Unforgettable

Always #2

by Cherie M. Hudson, Lexxie Couper

Sometimes being an optimist is hard work.

Brendon Osmond’s an optimist, a fitness geek, a man with a plan and the drive to achieve it. He’s sure he knows everything there is to know about his life and where it’s headed—until he gets one brief text.

A text from her.

Amanda. The girl who broke his heart.

‘Thinking of you.’

Just three little words, but they’re enough to make Brendon drop everything and head half way around the world to see her. 

Acting only on gut instinct, nothing can prepare Brendon for the truth he’s about to learn.

A truth Amanda kept from him for almost two years. A truth who has Brendon’s eyes and claims his heart in an instant.

A truth that comes with a devastating diagnosis with the power to destroy everything he never knew he wanted or held dear.

“A heartbreaking, emotional, heartwarming, phenomenal story.” ~ Five Stars. 1-Click Addict Support Group

***The Always series is a 3-book series about love, life, laughter and hope. Originally released under the pen-name Cherie M Hudson, the Always series is Lexxie Couper unlike you've read before.*** 

Genres: Romance, Second Chance, New Adult, Contemporary, Emotional

307 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 22, 2015

About the author

Cherie M Hudson is happily married to the man of her dreams, is a busy mum of two little girls (one nine going on sixteen, the other five going on twenty), a proud cat owner (although she suspect the cat thinks she owns her) and an insanely manic writer. She has written over forty erotic romances under the pen name Lexxie Couper. Along time ago she gave up trying to suppress the stories in her head constantly trying to escape and has been blissfully happy since.

Reviews

[Jayme · Rating 5 out of 5]

“ ’Sokay”

I do not remember when I cried reading a book, so really cry. It's beautiful, tear you to pieces but it is soo beautiful. Unforgettable is simply unforgettable.

“ An unforgettable one, one that would rock the very world with its perfection.

About the plot: Brendan and Amanda met almost three years ago during an amateur snowboard competition in Thredbo, Austarlia. With similar approach to life, live for the whole, no regrets, they had intense sex together, and quickly fell in love. But she is from America and had to return home to San Diego. Brendan flew after her, but come back to Sydney with a broken heart.

Now, after more than two years without any contact he gets a text message from her. She needs his help, but does not reveal anything. Brendan is a nice guy, he does not think long. If someone who was once important to him needs help, he drops everything and fly to help.

However, they both are not prepared for what is waiting for them when they meet again. Never burned feeling is still there. However, her secret could destroy everything... or build them again.

“ Life had proved once and for all that no matter how much control I thought I had over my existence, my purpose, I had none.

Final thoughts: In this book there are several excellent things. One is that the whole book is written as male pov. The book is really well written. In the same way loose and funny as the first part, only this time from the side of guy. Brendon is wonderful and my new book-boyfriend. It starts very funny. You are enjoying every moment of it. Absolutely hilarious.

Maybe that's why even more this moment in which you realize what goes wrong in this story, is devastating. I admire the courage of writing about it. Emotional and beautiful even in the most difficult moments. At the same time you cry with laughter, and cry with grief. I do not want to give anything away to spoil reading it. But a comparison with The Fault in Our Stars is accurate.

And one more is that practically the entire action happens in not longer than two or three days? How great is that? I have no words!

Another thing is great team of friends and family, as usual, this makes the book even better. In my opinion great secondary characters are the key to success. Once again we have here our heroes from previous story, Maci and Raphael. Heather is awesome as always. And now come the heroes of the next part Caden and Chase, which story is going to be really amazing. They are pretty awesome characters who were a big part of Unforgettable.

“ Perfect harmony, perfect synergy. Finding life and heat when so much had been taken away. Burning up in it, even as a part of our souls grew cold with hopeless despair.

***

***Quick Review:***

Series: The second in the Always series.
Grade/Tag Tabs: Contemporary Romance, New Adult.
Release Date: October 22nd, 2015.
Main characters: Brendan Osmond, twenty-five year old, the uni gym’s fitness manager, eternal optimist, takes what life gives. Amanda Sinclair is a girl who over two years ago broke up with him without much reason. Now she asks him for help.
Secondary characters: Great team of friends and family. We have here also again Maci and Raphael. As well as the heroes of the new part Caden and Chase.
Steamy: Yes, but it's not this type of book. We have here three quite hot, very natural and good scenes.
Sensitive topic: Yes. Illness.
Love triangle: No.
Cheating: No.
Cliffhanger: No.
HEA: Yes. But I think we'll get some more in the next book as well.

Next in the series? Yes. Next book Undeniable, February 25th 2016. Just read the description and you know that there is no other option than to read it.

For who I recommended? For someone who likes something to weeping and something to smile at the same time.

***

*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

Follow me on Facebook or Twitter. Thank you!

[Karina Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

I remember being super excited to read this book, and I remember really enjoying it, because I love when books have cute little toddlers.

I also remember not really loving the heroine in this story.

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

I freaking FLOVED this book!! I was happy when Cherie M. Hudson teased us with a preview of Brendon's story, because I simply couldn't get enough of Bren and his F*cking Hot Aussie Self!! He's stolen my heart and I don't need or want it back! **Sigh**

Bren's happy living his life in Australia and getting ready to get his future plans going. That is, until the first woman Bren ever loved all of a sudden sends him a text message. It's been almost two years since their last communication, yet one thing is for sure, he's never stopped loving her. Despite being apart so long, seeing how much Bren still cared for her—despite her breaking his heart—had me wary on if he should reach out to her.

Amanda has regretted turning away from Bren and, despite her horrible decision, she needs him now more than ever. I wanted to hate Amanda for what she did to Bren, and I kinda did at first, but as I kept reading my heart kept thawing out slowly. And when I got the full story, I realized why she did what she did.

I'm not going to spoil it, just know that this was everything I expected—and so much more. I laughed, cried, cringed, and loved reading their story and how real it felt! Their love was true love and no matter what was thrown at them, and who was against them, it was meant to triumph! The question is, would it still survive what they are about to encounter…and would they ever be the same? ~ Kara, 5 Breathtaking stars

~~~

I was looking very forward to this book. I loved the first book about Maci and Raph, and couldn’t wait for Brendon to get his happy ever after.

Brendon Osmond, aka Mr. Bicep, is an optimist.

“That’s what it’s all about. Living. Enjoying every minute of every day we have. Not wasting it with second-guessing, regret, hoping in vain, wishful thinking or moping.”

He’s only been in love twice. One was Maci. The other was Amanda, the one who got away.

When Amanda texts him out of the blue after more than two years of silence saying she needs him, Brendon hopes a flight to America, no questions asked. That is just the kind of man he is and as much as he thinks he’s over Amanda, he knows he isn’t. And his life is forever changed.

“What we think and what is real however, doesn’t always line up.”

I have to be honest. I wasn’t prepared for the heartbreak this story held. I probably wouldn’t have read it at all if I had known what was going to happen. Not because the writing wasn’t amazing, but because it hits too close to home. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but I will say that, as a parent who has unfortunately lived through three plus years of what Amanda had to go through, Ms. Hudson did the story justice. It was real and raw and made me ugly cry. Make sure you have tissues on hand! And I am very glad that I forced myself to continue reading this story because although it was hard, it was worth it. The love between Amanda and Brendon was amazing.

“I loved her. And she loved me. And when you realize something as profound as that, when it really, really hits you, you have no other choice but to surrender to your heart.”

The love and devotion from family and friends was fantastic! And watching Brendon become a better man melted my heart. This was such a heartbreaking, emotional, heartwarming, phenomenal story! ~ Tiffany, 4.5 stars

~~~

Brendan and Amanda were briefly discussed in book one, but this can be read standalone with minimal confusion.

I am not really sure how to write this review in my typical form so I am just going to pour my heart out instead. When I first started this book, I was a bit confused as it was so different from book one, while at the same time, very similar.

Unforgettable was hard to read as was hit in the ballpark that could have been my reality. Five years ago, I was in the position Amanda was in—luckily I had a very different outcome.

This book is filled with emotions, love so great it will knock you over, heartache, and second chances. No matter if you can empathize with the characters or not, the story was so good it sucked me in and was hard to put down.

I hope Cherie will continue with this series as I have fallen in love with her writing and the characters she puts on the pages. ~ Devlynn, 4 stars

[♡ Jeri's Book Attic ♡ Jeri the Romance Bibiliophile ♡]

[Sherley Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I was gifted with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review**
BY Cherie M Hudson

Wow... A totally rollercoaster of EMOTIONS . First off Bravo because I have yet to read a book in just a males POV. Not that I am against it but because I have read others that the POV was in both the female & male but not one where it was just male. I found it really easy to read from just Bren's POV. This book had me confused, anxious, broken hearted, angry, pissed, sad, helpless then rewind & repeat all those emotions AGAIN. That to me is a masterpiece in its own. I wanted to hug Bren and slap Amanda but I guess I can also sympathize with her in the fact that its true. Fear can sometimes rationalize things that just aren't! So we meet Bren this hot Aussie (did I mention I love accents?! well i do and when there is one then I am in love!!!) who has big plans. He is about to graduate and already has his own business set to launch. He has only fallen in love twice. One of the times being recently with a girl who he lost out to and was friend zoned and the other an old flame named Amanda. When you hear him talk about Amanda you immediately know that its something he only thinks is over. But things are not OVER. When he receives a text from her out of the blue he immediately is packing his things to go see her because he knows it must be serious. When he gets there well his world is flipped on its axis and he is met with things that he never knew he would have to deal with. He has to reevaluate everything. Has obstacles to take on that no one should never have to. This story was beautiful and had me full of all kinds of feels!!!
Thank for the opportunity to have read this. I will be picking up the prior book and can't wait for the next.
P.S. I read this book in 1 day!!!

[Tahsin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This.
This is what it felt like. This is how I feel like, almost 24 hours after I started reading. I knew, I just knew from the very beginning one of the curveballs that was going to come my way, but fucking hell, I never imagined the other one. Never even thought it was a possibility in my worst nightmare. It ended waaaay too abruptly. I need proper closure, and I need something 50 years into the future. Something.

Let me give you some context about everything surrounding this book. I loved loved loved the first one. Super insta, but I loved it. I literally had no idea who this Brendon Osmond dude was before starting the book, but hey, Cherie Hudson wrote it and they're part of the same series, so it should be good. I found it on netgalley, requested it, got approved the same day I think, and started reading it. Before going to bed. When I knew I had a midterm today. I put my phone down around 4 am, and at that time I was around the 80% mark. I woke up when I was supposed to for class - 9am. Finished reading this book instead of getting ready for the day. Skipped my first class and slept an extra hour. Went to class feeling hungover. Emotionally hungover. So yeah, this one was a tearjerker. Massively so. If you get affected easily, put this off until you know you can ugly cry.

Oh, and netgalley, this is I think the first book you've granted me that I actually loved, and almost instantaneously too, so thank you.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unforgettable is book 2 in the Always series by Cherie and can be read as a standalone without confusion even though it does include some of the characters from book 1.

We first met Brendan in book 1 and he was a great character, so I was interested to hear his story in Unforgettable. We knew that he had followed a girl to America to only come back without her in the past (A conversation he had with Maci in Unconditional), so it was obvious this was the path Unforgettable would take.

I had read the synopsis of Unforgettable before reading it and in many ways I wish I hadn't as it pretty much told you what was going to happen to be fair. I wasn't shocked with the journey Amanda and Brendan made throughout the book although admit, Tanner bought more than 1 tear to my eye while reading. I felt that Cherie addressed the issues amazingly well in this book, from what Amanda did to hide things from Brendan to just enough medical terms to make it feel real.

What I didn't like about this book was the ending, there was so much of a build up with finding 'hope' and what would happen and then it was like 'puff' and the end. I didn't feel like it worked and felt too rushed all of a sudden like the word count had been hit and we had to end it there.

Over all though, Unforgettable is a really lovely read. I loved Brendan, Amanda grew on me and Tanner was gorgeous! I do recommend giving this one a go if you like Romance, New Adult and an unconventional story. 4 stars.

[Fee (Ebook Addicts) · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEW

This is a heartbreaking and amazing read at the same time, I started this in the wee hours of the morning and I could not put it down! This is book two in the Always Series and focuses on Brendon Osmond, this is his story about the girl that got away. He as only ever loved two people, one of whom is now his best friend Maci (we got her story in Unconditional) and the other was Amanda - a girl he met whilst in the states at a snow boarding event and they became inseparable. She called it off and he returned to Australia not hearing a thing from her for two years.

That is until she calls asking him to come to the states. I am not going to lie I had thought it would be something along the lines of him finding out he was a father, and whilst I was correct I was not expecting the heartbreaking reasons for Amanda calling him out the blue.

This is a heartbreaking, emotional and also heartwarming story, being a mum this really got to me, and I did shed a fair few emotional tears.

5 stars

[Secretly Adorkable Readers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hold the presses!!!

"So'kay"

One click this book right away!

Brendon's & Amanda's book is finally here and it rattled me to pieces! This book is full of secrets, lies, and betrayal. I cried hard through out this and swooning over some hot Aussie!

I received this book from NetGally in exchange for an honest review.

[Francesca the Fierce (Under the Covers Book Blog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars



I think I fell for Brendon in UNCONDITIONAL when he “didn’t” get the girl. Don’t discount him as just a meat-head who is just into keeping his body in the best shape. When we met him first he had just gotten over the heartbreak of losing THE ONE. Although he thought he was in love with Maci, all it took was one text message from Amanda to turn his world upside down.

UNFORGETTABLE is the story about Brendon and Amanda’s second chance. Because they never truly got over each other and their love is still burning strong. I really liked that the author gave them that break, especially for Brendon to become who he is today and stand on his own two feet. His personality can be too self sacrificing and he may have put things about his own dreams on hold had he been in a relationship.

Brendon travels from Australia to the US on Amanda’s text request that she needs him. Lets just say I sort of suspected part of what was coming, not going to give you any spoilers here. But twist after the reveal was a hard one to swallow. It tore me apart and it’s not until the very end that we get a resolution on it. Yeah, some tears might’ve leaked out.

As with the previous book in this series, the story is deeply emotional and I loved that about it. I just didn’t connect with Amanda as much as I wanted to, or as much as I did with Maci, in order for this book to achieve what the first one did for me. I didn’t understand her reasons for certain decisions she made so I couldn’t sympathize sometimes.

Overall, this was a great addition to the series full of heart and angst with great writing! I will be looking forward to the next story coming out which is about Amanda’s sister. You will fall for this little spitfire with her own demons to battle. I can’t wait!

Favorite Quotes:

“She had the same approach to life I did: live it, don’t dwell on it, regret is just wasted energy, exist for the now.”

“Life is to be lived to the fullest, and I lived it that way.”

“For all my self-deluded determination that I would walk away from Amanda Sinclair unscathed and untouched, I was utterly enslaved by her.”

“You keep being wonderful, I’ll keep you breathing, okay?”

[Maria Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the type of story that might be considered an 'ugly cry' book, the ones where you need a box of tissues on hand. At the least, if you aren't the type to cry easily, you'll get some tears in your eyes with this story of love and loss and forgiveness.

Brendon and Amanda shared a brief relationship when she was at school in Australia, one that affected Brendon so deeply that when she returned home to San Diego, he followed her there. But she broke his heart when she told him there could be no future between them. He returned to Australia and tried to put her out of his heart and mind - a move that was working until she contacts him unexpectedly in need of his help. He travels back to San Diego and discovers that he has a son, an 18 month old who is dying of leukemia. Shocked and bewildered, Brendon has to make some choices - ones that will affect his life, Amanda's and his son too. Can there be a happy ending for this family in turmoil?

Wow! Talk about a shock to the system. You have to feel for Brandon in this story, reuniting with his old love, a woman who didn't tell him about his child. The story is told from Brendon's point of view so you get all of his feels on this one - the shock, the betrayal, the deep feelings he still has for Amanda (both positive and negative), the pure emotions of joy and grief for his son. Amanda's reasons for the initial breakup and why she kept Tanner's presence from Brendon are explained and are understandable, but no less heartbreaking for the fact that he's missed this time with his son. And of course, the prospect of a child with cancer, the hospital visits, all the tearjerking emotions that go with that. See, I'm telling you, keep that tissue handy! Despite the serious nature of the story there are some lighthearted moments, and some sexy ones too, as Brendon and Amanda reconnect on a physical level as well as an emotional one. Thankfully there is a happy ending too, making the story worth reading and one you can't put down until you get to that end. 4 stars.

Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.

This review appears as a blog post at http://straightshootinbookreviews.com...

[Tabatha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been contemplating my review of Unforgettable for a while now, because I feel it deserves a fantastic review and I was having a hard time finding the right words to express how much I loved reading it. Let me start by telling you it made my top 10 books I've ever read…and I do mean ever. I find it is so rare for a book to be able to evoke so much emotion out of me, but somehow Cherie was able to craft a heart wrenching story while still maintaining the romantic elements between couple despite the overwhelming situation they find themselves facing.

It was incredibly realistic, and Hudson’s approach to just how unfair life can be took my breath away. The emphasis on how we react and support one another to help guide our way through the darkness to see the light is overwhelming to say the very least. This book took an incredible amount of talent, and Cherie accomplishes it absolutely flawlessly. I’m telling you guys, she is definitely an author you don't want to miss out on. I shed so many tears while reading this story, but I also smiled just as often as I cried. It was truly remarkable in every way. Unforgettable is exactly as the title suggests…It is an Unforgettable journey for this couple in both the best and worst ways, and you will find yourself thinking about it days, weeks, even months after you read it because it undoubtedly just that special.

*I received a review copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.*

[Katie Battaglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful read! This was such a beautiful, heartbreaking story

Unforgettable follows the story of Brendon on his journey of a lost love, a huge secret, and even bigger heartbreak. Brendon hasn't seen Amanda in two years, not since he told her he loved her and she broke his heart. But one simple 'I need you' text has Brendon on a plane from Australia to California to see her. But Brendon doesn't know how big of a secret Amanda has kept from him. Will he be able to face and accept this secret? Or will he be left more broken that he was before?

This story was so heartbreaking and wonderful all at the same time. I absolutely LOVED how it was written. Brendon's point of view was so detailed and in depth it was wonderful to read. I'll admit, very early on in the book I considering not finishing as it was a little slow, but I am so happy I decided to keep going. This book was one that filled you with all types of emotions from happiness to sadness, and from heartbreak to ecstasy. Though I was fully on Brendon's side and was very angry with Amanda for keeping what she did from him, Amanda was still an awesome character as well. I felt she was very well rounded along with Brendon. I loved the undeniable connection they had with each other, even after years had passed. Overall this was a wonderful read and I would highly recommend! 5 wonderfully heartbreaking stars!

[Briana Pacheco · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many things I loved about this book.

1. It's written in Brendon's POV (FINALLY, there's a book in a male POV which I absolutely love!)
2. The author's writing style! (I need to read whatever she writes next!!!!)
3. This story and all the FEELS!

Brendon and Amanda had a thing two years ago and then one night, when Brendon visited Amanda in the states, she said it was over. Heartbroken, Brendon went back to Australia and tried getting back to doing whatever he was doing. With the help of his friend, Heather, he got back on his feet. Then one day, two years later, he gets a text from Amanda saying she needs his help. This is where I loved Brendon. He tried calling her and asking what was wrong but with no answer, he flies to the states. He went without knowing anything. That right there had me swooning.

When he lands, his whole world is rocked. Without giving away any spoilers, I'll say it's a life or death situation and it was completely heartbreaking getting my hopes up, praying someone would be 'the one' only to find out they weren't. The ending left me with the biggest smile on my face though. I can't wait for book 3. I loved Chase and Caden. <3

Complimentary copy provided by the author/publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Juletta Gilge · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Copy provided by author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

This book almost broke me. You will feel all of the feels (yes ALL of them)...



I think that for most of the book I was on Brendon's side. All the lies that were told to him and all the accusations just ripped out my heart.

I didn't really like Amanda at first, but she grew on me a bit. I did admire the fact that she did anything she could for her son.

We still get to see the other characters in this book as well. I'm excited for the next book, I can't wait!

I would give this book a five, but I just couldn't forgive Amanda the way Brendon did. So a very high four, and well worth the read!

Check out the full review at Bookaholic Raves

[Perks Of Being A Fangirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Always series therefore it features some of the characters found in the 1st book. I received this book as an ARC and was worried that I wouldn't get any of the context due to the fact that I didn't read the 1st book. However, I found out that this can be read as a standalone, there was also a brief introduction at the start of the book which had eliminated any queries that I may have had.

This novel was definitely an eye-opener. To not spoil anything for any of you who has not read the book I'm going to keep my comments ambiguous and vague.

The storyline was beautiful and moving, it really pulled at my heartstrings whenever I read it. The characters were all super 'gravy' and I definitely understood all the feelings they were experiencing.

I would absolutely recommend this book to any of you who haven't read this yet. I'm really hoping that the next book in the series is for Parker because I am in bloody love with that guy.

[Alyson L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, does this one pack a wallop! I picked this one up and could not stop (except to wipe some tears and blow my nose) until I reached the conclusion. The reason Brandon hears from Amanda is not exactly what you expect and it'll getcha for sure. Loved the story and the premise - a bit unique and those are always my favorites. Plus, I do love me some Lexxie Couper! She writes bittersweet like no other! You don't have to have read the first to read UNFORGETTABLE, the second in the Always series but it's a bonus if you do. I highly recommend this book to lovers of bittersweet love stories filled with great characters and tons of emotion!!

5 ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
4 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Disclaimer
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[poppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and is another fantastic read. I just loved Brendon and Amanda and loved that all it took was one message and he went This was a great book it did have me quite emotional at times and once I started it I just could not put it down. I loved it and would recommend it.

[Aga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zupełnie nie rozumiem dlaczego ta książka ma takie niskie oceny. Dla mnie była FENOMENALNA! Dawno nie byłam aż tak wzruszona podczas czytania. Dużo lepsza niż pierwsza część. Z całego serca polecam :)

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written story with heat!

Wonderful add to Always trilogy! Delightful characters!! Brenna (from Book 1), Amanda, Tanner, Chase (Oooo book 3!!), Parker and Caden!

Warning have your tissues ready...

[Vinessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay this book was not what you would expect.
To much immaturity
To much negatively
To many secrets
Unrealistic time frame
Way to much drama

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

[Latochia Hawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an emotional ride that you will go through so many different feelings. Finding that special someone, just to say goodbye is enough of a heartbreak... But finding out that you "may still have a chance" and being hit with a shock is even more of a gut punch.
You will feel the story and hope for a happy ending. I still was feeling the emotions long after I finished the book!

[Vicki Jaeger · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read. The author spent 95% of the book on the trauma, and then jumped to the happy ending. Would've preferred a better bridge between the two.

[milena_czyta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tanner jest słodkim dzieciakiem :) niesamowita historia

[Celine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked Brendon & Amanda's story, it was nice.

[Slick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you know how hard it is to start a book where you already hate the heroine and you haven't even really "met" her yet? That was me with Unforgettable the second book in Cherie M. Hudson's Always series. All I needed to know was that Amanda Sinclair broke Brendon Osmond's heart and I wanted to hurt her for doing so and I mean like scratch her eyes out and make her bleed hurt her because Brendon is one of those characters that captured my heart from the first moment he walked on the page of Unconditional. So, I went into this book already hating the heroine and knew Ms. Hudson would have a very long, hard road to make me see differently and while I haven't forgotten what she did and I can't deny she makes Brendon happy, I have forgiven her, well sort of...okay I'm trying because if Brendon could get past it all I should be able to, but my point is even WITH her as a big part of this story I could not stop reading; I was engaged from beginning to end. I felt every bit of the hurt, the anger, the passion, the love, the joy and the sorrow and regardless of my feelings for Amanda, this was a story that will be hard to forget, one that sticks with the reader and one that I know I will revisit often.

Poised to finish his master's degree and on the verge of opening his own personal training business, Brendon's life is turned upside down when he receives a text from Amanda with the words, "I need you." In the space of hours he's on a plane to San Diego from his home in Sidney, Australia and he has no idea the hornet's nest he's walking into when he gets there, he just knows the woman he loved needs him and being the type of person he is he drops everything to go to her aid. This is why Brendon is one of those character's I can't forget; his unwavering optimism, his loyalty even to people who have done him wrong, his strength (and not only physical) and his willingness to go above and beyond for anyone. He truly is an amazing man despite the fact he's not even 30.

I won't sugar coat things, I spent most of this book hating Amanda or at the very least not liking her very much. Despite all of her excuses and the many, many times she said "I'm sorry" to Brendon I just could not get past her thoughtlessness and selfishness even when she and her sister tried to explain it away. I won't deny that I saw some good in her with the situation she was dealing with and I'll even go so far as to say I could tell she really did still have feelings for Brendon but I HATE that she let (and for a good part of this book was still letting) her father run roughshod over her.

This is one of those reviews that is so tough to write without spoilers but I'm going to try my best. Amanda really did need Brendon and she needed him for a very important reason something that was bigger than the both of him. She made some HUGE mis-steps with him from the minute he walked off the plane and Brendon did not react well a couple of times but I also can't say that I blamed him. He was confused, he was jet lagged, he was in a strange country with no friends or family around him and he was fighting an uphill battle against many odds including Amanda's a$$ of a father. My heart hurt for Brendon throughout so much of this book and I honestly wanted to put my arms around him on more than one occasion and tell him it would all be okay. That's not to say this whole story was full of hurt and angst because there were many sweet moments, a few laughs and some moments that brought tears of happiness to my eyes, but this was a serious story about a serious incident and I'll warn you now...tissues WILL be required.

I know many of you are wondering how I can give this book 5 stars when I really did not like the heroine. It is because this story, this author, and this journey are just that good. Not to mention the fact that the many secondary characters add so much to it including one very special one. This book brought forth so many emotions but it is a good look at how life isn't always fair and it's how you react, how you decide to fight that makes or breaks you. For Brendon and Amanda the fight was hard and gut wrenching but together they were a formidable opponent and in the end together they beat the odds. Unforgettable lives up to its name as this is a book I am not likely to forget ever; the masterful storytelling will stick with me, the characters have my heart and despite everything I can't help but wish these two all the joy they deserve together.

[Anaïs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Fifty Shades of Books

5 out of 5 Stars

*** ARC granted in exchange for an honest review ***

This is going to be a rather short review since I read Unforgettable  a couple of months ago and just didn't manage to review it (for whatever reason). No, actually, the reason why I held off was pretty clear: I loved this book, but I just didn't love the story. And by "story", I mean how the extremely loveable and optimistic male main character gets treated both by life and by the female MC.

The plot premise is pretty easy to sum up: Brendan Osmond fell in love with Amanda Sinclair and thought she would be the girl he'd grow old with - until she left him. Brokenhearted. And after two years of radio silence, she finally gets in touch again from the other side of the planet, breaking his heart all over again with an awful piece of news she kept a secret from him. And of course, he still takes the high road and does all he can to stand by her. In other words, he jumps on a plane the second he hangs up. And worst of all: Amanda doesn't want him near so they can be together again. No, she needs him because of a technicality - and she wouldn't even have called him were it not for that matter. What a cold-hearted sloth.

I can't say anything more, because it would be a total spoiler, but fact is: I hated Amanda. So. Freaking. Much. Brendan was an absolute sweetheart throughout the book, and there's no way the reader wouldn't fall in love with him and his optimistic attitude. And Amanda just destroyed him. The book is entirely written from Brendan's POV, which was very skilfully done, and which made you live every single one of his emotions throughout the book in full technicolor.

"She'd ridden this rollercoaster for over a month now. Me, I'd only been on it for a day."

Honestly,  Unforgettable was a total rollercoaster with a completely frantic pace. And therefore it was a really good book, even despite the fact that I hated Amanda and that *spoiler* they still end up together in the end. He could have done so much better. But hey, apparently Amanda is unforgettable...

So if you can handle sudden agressive outbursts directed toward the heroine, please check this book out! And honestly, I absolutely can't wait for the third book in the series,  Undeniable to come out, because the foundation of this book has partly been laid down in  Unforgettable , and it sounds promising!

   



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[Book Gannet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tissues at the ready, everyone, because this book will do its hardest to break your heart. If you read the first book in this series (Unconditional) and thought that was a tear-jerker – this one is worse. Or better, depending on your viewpoint. Personally, I loved it.

Brendan is an amazing character. I loved him in Unconditional, Brendon the Biceps who was so much more than his muscles. He’s a great guy, so easy-going yet somehow driven with his dreams of a series of gyms that he wasn’t afraid to work hard to achieve – while still having time for his friends. This book is told entirely from his POV and it was great getting inside his head, especially with upheaval he goes through.

And such upheaval! Two years ago he met and fell in love with a US student while she was visiting Australia. They got on so perfectly that he thought nothing of following her back to the States, his mind already brimming with plans. Except she dumped him and sent him home heartbroken – and he’s heard nothing from her since. Until a text arrives out of the blue. When Amanda says she needs him, he immediately books a flight, even though he hasn’t managed to speak to her on the phone or find out what’s going on. Because that’s the kind of guy Brendon is – he’ll do anything for those he loves, even those who have hurt him.

This book does such a good job of getting me on Brendon’s side, actually, that I really didn’t like Amanda at first. Normally I’m willing to hear both sides of a story before passing judgement, but Brendon’s such a great guy and the way Amanda handles (or doesn’t) telling him the truth is done so badly that I wanted him to get as far away from her as possible. And yet… yeah, this story got to me and Brendon’s own tangled feelings convinced me that maybe she deserved more of a chance. Maybe.

And then there’s Tanner. Oh, my goodness, Tanner. That kid is just wonderful. Every scene with him just overflowed with feels. From Optimus Prime to “s’okay” to just everything, Tanner is the heart of this book and it’s easy to see why Brendon felt so betrayed for being kept away from him, and likewise so forgiving and willing to do anything to stay with him. I also really liked Amanda’s prickly sister and the amazing Parker – I love that man.

Talking about this book without spoilers is tricky, so I’ll keep it vague and say that this book is emotional and moving, yet peppered with humour too. Very few things are achieved easily and even though the main action takes place over just a few days, it will likely leave you feeling wrung out, but in the best way. It’s beautiful and sad and marvellous and I thoroughly enjoyed it and its exploration of family and parenthood and how love doesn’t always lead us to make the best decisions. Overall it definitely lived up to its title and I won’t be forgetting this tale any time soon. I can’t wait to see where this series heads next – though I am hoping for more from a certain sister.

(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)

[ysar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our Rating:

When you read as many books as I do, it’s especially difficult to keep track of new and interesting series. And if I had missed this one on NetGalley, I would have missed an incredible story! Fortunately, Hudson’s name stood out in my mind, so I did a double-take when I saw her name on a new book and grabbed it.

Brendan and Amanda burned bright and fast when they were together, knowing he’d have to return to Australia while she remained in the U.S. But he had hope they could hold onto some kind of relationship, only to have that hope thrown in his face when she unceremoniously dumped him at the end. It’s been two years since they’ve seen each other, but when he gets a text from her, out of the blue, saying she needs him, he doesn’t hesitate to hop the first plane to California. Little does he know what awaits him.

The Amanda he knew and loved is right there, and their attraction to each other is as irresistible as ever, but Brendan’s world comes crashing down when Amanda’s sister announces that he has a son, and that’s not the worst of it. The little boy he didn’t even know existed is flirting with death, fighting cancer in a nearby hospital. The only reason Amanda reached out to him is because she hoped he might be a donor match.

The whole “Surprise! We have a kid I didn’t tell you about,” thing has certainly been done before, and I’m sure there are quite a few that include potentially terminal illness in the plot. But I’m not sure it’s ever been told like this. Amanda’s reasons for breaking up with Brendan, as well as her reasons for keeping his son’s existence from him, aren’t without a bit of noble intention and a good amount of fear. Brendan is understandably devastated and angry and at the same time thrilled to have a child, but it certainly throws a wrench in rekindling their romance.

Their story is sad, sweet, frustrating, and wonderful, and somehow it’s told in a way that just outdoes the typical romance novel. There is, of course, a huge focus on family, but the depth of emotion portrayed for Brendan and Amanda, as well as everything they feel toward each other, had me flipping pages just as fast as I could. It could have felt preachy or even cliche, or things could have easily been resolved with Brendan being the perfect match and everyone living happily ever after. But life’s not that simple, and neither is Brendan and Amanda’s story, and I devoured every tension-filled moment of it. Unforgettable is an absolute must read for any fan of romance who appreciates an emotion-filled ride and complex, believable characters in a heart-grabbing plot.

[Angela Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a contemporary romance. This is the second book in the Always series, but can be read as a stand alone. I have not read the first book and was not confused. I recommend this for adults only due to the sexual content. I am not a huge fan of contemporary romance, yes I was hesitant, but once I started reading well... I was captivated by this book! I honestly can say the authors writing is amazing, I love her style and can not wait to read her other books. Be prepared for an emotional roller coaster, I was caught between laughter, anger, and tears on several occasions. This is written from Brendon's point of view and I love his personality, he sounds delish. Can someone say MUSCLES, ACCENT, AUSSIE, swooning.... Okay getting a grip. He is unprepared when his life as he knows it changes, more than once, which is hard for him, but somehow he always comes out standing. I really don't have much to say about his love interest, because no matter the reasons, no matter how sorry, no matter how forgiving Brendon is, what she did was wrong on so many levels. Yes I want to slap her, hard, very hard, even though she may be a good person in every other aspect of her life, I do not like her, reasons being... well... grr, you just need to read the book.


Brendon Osmond is a 25 year old man, with structure. He has goals but unlike so many others, he reaches them. Not only is he gorgeous on the outside he is beautiful on the inside. He has an amazing outlook on life and honestly I can not understand why he is single. Maybe he is too much to handle, that has to be the only reason right? Maybe he deserves more... who in their right mind would want to get in the way of this man fulfilling every goal he has ever made? He deserves everything that life can offer, but would that not also include pure unconditional love? A love that turns you into a gooey mess of emotions. Yes sometimes life can throw us in a tail spin and all we can do =-it wait for the spinning to stop, then adapt. Finally given the chance, Brendon shows everyone what he can do.


Favorite passages:
"Most of my friends call me The Biceps, I suspect because I give Chris Hemsworth in Thor-mode a run for his money."
"She of the quotation marks."
"I ate up her face with my eyes."
"From the overhead compartment, the raucous laughter of the kookaburra in my backpack provided a jarring soundtrack to the violent movement."
"I asked again, killing the caveman inside me."
"If it isn't the Wonder from Down Under."
"Instead, I stared out the front window and cursed myself for being the biggest fu**ing idiot wanker on the planet."
"I'd never felt so fucking brittle."<3
"I just shattered your world and made you feel yourself up in public."
"Yeah, you work that into all the creases and cracks, buddy."
"His shorts were to short and I could see what religion he was."