From the Bookshelf of Turning Pages At Midnight…

Unloved

Katy Regnery

Start date: November 1, 2017

Finish date: November 7, 2017

Discussion: Buddy Reads

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Oct 09, 2017 Anne OK rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2017-reads

“The devil’s son.” He had heard those words so many times, from so many people, that he believes they may be true.

This much anticipated book — well, it was simply riveting and stunning. From start to finish, every word so meaningful and touching in its delivery. A love story that sets itself apart from most you’ll read — very near one-of-a-kind.

The genetic references were fascinating, and my curiosity grew as the author unraveled pieces of information relating to inherited traits that may pass “The devil’s son.” He had heard those words so many times, from so many people, that he believes they may be true.

This much anticipated book — well, it was simply riveting and stunning. From start to finish, every word so meaningful and touching in its delivery. A love story that sets itself apart from most you’ll read — very near one-of-a-kind.

The genetic references were fascinating, and my curiosity grew as the author unraveled pieces of information relating to inherited traits that may pass from a father to his children. Without a doubt, research played a major role in completing this storyline.

The cover and book blurb may draw readers to the conclusion that this story is dark and heartbreaking. But the truth lies somewhere between the sunlight of day and the darkness of midnight. There is beauty and ugliness. Some of it straight from today’s headlines bringing reality just that much closer. My words will never be able to do this tale justice. But I can assure you that it is so much more than a tragic and lonely saga. It comes with an unexpected and life-changing happy ending. Truly, you do not want to miss this one.

Katy Regnery gives a voice to both Cassidy Porter and Brynn Cadogan. She brings their magical and heart-wrenching story to life on the pages. Beautifully written and spellbinding, her words will gut you one moment, and in the next, bring your heart to almost bursting with tenderness, hope and love. I caught myself holding my breath and wondering what feelings would surface with the next twists and turns throughout most of the book.

Since she’d lost her fiance’ two years ago, Brynn had basically locked herself away in isolation living a life of solitude. Something (and I’m not gonna tell) triggers her need to say a final good-bye to Jem atop his favorite mountain in Maine. She found a place in my heart with her kindness and understanding, acceptance and giving spirit. When things go very wrong, it is Cassidy who finds her and nurses her back to health. It was an added treat to watch her interact with her parents during a rather stress-related period – and even more so as her mom and dad brought a little comical relief into the situation.

Cassidy is an unordinary character. So different from the usual sexy dominating alpha heroes starring in most of our beloved romance novels. He will surprise you at every turn. He’ll wrap himself around your heart completely capturing it. From the moment Cassidy is introduced, he brought out the mama bear in me. I wanted to fight the good fight for him, ward off the offenders and somehow right the wrongs he’d unjustly suffered. And I darn sure was adamant that his tormented existence be freed, granting him love, peace and joy for the rest of his life. I’m going to leave it at that – you need to savor every minute with him for yourself. Cassidy deserved the very best happily-ever-after the author could conjure up for him.

Some readers may classify the connection between Brynn and Cassidy as insta-love – and for the most part, I’m not a fan of such love stories. But this pairing was different from the start. For me, it had a soulful draw that reaches far deeper than the physical or emotional level. Bound together by soulful ties. An intense connection between them as if they were indeed two pieces of a puzzle fitting perfectly together. The “insta” never raised its ugly head in my view.

Nope, you won’t find a lot of details in my review — only heaps of praise and a gigantic recommendation. This is one of those cleverly intoxicating books where it’s best to go in blind, savor each word, and end the epic and unforgettable journey with a deep sigh and a big smile. ...more

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Oct 27, 2017 Ela rated it liked it

Sorry, not impressed! That "twist" was totally a cop out pointing out that (view spoiler) ...more

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Oct 28, 2017 Robyn rated it it was amazing

*ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review*

Brynn knows all about pain. Two years ago Brynn lost her fiance, Jem, to a senseless act of violence. Since then, she is a shell of the woman she once was. Abandoning her friends and family, she has carved out her life living as a hermit, not even leaving her place to buy groceries. On the day that would have been her fiance’s 30th birthday, Brynn decides to go through the box of items she has kept in remembrance of him. Inside the box is *ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review*

Brynn knows all about pain. Two years ago Brynn lost her fiance, Jem, to a senseless act of violence. Since then, she is a shell of the woman she once was. Abandoning her friends and family, she has carved out her life living as a hermit, not even leaving her place to buy groceries. On the day that would have been her fiance’s 30th birthday, Brynn decides to go through the box of items she has kept in remembrance of him. Inside the box is his cell phone, still in the sealed evidence bag given back to her by the police. The same cell phone he carried on the night he died. Without even thinking, she pulled the phone out of the bag and plugged it into the charger. What Brynn did not expect was to see an unsent text message that simply read katahd that he must have typed moments before his death. She knew what the message meant. Mount Katahdin, the highest peak in Maine, where Jem said his soul had lived until he gave it to her. Brynn knew what she needed to do. She needed to climb that summit and finally put Jem to rest for good.

Cassidy did not have an easy childhood. While he loved his mother, he did not necessarily like his father or know him very well as he was hardly ever home. His father was a trucker and gone most of the time and was only home for three days a month. Cassidy never felt the love for his father the way a child should as he never felt comfortable being around him. Its possible that even deep down inside he know what his father was. One day, while his father was home the police came knocking and take his father away. Turns out, his father was a serial killer- raping and murdering women all along his trucking route. As Cassidy grew older, he often wondered if he could ever turn out just like his father. It did not help that his mother and grandfather, the only real father he has ever known and loved, were scared for Cassidy as he had his father’s DNA and may turn into a monster just like his father.

Cassidy was determined to lead a quiet life, never marrying or having any kids. It would be the end of the terrifying genes that he carries inside of himself. For the rest of his life he would never know what it would be like to touch and love a woman. Cassidy would never want to put another person at risk if he ever became dangerous due to his genetic makeup. For this reason alone, he lived off the grid, away from people and the world. His only consolation was hiking along the Katahdin, close enough to hear other hikers, but not close enough to ever be seen.

On one such hike Cassidy crosses paths with Brynn and for the first time he feels something, an attraction – a need to be near her. Things start to become even more complicated when he rescued Brynn from an attacker. The one thing Cassidy has been hiding from for most of his life is now staring at him right in the face. Can Brynn pull him out of the lonely existence that he has carved out for himself? Or will Cassidy always remain Unloved.

UNLOVED, A Love Story by Katy Regnery instantly pulled me in with its premise. I have always been interested in serial killers and stories centered around serial killers seem to draw me in. While we don’t learn much about Cassidy’s dad, we do get to learn what it was like for Cassidy growing up as an outcast in a society that shunned him. His story was moving and heartbreaking. I just wanted to jump through the pages and hug the little boy he once was and tell him that everything would be OK.

Katy Regnery’s writing style is flawless. She knows just how to suck you right into the story from the first page to the last. You are taken on an emotional and heartbreaking journey between two wounded people as they claw their way out of the darkness that has taken over their lives. What is left is a sweet and tender love story that is heartfelt and beautifully written. Katy Regnery’s storytelling is done so effortlessly and she knows just how to grab your attention and keep it. I have to say that UNLOVED,A Love Story has quickly made it to the top of my keeper list. I highly recommend you grab a copy of this book and fall in love with it just as I did. ...more

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May 14, 2018 Alissa rated it liked it

I thought this book had an interesting and unique plot, and it had me feeling extremely empathetic toward both main characters who had both gone through separate unimaginable life tragedies that are really incomprehensible for anyone on the outside to ever really understand if you haven't been through it. I had never thought too deeply about what it would be like to be the relative of someone who does VERY horrible things like in Cass' situation, and I thought the nature vs. nurture aspect of hi I thought this book had an interesting and unique plot, and it had me feeling extremely empathetic toward both main characters who had both gone through separate unimaginable life tragedies that are really incomprehensible for anyone on the outside to ever really understand if you haven't been through it. I had never thought too deeply about what it would be like to be the relative of someone who does VERY horrible things like in Cass' situation, and I thought the nature vs. nurture aspect of his story line was interesting, especially some of the details in the book that were offered up about real life people, theories, studies, research, court cases, etc. I was also very pulled in by Brynn's story and extremely saddened reading all she went through, especially knowing too many people truly HAVE lost loved ones from similar circumstances. KR did a great job of really getting you into the minds and hearts of both characters, so much that you feel like you have a deeper understanding of their experiences, though I realize nobody would really get it unless they live it.

Though I had some questions on a few things during the story, I was able to ignore most of them and stay sucked into the story, and I really did enjoy the book very much for a while. I thought Cass was such an endearing character - very innocent, but so kind and giving. So many parts of his story really broke my heart, and I really wanted him to find love and be able to live a happy and worry-free life that he very much deserved. I also wanted this for Brynn because she was a very likable character who was trying to heal and find herself again after her great loss, and I thought Cass was just what she needed.

What took away from my overall enjoyment of the book was the plot twist at the end, which to me felt like it was an uneducated and short-sighted way to handle some of the deep questions that come up in the book. And honestly, I don't think it was a fair/informed manner to address that storyline. It felt like it validated some of the most hateful people and their ridiculous and ignorant views, which I 100% don't agree with, and I don't think there is an overwhelming degree of scientific support for that way of thinking, and to me, it felt like a bit of a betrayal of all I believe about the power of love, hope, healing, kindness, nurture, redemption, and the human spirit. If the ending had been addressed differently, this book would have been 4* or 5*. ...more

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Feb 19, 2018 Berta rated it really liked it

4 and a half stars! Loved the story... loved the characters... loved the writing... interesting twist that was awesome. The book was emotional and my heart broke for both characters. I was invested, but I didn't cry, I just wanted to hug Cassidy. I was so happy with the HEA and how it turned out. ...more

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Oct 17, 2017 Suzanne rated it really liked it

Unloved was a unique and emotional love story with twists I didn’t see coming.

Brynn lost her fiancé 2 years ago and hasn’t been able to move on until she decides to go hiking in the mountain where Jem had always told her held his soul. Along the way, she’s brutally attacked and a man, Cassidy, comes to her rescue. Cassidy lives in a really isolated cabin at the bottom of the mountain and takes Brynn there to tend to her injuries and she stays while she heals.

This quote really resonated with me: ...more

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