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Unwrapped and Unraveled #2
Unraveled
The greatest gift is getting what you never thought you wanted.
Mitch Magruder, rich, successful, wildly popular surfer and entrepreneur, is always on the lookout for the next big wave or the next great deal. So when he s home for the holidays, he jumps at the chance to build one of his famous hotels right on the white, sandy, Florida beach where he grew up. The only thing standing in his way is Greta Mason. Divorced with two children, Greta welcomes the struggle to make ends meet at the ramshackle beachfront motel her father left her. The motel means everything to her, and no amount of money or hot nights of persuasion offered by gorgeous, sexy Mitch is going to change her mind. No matter how much his touch unravels her defenses. For once, Mitch finds he's the one doing the chasing, and Greta s doing more than throwing a monkey wrench into his perfectly orchestrated world. She's making him think about things he's never considered before, things other than the pursuit of money. Things like settling down with the right woman. Now if only he can convince her he wants more than hot sex, moonlit nights, and her hotel.
Mitch Magruder, rich, successful, wildly popular surfer and entrepreneur, is always on the lookout for the next big wave or the next great deal. So when he s home for the holidays, he jumps at the chance to build one of his famous hotels right on the white, sandy, Florida beach where he grew up. The only thing standing in his way is Greta Mason. Divorced with two children, Greta welcomes the struggle to make ends meet at the ramshackle beachfront motel her father left her. The motel means everything to her, and no amount of money or hot nights of persuasion offered by gorgeous, sexy Mitch is going to change her mind. No matter how much his touch unravels her defenses. For once, Mitch finds he's the one doing the chasing, and Greta s doing more than throwing a monkey wrench into his perfectly orchestrated world. She's making him think about things he's never considered before, things other than the pursuit of money. Things like settling down with the right woman. Now if only he can convince her he wants more than hot sex, moonlit nights, and her hotel.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 23, 2008
17 people are currently reading
595 people want to read
About the author
Jaci Burton
153 books8,294 followersJaci Burton is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of over 85 books. She lives in Oklahoma and when she isn’t on deadline (which is often), she can usually be found wrestling with her uncooperative garden, wrangling her dogs, watching an unhealthy amount of television, or completely losing track of time reading a great book. She’s a total romantic and longs for the happily ever after in every story, which you’ll find in all her books.. Visit her website at www.jaciburton.com for excerpts, book information and contests.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 14, 2020
Meh
Unraveled is a short romance about a billionaire who used to be the local surfer and a single mom of two kids who struggles to make her business a success. He wants to buy it and make it a resort but that's a big no for her.
I didn't find anything really exciting about this story. It was easy to listen to just like many audiobooks I listen with Audible Escape but with this one, I wasn't really curious about the plot or the characters. The helicopter part was a bit cliché and I didn't believe in the romance. Lust, sure. Love? No. And since I didn't care for the sexy parts, I didn't connect with this book.
Unraveled is a short romance about a billionaire who used to be the local surfer and a single mom of two kids who struggles to make her business a success. He wants to buy it and make it a resort but that's a big no for her.
I didn't find anything really exciting about this story. It was easy to listen to just like many audiobooks I listen with Audible Escape but with this one, I wasn't really curious about the plot or the characters. The helicopter part was a bit cliché and I didn't believe in the romance. Lust, sure. Love? No. And since I didn't care for the sexy parts, I didn't connect with this book.
June 3, 2011
Not used to being told no, Mitch Magruder famous surfer and business opportunist heads back to Florida beach to try and acquire the property he is wanting for his new hotel. What Mitch does not expect is that the girl who he last met when she was 12, and he was 19 has grown up to become a sensual stunning woman with a bit of a temper who has no quams about telling him no, quite often.
Divorced mom, Greta Mason remembers Mitch fondly. Having been through the marriage from hell, Greta has no intentions of letting another man step in and tell her what to do. Mitch quickly realizes he has underestimated Greta, but he also sees that there are layers to Greta that he would like to explore that has nothing to do with the hotel, and everything to do with Greta.
Fun read, have not read a book before with a surfer which was wicked fun.
Divorced mom, Greta Mason remembers Mitch fondly. Having been through the marriage from hell, Greta has no intentions of letting another man step in and tell her what to do. Mitch quickly realizes he has underestimated Greta, but he also sees that there are layers to Greta that he would like to explore that has nothing to do with the hotel, and everything to do with Greta.
Fun read, have not read a book before with a surfer which was wicked fun.
October 10, 2018
1.5*
Blah ! This was stupid. Sorry to be so harsh but NOTHING about this book worked (for me!) !
So, so, so much wrong with this book!
- The heroine owns a falling-apart motel and is barely making ends meet. However, she won’t sell her motel even though it’s losing money, even though she has a very good offer to sell, even though she relies on her 14 and 12 year old kids to help run this business, even though she cannot afford surfing or swimming lessons for her kids, even though she can’t afford to take off two hours out of 24 hour day and spend this time with her children, etc, etc, etc ... She knows all this, yet she is so sentimentally attached to this motel that it's almost like she cares more for her motel than for her children!!!
- She attacks and insults the hero for offering to buy her out... makes no sense! Why does she think it’s normal to throw good money after bad ? Why not give up on a failing business?! Because this motel was her father’s. So what?! Should you suffer in poverty , unsuccessfully running an unprofitable business because it was your dad’s? I'm sure your dad wouldn't want to run his business like this either! Why not get some new ideas on how to make it profitable? Why not just sell it when you are given an amazing offer?!? THe hero offers her money for her failing business and she hostilely refuses, saying "her kids would become spoiled if they had that much money" ?!?!?! (i'm sorry, I wasn't aware that you would become a billionaire and neither you nor your kids would ever have to work for the rest of your life, once you sell your roach-motel!!). Bottom line - who in their right mind would choose to lose money over making money?!??
- The book is written soooo poorly! Most sentences and ideas don't even make sense. For example, the hero is giving the children surfing lessons and THIS is what he is thinking:
He wanted to make sure they were strong swimmers- he didn’t want them to fall off the board and drown.” >> Seriously?!? Oh you don’t want two kids to drown ?? Really? No shiiiit ! That's freakin' common sense! You don't have to WRITE THAT ! What a matter-of-fact statement for such a catastrophic outcome ! “I don’t want them to drown” - ummm, yeah, obviously, idiot!
- I hated the constant references and reminders that Mitch is opening Greta’s eyes to what she is missing (time spend with her kids, etc...) - Im sorry- what kind if an idiot is Greta if she doesn’t realize this already? That working double and triple shifts and not spending any quality time with your kids is unhealthy- she needed him to tell her that?? And that telling the kids they can't surf because they have to run the motel with her and there is tons of chores is maybe a little too harsh ?! (I get that kids should do chores, but telling them they need to help you run the motel and that that's why they can't do other things in their lives is like taking away their childhood! - you need a stranger to tell you that?!?!?!) PLUS - do these kids NOT go to school ?! Wtf?!
- Super-awkward sex. This book is NOT hot. Nothing about this was sexy to me. First of all - the first time they get it on - she has a panic attack .... they need to stop and he has to calm her down .... Ok - fine. But a few moments later she asks him to have sex with her - “but don’t treat me like im fragile or about to break down.” ????? Ummm - BUT YOU JUST DID! You just broke down in front of him and had an anxiety attack ! Now, 10 minutes later it’s all like “don’t treat me like im fragile!” - ummm k ! So he should just ignore your triggers and pound away ?!
And the ending - ridiculous! Realistically, Gretta did not deserve all the good stuff that she got in the end...
Blah ! This was stupid. Sorry to be so harsh but NOTHING about this book worked (for me!) !
So, so, so much wrong with this book!
- The heroine owns a falling-apart motel and is barely making ends meet. However, she won’t sell her motel even though it’s losing money, even though she has a very good offer to sell, even though she relies on her 14 and 12 year old kids to help run this business, even though she cannot afford surfing or swimming lessons for her kids, even though she can’t afford to take off two hours out of 24 hour day and spend this time with her children, etc, etc, etc ... She knows all this, yet she is so sentimentally attached to this motel that it's almost like she cares more for her motel than for her children!!!
- She attacks and insults the hero for offering to buy her out... makes no sense! Why does she think it’s normal to throw good money after bad ? Why not give up on a failing business?! Because this motel was her father’s. So what?! Should you suffer in poverty , unsuccessfully running an unprofitable business because it was your dad’s? I'm sure your dad wouldn't want to run his business like this either! Why not get some new ideas on how to make it profitable? Why not just sell it when you are given an amazing offer?!? THe hero offers her money for her failing business and she hostilely refuses, saying "her kids would become spoiled if they had that much money" ?!?!?! (i'm sorry, I wasn't aware that you would become a billionaire and neither you nor your kids would ever have to work for the rest of your life, once you sell your roach-motel!!). Bottom line - who in their right mind would choose to lose money over making money?!??
- The book is written soooo poorly! Most sentences and ideas don't even make sense. For example, the hero is giving the children surfing lessons and THIS is what he is thinking:
He wanted to make sure they were strong swimmers- he didn’t want them to fall off the board and drown.” >> Seriously?!? Oh you don’t want two kids to drown ?? Really? No shiiiit ! That's freakin' common sense! You don't have to WRITE THAT ! What a matter-of-fact statement for such a catastrophic outcome ! “I don’t want them to drown” - ummm, yeah, obviously, idiot!
- I hated the constant references and reminders that Mitch is opening Greta’s eyes to what she is missing (time spend with her kids, etc...) - Im sorry- what kind if an idiot is Greta if she doesn’t realize this already? That working double and triple shifts and not spending any quality time with your kids is unhealthy- she needed him to tell her that?? And that telling the kids they can't surf because they have to run the motel with her and there is tons of chores is maybe a little too harsh ?! (I get that kids should do chores, but telling them they need to help you run the motel and that that's why they can't do other things in their lives is like taking away their childhood! - you need a stranger to tell you that?!?!?!) PLUS - do these kids NOT go to school ?! Wtf?!
- Super-awkward sex. This book is NOT hot. Nothing about this was sexy to me. First of all - the first time they get it on - she has a panic attack .... they need to stop and he has to calm her down .... Ok - fine. But a few moments later she asks him to have sex with her - “but don’t treat me like im fragile or about to break down.” ????? Ummm - BUT YOU JUST DID! You just broke down in front of him and had an anxiety attack ! Now, 10 minutes later it’s all like “don’t treat me like im fragile!” - ummm k ! So he should just ignore your triggers and pound away ?!
And the ending - ridiculous! Realistically, Gretta did not deserve all the good stuff that she got in the end...
August 18, 2013
This is the second Jaci Burton PRE "Play by Play" series book that I read and really like. Not that I don't like the aforementioned series, but I like more when she writes about 'almost-unconventional' heroes/heroines.
In this book,for example, the hero is 42, a former surfer turned to business mogul. The heroine is a mid-thirty mother of two. The plot is kinda predictable but still really worth reading.
It was a short and very entertaining read. All characters(main and secondary) are SUPER sweet - so no angst or anything like that - though the heroine has a 'past'.
The only thing about this book that I didn't like AT ALL, and which has kinda become a pet peeve of mine, is the cover. HORRIBLE.
Definitely recommend if you are searching for a lazy afternoon read that you can do in one sitting.
In this book,for example, the hero is 42, a former surfer turned to business mogul. The heroine is a mid-thirty mother of two. The plot is kinda predictable but still really worth reading.
It was a short and very entertaining read. All characters(main and secondary) are SUPER sweet - so no angst or anything like that - though the heroine has a 'past'.
The only thing about this book that I didn't like AT ALL, and which has kinda become a pet peeve of mine, is the cover. HORRIBLE.
Definitely recommend if you are searching for a lazy afternoon read that you can do in one sitting.
November 22, 2014
I just couldn't get into this story. I liked Mitch when we met him in Unwrapped, he was a fun guy. But I just couldn't connect with Gretta in this story, I didn't not like her, but she was just so blah.
November 15, 2019
I wanted to try this author out, so I downloaded this novella on Overdrive. I don’t know if I’ll read any more from her, but I wasn’t super impressed by this. I understand it’s a novella, but there is no depth here. Also, there’s a theme running through this that I just don’t like. The woman in this book is a single mom who runs her own business. Apparently, she isn’t doing any of this well, so lucky for her a big strong man came to her rescue.😒🙄
The implication that a single mom can’t run a business while still being present for her children without a man to swoop in and teach her about her own children is ridiculous. Also, whereas she is a huge mess, he is perfect. An ex-professional-surfer-turned-hotel/magnate (because that’s realistic) everything he touches turns to gold. He doesn’t even have previous experience with kids, but within a week he’s fixing everything in Greta and her kids’ lives. I actually can’t believe a woman wrote this.
This book is only 179 pages long and there are 4 graphic sex scenes in the book. I am not a prude. I like romances and I like sex scenes. But I don’t know that I’ve seen the word p***y used so many times in such a short amount of time. It was a lot. Also, I feel like some of those pages could’ve been devoted to...oh, I don’t know...character development? Plot? Considering this book had neither of those things.
The formulaic break-up/make-up that always happens at the end of romances was really rushed and ridiculous as well.
I just didn’t like this. I’m thinking I’ll give one of her full-length books a shot, because I’ve heard from several people who recommend her books...we’ll see.
The implication that a single mom can’t run a business while still being present for her children without a man to swoop in and teach her about her own children is ridiculous. Also, whereas she is a huge mess, he is perfect. An ex-professional-surfer-turned-hotel/magnate (because that’s realistic) everything he touches turns to gold. He doesn’t even have previous experience with kids, but within a week he’s fixing everything in Greta and her kids’ lives. I actually can’t believe a woman wrote this.
This book is only 179 pages long and there are 4 graphic sex scenes in the book. I am not a prude. I like romances and I like sex scenes. But I don’t know that I’ve seen the word p***y used so many times in such a short amount of time. It was a lot. Also, I feel like some of those pages could’ve been devoted to...oh, I don’t know...character development? Plot? Considering this book had neither of those things.
The formulaic break-up/make-up that always happens at the end of romances was really rushed and ridiculous as well.
I just didn’t like this. I’m thinking I’ll give one of her full-length books a shot, because I’ve heard from several people who recommend her books...we’ll see.
December 23, 2024
Full review to come. I didn't care for this story as much as I wanted to. Woman owning a rundown hotel gets courted by the billionaire wanting to buy her property and turn it into a resort. It felt a bit like Greta's choices were a bit forced even though she made certain decisions for herself. Mitch was an okay character and y'all know I love beach set romances. It was cool he used to be a surfer. I'd give this a solid 3 stars.
October 26, 2020
Classic “strong” woman refuses help because she believes it makes her stronger. She refuses to close a failing business because her dead dad started it even though she works herself to the bone “for” her kids.
Rich surfer (explain that) sweeps into town to try to buy her hotel and show her life would be better if she sold the motel to him.
It’s just all contrived and annoying.
Rich surfer (explain that) sweeps into town to try to buy her hotel and show her life would be better if she sold the motel to him.
It’s just all contrived and annoying.
April 7, 2018
I really enjoyed "Unraveled" by Jaci Burton. This was a quick light hearted read that completely burned up the pages with the steamy scenes between these two characters. Another example of why Jaci Burton is a top author in the contemporary romance genre.
Happy Reading...enjoy!
Happy Reading...enjoy!
August 28, 2017
This was a quick audiobook I got from the library.
March 22, 2018
2.5 meh
July 18, 2018
I love Jaci Burton's play by play series. This book was different from that series but still a great read! Quick, beach read!!
September 8, 2019
Predictable, and sort of had too much plot for the length.
November 30, 2020
1.5 Why am I compelled to finish books that I do not enjoy? I can’t even bring myself to describe what I didn’t like - all of it.
November 27, 2016
Sweet and short
February 14, 2021
Audiobook February 2021
Narrator Lucy Malone.
Narrator Lucy Malone.
August 10, 2011
The greatest gift is getting what you never thought you wanted.
You can be anything you choose to be, if you set your mind to it.
- Mitch
The problem with adults is that so many give up on having dreams.
You just have to figure out what you want, then determine how you’re going to get it. Then let nothing stand in your way until you do
- Mitch
And you’re the one who opened my eyes to the things I could have. No monetary things, that kind of stuff never mattered to me. But time with my children, learning about who they are, what they want out of life. Just being able to be with them, enjoy life with them, before they’re grown and gone.
- Greta
Thank you for letting me see glimpses of the woman I could be. I didn’t even know she existed.
- Greta
Love isn’t giving and never receiving anything back. Love is when you give, and receive that same kind of feeling in return. Love is what I think I feel for you, Mitch.
- Greta
You can be anything you choose to be, if you set your mind to it.
- Mitch
The problem with adults is that so many give up on having dreams.
You just have to figure out what you want, then determine how you’re going to get it. Then let nothing stand in your way until you do
- Mitch
And you’re the one who opened my eyes to the things I could have. No monetary things, that kind of stuff never mattered to me. But time with my children, learning about who they are, what they want out of life. Just being able to be with them, enjoy life with them, before they’re grown and gone.
- Greta
Thank you for letting me see glimpses of the woman I could be. I didn’t even know she existed.
- Greta
Love isn’t giving and never receiving anything back. Love is when you give, and receive that same kind of feeling in return. Love is what I think I feel for you, Mitch.
- Greta
September 21, 2010
Mitch's story, of a man first introduced in "Unwrapped" and who now is seeking his own sense of place with a woman from his past. His patience and caring just don't go away, in spite of Greta's suspicion and deep inability to trust and let go of the past. A beautiful study of human nature and relationship, as well as the triumph of authentic loving over the hurt and wounds of the past. Another great Burton story!
March 28, 2013
I don't think I expected Mitch's story to be so sweet, but I loved it! And I don't think Greta even realized what she was missing until Mitch helped her to see it. And how he showed her was wonderful. He was just so sweet with her and the kids! So glad for the happy ending!
August 8, 2016
2.5 Stars
We originally met Mitch in Unwrapped (story also in duo Show Me/Unwrapped )
We originally met Mitch in Unwrapped (story also in duo Show Me/Unwrapped )
August 20, 2011
This was a modern day Cinderella story. Do Mitch's really exist, WOW!!! Great quick read!
May 22, 2011
Sweet story
November 10, 2011
A fun read. I read this in one night because once I started I couldn't put it down. Not fine literature by any stretch, but a nice, easy, enjoyable read.
December 31, 2011
A sweet story that took place on a Florida beach, so reading it while I sat on a Florida beach was rather fun.
July 21, 2012
A hot quick injection of Jaci. Nice little story. I like how she can balance the description and dialogue with thoughts. Always on an even keel.
January 21, 2013
A sweet love story with believable characters who grow into a couple.
tbr-later
November 30, 201530 November 2015: $1.05 on Kindle
October 16, 2014
finished this, but skimmed after 70% because the plot point was so silly. I love her play by play books, but haven't had much luck with any other titles.
March 27, 2016
Good story
I like the story and get the character Greta but still want to Gibbs slap her.. I liked Mitch and the kids.. quick enjoyable read.
I like the story and get the character Greta but still want to Gibbs slap her.. I liked Mitch and the kids.. quick enjoyable read.
August 24, 2016
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews