Unstoppable

by Erin FitzGerald

I've heard it said that you don't know what you've got until it's gone, but I'm not sure that's true.

When Gabriela decides pursuing her career is more important than our marriage, I am angry with everyone--mostly myself, for all that time wasted. But truly, I don't know what I didn't have until I meet Lauren.

Lauren is a hurricane, a force of nature who knows exactly what she wants, and she knows just how to get it. That something is me, apparently, but I don't exactly make it easy on her. I have some things to work through and it turns out she has been hiding a complicated life of her own. Yet she's the one with open arms, her heart on the line, telling me all I need to do is step up and claim her.

Timing is everything and when I finally get the guts to take that step, it feels like everyone and everything conspires to steal our happiness.

With new responsibilities and unanswered questions hanging over my head, it's clear I can't offer anything of myself to the woman who's wormed her way into my life. I question who I am and how I'm supposed to move forward, but I'm right back where I started.

I thought I'd lost everything before I met Lauren, but it turns out I was just getting started.

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 5, 2022

About the author

Erin 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.

Reviews

[P.B. Flower · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second book by Erin FitzGerald. I am her new fan because I love her emotional stories and mature characters in them. Although unstoppable has a young female protagonist, Lauren, she is far more mature than another character, Gabby that I can't help but fume about.
The first plot twist gave a new direction to the story and I wanted to throw Gabby off a cliff or something. Alex and Lauren belonged together. I was only beginning to adjust to Gabby and Madsen when Alex's parents came out with another secret along with yet another twist with the infamous Gabby.
It was a long book that I read over several days savoring the progression. I think I will be reading the next one in the series soon. Even though they are all standalone, I am now curious about other men of the first brigade.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book required tissues and chocolate to read. As I read Lauren and Alessio’s (Alex’s) story my emotions took a beating. Both have so much pain in their pasts and are guarding their hearts. Lauren yearns for someone to love her, to put her first, to really see her and not want to use her or control her. She hides it well under a facade of cool confidence, flirting and sometimes in your face behaviour. Alex’s ex showed him that love is painful and doesn’t last, at least for him. Yes, Lauren stirs something within this big alpha male, but he refuses to give her his heart, refuses to commit. There are tender, unforgettable moments between them too as they find they just can’t stay away from each other, no matter their intentions as well as a great deal of heat and steam. Can they let go of the past , and all the pain, in order to claim the love and build a future together? Or is only more heartbreak in their future?

The characters in this book are fascinating and have a great deal of depth. The storyline is captivating from the first page to the last, with unexpected twists that will definitely set your teeth on edge or tug at your heart. I can’t wait to read the next book by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathi Simmons-Kuebler · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK Alex and Lauren were such amazing characters. I honestly held tight to book 1 staying my favorite... that was Until book 4 and along came Alex and Lauren grabbing me from the start. This book kept me turning the page and forgetting about time, food , drink and most of all sleep. I honestly loved the chemistry between the two main characters. The storyline grabbed me from the start and made me hold on till the end. Just like the other 3 men of the first Brigade Series this couple has some crazy ups and downs. This book however had some crazy, crazy twists near the end of the book that I never saw coming. My favorite part was near the end when Lauren visits Alex while he us on duty... can we say steamy?? The best part is that even though Erin FitzGerald has 9 books in this series they can be read as stand alone. So read up on the books and start with your favorites. I can not wait to read the rest if the books in this series. Seriously thank you to Erin FitzGerald the Author for writing such addictive books!!

[Readwithnikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

And Breathe... Holy Moly

Lauren is an open and transparent woman and Alessio is an Alpha male with a pure heart, but due to the trauma he had with his ex, Alessio finds it difficult to trust women. Despite having very different upbringings, the two connected on many levels, but Alessio struggled the entire time with trust.

Then came the unexpected turn that had me like OMG!WAIT! WTF! UMMM COME AGAIN! NO WAY! SHE DID WHAT?, WITH WHOM? FOR HOW LONG? WELL FUCK THEN...My heart broke for poor Alessio no wonder the guy has trust issues... Oh and Fuck Gabby!!

WTF Moment: “If you love him so much, you can watch him while **** and I travel to South Africa."

Tropes:
Age Gap
Ex Military / Police Romance
Divorced Romance
Surprise Baby

LOL Moment:
- "She’d never been a big fan of ****** and she’d just realized that **** had thrown dick at both of them."

Quote:
"I still cried sometimes when I thought about what I’d
overheard, and that by now I should have been a father to a toddler."

[Cassie Ashford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new to me author and let’s just say I loved this book so much that I have been frantically trying to get caught up in this series. I loved Alex and Lauren’s story!

We have a man by all accounts would appear to be the classic alpha male however he has chinks in his armor. Once they start showing you realize how hard it it’s for a man like him to say he needs help and to come to terms with his trauma.

Guilt eats Alex alive and Lauren wants to be the one who takes care of him. Lauren also has a traumatic past who by all accounts seems to be managing it well until a certain part of the book. Then you realize their relationship together will be a battle. It will be harder for them to stay together than be apart. But they are determined to make it through.

I can not wait to see if there is more to come in this series and this author will certainly be one that I watch for any new releases.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was introduced to this series by Hidden Gems ARC program and with this one was offered I wanted to see where the author took us next. I have read all three of the earlier books in the series but that is completely unnecessary to enjoy this story. Although I found this one similar to the first book in the series, there is not much overlap of characters and storylines. This book follows Alessio "Alex" Antolini as he initially fights his attraction to Lauren, a girl he meets in his brother’s club. This author is very good at taking a typical “boy meets girl” story and turn it completely on its head. Both characters have very difficult pasts involving their families and prior relationships. Although Lauren is introduced as so much younger than Alex, she has been matured by her difficult life and the path she has traveled to be there. I enjoyed both their backstories although I felt Alex’s had a few echoes of the prior books.

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily reviewing it. Alessio Antolini, Alex, is a cop going through a tumultuous divorce. His ex, Gabby, refuses to give him a divorce despite being the reason for the divorce in the first place. Alex meets Lauren at his brother’s club while working security. Lauren is finishing up nursing school when she sees Alex and decides she will get him. The attraction between these two is off the charts steamy.

Erin definitely has a way with words. This book is very well-written and keeps readers hoping for love and for more from this couple. This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I will be quickly reading more. This book is full of ups and downs for this couple with many obstacles (including themselves) getting in the way of what could be a great relationship. Readers will not regret picking up this book or starting this series.

[jasminjustreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello Readers,

Just so you know Erin can do no wrong!

As I have found myself reading through Erin’s books, I say each new one I read is my favorite. But I’m standing my ground and saying this one is my favorite!

The instant connection between Alex and Lauren is hot. But the way that they truly come to love each other is beautiful and inspiring. One of my favorite things about Erin’s writing is that there is never a shortage of hard situations and fights but in my opinion it makes the HEA that much sweeter. There is something to be said about these characters working through all the struggles, emotions, heartbreaks, etc that are thrown their way.

And until I take my last breath, I will say Erin writes the angst and twists and character developments the best that I have ever read! But the love was definitely loving in this book!

All my love💜
Erin’s #1 fan!

[Becca Cherpak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooooo buddy. This book was an emotional roller coaster! Happy tears, sad tears, angry, shocked, back to more tears.

Lauren is an independent woman who don’t need no man. And Alex is a man with a heart guarded more than Fort Knox. They come from two different backgrounds, with two very different childhood experiences.
Together, they’re fire and ice, then fire and gasoline.
When he’s tender and sweet, Alex has the sweetest words 😭 When they’re fighting, he’s so bullheaded it’s frustrating!

Favorite character, though? Cash 😂 If a dog hates you, you know it’s a bad sign- looking at you, Gabby

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cultures clash as Italian cop Alex and Palestinian Lauren meet at his brothers club where he is working security. Both from rigid backgrounds and fourteen years apart, but sparks fly and deep feelings come on strong. The characters are multi-layered with great backstories of their hurt pasts, but strong enough to fight for a better future. The storyline has secrets, revelations, danger, twists, unexpected situations, betrayal, miscommunications, plenty of steam and much more. This book grabs you right from the start and will not let you put it down until the very end. Well done.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me on an emotional rollercoaster! Alessio and Lauren are like fire and ice. They come from two entirely different backgrounds, but their connection is intense. He is in a loveless marriage and has hardened his heart then comes Lauren who is looking for someone that will love her and put her first in their lives. The story is brilliantly written with characters that I connected with and found myself cheering on to getting their chance of finding happiness. I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.

[_booknerd.4ever_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stayed irritated with both characters for most of the book especially Alex. I loved the plot; however, they both kept getting in the way of their relationship. I loved the cast of secondary characters especially Alex’s parents. I’m glad I stuck it out because the twist and turns the story took shocked me. Ones I never saw coming! I am so glad I kept reading. I loved the epilogue seeing where they were and how their future went. I love this series and can’t wait to read the other books coming!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.

[Nicole Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

HEA or Heartache - which will it be?

Lauren & Alex's story will take the reader on an emotional rollercoaster ride. Lauren has distanced herself from her Palestinian family & cruel father. By distancing herself she has become a bold assertive woman.
Alex is going through a divorce & is filled with feelings of self doubt & not being good enough.
Is there a chance for a HEA or is Lauren set for heartache?
An awesome read that I highly recommend reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in this incredible series, and this is Alex and Lauren’s story. Alex is a police officer, who is angry when his wife leaves to pursue her career rather than stay in their marriage, Lauren is a force to be reckoned with, and she and Alex cross paths at his brother’s club. This is a well written emotional roller coaster, with humor, witty and snarky banter, challenges, trust, twists, family, friendships, romance, and love, which leads to an entertaining and unpredictable page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Peggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A new author for me. I’m not sure what went wrong for me. Maybe the author’s writing style. It read slow for me. Needed polish and editing in my humble opinion. The story’s continuity felt off. I kept feeling like I was missing pages. The story follows Lauren and Alex. Alex had high walls built in regard to relationships and often pushed those who cared away, including Lauren. She was sweet and forgiving and did as he asked, u til he needed her again. Alex is deal with a miserable ex.

[Kandiemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a heartfelt story. I was filled with so many emotions throughout this book. Love the characters and the storyline is fascinating. Beautifully written and I highly recommend reading it and the rest of the series. Can't wait to read more of the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stevie D Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the forth book I’ve read by Erin Fitzgerald and by far my favorite! Part of the Brigade series, this can be read as a stand alone. She hits hit three of my favorite things in a book perfectly: first POV, multiple perspectives, twist ending. Do yourself a favor and read this one!

[evieo17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read. The twists at the the end came out of no where. Did not see them coming at all. There were some slow parts but all in all a good read.

[Nicole Marie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn in from the beginning! Witty and snarky Lauren had me from the first paragraph. But as I dove deeper and stayed up way past my bedtime because I couldn’t put it down it got so much deeper and watching Alex and Lauren overcome their troubles and trust issues was emotional and beautiful. There were some things that threw me off and made me gasp. Loved how it ended and could have read on with this adorable pair ❤️