Dillon came to Savannah to start over. New job. Clean slate. A second chance at being the man he should’ve been all along. But old habits don’t die easily, and one slip threatens to unravel everything he’s worked for.
He meets Alicia under unexpected circumstances—she’s in town helping her sister recover, and he’s just a name on the pickup list. But somehow, a ride from the airport turns into something more. She’s confident, grounded, and not the type to be scared off by his baggage.
Their connection isn’t simple. It’s built in the cracks of what’s broken. Alicia sees the version of Dillon he wants to be, not the one he’s afraid he still is. His addiction doesn’t go away quietly. And loving someone while you're still trying to fix yourself is dangerous ground.
Now he’s standing at a crossroads: repeat the past… or fight for the chance to have something real.
C. R. Riley doesn’t believe in rules when it comes to romance. Her books are bold, emotional, and unapologetically steamy, spanning tropes like enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, secret pasts, and forbidden attraction. What ties them all together? Deep emotional connection, crackling sexual tension, and characters who love like it’s the only thing keeping them alive.
Writing across sub-genres, C. R. thrives in the chaos of big emotions, tough choices, and the kind of love that doesn’t come easy—but always feels earned. Her goal is simple: give readers stories they feel in their chest and remember long after the final page.
Yet again C.R Riley has pulled out a cracker, just in time for Christmas. Alicia and Dillon are brilliant. Both from different lives with very different issues, they find that together they have something special. But true love never did run smoothly and these two really give you a run for your money. With characters you'll adore and others you'll love to hate, this book will keep you hooked until the very end.
Another fantastic story about the Kohl family! This was a wonderful read and the author did a great job not only writing beautiful characters who truly grow throughout the story but also dealing with sensitive topics. Alicia is a strong, kind, sweet woman who is always there for others. She is a bodyguard for Jo and is home to help out family. She puts others above herself and has a difficult time asking for help. She struggles with her own problems and has to find a way to open up and stop fighting Dillon. Dillon is a pilot with the Coast Guard and has turned to alcohol to numb a bad experience he feels guilty about instead of turning to family and friends. The struggle between these two and the building of their relationship was wonderful to read and the author really brought them to life and made them real. I can't wait for the next story for the Kohl family!!!
Ms. Riely is one author I thoroughly enjoy reading, and her newest book Unavoidable is a must-read. She delivers a storyline that will get your full attention from the start. Alicia and Dillion's book is the fourth book in the Kohl family series and it is one has you wanting to be there for both Alicia and Dillion. Both of them are dealing with family situations and Dillion has his own problems that are haunting him. Alicia having hit rock bottom and came back from it, was able to help Dillion with his drinking problem. The pull that they have on one another is strong and it ignites the chemistry that has developed between the two of them. She is a protector as part of her job and has the need to protect and help Dillion. He is a US Coast Guard who while trying to recover from his alcohol addiction, has a one-nighter that seems to want to ruin his life. When he realizes that their lives are intertwined, his present and her past, can they work together to get past everything? The twist and turns that are thrown at them have them becoming stronger together but will it be strong enough to get through everything that life is throwing at them?
I thoroughly loved this storyline. I was riding an emotional rollercoaster while reading this book. The descriptions and details that Ms. Riely wrote with had me pulled in right from the start. I highly recommend picking up Unavoidable and enjoy a story that will pull on your heartstrings as well as have you holding your breath.
Well C.R Riley has truly outdone herself once again and delivered another unforgettable and unputdownable addition to her Kohl family Series ( a series that has become one of my very guilty pleasures . This time around we get Dillion and Alicia’s emotional rollercoaster of a journey two people who are so beautifully broken and flawed . Both are dealing with family issues ,past trauma and demons . Yet when they come together they end up being so perfect for one another . I don’t want to go into to muck detail as you really can get a pretty good idea of what unavoidable is about by reading the summary . I also tend to be someone Who loves to go into a book with a clean slate per se and and a completely open mind . Especially since C.R Riley has this amazing gift of writing the most likable and relatable characters , characters that are so captivating, unique and multi layered. So every time I sit down to read one of her amazing stories I want to feel all the emotions for myself that I know without a doubt I will experience. One the edge of my seat heart beating so fast , mind blowing, speechless , forced proximity, age gap , military, angst , trauma, heartbreaking , heartfelt, twists and turns, second chances, family, friendships, intriguing, suspenseful, emotionally charged, dark , raw , gritty and so much more . Dillon and Jade are going to take you on a journey unlike any you’ve experienced before . So prepare yourself for all the feels and keep the Kleenex close as you will smile , you will cry and you will find yourself rooting so hard what a masterpiece
5 stars, 4 steamy kisses arc copy review book #4 in the Kohl Family series 18+ readers as the story will include alcohol abuse/addiction
forced proximity, friendship, steamy, military, age gap, romantic fling, book series, family, drama, trauma, second chance, crazy ex, bodyguard, U.S Coast Guard
Dillon is a hero but after some family drama has a drinking problem he refuses to admit to aloud. With that, the family drama, and his recent breakup a move to Savannah, Georgia may be just what he needs. Alicia has worked protecting one and recently two of the Kohl's and so when she has to step away and head to Savannah, Georgia to take care of her family she has no clue what that will do to her future plans. These two have only known of each other as passing acquaintances so this close proximity to one another is a stepping stone to a friendship worth exploring and more importantly an attraction worth exploring. Will they be able to have a HEA when life throws them a few things to get in their way? Wow, what an amazing story about a man struggling through addiction and a woman who has a kind and strong heart and soul. I loved this book and can't wait to get into the rest of the series! This was my first intro to the Kohl family series so this story is standalone but it helps to read the stories prior for extra feels for those couples/siblings. The building of their friendship and passionate romantic relationship was just hot!
Thank you soo much C.R for sending me a copy of this book to read and review.
I am a huge fan of C.R's work and was excited to read this.
Avoidable is the 4th book in the Kohl family series.
We follow the life of Dillon Kohl, who works for the coast guard. When we pick up Dillon's story he is struggling with life and events that happened in his life. His coping mechanism has become alcohol. Our first meeting with Dillon is in a bar after he has moved to savannah where he picks up a girl fucks her and literally leave before she even finished herself. Nothing can prepare Dillon for the consequences that one night can cause him.
Alicia works as a bodyguard for Johannah Kohl and has been her friend for quite some time. when we first meet her, she gets a call to say that her sister has been in an accident and in true Kohl style they rally the troops in order to get her there and help her whilst there.
Dillon and Alicia have a really beautiful friendship that blossoms into a relationship. they both just connect and seem to have the skills in order to help each other through anything when needed. Right up until everything gets so much, they stop communicating. Alicia's ex and Dillons one night stand cause plenty of drama throughout this book. but Dillon and Alicia really were made for each other.
I enjoyed reading this book. at first i struggled to connect with the characters and it took me until about 70% through to really connect with them but the story itself has a really good back story and meaning that could help others and i love that.
My Overall Rating is 4 💋💋💋💋 My Character Rating is 3 ❤️❤️❤️ My Smut Rating is 2 🍆🍆 M y Angst Rating is 1 😬
This is my first time reading work from C R Riley. I read this book as a standalone.
I have to be completely honest, this was a tough read for me. I don't consider myself to have triggers. However, I have supported someone through addiction more than once and suffer with depression myself. I could relate to a lot of the emotions in the story which made me want to hide at times.
I powered through in my usual stubborn fashion determined my own demons wouldn't get in my way. I was rewarded with the beautiful connection and playfulness between Alicia and Dillon, it really helped break the heaviness of the problems they've faced and are currently facing.
What started as two people lending a shoulder through difficult times, blossomed into so much more. Unexpected true love story amongst the chaos and steamy moments in naughty places. But, when it felt like they were on the right path, old demons resurfaced and threatened the foundation they’d built. Its is a real rollercoaster of ups and downs, twist and turns. Who said the journey to love is perfect. I had a couple of snort my cup of tea moments while reading too.
I enjoyed the base story but if you're not in the right headspace wait until you are before reading.
'Sometimes the messiest things in life turn out to be the most beautiful.'
Unavoidable has pulled me in from start to finish. I love the C. R. Riley shows us how two broken souls can find true love in each other. Dillon is have trouble dealing with events that has happened, so he turns to drinking to drown his misery. Alicia went down the hardest path after trusting the wrong guy and now that she get herself together a little, she ready to move forward with her life. When she is in town to help her sister out, she reconnects with Dillon. She can see him suffering and start out help him. But one thing leads to other and both gets feelings for each other. But their journey will have a few twists and turns in their way toward forever. Plus they are going to have to deal with people from both of their past trying to stand in their way. Will they overcome everything and find their HEA? You definitely wanted to read and find out.
C.R.Riley’s latest installment of the Kohl Family series centers on Dillon, one of the twins, and Alicia, Jo’s body guard. Both of them have demons they are fighting and find solace in each other despite their age difference. Riley does a nice job fleshing out these two characters, displaying her writing chops as they deal with sensitive topics such as addiction and recovery as well as both dealing with pasts that have shaped them in one way or another. You get immersed in not only their different struggles but in the growth of what they mean to each other though Alicia is definitely more gun shy than Dillon. When each of their past mistakes rise up to interfere with their future you can’t help but root for their HEA. Well written and a great addition to this series.
In this book Unavoidable, Dillon is really struggling after his brother has a terrible accident. Dillon finds himself reaching for alcohol to get him through his difficult times. Dillon is asked to help Alicia who is helping her sister who is in the hospital. Dillion is attracted to Alicia and confesses about his problem with alcohol. Alicia admits that she had the same problem after her divorce. The bond between these two seems to grow since they appreciate each other and understand each other’s struggle. I really enjoyed the relationship between these two. They were very open and honest with each other. I love a book when my main characters aren’t perfect but have flaws and problems and work through them.
From the moment Alicia & Dillion met you knew that they were meant to be. Alicia an amazing woman who carries everything on her shoulders & Dillion who is going through somethings in his life. Both broken through some point in their lives helping each other and always there. Was the best thing that could have happened. Where Alicia needed someone to remind her to take care of herself. Dillion needed help & purpose. Seeing the vulnerable sides of each other was something else it brought them closer to each other. Yet it was allowed them to take on step at a time with each other. I honestly couldn't get over this book because of Alicia & Dillion. There was and is something about there story that just draws you in.
C.R. Never disappoints me in all her stories and this is one of them!
Dillion a pilot in the U.S coast guard struggles with alcohol due to a failed mission he blamed himself for.
Alicia a train body guard for Dillion’s sister has a family issue to deal with and Alicia’s boss asks Dillion to watch over her. Two kindred broken souls collide making this one heck of an adventure with some crazy ex’s
Together they have to heal themselves from the unavoidable. I loved this story I held it close to my heart as I have a family member struggling with alcohol with the same name. Not to mention the spice level is the bomb! I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
Unavoidable is another great addition to the Kohl family series. It’s about love and hope, regrets and sorrow. About how true love can overcome everything. It’s beautifully written and I was immediately drawn into the story. It was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. I almost cried and I laughed. It is definitely not a light read and I couldn’t put it down. A lot of twists and turns and some hot steamy moments ! I loved Dillon and Alicia! To me they became real people, not just characters in a book. I received this arc from the author and this review is my honest opinion.
“I don’t see it as I’m stuck. I’m right where I’m meant to be. It’s going to be one of the best adventures of my life, and you and I get to go on it together.”
Everyone needs a Dillion in their life. Altho Alicia is a strong bada$$ woman who has fought through hard things in life and come out better for and doesn’t probably need anyone. Dillion makes her life better. And she saves him from the edge and helps let him exactly who is he meant to be. Such a great. Need to read the rest of this series.
Alicia and Dillon are really great characters. They both have stressful, demanding careers and struggle to trust the other with the "perceived" failures in their personal lives. Their individual pasts hold painful memories that leave them wary of allowing themselves to lay it all on the line and trust the other will accept and love them as they are...not inspite of, but because of their past experiences!!
The Kohl Family is my favorite C.R. Riley series. I never thought she'd be able to top Caleb's book, but here we are. Dillon is a hot mess, like, his life is in a tailspin. Yep, he immediately had my heart with his imperfections. Alicia has her sh-stuff together which makes for one heck of a ride. (Bonus, we get to see some of our favorite characters from previous books.) Unavoidable has plenty of ups and downs that lead us to the perfect happily ever after. 5/5 stars. Loved it!
WOW!! Chefs kiss! Must Read! This is Dillion and Alicia, this book is two souls who have more than enough going on in their lives, but they somehow find one another along the way in a way. With every perfect story you will always have the bumps in the road it's never a straight perfect ride and I absolutely enjoy when authors bring on the topics that don't get touched much, this book shines a light on that perfectly. CR delivered another amazing read that I absolutely enjoyed.
I really enjoyed the latest adventure in the Kohl family. Something about Dillon and Alicia's story sucked me in from the very beginning and held onto me until the end. This story is a little bit lighter and less action packed than the other books of the series and I think it's become my favorite because of that. I loved this story and can't wait for the next instalment of this series!
Another fantastic story with beautiful characters. I really enjoyed reading about Alicia and Dillon. These characters were written with a certain depth and they grew as they dealt with sensitive topics. These two not only struggled internally, but there was a struggle between the two as well and I loved the way their relationship developed. The friends to lovers dynamic is a favorite of mine and I could tell that Alicia and Dillon were made for each other.
another incredible story in the Kohl Family series
I have loved all other stories in this series and Unavoidable was no different!
Each one is so unique. I have seen so much growth with C.R.’s writing since I started following her work. It’s so rewarding to see my favourite authors growing.
If you haven’t read Unavoidable you need to add it to your library right away.
I read this book as a standalone, it was my first C.R. Riley book and certainly not the last. I loved the writing style and flew through this book. The way C.R. Riley described the tension and passionate relationship between the characters is amazing. I loved the spice level but also appreciated the way how she adressed some sensitive topics.
I can’t get enough of the kohl clan. This story was amazing. The charters and the storytelling was amazing. Dillon had a problem with alcohol needed help. Alicia had that problem once and was welling to Help Dillion out. The romance was fantastic. I give this book 5/5
This was a fantastic story, beautifully written. The author has dealt with some serious and sensitive topics within this book whilst showing how the characters work through their issues and find themselves again. I thought this was very well done and even though it's hard hitting, it's done well :)
Another good read. Glad I didn’t give up on the series after the last book. I trusted the author to give me the happily ever and throughout that I usually expect from her. What’s next?
This is the 4th book in the series...and it covers Dillion one of the twins and Alicia part of Jo's Security team. Honesty and communication gets you as far as you want it to go.
I have been hooked on the Kohl Family since I read the first book. This is one of my top, favorite series.
C. R. takes tough subjects and writes about them in the most thoughtful and beautiful way. Her stories take you on a journey of characters that are tough yet vulnerable, weak yet strong, and confident yet insecure.
Dillon is kind of a hot mess and needs a wake up call, well he gets one and it doesn’t go away for awhile. He is trying to deal with so many things but doesn’t want to bother his family or seek help.
Alicia is such an interesting character that is so patient, kind, willing to help others but does not want to be a burden on others. She’s in town helping out a family member when she meets Dillon.
I love the way their relationship builds…the tension, ah the tension…but they learn to trust and rely on one another as they both are dealing with some crappy baggage. They are open and vulnerable with one another and become allies for one another before taking the next step.
It’s a beautiful, heartwarming, tough and wonderful story that is filled with love, acceptance and hope. Congratulations, C.R. on another fantastic book!
I am looking forward to Patrick’s book…I have a feeling he’s up to no good!
The drama in this one! Oh my lawd….between the ex-husband and one night stand, it seemed Alicia and Dillon were never gonna make it happen. They both show great restraint, smarts and emotional development.
Dillon goes through a lot in such a short time. Alicia is a selfless caregiver who is an independent bad b. I loved her character so much!! Together the connection is undeniable and electric.
Another solid story with the power of therapy. Well written story with struggles of alcohol and involves family planning. Ends with a HEA and an epilogue.
Alicia & Dillon come together, helping each other through difficult times. Though both are strong characters, being in security and a coast guard pilot, they both have emotional baggage to overcome, leaving them wary of relationships, but they learn to trust in each other as their friendship grows to more. C.R.Riley is able to take hard, tough and emotional subjects and handle them with care. This heartwarming story, filled with vulnerability, emotion, love and hope is well written and a definite must read.
OMG Dillion and Alicia. I love these 2! I relate so much to Alicia in this book. She’s been struggling to find a work life balance. I love how this series can be read as a stand-alone but is so much better knowing the characters. Already counting down to the next book in this series!!!
“I don’t have enough words to describe how great this story was! Sadly, I couldn’t finish it in a row due to work but damn the last 40% had my heart racing. Dillon and Alicia were truly fantastic! Every couple has had their own uniqueness that made them perfect for each other and their wasn’t the exception. Easy to fall for them!! A huge shoutout to the author for giving us fans this amazing story.”