Unconditional (Always #1) by Cherie M. Hudson

Feb 21, 2014 Patrycja rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: must-read, reviewed, 2014, contemporary, new-adult

Title: Unconditional
Series: Always #1
Author: Cherie M. Hudson
Release Date: February 9th , 2014
Rating: 5 stars
Cliffhanger: No.
HEA: (view spoiler)

What an amazing novel! Every time I turned the page, I was flooded with new hilarious situations that made me smile or laugh, swoon worthy moments, toe curling encounters and panty melting events! I can’t even begin to explain how much fun I had while reading Unconditional. It was fantastic surprise and I’m still in awe. The bea ...more

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Jan 02, 2015 Jayme rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: series-im-in-love, moments-of-laugh, its-translated, emotional-rollercoaster, college-highschool-love, steamy-sexual-tension, awesome-heroine

"And all the while, we gazed at each other. And in his eyes, I saw a future I wanted more than life itself."

About the plot: When Maci was 21 years old, has identified early stadium of Parkinson’s disease, the same disease that affects her mom. She most of her life saw what it does with person, she had seen the suffering of their parents, and as the Parkinson's robs her mother of dignity. She decided to withdraw from social life. She did not want anyone to get involved and witness it. ...more

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Feb 21, 2014 *J* Too Many Books Too Little Time rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Strike 1--Insta Love
Strike 2--Cheesy Dialogue
Strike 3--TSTL heroine

I actually thought I might like this one...for the first 25% or so. But then what I thought was funny dialogue and witty banter turned in to forced dialogue and eye-roll inducing banter.

I've seriously already forgotten the heroine's name, I disliked her that much. We'll call her American Girl, as she was most commonly referred to throughout the book.

American Girl has early onset Parkinson's. Her mom also suffers from the diseas ...more

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Dec 10, 2013 Tabatha rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, blending-perspectives, rec

This one had all the perfect elements to make it a really great read and I absolutely loved this heartwarming story. It had a very original plot with well developed characters, and I laughed just as much as I cried. Emotions were definitely deep in this one, and wow did these two pack a punch in the chemistry department! The heat between them is intense and no matter how much Maci holds herself back, Raph isn't going to let her get away. Honestly, what I think I loved most about this book was ju ...more

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Feb 22, 2015 AJ rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: romantic, new-adult, arc

3.5 Predictable but sweet stars

Note: This is the rereleased version of this book - Unconditional. Apparently there has been some re-editing from the original story, but I haven't read that one so I'm not sure whether it just grammatical or story content.

Anyway, on with the review...

Maci is an American student travelling to Australia for 10 weeks on a scholarship to conduct a research project. She is smart, sassy, very relatable and so, so funny! I loved her

Australia was not what I was expec

...more

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Feb 21, 2014 Polly rated it liked it · review of another edition

I just didn't feel these characters. Instalove at its finest.

I don't feel they ever really knew each other well.

PS: It bothered me the whole book she never bought up the blonde leaving his room. Yet she sleeps with him with no condom 2 weeks later. It just didn't get it.

The story wasn't well rounded. ...more

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Jan 16, 2020 Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews rated it it was amazing

Shelves: guiltypleasures-slick

I can’t even begin to express how much I love this book and while it’s classified as a New Adult I think of it more as an epic love story. A story to span time and space, a story of devotion, a story that will make you laugh hard, make you cry ugly, and a story that will make you believe anything is possible with love. Yes the characters are in their mid 20’s but their life experiences have made them more mature and made them realize life is too short to not make the most of it. Unconditional is I can’t even begin to express how much I love this book and while it’s classified as a New Adult I think of it more as an epic love story. A story to span time and space, a story of devotion, a story that will make you laugh hard, make you cry ugly, and a story that will make you believe anything is possible with love. Yes the characters are in their mid 20’s but their life experiences have made them more mature and made them realize life is too short to not make the most of it. Unconditional is the perfect title for this story about an American girl and her adventures down under while working on her Master’s thesis.

From the very first chapter I flat out loved Maci Rowling and I’ll be the first to admit her first thoughts after hitting Australian soil are so me. I’ve been infatuated with Australia ever since I read the Thorn Birds way, way, way back in my high school days. So yes, I’d be looking for the kangaroos, koalas, the hot guys with the accents to die for, and those damn Tim Tams I hear so much about. I admire her so much for taking the chance and making the journey despite the illness that she’s inflicted with knowing the trip could exasperate her illness. I love the way she handles things when they go wrong and I love how she makes the most of her time; making friends, experiencing the local culture, defending her research, and yes…falling in love.

I wasn’t sure what to think of Raphael Jones at first because he kind of came off as an arrogant prick but as the story went on I realized there was a lot of depth to his character. He’d been through a lot recently and thus found it hard to trust anyone especially someone who he met in the men’s room at the airport, but at times I really did want to knock him upside the head and there were a few times I was hoping Maci would pick another guy. However, Raph really wowed me with his acceptance of Maci’s illness, his willingness to understand it, and his utter devotion to her.

While this book mainly focused on the budding relationship between Maci and Raph the secondary characters were so charming that I must give them a nod; Heather the effervescent girl put in charge of welcoming Maci offered insight, gossip, comic relief and was a great sounding board to Maci. She also became one of her closest friends. Brendon (Biceps), the University Fitness Center Manager, proved to be a great friend, fierce protector, and the big brother Maci never had. I flat out loved these two so much and they both added so much to this story. I’m already hoping we see stories for them both and soon!

While there is some angst in this book it is not overdone and the characters really don’t dwell on it. As I said before these two have been through a lot in their lives and they are very strong individuals who are perfectly capable of picking themselves up, dusting themselves off, and moving forward.

Honestly, it was refreshing to see young people with such good, solid heads on their shoulders; not afraid to go after what they want, not afraid to make mistakes, and not afraid to take a risk even knowing the outcome might not be pretty.

From the moment I finished reading this book I couldn’t stop thinking about it and that continues; my heart is still so full of love for these characters and I’m having a bit of trouble letting them go. Unconditional by Lexxie Couper will be a book I read again and again and I can guarantee every time I hear Unconditionally by Katie Perry I will think of Maci and Raph. This sums them up perfectly, “I will love you unconditionally and there is no fear now. Let go and be free.”

Review copy provided for a voluntary review. ...more

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Dec 04, 2013 Slick rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Will write a longer review later but this is probably one of the BEST new adult books I've read and I've read quite a few. Funny, heartwarming,and sexy and yes there is some angst and drama but even the majority of the drama is funny. The characters are well developed and the plot will keep you entertained! ...more

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Jul 02, 2015 Maria Rose rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: best-of-2015, 5-star-reads, fully-reviewed-books

This bittersweet, sexy and touching romance is the story of Maci and Raphael. When Maci lands in Australia for a 10 week environmental sciences study, she doesn't count on meeting handsome, sexy, and pursued by the paparazzi Raph! As it turns out, his sister married into royalty and this has resulted in a lot of unwanted attention for him. But Maci, who is dealing with early onset Parkinson's disease, just wants to keep to herself. She worries about her future and the last thing she wants is to This bittersweet, sexy and touching romance is the story of Maci and Raphael. When Maci lands in Australia for a 10 week environmental sciences study, she doesn't count on meeting handsome, sexy, and pursued by the paparazzi Raph! As it turns out, his sister married into royalty and this has resulted in a lot of unwanted attention for him. But Maci, who is dealing with early onset Parkinson's disease, just wants to keep to herself. She worries about her future and the last thing she wants is to be involved with someone, especially a man like Raph who she feels could do so much better. Will Raph be able to convince her that he's willing to be there for her for the long haul, no matter the time they'll have together?

There was a lot to love about this story. For someone like Maci, it's a brand new culture to be immersed in. The author is Australian, so everything comes across as very authentic and exactly what one would expect of an American landing in this new country for the first time. Lots of laugh out loud moments abound as Maci meets Heather, her soon to be best friend in the dorm at Sydney University where she is staying. Heather is a mile a minute talker and a super fun gal. The fact that Raph, the man Maci met at the airport turns out to be living in the same dorm as her three doors down is both a blessing and a curse. Because while at first he is suspicious of Maci (due to his lack of trust of anyone after his bad experiences with friends and exes selling stories of him to the tabloids), it doesn't take long before he is totally enamoured of her. Maci also meets Brendon, the university gym manager who goes out of his way to help her, understanding upon their first meeting that she has a neurological condition and that he can help her if she'll let him. I really liked him as a secondary character, and I thought it was very realistic that while they might initially think there could be something more romantic between them, they end up being very good friends.

Maci's struggles with early onset Parkinson's disease are heart-tugging. And to the author's credit there is no sugar coating, no magic cure for what ails her. Maci is fully aware of what her future holds, having experienced her mother going through the same thing, and she is desperate to hang onto her independence for as long as possible. This also makes it difficult for her to accept help, especially if she views it coming as a result of pity. She tries to hide her condition from those around her so that they will judge her on her own merit and not on her disease. Her relationship with Raph is therefore quite complex as she tries hard to view what happens between them as a short lived fling and not as something to be taken to heart. Their love scenes are very sexy and emotional. To his credit Raph is clear with Maci that he understands her fears and how the disease will progress but still wants to be with her. But it's ultimately going to be up to Maci to decide whether she trusts him.

Overall, I found this to be a really enjoyable read and I had a hard time putting it down once I started it. I'm really looking forward to Brendon's story! 5 stars.

Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review. ...more

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Dec 29, 2013 Phuong rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I don't read many books in the New Adult genre but I have to say I loved reading Unconditional by author Cherie M. Hudson. This story really pulled at my heart string as readers are taken on a journey as a young couple fall in love, learn to cope with Parkinson's disease and their future together. The author was able to blend in some funny moments, witty dialogue and sexy scenes to complement the more serious elements.

I just want to say I adored Raph and all the ways he showed how much he loved ...more

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Feb 21, 2014 Tahsin rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: made-me-cry, disease-terminal

this was one of those stories i stumbled upon. i honestly didn't think much out of it after reading this synopsis. it was supposed to be one of those books that i read between some really amazing series type books. but it exactly the opposite. i was laughing out loud from the first page - and i was out in public when i started reading it, so it was quite embarrassing that i'd randomly start laughing and giggling while everyone else is just minding their own business. i finished really quickly, i ...more

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Apr 23, 2015 Anne Martin rated it it was ok · review of another edition

I thought the book would be centered around the problems her Parkinson's disease created to be in a stable relationship, and did not expect a totally normal romance, with only a few lines about her gait or her hands trembling. Of course, I was disappointed, and I am not good for romances including sex descriptions. I always have in my mind the reaction I would have facing a man reading some erotica in a public place -it would be bad, and the rules applying for males are the same for females! The ...more

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Dec 15, 2013 Connie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I simply LOVED this book! Its funny and romantic and it shows how people can overcome life challenges.
Cherie's story can be true, it can be a realistic romance and that may be why I love it a little extra.
Maci and Raph is a wonderful, sexy story about love and overcoming anything and facing reality.

LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!! ...more

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Feb 22, 2015 1-Click Addict Support Group rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Stop what you're doing right now and go one-click this book! Okay, well maybe read my review if you're so inclined and then go one-click this book. Have you ever just picked up a book thinking it sounded good only to start reading it and be completely blown away? That's this book for me. Cherie Hudson has officially made me a fangirl!

Maci is a graduate student in Australia by way of Ohio. Totally out of her element, learning the ropes from her dorm-mates. Maci also has early onset Parkinson's, ...more

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Feb 03, 2015 Slick rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Thank you to Netgalley and Momentum Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review:

I can't even begin to express how much I love this book and while it's classified as a New Adult I think of it more as an epic love story. A story to span time and space, a story of devotion, a story that will make you laugh hard, make you cry ugly, and a story that will make you believe anything is possible with love. Yes the characters are in their mid 20's but their life experiences have made them more mat Thank you to Netgalley and Momentum Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review:

I can't even begin to express how much I love this book and while it's classified as a New Adult I think of it more as an epic love story. A story to span time and space, a story of devotion, a story that will make you laugh hard, make you cry ugly, and a story that will make you believe anything is possible with love. Yes the characters are in their mid 20's but their life experiences have made them more mature and made them realize life is too short to not make the most of it. Unconditional is the perfect title for this story about an American girl and her adventures down under while working on her Master's thesis.

From the very first chapter I flat out loved Maci Rowling and I'll be the first to admit her first thoughts after hitting Australian soil are so me. I've been infatuated with Australia ever since I read the Thorn Birds way, way, way back in my high school days. So yes, I'd be looking for the kangaroos, koalas, the hot guys with the accents to die for, and those damn Tim Tams I hear so much about. I admire her so much for taking the chance and making the journey despite the illness that she's inflicted with knowing the trip could exasperate her illness. I love the way she handles things when they go wrong and I love how she makes the most of her time; making friends, experiencing the local culture, defending her research, and yes...falling in love.

I wasn't sure what to think of Raphael Jones at first because he kind of came off as an arrogant prick but as the story went on I realized there was a lot of depth to his character. He'd been through a lot recently and thus found it hard to trust anyone especially someone who he met in the men's room at the airport, but at times I really did want to knock him upside the head and there were a few times I was hoping Maci would pick another guy. However, Raph really wowed me with his acceptance of Maci's illness, his willingness to understand it, and his utter devotion to her.

While this book mainly focused on the budding relationship between Maci and Raph the secondary characters were so charming that I must give them a nod; Heather the effervescent girl put in charge of welcoming Maci offered insight, gossip, comic relief and was a great sounding board to Maci. She also became one of her closest friends. Brendon (Biceps), the University Fitness Center Manager, proved to be a great friend, fierce protector, and the big brother Maci never had. I flat out loved these two so much and they both added so much to this story. I'm already hoping we see stories for them both and soon!
While there is some angst in this book it is not overdone and the characters really don't dwell on it. As I said before these two have been through a lot in their lives and they are very strong individuals who are perfectly capable of picking themselves up, dusting themselves off, and moving forward.

Honestly, it was refreshing to see young people with such good, solid heads on their shoulders; not afraid to go after what they want, not afraid to make mistakes, and not afraid to take a risk even knowing the outcome might not be pretty.

From the moment I finished reading this book I couldn't stop thinking about it and that continues; my heart is still so full of love for these characters and I'm having a bit of trouble letting them go. Unconditional by Cherie M. Hudson will be a book I read again and again and I can guarantee every time I hear Unconditionally by Katie Perry I will think of Maci and Raph. This sums them up perfectly, "I will love you unconditionally and there is no fear now. Let go and be free."

...more

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Feb 13, 2014 Francesca the Fierce (Under the Covers Book Blog) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: books-read-2014

What an all around wonderful story this was. UNCONDITIONAL tugged at so many emotions in me. It made me laugh, it gave me butterflies, and it made me cry. This might just be one of the strongest, and most uplifting, new adult stories I’ve read. Because at times it doesn’t all have to be about the angst. Real life and real issues can be just as tough without making them overtly complicated.

This book explores the life of a young twenty something American woman who gets a scholarship to study h

What an all around wonderful story this was. UNCONDITIONAL tugged at so many emotions in me. It made me laugh, it gave me butterflies, and it made me cry. This might just be one of the strongest, and most uplifting, new adult stories I’ve read. Because at times it doesn’t all have to be about the angst. Real life and real issues can be just as tough without making them overtly complicated.

This book explores the life of a young twenty something American woman who gets a scholarship to study her passion in Australia. She was just diagnosed a year earlier with Parkinson’s disease, after seeing the same disease eat away at her own mother. After losing her father to a drunk driver. She’s still managed to keep a smile on her face and face her adversities as best as she could. Fighting. Sometimes wanting that fight to be alone. She’s isolated herself and focused on her studies. That is until she meets a handsome young man at the airport who happens to be a Royal celebrity. And attending the same uni as her.

I loved the way the author makes Maci’s life in Australia both fun in a way you would expect for someone her age, but also a struggle with the very real implications of her disease. You feel her pain and can sympathize with her emotions of wanting to lock herself away. Of not wanting to bring new people into her life knowing what she has to face in her future. It was a gut-wrenching journey but one that was made all the best because of the wonderful people she met in this strange country.

It’s not just about the love and unconditional support she found in Raph, the sexy farmer turned Royal (sort of). But also the friendships she made along the way. This is a story that will touch your heart and make you believe in the good of people still out there in the world. And in that love that will still move mountains to prevail and will lend itself unconditionally. After the fat tears were falling hard, I couldn’t help but end reading this book with a smile on my face. This book was funny and witty, with a lot of personality. Full of sexy! And endearingly emotional.

Considering I went into reading this book because the author posted a sexy pic of her personal trainer, who inspired the character The Biceps, lets just say color me surprised and impressed. It has so much more than that to offer! But I am very excited to find out that he will find his HEA in the next book in the series.

Favorite quote:

“I want to hold your fucking hand, whether it’s shaking or not.” ...more

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Feb 23, 2015 Shelby Diane rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: net-galley

*ARC kindly provided by Momentum Books, via Net Galley, in exchange for an honest review*

I loved it.

I loved it lots.

The writing was quirky, conversational, and witty. The storyline was dramatic and passionate. The pacing was quick and fluid. The characters were real, relatable, and adorable.

Raphael Jones is a loyal, protective, and slightly arrogant Aussie celeb with trust issues. Maci Rowling is a spunky, tortured, and slightly neurotic American environmentalist with Parkinson's Disease. Mac *ARC kindly provided by Momentum Books, via Net Galley, in exchange for an honest review*

I loved it.

I loved it lots.

The writing was quirky, conversational, and witty. The storyline was dramatic and passionate. The pacing was quick and fluid. The characters were real, relatable, and adorable.

Raphael Jones is a loyal, protective, and slightly arrogant Aussie celeb with trust issues. Maci Rowling is a spunky, tortured, and slightly neurotic American environmentalist with Parkinson's Disease. Maci struggles with the burden of her health and the future it affords her, and Raph does everything he can to make her see that he will take on that burden and much more. The story is interlaced with Australian nature and culture. The peripheral characters are a raucous bunch of sweet, humorous, and supportive friends.

Raph and Maci's relationship is all of the sweet and innocent that first (and only) love entails, while also maintaing that edgy, possessive, and sexy streak that New Adult Contemporary is known for. I predict Raph will be starring in several fans' book boyfriend lists after reading this book. The boy gives up all for his woman. And we Romance readers can't get enough of that kind of devotion.

No book is perfect, though. I rate it five stars (and it deserves it) but I will also list the couple negatives I encountered: 1. Macy tumbles through deep pits of self-pity. Often. This is apparently a part of the PD symptoms, but it sometimes got frustrating as the reader rooting for her to just grab Raph, kiss him, and accept his love. I found myself wanting her to prove her own love for Raph. He deserves it. 2. Now, there's apparently a second book coming out in the near future that might include this, but I really, desperately needed the Crown Princess of Nobody Cares to get some justice thrown in her nasty face. That girl has issues. Ones that would be helped in an asylum.

As I said, not major negatives. Just personal choice.

I loved the story and the characters. I'm looking forward to The Biceps' story next. And I absolutely recommend this book for when you're feeling a bit blue and mopey. It'll sweeten you right up.

Happy reading. ...more

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Sep 28, 2015 Carolina Godinho rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This book is hilarious and is also heartbreaking. Maci is a american college student going Australia to work on her thesis.

She´s 22 and was diagnosed with Parkinson´s a year ago, and her mother was diagnosed with the same disease when Macy was 12. Her father died and she´s her mother´s support, but when Macy was offered the chance to go to Australia her mother demanded Macy to go.

Maci is nervous about her trip to Australia, and she´s been having weird dreams about it:

"In one, I was dating a kan ...more

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Jan 19, 2020 Lilly Charysma rated it it was amazing

I loved this book so much! It was more than I could have expected. Funny and serious when needed, with great characters and an amazing love story, “Unconditional” is absolutely incredible!

Maci is such a strong heroine. She is not a victim, she is not asking for pity and definitely she can stand her ground. She has learnt to live with her condition and, even if she has sealed the door to her heart, dreams are a way of making everything possible. When a stranger kisses her in the men’s bathroom, i ...more

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Jan 12, 2020 Helen rated it liked it

This book is moving, it is about a young woman Maci who has Parkinson’s Disease she has just arrived in Australia from her home country of America to study at Sydney University, her arrival at Sydney airport is not what one would expect and then to meet the most gorgeous of men leaves her a little off kilter, but move on she does showing strength and courage.

Arriving at her lodgings for the next few months there will be a lot to learn and she needs to keep focused and take her meds but when she ...more

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Feb 05, 2020 Fee (Ebook Addicts) rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-in-2020, arc

Maci had flown to the other side of the world to Australia from her small home town Plenty, Ohio, to study koalas and climate change.

She doesn’t intended to fall8n love with anyone let alone someone connected to a royal family, but damn those Australian accents and that is exactly what happens.

She unwittingly kissed a guy in the men’s bathroom at the airport who she never thought she would see again until he appears to be staying at the same university student accommodation. If that’s not fate I ...more

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Jan 29, 2015 Heather andrews rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

*Slams hands down on the table* I want the next book NOW! That's how much I enjoyed this book, there is no cliffhanger but the characters were really likable and I want their stories hence my impatience. Heather, not only did I like her for sharing the same name as me, but I liked her because she reminds me of me, when I don't take my meds, "Heather threw back her head and laughed. And laughed. "Maci, by the way you were looking at Raph earlier, you don't only want to do kissing with him. You wa ...more

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Feb 27, 2015 Romance Readers Retreat rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

4.5 Stars

I really enjoyed this book! Like all good books it was full of emotion, good and bad, it has its cringe moments and its 'awwww' moments and for me that's what gives the reader that connection.
Maci Rowling has Parkinson's disease and the author has clearly done her research she's written about the subject respectfully and in great detail explaining how the disease makes the person feel at any given moment and reading some parts of that broke my heart. This book is about Maci's journey ...more

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Jan 29, 2015 Jenna rated it liked it · review of another edition

I received a copy from Netgalley for an honest review.

Overall I enjoyed this book the first half started out very strong and it went a little downhill after that.

Macy is sick she has Parkinson just like her mother. Her sickness doesn't stop her from living her dreams. Macy has won a scholarship to Australia and from the first moment Macy lands her foot on this continent her life changes.

She meets hottie Raphael on the airport and BAM this big spark just explodes and there's fire and passion and ...more

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Feb 04, 2015 Tabatha rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley, favorites, so-nice-i-had-to-read-twice

This one had all the perfect elements to make it a really great read and I absolutely loved this heartwarming story. It had a very original plot with well developed characters, and I laughed just as much as I cried. Emotions were definitely deep in this one, and wow did these two pack a punch in the chemistry department! The heat between them is intense and no matter how much Maci holds herself back, Raph isn't going to let her get away. Honestly, what I think I loved most about this book was ju ...more

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Feb 13, 2014 Sami rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Honest, emotional, awesome!

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Mar 07, 2015 ysar rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: series, free-copy

Maci’s future is decided. It will be difficult, humiliating, and dehumanizing. So she’s living in the now, determined to get as much “normal” out of life before the Parkinson’s gets worse and takes away her opportunities. Flying halfway around the world for a study program is the perfect getaway, and if she meets a good-looking boy or two, even better. But things stop going according to plan the second she gets off the plane, and before she knows it, she’s face to face with the best looking man centralpickshijackedbyysar

Maci’s future is decided. It will be difficult, humiliating, and dehumanizing. So she’s living in the now, determined to get as much “normal” out of life before the Parkinson’s gets worse and takes away her opportunities. Flying halfway around the world for a study program is the perfect getaway, and if she meets a good-looking boy or two, even better. But things stop going according to plan the second she gets off the plane, and before she knows it, she’s face to face with the best looking man she’s ever seen. But he has his own problems, namely the royal family his sister married into and what they now expect of him. Shouldn’t be a problem, since she’s not making any plans past next week. Then again, she never planned on falling…

But... I really wish Her Royal Craziness hadn’t been part of the story. It’s always a huge leap of fantasy to build a modern romance story around anything to do with royalty, but Princess Psychotic pushed me over the I’m-not-buying-it-edge. She was the quintessential mean girl, topped with a tiara, but the rest of the story was unique enough not to need her at all. And what was with Satan the Security Guy? I know there’s a certain ice factor when it comes to big time royalty, and I would imagine they’re capable of pulling off some serious insanity to preserve appearances and royal name, but as much as I enjoyed the story as a whole, I think that whole line of creepy manipulation took away some of the awesome.

The Verdict: When I saw the synopsis, all I could think was, what a strange topic to include in a romance! While it’s not unusual for romance novel heroines to face some pretty daunting circumstances, disabilities, or illnesses, it’s not often than an author takes up the challenge of writing a happily ever after for someone whose condition is debilitating, incurable, and ultimately terminal. So of course I just had to read it…

Maci’s flippant attitude about her Parkinson’s disease initially put me off a little. Sure, it made sense that a girl her age would handle something so devastating with a heavy dose of sarcasm, but there was just something about it that I didn’t like very much. Fortunately, she won me over right about the time she faced off with Raphael in the dorm hallway. Maci’s symptoms are often obvious, and while people around her might not immediately associate the shakes and loss of balance with Parkinson’s, they certainly notice that something’s not quite right. But as long as she wards off stress and takes her meds, she can usually escape being labeled. Still, that’s an awfully big hurdle for a college romance.

The book started off in a pretty standard way — random college girl runs into super-hot guy who she doesn’t realize is ridiculously famous, and then fate puts them in rooms across the hall from each other. But it didn’t stay standard for long, with Maci refusing to fall in love or admit to anyone that she had Parkinson’s, Raphael being alternately hot and cold even though he was clearly interested, Maci’s chatterbox dorm-mate and all around awesome friend Heather — and let’s not forget that Maci’s only got a few months there before she returns to her home on the other side of the world.

I usually hate it when characters try to hide a disability or condition, like it’s something for them to be ashamed of, but seeing Maci struggle — and perhaps the nature of her condition — had me right there in the hiding in shame with her. For one, she’s so incredibly young to be afflicted with what usually strikes people in their sixties. (Yes, I know there are exceptions to that, but you can’t argue with statistics.) And Parkinson’s doesn’t just keep her from competing in sports or make her take more sick days — it takes away her very independence a little more each day. It’s not something that can be easily covered up with prosthetics or that she can really entertain any hope of beating. It’s with her, in her, and without a doubt going to destroy her before it kills her. I can’t even imagine how desperate I would be to appear normal for as long as possible in that situation, like having to cram every bit of life and accomplishment into a few short months because I’d never get the chance again. I suspect I would be the very definition of denial.

Raphael was intriguing but definitely not my favorite romance hero, especially after the paparazzi mess at the cafe. But he pretty much won me all over again once he really fell for her and laid it all out on the table. Until then, though, it was interesting to see how ridiculous and sketchy his life became not because he chose fame or shocked the world, but simply because the world noticed him. That loss of privacy, insanely increased set of expectations, and sudden inability to trust anyone’s motives would be devastating. So while he was a bit of a jerk there at the beginning, and while I think he should have put his foot down and insisted everyone get off his back, I really can’t blame him for being quite lost in his new reality.

While the circumstances Raphael and Maci faced were anything but typical, their romance was surprisingly normal — and that’s what kept the story well-grounded and easy to relate to. They were both dealing with a lot, so the drama and reactions were certainly dialed up quite a bit, but it was still very believable. After all, not many college students are perfect examples of maturity and reason. And you’ve got to really respect a story about something as tragic as Parkinson’s that manages to make you laugh without glossing over the reality of the situation. Unconditional is a refreshingly different take on romance novel standards, a sweet love story beneath it all, and oddly enough, a message of hope in an utterly hopeless set of circumstances.

***FicCentral received this book from Momentum Books (via NetGalley) for free in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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Jan 30, 2015 Book Gannet rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 4-5-star-review, new-adult-romance

4.5 Stars! While the premise of this book definitely caught my attention – a young heroine with early-onset Parkinson’s is certainly not something I’ve come across before – I was a little wary when I started it. The narration is first person and very chatty in style, which can be hit and miss for me, and I wasn’t all that impressed with the way Maci handled herself in the airport. But I stuck with it, focusing on the underlying humour, and I’m so glad I did!

As with many New Adult books the setti 4.5 Stars! While the premise of this book definitely caught my attention – a young heroine with early-onset Parkinson’s is certainly not something I’ve come across before – I was a little wary when I started it. The narration is first person and very chatty in style, which can be hit and miss for me, and I wasn’t all that impressed with the way Maci handled herself in the airport. But I stuck with it, focusing on the underlying humour, and I’m so glad I did!

As with many New Adult books the setting is college/university, so there’s a typical amount of learning new responsibilities, coping with living in close proximity to boys and general partying behaviour, but this book offers more. Not just because Maci has to cope with her disease and being away from home for the first time, but because of the joys of the Australian culture shock. I loved how the humour of that finely balanced out the stress and pain Maci felt trying to pretend everything was normal and not let anyone know about her PD.

I’ll admit I’m shamefully uninformed about Parkinson’s, beyond the obvious, so this was a real eye-opener for me. Especially that someone as young as twenty-one could be diagnosed. I really appreciated the way Maci handles her shakes and mood-swings, especially her uncertainty and frustration about whether her anger and stress were because of her move and the furore she gets swept up in, or because of her PD. There’s nothing cold or clinical about her disease, nor is it weepy and pitying, it’s just something she has to deal with, showing that even something as potentially life-changing as being diagnosed with PD does not mean her life is over, or that she should stop living.

Not that Maci’s completely on board with that mantra, especially at first, because although she might have her academic life going in great directions, she is woeful in the emotional department. Luckily for her she has the manic and wonderfully fun Heather to show her around and help her settle in. I loved Heather, how she just accepts everything and moves on, while constantly teasing Maci about whether or not she’s asked the Biceps for a threesome. She’s brilliant.

As is the Biceps himself, aka Brendon, who’s sexy and fit and supportive and gorgeous. I was worried there was going to be a dreaded love-triangle for a moment, but then I decided I liked him too much to care. In fact for much of the book I preferred him to hot-and-cold Raph. Who might be good looking and brother to a princess and all, but he also acts like an idiot.

Then again, so does Maci, so I thought they were pretty equal before the end. And Raph – once he sorts his foolishness out – does and says some pretty sweet things. When he’s not being sexy and hot in public places, of course. Sure, I could see where the ending was heading from a pretty long way out, but that didn’t mean I enjoyed it any less. In fact the teeny, tiny epilogue filled me with sheer happiness.

Dealing with love, life and Parkinson’s Disease in a fun, sexy, thoughtful way, this book was so much more than American Girl meets Australian Boy, with added paparazzi intrusions. A story with humour and heart, I cannot wait to read the next one in the series!

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

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Oct 03, 2014 Under the Covers Book Blog rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

What an all around wonderful story this was. UNCONDITIONAL tugged at so many emotions in me. It made me laugh, it gave me butterflies, and it made me cry. This might just be one of the strongest, and most uplifting, new adult stories I've read. Because at times it doesn't all have to be about the angst. Real life and real issues can be just as tough without making them overtly complicated.

This book explores the life of a young twenty something American woman who gets a scholarship to st

What an all around wonderful story this was. UNCONDITIONAL tugged at so many emotions in me. It made me laugh, it gave me butterflies, and it made me cry. This might just be one of the strongest, and most uplifting, new adult stories I've read. Because at times it doesn't all have to be about the angst. Real life and real issues can be just as tough without making them overtly complicated.

This book explores the life of a young twenty something American woman who gets a scholarship to study her passion in Australia. She was just diagnosed a year earlier with Parkinson's disease, after seeing the same disease eat away at her own mother. After losing her father to a drunk driver. She's still managed to keep a smile on her face and face her adversities as best as she could. Fighting. Sometimes wanting that fight to be alone. She's isolated herself and focused on her studies. That is until she meets a handsome young man at the airport who happens to be a Royal celebrity. And attending the same uni as her.

I loved the way the author makes Maci's life in Australia both fun in a way you would expect for someone her age, but also a struggle with the very real implications of her disease. You feel her pain and can sympathize with her emotions of wanting to lock herself away. Of not wanting to bring new people into her life knowing what she has to face in her future. It was a gut-wrenching journey but one that was made all the best because of the wonderful people she met in this strange country.

It's not just about the love and unconditional support she found in Raph, the sexy farmer turned Royal (sort of). But also the friendships she made along the way. This is a story that will touch your heart and make you believe in the good of people still out there in the world. And in that love that will still move mountains to prevail and will lend itself unconditionally. After the fat tears were falling hard, I couldn't help but end reading this book with a smile on my face. This book was funny and witty, with a lot of personality. Full of sexy! And endearingly emotional.

Considering I went into reading this book because the author posted a sexy pic of her personal trainer, who inspired the character The Biceps, lets just say color me surprised and impressed. It has so much more than that to offer! But I am very excited to find out that he will find his HEA in the next book in the series.

Favorite quote:

"I want to hold your fucking hand, whether it's shaking or not."

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May 10, 2015 Danica Page (One Page at a Time) rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: family-issues, romance, family-relations, series, realistic-fiction, death, contemporary, disability, new-adult, out-in-2015

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Disclaimers: I received an e-galley of this novel from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not obligated to write a good review nor did I receive any compensation for writing this review.

My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: I have mixed feelings about this book. In some ways it was a 2 for me and in others it was a 4. I thought the author tackled an interesting topic. Parkinson's disease made for a great backdrop to a book. I have heard a lot about thi ...more

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