characters are amazing, but keep those Kleenex close and be ready to really feel this one.
Happy Reading!
December 22, 2022
absolutely heart wrenchingly beautiful!
This story captivated me from the very beginning. You could tell Mia was going through so much and was hurting so. Scott had his own battles and wasn’t nearly done going through it all! I loved the slow burn between these two and found it absolutely necessary and wouldn’t change a minute of it. Definitely a tear jerker more than once but Scott also had me swooning and cry a few happy tears.
This story captivated me from the very beginning. You could tell Mia was going through so much and was hurting so. Scott had his own battles and wasn’t nearly done going through it all! I loved the slow burn between these two and found it absolutely necessary and wouldn’t change a minute of it. Definitely a tear jerker more than once but Scott also had me swooning and cry a few happy tears.
August 10, 2023
“Polýtima”
Erin Fitzgerald has done it again with the second book in the “Men of the First Brigade” series. Scott is a single, widowed father with a dark horror filled military history that has given him some demons to work through. He's fighting for custody of his two younger children from his ex-wife. Mia comes as a soon-to-be twice-divorced woman with a lot of emotional baggage as well. Her ex-husband is a major piece of trash that treated her like property and left her with emotional and physical scars. On a double date with her cousin, she meets Scott and the emotional roller coaster begins.
I read the first book in this series - “Unexpected” - which was Daphne and Jack’s story, so I thought I knew emotionally what I was getting into reading “Unforgiven”. Boy, was I wrong. I felt like I held my breath through the entire book. Just when I was able to get a handle on my emotions, something else happened. I was completely wrung out and exhausted from reading this. I cried in so many different places and my heart broke for each of these characters on different levels.
The reader needs to be devoutly aware of the trigger warnings before starting to read this. If you have any sensitivities, this probably isn't the book for you. I think Fitzgerald did an amazing job with an extremely sensitive subject matter, however.
The only reason that I couldn't bring myself to give it 5 stars was I felt like it was out of order in the series. I have read some of the third book - which happens to be Brandon and Guilia’s story - and this book seems like it happens in the wrong order.
DISCLAIMER: I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. These thoughts and opinions are my own.
Erin Fitzgerald has done it again with the second book in the “Men of the First Brigade” series. Scott is a single, widowed father with a dark horror filled military history that has given him some demons to work through. He's fighting for custody of his two younger children from his ex-wife. Mia comes as a soon-to-be twice-divorced woman with a lot of emotional baggage as well. Her ex-husband is a major piece of trash that treated her like property and left her with emotional and physical scars. On a double date with her cousin, she meets Scott and the emotional roller coaster begins.
I read the first book in this series - “Unexpected” - which was Daphne and Jack’s story, so I thought I knew emotionally what I was getting into reading “Unforgiven”. Boy, was I wrong. I felt like I held my breath through the entire book. Just when I was able to get a handle on my emotions, something else happened. I was completely wrung out and exhausted from reading this. I cried in so many different places and my heart broke for each of these characters on different levels.
The reader needs to be devoutly aware of the trigger warnings before starting to read this. If you have any sensitivities, this probably isn't the book for you. I think Fitzgerald did an amazing job with an extremely sensitive subject matter, however.
The only reason that I couldn't bring myself to give it 5 stars was I felt like it was out of order in the series. I have read some of the third book - which happens to be Brandon and Guilia’s story - and this book seems like it happens in the wrong order.
DISCLAIMER: I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. These thoughts and opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews