Unanimous Decision

by Gayle B. Williams

Zoella Madison is a lover, not a fighter. Or so, she thinks .

The Cincinnati native spends much of her adulthood just traversing through life trying to find her niche. Complicated family dynamics cause rifts and drama that leave indelible pain and some bitterness for members of the Madison crew and others. The dominating Madison patriarch Fred is a force to be reckoned with. Is Zo destined to repeat or avoid the pitfalls of all that she has witnessed? Follow the love stories of two generations of Madison women, Ella and Zo, as they navigate life's triumphs and disappointments.

As a single mom to a young daughter, many of the decisions Zo makes are based on what she believes is best for Mikayla, even down to who she dates. After she and her high-school sweetheart Mike part ways, Zo's love life hits a dry spell. When she crosses paths with tall, sexy, fitness buff Al, an instant sizzling romance is ignited.

Al unexpectedly brings Zo out of her comfort zone by introducing her to the great outdoors while captivating her heart. Their love is one for the books, but the ups and downs of their relationship are put to the ultimate test. Zo is in for the fight of her life, but first she must determine if she is going to tap out or if she has the gumption and stamina to go the distance.

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2022

Reviews

[Msstiletto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful story

[Valerie K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gayle B. Williams has written an amazing debut novel. Unanimous Decision is a real page turner. I was drawn into the world of these well-developed characters, as they navigate through the ups and downs of life and relationships. I was so intrigued by Ella and Fred and Zo that I struggled to put the book down. Love, deceit, passion, abuse, strength, growth, it’s all here. This book is very rich in details that make the story come alive. You will become fascinated by decisions made just to survive.
I expect that we will be reading many more exciting novels by this author. Very enjoyable read!

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters kept me wanting more, I read the book in two sittings. For those who look forward to reading about relationships and how they grow or come to a place where a unanimous decision is made, I highly recommend this book.

[Annie Garvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book yesterday afternoon and finished it at 9 am this morning. I couldn't put it down. I especially liked Ella and Fred's story. Great read.

[Paige Moulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unanimous Decision by Gayle B. Williams is a character driven contemporary romance that explores love, family legacy, and emotional resilience through the lens of generational experience. The novel centers on Zoella Madison, a single mother navigating the challenges of relationships, responsibility, and personal identity within a deeply rooted family structure.

The narrative’s strength lies in its intergenerational framing. By weaving together the experiences of Ella and Zo, the story highlights how family history and inherited dynamics influence emotional development and relationship choices. This creates a layered portrayal of the Madison family, where personal decisions are consistently shaped by broader familial context.

Zoella is a grounded and relatable protagonist whose decisions are strongly influenced by her role as a mother. Her emotional journey reflects the tension between romantic desire and practical responsibility, giving the story a realistic and emotionally stable core.

The romantic arc between Zoella and Al introduces both emotional warmth and transformative tension. Their relationship is not portrayed as purely idealized romance, but as a dynamic experience that challenges comfort zones and introduces lifestyle and emotional growth. This adds depth to the central love story.

Overall, Unanimous Decision delivers a steady, emotionally focused narrative that emphasizes relationships, legacy, and personal evolution. It will resonate with readers who appreciate family centered romance and character driven storytelling grounded in real life emotional complexity.

[Donna L · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a pleasure to read Unanimous Decision, a very thoughtfully written debut novel by Gayle B. Williams. The protagonist, Zoella “Zo” Madison, is relatable and sincere. I did empathize with her throughout the novel as she experiences family tensions, first love, motherhood, heartbreak and the hectic life of a working parent trying to make it on her own. An engaging plot, developed through the voices of Ella, Fred, Zo and Al, crystallizes Zo’s quest for love, peace and fulfillment. Honest and authentic supporting characters kept me connected and wanting to read more. The narrative offers insightful observations into the complex interpersonal relationships in Zo’s conflicted yet devoted family. As an added bonus, I could almost taste the traditional soul food delicacies frequently served at Auntie Faye’s dinner table! The author’s writing is heartfelt and the characters are realistically portrayed. Unanimous Decision is a “good read” and it gets my recommendation.

[Sandra canada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unanimous Decision. A well written story from beginning to end. The Author taking the time to give detailed background of the characters helped understand the behavior & hot-headed responses that altered the lives of Ella's and Zo's homes & family. I found it easy to relate to the families, going thru various emotions from laughter, excitement and sadness. I must admit I was hoping for a transformation over the years for Fred (to be cont'd).
Congratulations Gayle. Well Done! I truly enjoyed your Debut Novel.. can't wait for the next one.
Sandra C.

[Sheila Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Unanimous Decision. The characters are so relatable they draw you into their world. I love the the descriptive details the Author uses. My mouth watered every-time food was talked about. Lol! There are many emotions you start to feel with each character as you can hardly wait to find out what happens next. The unanimous decisions they all have to make living their lives make you think about how you never know what a person is going through. Loved this book and I highly recommend it. Great job Gayle🤗

[Pia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut novel is a knockout! A great read. I was immersed in the characters and became invested as they navigated life’s ups and downs. As a reader, you will feel like you were invited to the character’s homes for Sunday dinner. The book reads like a great story at the dining room table. I found myself rooting for Zo.
In the end, love always wins.
I highly recommend this enjoyable book.

[Cheryl Mayberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unanimous Decision is an entertaining and refreshing story of realistic people navigating the consequences of their life choices. The characters are interesting and well developed and I particularly liked seeing events from different perspectives.

[Sandy Kelps · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story about a strong, thoughtful woman who works hard to create a life she can be proud of. All of the characters were well developed, covering the highs and lows of three generations. This book was a page turner! I can't wait to read Gayle Williams' next book!

[Deborah Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

great reading

Really enjoyed this novel. Easy to follow and understand. Would highly recommend. Definitely worthwhile. Story of several generations. Enjoyed it.