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The Unlucky Ones #1
Unwanted
From USA Today Bestselling Author, Marley Valentine comes a brand new emotional, second chance, gay romance.
Two halves of a whole, Arlo Bishop and I were both unwanted kids brought together by the foster system. Dealing with the aftermath of neglect and abandonment, we grew up side by side and found solace in one another.
We wanted.
We needed.
We loved.
Desperately.
But somewhere along the way, Arlo wanted and needed and loved drugs more. So, I did the only thing I could and broke my own heart to save his.
Now, four years later, I’m back in L.A. and face-to-face with my past. Not only does the pain and hurt of our mistakes linger between us, but so do our feelings.
I didn’t plan on a second chance, fear of history repeating itself making it hard to forgive and even harder to forget. But with only one touch, one kiss, I was taken back to where it all started.
Two halves of a whole, Arlo Bishop and I were made for each other. But we were no longer the unwanted foster kids.
We were grown men.
And I wanted nothing more than him.
UNWANTED is book one in a brand new, emotional LGBTQ+ series that follows a group of foster siblings, who are banded together by their pasts. Each book can be read as a COMPLETE standaone.
Two halves of a whole, Arlo Bishop and I were both unwanted kids brought together by the foster system. Dealing with the aftermath of neglect and abandonment, we grew up side by side and found solace in one another.
We wanted.
We needed.
We loved.
Desperately.
But somewhere along the way, Arlo wanted and needed and loved drugs more. So, I did the only thing I could and broke my own heart to save his.
Now, four years later, I’m back in L.A. and face-to-face with my past. Not only does the pain and hurt of our mistakes linger between us, but so do our feelings.
I didn’t plan on a second chance, fear of history repeating itself making it hard to forgive and even harder to forget. But with only one touch, one kiss, I was taken back to where it all started.
Two halves of a whole, Arlo Bishop and I were made for each other. But we were no longer the unwanted foster kids.
We were grown men.
And I wanted nothing more than him.
UNWANTED is book one in a brand new, emotional LGBTQ+ series that follows a group of foster siblings, who are banded together by their pasts. Each book can be read as a COMPLETE standaone.
262 pages, Paperback
First published May 21, 2022
616 people are currently reading
4667 people want to read
About the author
Marley Valentine
36 books2,684 followersLiving in Sydney, Australia with her family, Marley Valentine is a USA Today bestselling author and a former social worker who uses her past experiences to write real life, emotional and heartfelt contemporary romance.
She enjoys mixing it up with both M/F and M/M Romance incorporating all forms of life, lust and love as her characters embark on their journey to their happily ever after.
When she’s not busy writing her own stories, she spends most of her time immersed in the words of her favourite authors.
Marley enjoys interacting with her readers so please feel free to reach out to her via Facebook, Instagram, email and/or subscribe to her newsletter.
STALK MARLEY
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Facebook: http://bit.ly/2VuYfg8
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Twitter: http://bit.ly/MarleyTwitter
BookBub: http://bit.ly/MVBookBub
Amazon: http://bit.ly/MarleyV
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/MVGoodreads
She enjoys mixing it up with both M/F and M/M Romance incorporating all forms of life, lust and love as her characters embark on their journey to their happily ever after.
When she’s not busy writing her own stories, she spends most of her time immersed in the words of her favourite authors.
Marley enjoys interacting with her readers so please feel free to reach out to her via Facebook, Instagram, email and/or subscribe to her newsletter.
STALK MARLEY
Newsletter: https://bit.ly/MarleyVNL
Audio Newsletter: https://bit.ly/MarleyVAudio
Facebook: http://bit.ly/2VuYfg8
Instagram: http://bit.ly/MVBooksIG
Twitter: http://bit.ly/MarleyTwitter
BookBub: http://bit.ly/MVBookBub
Amazon: http://bit.ly/MarleyV
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/MVGoodreads
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 628 reviews
May 28, 2022
***3.75 rating***
"Whether I liked to admit it or not, he’d always been my other half in every way. And even after all this time, that connection was reignited the second I laid eyes on him. It didn’t matter that we’d done and said unforgivable things. I knew down to the marrow of my bones that he was mine and I was his."
Originally, I was going to write this review later but I am a night owl so what the heck...I decided to do it at 1:00 am lol. What is sleep? Never heard of her.🤣
Brief Summary:
Unwanted is the first book of the Unlucky Ones, which is a new series by the lovely Marely Valentine. This is the story of Frankie York, whom we met in Ache and Arlo Bishop, Frankie's former lover.
Unwanted is a story about second chance romance, overcoming addiction, and "misfits" who together somehow form a family. Its also about facing and confronting your past.
Frankie and Arlo were former lovers who broke up due to Arlo's addiction to drugs. Addiction also kills relationships, so it was no surprise that Frankie left his LA "family" behind and flew to Seattle to build a new life for himself. We saw in Ache how well Frankie was doing as a realtor (he works for Jordan). But while his career may have flourished, his personal life consisted of faceless lovers and meaningless sex. Frankie's life suddenly takes a different turn when his LA "family" calls him to come home due to a family emergency concerning his biological brother. Going back to Los Angeles for Frankie means confronting his past and demons. It also means seeing Arlo again.
Arlo, is a recovering addict. He has worked hard to build a new life for himself. He is disciplined and lives a healthy lifestyle that is based on daily routine. His well-ordered life however is disrupted when his ex Frankie, whom left him four years ago suddenly comes back to LA. It is hard for Arlo to see Frankie again. By seeing him again, Arlo is conflicted with old feelings of want and passion. Can these two rekindle what they used to have before addiction came in between them? or is it too late for these old flames? Will they overcome and confront the past and move forward or will old demons hinder this inevitable reunion?
All will be revealed if you decide to read Unwanted😉.
Thoughts on Unwanted:
Before I read this book, I was first captivated by the gorgeous cover. I mean can you blame me? Yes sometimes I do judge a book by its cover. I am human after all, sue me hehe. I was excited for a new MV book and also because I knew this was Frankie's story. After his failed "relationship" with Jordan in Ache, I wanted to see Frankie's happily ever after. Now begs the question, was the book as good as the cover? the hype?
Yes and no.
I wholeheartedly am a sucker for second chance romance but the whole time I was reading this I don't know what it was, it felt like it was missing something. It again lacked the magic of Without You , the first book that I read by MV. Ever since I read Without You, I have been hoping that the next book MV writes is just as good. But nope. It hasn't happened yet. Ache was a 3 star read and this book well its somewhere in between. I do think that Unwanted is much better than Ache. It is as expected beautifully written but it was missing something. As the reader, we are told that Frankie leaves Arlo due to his addiction but its only briefly touched upon, not really explored. The same problem with Ache. We get crumbs of flashbacks but not much is revealed. I would have liked to know more about what happened four years ago and what led to Arlo overdosing. We know Arlo was in foster care but not much is revealed about Arlo Bishop. As a reader I want to know about the character's past and his struggles. What led to him developing an addiction? I don't think that just because he was a child that was in the system is enough reason for the reader. Its very stereotypical and cliché. A better background story of the characters would have made this a stronger story.
Having said that, I enjoyed the angst, the complicated feelings that resurface when you see an old lover and the desire to rekindle that romance. MV captured Frankie and Arlo's emotions well with her beautiful writing.
There are also interesting characters that we are introduced to: Rhys (an addict who is trying to recover), Lennox (Frankie's brother), and Samuel (Lennox's friend). I believe these are the characters for the second book of the series 'Unloved', which is an MMM romance. MV hinted that there is definitely something going on between the trio, so that will be interesting to see.
All in all, I loved the beautiful writing, the angst, and the second chance romance aspect of the book, but I couldn't help feeling somewhat unsatisfied. I guess I was hoping for more? While this was better than Ache, I wish MV touched upon the characters background more and not just glossed upon it. I gave this a 3.75 rating because I love the way MV writes. Hopefully the second book is a 4 or 5 star read, even though I am not really a fan of MMM romance. I guess we shall see and hope for the best. I still think this was an enjoyable read, I just had higher expectations. Oh well. All is still well.
"Whether I liked to admit it or not, he’d always been my other half in every way. And even after all this time, that connection was reignited the second I laid eyes on him. It didn’t matter that we’d done and said unforgivable things. I knew down to the marrow of my bones that he was mine and I was his."
Originally, I was going to write this review later but I am a night owl so what the heck...I decided to do it at 1:00 am lol. What is sleep? Never heard of her.🤣
Brief Summary:
Unwanted is the first book of the Unlucky Ones, which is a new series by the lovely Marely Valentine. This is the story of Frankie York, whom we met in Ache and Arlo Bishop, Frankie's former lover.
Unwanted is a story about second chance romance, overcoming addiction, and "misfits" who together somehow form a family. Its also about facing and confronting your past.
Frankie and Arlo were former lovers who broke up due to Arlo's addiction to drugs. Addiction also kills relationships, so it was no surprise that Frankie left his LA "family" behind and flew to Seattle to build a new life for himself. We saw in Ache how well Frankie was doing as a realtor (he works for Jordan). But while his career may have flourished, his personal life consisted of faceless lovers and meaningless sex. Frankie's life suddenly takes a different turn when his LA "family" calls him to come home due to a family emergency concerning his biological brother. Going back to Los Angeles for Frankie means confronting his past and demons. It also means seeing Arlo again.
Arlo, is a recovering addict. He has worked hard to build a new life for himself. He is disciplined and lives a healthy lifestyle that is based on daily routine. His well-ordered life however is disrupted when his ex Frankie, whom left him four years ago suddenly comes back to LA. It is hard for Arlo to see Frankie again. By seeing him again, Arlo is conflicted with old feelings of want and passion. Can these two rekindle what they used to have before addiction came in between them? or is it too late for these old flames? Will they overcome and confront the past and move forward or will old demons hinder this inevitable reunion?
All will be revealed if you decide to read Unwanted😉.
Thoughts on Unwanted:
Before I read this book, I was first captivated by the gorgeous cover. I mean can you blame me? Yes sometimes I do judge a book by its cover. I am human after all, sue me hehe. I was excited for a new MV book and also because I knew this was Frankie's story. After his failed "relationship" with Jordan in Ache, I wanted to see Frankie's happily ever after. Now begs the question, was the book as good as the cover? the hype?
Yes and no.
I wholeheartedly am a sucker for second chance romance but the whole time I was reading this I don't know what it was, it felt like it was missing something. It again lacked the magic of Without You , the first book that I read by MV. Ever since I read Without You, I have been hoping that the next book MV writes is just as good. But nope. It hasn't happened yet. Ache was a 3 star read and this book well its somewhere in between. I do think that Unwanted is much better than Ache. It is as expected beautifully written but it was missing something. As the reader, we are told that Frankie leaves Arlo due to his addiction but its only briefly touched upon, not really explored. The same problem with Ache. We get crumbs of flashbacks but not much is revealed. I would have liked to know more about what happened four years ago and what led to Arlo overdosing. We know Arlo was in foster care but not much is revealed about Arlo Bishop. As a reader I want to know about the character's past and his struggles. What led to him developing an addiction? I don't think that just because he was a child that was in the system is enough reason for the reader. Its very stereotypical and cliché. A better background story of the characters would have made this a stronger story.
Having said that, I enjoyed the angst, the complicated feelings that resurface when you see an old lover and the desire to rekindle that romance. MV captured Frankie and Arlo's emotions well with her beautiful writing.
There are also interesting characters that we are introduced to: Rhys (an addict who is trying to recover), Lennox (Frankie's brother), and Samuel (Lennox's friend). I believe these are the characters for the second book of the series 'Unloved', which is an MMM romance. MV hinted that there is definitely something going on between the trio, so that will be interesting to see.
All in all, I loved the beautiful writing, the angst, and the second chance romance aspect of the book, but I couldn't help feeling somewhat unsatisfied. I guess I was hoping for more? While this was better than Ache, I wish MV touched upon the characters background more and not just glossed upon it. I gave this a 3.75 rating because I love the way MV writes. Hopefully the second book is a 4 or 5 star read, even though I am not really a fan of MMM romance. I guess we shall see and hope for the best. I still think this was an enjoyable read, I just had higher expectations. Oh well. All is still well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2025
*2.5* Such a huge disappointment. Drama for the sake of drama, unlikable, flat characters, no real emotional connection to any of them.
August 11, 2022
✦ this sounded so good from the blurb... the cover is also absolutely beautiful. but damn, i was so disappointed. this was just boring and bland.
✦ the "angst" here didn't make me feel anything. the way the conflicts got resolved was so unsatisfying.
"it's what i secretly wanted, isn’t it?
except his eyes don’t hold the anger, the hurt, the guilt, or the pity i expected.
he just continues to stare at me, his hazel-colored eyes full of longing.
full of yearning. full of desire. for me.
it hits me harder and cuts me deeper than any indifference and disappointment ever could. because he’s looking at me the way he always has.
like time hasn’t passed. like nothing has changed. like he needs me. like he loves me."
✦ i honestly didn't really care about the mcs or their relationship overall. something was just off with their whole dynamic for me.
✦ i think i gotta stop reading second chance romances, because they sadly almost never work for me.
✦ the "angst" here didn't make me feel anything. the way the conflicts got resolved was so unsatisfying.
"it's what i secretly wanted, isn’t it?
except his eyes don’t hold the anger, the hurt, the guilt, or the pity i expected.
he just continues to stare at me, his hazel-colored eyes full of longing.
full of yearning. full of desire. for me.
it hits me harder and cuts me deeper than any indifference and disappointment ever could. because he’s looking at me the way he always has.
like time hasn’t passed. like nothing has changed. like he needs me. like he loves me."
✦ i honestly didn't really care about the mcs or their relationship overall. something was just off with their whole dynamic for me.
✦ i think i gotta stop reading second chance romances, because they sadly almost never work for me.
July 17, 2022
Audio - 4.5 Stars
Story 3.5 Stars
I enjoyed it, but I would have loved it, had the secondary characters not taken up so much of the story. The story is short enough as it is, and the MCs reconnecting after a failed past relationship felt rushed.
Story 3.5 Stars
I enjoyed it, but I would have loved it, had the secondary characters not taken up so much of the story. The story is short enough as it is, and the MCs reconnecting after a failed past relationship felt rushed.
May 28, 2022
3.5 stars
I was so excited to read this book. I have been in a mood lately and all I want to be reading is books that shatter my heart in two and then makes it all better. I was hoping that this book would be the one to give me everything i’m looking for.
I reached out for this book because I wanted it to break my heart and then fix it, and this book did that and so much more. I got so emotional while reading this book and I cried so many times and then all of the comfort in the book fixed me up. It was everything I was looking for and this book had a very big emotional impact on me. I really enjoy really personal and character focused angst in books so the angst in this one really worked for me.
I really liked how the second chance was done in this book and how it was built up but I really would have liked to see more of their current day romance and how they got back together, I just wanted so many more scenes like that.
Sadly, reading this book felt like I wanted to be happy for my friends because they are in love and getting married, but I could never get really happy or cheering for their love because I’m bitter that they didn’t invite me to the wedding.
I still enjoyed this book a lot but I was just missing some of the romance, I really like the characters and I felt for their story. But I just wanted more romance. This book could have been the perfect book for me if it had a little more romance, because thats all I was missing.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest opinion
I was so excited to read this book. I have been in a mood lately and all I want to be reading is books that shatter my heart in two and then makes it all better. I was hoping that this book would be the one to give me everything i’m looking for.
I reached out for this book because I wanted it to break my heart and then fix it, and this book did that and so much more. I got so emotional while reading this book and I cried so many times and then all of the comfort in the book fixed me up. It was everything I was looking for and this book had a very big emotional impact on me. I really enjoy really personal and character focused angst in books so the angst in this one really worked for me.
I really liked how the second chance was done in this book and how it was built up but I really would have liked to see more of their current day romance and how they got back together, I just wanted so many more scenes like that.
Sadly, reading this book felt like I wanted to be happy for my friends because they are in love and getting married, but I could never get really happy or cheering for their love because I’m bitter that they didn’t invite me to the wedding.
I still enjoyed this book a lot but I was just missing some of the romance, I really like the characters and I felt for their story. But I just wanted more romance. This book could have been the perfect book for me if it had a little more romance, because thats all I was missing.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest opinion
August 11, 2022
4 Stars
Frankie has loved Arlo longer than he has loved himself but love didn’t conquer all. Arlo’s heart had hardened so much at a young age. His coping mechanism was drugs. He’s always so blissed out with a needle in his arm or powder up his nose until Frankie couldn’t take his statement any longer and did the only thing he could to save him and in meantime break his own heart. Now four years later, they come to a second chance but they should bend their own insecurities to prevent repeating the history. How can they do that without breaking anything in between…
Told in dual POV, 1st person, it’s not cliffy and can be read as a standalone. What I like in Marley Valentine’s books is that she can bring the emotions to the surface and she does it with a good dose of angst. I loved both main characters and also the secondary ones and can’t wait to read their stories. It’s well-written, a bit dramatic and a bit rushed. Loved Frankie & Arlo’s chemistry. They always knew what the other one wants or needs…
"Even through the anger and the bitterness, on some level we still gravitated toward one another.
Needing one another.
Understanding one another."
Overall, I had a good time reading it and hope you enjoy it as well!
Frankie has loved Arlo longer than he has loved himself but love didn’t conquer all. Arlo’s heart had hardened so much at a young age. His coping mechanism was drugs. He’s always so blissed out with a needle in his arm or powder up his nose until Frankie couldn’t take his statement any longer and did the only thing he could to save him and in meantime break his own heart. Now four years later, they come to a second chance but they should bend their own insecurities to prevent repeating the history. How can they do that without breaking anything in between…
Told in dual POV, 1st person, it’s not cliffy and can be read as a standalone. What I like in Marley Valentine’s books is that she can bring the emotions to the surface and she does it with a good dose of angst. I loved both main characters and also the secondary ones and can’t wait to read their stories. It’s well-written, a bit dramatic and a bit rushed. Loved Frankie & Arlo’s chemistry. They always knew what the other one wants or needs…
"Even through the anger and the bitterness, on some level we still gravitated toward one another.
Needing one another.
Understanding one another."
Overall, I had a good time reading it and hope you enjoy it as well!
November 17, 2022
I didn't feel the chemistry between the MCs. No character development and felt rushed.
This was supposed to be some kind of 2nd chance romance but failed at the delivery.
Too bad because it had so much potential.
This was supposed to be some kind of 2nd chance romance but failed at the delivery.
Too bad because it had so much potential.
June 28, 2022
*** I received a complimentary copy of this book.***
Unwanted is a complicated love story featuring a second chance romance due to addiction. This moving second chance romance deals with difficult topics and its effects on loved ones, which was beautifully done.
Unwanted has many emotional moments between Arlo and Frankie due to their immense longing for one another. I could sense their deep devotion to one another, but due to their past, it was challenging to move forward after such a break in trust.
Another well done emotional story that sets up a series filled with complicated characters.
Unwanted is a complicated love story featuring a second chance romance due to addiction. This moving second chance romance deals with difficult topics and its effects on loved ones, which was beautifully done.
Unwanted has many emotional moments between Arlo and Frankie due to their immense longing for one another. I could sense their deep devotion to one another, but due to their past, it was challenging to move forward after such a break in trust.
Another well done emotional story that sets up a series filled with complicated characters.
May 29, 2022
BR with my girl Cass.
Good grief Marley Valentine, what in the world are you doing to me?! 🥺
First off, I’ve never been a fan of second chances. If I didn’t love the author so much I probably would’ve skipped this one knowing that it probably wasn’t for me.
Second, Frankie already left a bad taste in my mouth in Ache. It’s a hard sell to like the other man.
If Marley wanted most of this to make us as readers to feel uncomfortable, she succeeded. It’s just not something I enjoy.
This was a hard road to traverse, not only because it’s the story of a man loving an addict but because I had a hard time connecting.
I finally felt that connection about 85% in, the only reason I hung on that long was because I love this writer. So, for 15%, I got exactly what I expected and wanted.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough.
Yes there were beautiful moments. Yes, it was aching and heart wrenching. But I wasn’t invested, I felt like an outsider looking into a dingy window.
Good grief Marley Valentine, what in the world are you doing to me?! 🥺
First off, I’ve never been a fan of second chances. If I didn’t love the author so much I probably would’ve skipped this one knowing that it probably wasn’t for me.
Second, Frankie already left a bad taste in my mouth in Ache. It’s a hard sell to like the other man.
If Marley wanted most of this to make us as readers to feel uncomfortable, she succeeded. It’s just not something I enjoy.
This was a hard road to traverse, not only because it’s the story of a man loving an addict but because I had a hard time connecting.
I finally felt that connection about 85% in, the only reason I hung on that long was because I love this writer. So, for 15%, I got exactly what I expected and wanted.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough.
Yes there were beautiful moments. Yes, it was aching and heart wrenching. But I wasn’t invested, I felt like an outsider looking into a dingy window.
Read
May 24, 2022DNF @54%
I feel nothing for the MC’s and the angst I expected is missing!!!
I feel nothing for the MC’s and the angst I expected is missing!!!
May 29, 2022
Unwanted is a beautiful and well-written book about two broken souls. I felt every single emotion. I cried for more than fifty percent of the book.
Read the trigger warnings. Take it seriously. I have zero triggers. But yet, this book is personal to me. If you have ever fallen in love with an addict, you know the pain. If you haven't, I still recommend this book. Love is not black and white. It's messy with a ton of grey.
Arlo and Frankie grew up in the foster care system. Both flawed. The book starts with Arlo hitting rock bottom and Frankie leaving and trying to heal.
Four years later, we read their journey. Both are just going through the motions of life, and Arlo is working hard to keep his life together. Frankie is now going home for a family emergency. Both never stopped loving the other.
Their journey is painful, and you can feel their pain. Yes, it's so beautiful. Their love for each other is deep and comes once in a lifetime. The author always has such a way with her words and writing style. I always know I will never be disappointed.
dnf
May 23, 2022dnf @ 47%. i think it’s me rather than the book, but i’m just not feeling it.
May 22, 2022
This book was one of my most anticipated books of this year. And when I got the ARC on my Kindle, I was so ready to read this!! I love Marley Valentine's writing, and my expectations were high.
So believe me when I say that nobody is more disappointed and hurt than me when, in the end, I can't rate this higher than 3 stars. When you rate 3 stars on BB, it automatically marks the book as 'okay'. But I wished this book had been more than just 'okay' for me, I wished it would have been 'excellent'. It just wasn't.
This is Frankie's book. If you've read Ache, you already met him. In this book we find out about his background, having grown up in Los Angeles with a found family (except for one biological brother). The members of this found family all grew up in the foster care system, and eventually came to live together when they were supposed to be on their own. Arlo is one of them. Their friendship develops and turns into something more, but Arlo is spiraling into a drugs addiction, and the book starts with Frankie leaving Arlo at a rehab facility. That happened four years ago, and despite his promise to be there for Arlo when he gets out, Frankie leaves and builds up a new life in Seattle. When he gets a call that his only biological brother has been in an accident, he has no choice but to return and see the other members of their group - including Arlo - once again.
The first thing that threw me off a bit was the inconsistent use of present and past tense. It wasn't something I enjoyed, but I tried to get past that. It kept on bothering me, though.
Another thing that didn't sit well was the fact that a lot of things happened, but at the same, it didn't. That may sound as a contradiction, but maybe what I'm trying to say is that it all was too superficial, too flat, to have an impact on me. My feelings weren't involved, nowhere. Not with Frankie, not with Arlo, not with the other characters. Arlo and Frankie reconnected, but as much as Arlo said he would never forgive Frankie for leaving, I think he did just that a little too easy. I didn't feel his anger, his conflicted feelings, and even though I was told that Frankie went away to protect his heart, I never felt like he had to. He slept around in Seattle to forget Arlo, or to pretend the guy he was with, was Arlo. But again, I never felt his heartbreak, his suffering.
The question rises if Arlo truly had a right to be angry for Frankie leaving, still after four years of absence. If it hadn’t been for Frankie, who forced him to go to rehab, what would have become of him or them at this point? As a rehabilitated drugs addict, Arlo had a chance to a new life. One he took, but instead of being angry with Frankie, he should have been thankful, isn’t it? He possibly never would have gotten out if Frankie hadn’t forced him. And after that, Frankie had every right to leave and protect himself. Because a drugs-addict only takes and takes and is never to be trusted.
When they reconnect, they don’t really talk much about the whole situation that caused their separation, but when they do, it’s like only Arlo’s anger for Frankie leaving, is legit. Not the fact that he hurt Frankie by being a drugs addict in the first place. Not the fact that Frankie had every right to leave and break his promise. Dealing with a drugs addict I assume a lot more promises were broken along the way.
Rhys is a new person in their lives, one of Arlo's clients from the gym where he works with recovering addicts. I thought it was a bit strange that Arlo took a client with him to the hospital where Frankie's brother was recovering from his accident when he was supposed to visit and meet up with his other family members. The instant connection felt too forced, too rushed, so Rhys could be rewarded to become a new family member. They all have a history, were very protective of each other, and to let someone in their circle within only about 10 minutes, felt a bit too conflicted to me. And besides, I needed this story to be focused on Arlo’s and Frankie’s second chance romance. I wanted to experience their painful past, their reconnection and their new chance at love. I thought there was too much page for secondary characters, who will have their own book too.
I know Marley can make me feel everything that I usually feel with angsty, heavy story's. I have read other books by her hand that gave me all the feelings I wanted to have while reading this book. But I just didn't and if anything, I'm just so disappointed about that. I don't think it's because my expectations were too high - I know she can write and the blurb was calling to me, exactly the kind of hurt/comfort I enjoy reading. A second chance love story is one of my favorite tropes too.
But unfortunately it didn't work for me here. I'm sure there will be a lot of 4/5 star reviews, because I have a feeling this is all me and not the book. Go read those too, because I'm certain other readers will have a lot more positive things to say than I have.
I'm just so disappointed right now, I just go sit in the corner and contemplate about it.
I kindly received an ARC from Grey Promotions and this is my honest, unbiased review
So believe me when I say that nobody is more disappointed and hurt than me when, in the end, I can't rate this higher than 3 stars. When you rate 3 stars on BB, it automatically marks the book as 'okay'. But I wished this book had been more than just 'okay' for me, I wished it would have been 'excellent'. It just wasn't.
This is Frankie's book. If you've read Ache, you already met him. In this book we find out about his background, having grown up in Los Angeles with a found family (except for one biological brother). The members of this found family all grew up in the foster care system, and eventually came to live together when they were supposed to be on their own. Arlo is one of them. Their friendship develops and turns into something more, but Arlo is spiraling into a drugs addiction, and the book starts with Frankie leaving Arlo at a rehab facility. That happened four years ago, and despite his promise to be there for Arlo when he gets out, Frankie leaves and builds up a new life in Seattle. When he gets a call that his only biological brother has been in an accident, he has no choice but to return and see the other members of their group - including Arlo - once again.
The first thing that threw me off a bit was the inconsistent use of present and past tense. It wasn't something I enjoyed, but I tried to get past that. It kept on bothering me, though.
Another thing that didn't sit well was the fact that a lot of things happened, but at the same, it didn't. That may sound as a contradiction, but maybe what I'm trying to say is that it all was too superficial, too flat, to have an impact on me. My feelings weren't involved, nowhere. Not with Frankie, not with Arlo, not with the other characters. Arlo and Frankie reconnected, but as much as Arlo said he would never forgive Frankie for leaving, I think he did just that a little too easy. I didn't feel his anger, his conflicted feelings, and even though I was told that Frankie went away to protect his heart, I never felt like he had to. He slept around in Seattle to forget Arlo, or to pretend the guy he was with, was Arlo. But again, I never felt his heartbreak, his suffering.
The question rises if Arlo truly had a right to be angry for Frankie leaving, still after four years of absence. If it hadn’t been for Frankie, who forced him to go to rehab, what would have become of him or them at this point? As a rehabilitated drugs addict, Arlo had a chance to a new life. One he took, but instead of being angry with Frankie, he should have been thankful, isn’t it? He possibly never would have gotten out if Frankie hadn’t forced him. And after that, Frankie had every right to leave and protect himself. Because a drugs-addict only takes and takes and is never to be trusted.
When they reconnect, they don’t really talk much about the whole situation that caused their separation, but when they do, it’s like only Arlo’s anger for Frankie leaving, is legit. Not the fact that he hurt Frankie by being a drugs addict in the first place. Not the fact that Frankie had every right to leave and break his promise. Dealing with a drugs addict I assume a lot more promises were broken along the way.
Rhys is a new person in their lives, one of Arlo's clients from the gym where he works with recovering addicts. I thought it was a bit strange that Arlo took a client with him to the hospital where Frankie's brother was recovering from his accident when he was supposed to visit and meet up with his other family members. The instant connection felt too forced, too rushed, so Rhys could be rewarded to become a new family member. They all have a history, were very protective of each other, and to let someone in their circle within only about 10 minutes, felt a bit too conflicted to me. And besides, I needed this story to be focused on Arlo’s and Frankie’s second chance romance. I wanted to experience their painful past, their reconnection and their new chance at love. I thought there was too much page for secondary characters, who will have their own book too.
I know Marley can make me feel everything that I usually feel with angsty, heavy story's. I have read other books by her hand that gave me all the feelings I wanted to have while reading this book. But I just didn't and if anything, I'm just so disappointed about that. I don't think it's because my expectations were too high - I know she can write and the blurb was calling to me, exactly the kind of hurt/comfort I enjoy reading. A second chance love story is one of my favorite tropes too.
But unfortunately it didn't work for me here. I'm sure there will be a lot of 4/5 star reviews, because I have a feeling this is all me and not the book. Go read those too, because I'm certain other readers will have a lot more positive things to say than I have.
I'm just so disappointed right now, I just go sit in the corner and contemplate about it.
I kindly received an ARC from Grey Promotions and this is my honest, unbiased review
May 22, 2022
"I don’t want good things," he whispers into the space between us. "I’ve never wanted good things. I just want you."
something felt missing but i still loved this! just not as much as i loved Without You and Ache. Their connection didn’t feel as strong in my opinion and I felt like we got to know the couples much better in the other books. But this was beautiful, painful and I read it extremely quickly. I sobbed!!! I hope each and every side character gets their own story!!🤞🏻I want to read the next book so bad it’s not even funny. Can the release date that doesn’t exist yet be sooner!!😅
something felt missing but i still loved this! just not as much as i loved Without You and Ache. Their connection didn’t feel as strong in my opinion and I felt like we got to know the couples much better in the other books. But this was beautiful, painful and I read it extremely quickly. I sobbed!!! I hope each and every side character gets their own story!!🤞🏻I want to read the next book so bad it’s not even funny. Can the release date that doesn’t exist yet be sooner!!😅
May 22, 2022
𝟮.𝟳𝟱
I am aggressively indifferent to all of these characters. I felt nothing for Frankie. Well, no, that's a lie. I was vaguely annoyed at Frankie. I felt nothing for Arlo. I did not care about the side characters.
And, to top it all off, I was in-patiently waiting around for the angst I was promised.
Unwanted had me feeling as though I'd been dropped into the end of a story that I wasn't invited too.
Like, was it a requirement that I read Ache first? I think I missed that memo.
All in all, I just feel sad. From that amazing summary, to the beautiful cover, to my love of Valentine's twenty-twenty effort, Without You, I feel this bone deep saddness.
I was expecting so much, and yet, I found the entire book lacking. That said, as I scroll through GR I see that I'm in the minority with this opinion.
So, as I always love to say, take my review with a grain of salt. Pick the book up and form your own opinion. I'm hoping it's a bit more favorable than mine.
❝I love you, Arlo bishop. Always have. Always will.❞
I am aggressively indifferent to all of these characters. I felt nothing for Frankie. Well, no, that's a lie. I was vaguely annoyed at Frankie. I felt nothing for Arlo. I did not care about the side characters.
And, to top it all off, I was in-patiently waiting around for the angst I was promised.
Unwanted had me feeling as though I'd been dropped into the end of a story that I wasn't invited too.
Like, was it a requirement that I read Ache first? I think I missed that memo.
❝I don’t care about anybody else’s space. I just want you in mine.❞
All in all, I just feel sad. From that amazing summary, to the beautiful cover, to my love of Valentine's twenty-twenty effort, Without You, I feel this bone deep saddness.
I was expecting so much, and yet, I found the entire book lacking. That said, as I scroll through GR I see that I'm in the minority with this opinion.
So, as I always love to say, take my review with a grain of salt. Pick the book up and form your own opinion. I'm hoping it's a bit more favorable than mine.
September 3, 2022
2.5*** stars
Not very happy with this one, actually. I had a feeling Marley Valentine’s writing/stories weren’t for me after reading Ache. To be honest, I only picked this one up because of the narration of the audio. I wanted to (once again) indulge myself in a little Jacob Morgan and check out Zachary Johnson who is a new to me narrator who sounded awesome in the samples.
So here I am, at the end of it, rather disappointed with both. The story and the audio.
Kind of like I feel about this book.
So while this couldn’t be any more intriguing to me, being a second chance and all I was pretty bored with the execution of the described plot. It somehow lacked the intensity I hoped for. I wasn’t feeling it and had a hard time connecting to the characters. Which is a shame bc the plot and the characters had so much potential to sweep me off my feet. And there was also so much hinting at a future romance to come in the series I would be out of my mind with anticipation and excitement for if I wasn't already relatively sure that the book would disappoint me too.
It was a good story (at least the idea of it), but as I said, I was mostly bored. At around 75% so much so I almost dnf’d.
*************
As for the audio:
This one proofed to me once more that I think I am better off with a single-narration instead of dual even if there is a dual POV.
I can’t understand why narrators don’t seem to talk to each other before they start recording their respective parts. Interpretation is one thing and every narrator has their own way of reading and acting to bring a character and a story to life but is it too much to ask that they decide at least on the characters voices beforehand? Imo it should be relatively easy here as we are talking MM (meaning two guys narrating - and not MF) to decide e.g. how deep or light, how young or mature a character should sound that it just matches better. Idk!
Second thing that ALWAYS throws me off and is imo a total fail on the producer’s/editor’s end is when the reading pace of both narrators is not matching. I am soooo annoyed when I have to pull out my phone and change speed EVERY DAMN TIME the POV changes.
Maybe I know too little about it to have such a strong opinion but to me it seems not hard to achieve that an audio turns out more smoothly. Even if there are multiple ppl involved.
But considered individually, both Jacob Morgan’s and Zachary Johnson’s performances were fine, I guess.
Not very happy with this one, actually. I had a feeling Marley Valentine’s writing/stories weren’t for me after reading Ache. To be honest, I only picked this one up because of the narration of the audio. I wanted to (once again) indulge myself in a little Jacob Morgan and check out Zachary Johnson who is a new to me narrator who sounded awesome in the samples.
So here I am, at the end of it, rather disappointed with both. The story and the audio.
“I don’t know, Arlo. You tell me, was it worth it?” We stand there, breaths matching, eyes not blinking, both of us refusing to answer the question. Because admitting that both our lives flourished when we were apart is a hard pill to swallow.
Kind of like I feel about this book.
So while this couldn’t be any more intriguing to me, being a second chance and all I was pretty bored with the execution of the described plot. It somehow lacked the intensity I hoped for. I wasn’t feeling it and had a hard time connecting to the characters. Which is a shame bc the plot and the characters had so much potential to sweep me off my feet. And there was also so much hinting at a future romance to come in the series I would be out of my mind with anticipation and excitement for if I wasn't already relatively sure that the book would disappoint me too.
It was a good story (at least the idea of it), but as I said, I was mostly bored. At around 75% so much so I almost dnf’d.
*************
As for the audio:
This one proofed to me once more that I think I am better off with a single-narration instead of dual even if there is a dual POV.
I can’t understand why narrators don’t seem to talk to each other before they start recording their respective parts. Interpretation is one thing and every narrator has their own way of reading and acting to bring a character and a story to life but is it too much to ask that they decide at least on the characters voices beforehand? Imo it should be relatively easy here as we are talking MM (meaning two guys narrating - and not MF) to decide e.g. how deep or light, how young or mature a character should sound that it just matches better. Idk!
Second thing that ALWAYS throws me off and is imo a total fail on the producer’s/editor’s end is when the reading pace of both narrators is not matching. I am soooo annoyed when I have to pull out my phone and change speed EVERY DAMN TIME the POV changes.
Maybe I know too little about it to have such a strong opinion but to me it seems not hard to achieve that an audio turns out more smoothly. Even if there are multiple ppl involved.
But considered individually, both Jacob Morgan’s and Zachary Johnson’s performances were fine, I guess.
Read
May 18, 2022LOVED
RTC
RTC
October 11, 2025
a pretty good read but I hold MV to such a high standard and this wasn’t one of my favourites
I think I don’t love second chances (because with me you only get one xx)
plus the drug storyline was kinda boring for me I had no interest in it really, but still it was hot, I love her writing style and I still enjoyed it enough that I wasn’t bored.
recommend if you’ve read her others and you love the MM romance, but don’t start here.
I think I don’t love second chances (because with me you only get one xx)
plus the drug storyline was kinda boring for me I had no interest in it really, but still it was hot, I love her writing style and I still enjoyed it enough that I wasn’t bored.
recommend if you’ve read her others and you love the MM romance, but don’t start here.
April 13, 2024
This was definitely an emotional second chance romance, but it was a bit too short, so I felt like there wasn't enough time for the plot to develop and the romance felt a bit too rushed. I listened to the audiobook and was more passively reading the story because, after the beginning, nothing was really hooking me. I am intrigued by the side characters, though, so I'll provably pick up the next book!
June 1, 2022
[2.75] I TRIED 😭
the prologue promised oodles of angst, but half the story was dedicated to introducing the third gear of the next book's relationship, and another half had them skirting around issues that should've been addressed much earlier.
but the part that turned me off almost completely was the implication toward the end that walking away from someone for your own mental health and sanity makes you weak when, in fact, it's the exact opposite.
take this message and burn it in a fire, because you have every right to prioritize and advocate for your well-being. as they say, put your oxygen mask on first before helping others.
the attempt to muster up angst by shaping Arlo as someone who still resents Frankie for abandoning him would've worked better had there been genuine hostility upon their reunion and a nuanced character arc documenting his gradual transition from hatred to gratitude, but the tension between them dissipated faster than you can say Jack Robinson, and he spent way too much time guilt-tripping Frankie for me to believe their relationship is healthy. it's surprising that his sponsor never seemed to reframe his perspective from Frankie's shoes either.
at least i can take some solace in the perfection that is this cover 😍 i will keep giving MV's new releases a shot because her writing is undeniably beautiful and effusive, but sadly the lessons in this story felt misguided.
the prologue promised oodles of angst, but half the story was dedicated to introducing the third gear of the next book's relationship, and another half had them skirting around issues that should've been addressed much earlier.
but the part that turned me off almost completely was the implication toward the end that walking away from someone for your own mental health and sanity makes you weak when, in fact, it's the exact opposite.
"So I left," I say quietly. "Like a coward, I told myself it was because I wanted you to get clean for you, but I left to protect myself. To protect my heart."
take this message and burn it in a fire, because you have every right to prioritize and advocate for your well-being. as they say, put your oxygen mask on first before helping others.
the attempt to muster up angst by shaping Arlo as someone who still resents Frankie for abandoning him would've worked better had there been genuine hostility upon their reunion and a nuanced character arc documenting his gradual transition from hatred to gratitude, but the tension between them dissipated faster than you can say Jack Robinson, and he spent way too much time guilt-tripping Frankie for me to believe their relationship is healthy. it's surprising that his sponsor never seemed to reframe his perspective from Frankie's shoes either.
at least i can take some solace in the perfection that is this cover 😍 i will keep giving MV's new releases a shot because her writing is undeniably beautiful and effusive, but sadly the lessons in this story felt misguided.
May 22, 2022
This ,unfortunately, was a miss for me . I’ve always had a soft spot for this author and her writing is beautiful and sensual and full of feelings but lately I feel like her books aren’t challenging or fulfilling enough.
Unwanted dealt with heavy stuff that should have been angsty and should have made you feel but they weren’t and they didn’t because everything was treated superficially and rushed. It had 2 hundred and something pages and it felt like a short novella where the author hasn’t got time to delve into anything properly .And yet there were 235 pages, enough for the story to pack a punch. It didn’t. The blurb promised heartbreak and a lot of emotional angst but it didn’t deliver. The theme was angsty (drug addiction recovery and second chance love) but by the execution it felt almost a light low angst read. The book tried but it didn’t move me. Also, Frankie’s love wasn’t very believable.. I remember him very well in “Ache”. He didn’t have a care in the world, he didn’t spare a thought to Arlo or to his love for him. Or regret for leaving or the intention to go back home. On the contrary, he was pining for Jordan and when it wasn’t Jordan he was looking for boyfriends on dating apps. He wouldn’t have gone home if it hadn’t been for Lennox’s problem. He was kind of selfish, leaving his family for 4 freakin years without looking back . I understand why he left and I even agree with his decision but he had no desire to see his family again. Or Arlo for that matter. I understand that he felt guilty and ashamed for leaving but dude, they were your family , they needed you , they loved you. So excuse me if I don’t believe in the love he professed for Arlo as he had never left . And this is probably the execution’s fault too because as I said everything felt rushed. They didn’t have time to reconnect in a believable way , to rekindle their love or to dust it off a bit . And Arlo one minute he was angry and the next one was all over Frankie. They didn’t even have a proper conversation.
So , yeah, there were a few problems with this book imo. And you know when a book didn’t move you by how you’re not even curious to read the bonus epilogue offered in your email.
Now, let’s take a minute to admire that cover. Absolutely gorgeous! All this author’s covers are.
Unwanted dealt with heavy stuff that should have been angsty and should have made you feel but they weren’t and they didn’t because everything was treated superficially and rushed. It had 2 hundred and something pages and it felt like a short novella where the author hasn’t got time to delve into anything properly .And yet there were 235 pages, enough for the story to pack a punch. It didn’t. The blurb promised heartbreak and a lot of emotional angst but it didn’t deliver. The theme was angsty (drug addiction recovery and second chance love) but by the execution it felt almost a light low angst read. The book tried but it didn’t move me. Also, Frankie’s love wasn’t very believable.. I remember him very well in “Ache”. He didn’t have a care in the world, he didn’t spare a thought to Arlo or to his love for him. Or regret for leaving or the intention to go back home. On the contrary, he was pining for Jordan and when it wasn’t Jordan he was looking for boyfriends on dating apps. He wouldn’t have gone home if it hadn’t been for Lennox’s problem. He was kind of selfish, leaving his family for 4 freakin years without looking back . I understand why he left and I even agree with his decision but he had no desire to see his family again. Or Arlo for that matter. I understand that he felt guilty and ashamed for leaving but dude, they were your family , they needed you , they loved you. So excuse me if I don’t believe in the love he professed for Arlo as he had never left . And this is probably the execution’s fault too because as I said everything felt rushed. They didn’t have time to reconnect in a believable way , to rekindle their love or to dust it off a bit . And Arlo one minute he was angry and the next one was all over Frankie. They didn’t even have a proper conversation.
So , yeah, there were a few problems with this book imo. And you know when a book didn’t move you by how you’re not even curious to read the bonus epilogue offered in your email.
Now, let’s take a minute to admire that cover. Absolutely gorgeous! All this author’s covers are.
May 21, 2022
Phenomenal. I really like this author. The ability to create a world of feelings, passion, in this case recovery from addiction. A second love story full of love and sweetness
June 13, 2022
I finished Unwanted a few days ago... However, I had to take some time to gather my real thoughts over this book. It seems I will literally compare every Marley Valentine book with Without You and it doesn't seem fair. Although Unwanted isn't the greatest book ever, it has a great story. The built up was exciting but the ending fell flat. So 4 stars is reasonable for it IS a good emotional story.
Unwanted is the first story in a new series by Marley Valentine. The book is about Frankie, who is introduced in Ache, and his ex boyfriend Arlo. Frankie returns home after 4 years to help his biological brother after an accident. But avoiding Arlo does not seem as a possibility since both of them were once part of the same foster family they created. There is a reason why Frankie left in the first place... That reason is Arlo himself. He used to be a drug addict and has his life together now. Both men are afraid to reconnect because of their shared past but what if the past doesn't matter? What if all that matters is now?
Unwanted has a really emotional plot as it deals with drug addiction (it can be triggering for some people) and it is intertwined with a love story. Frankie becomes a MUCH MORE sympathetic character in Unwanted compared to Ache. It was sweet to see both Frankie and Arlo rekindle their relationship. The book was overall good. However, sometimes it felt like this book IS A LITERAL FIRST BOOK of a new series. The sidecharacters got a lot of attention (too much almost) and it was distracting. Also its ending is weak as it seems to be a starting point of the next book in the series (an M/M/M romance) and was WAY TOO DRAMATIC. Nevertheless, Marley Valentine's writing all makes up for it.
Unwanted is a recommandation if you LOVE high angst romance novels. It isn't in the same league as Without You but it is a great love story about two lost souls and their reconnection.
Unwanted is the first story in a new series by Marley Valentine. The book is about Frankie, who is introduced in Ache, and his ex boyfriend Arlo. Frankie returns home after 4 years to help his biological brother after an accident. But avoiding Arlo does not seem as a possibility since both of them were once part of the same foster family they created. There is a reason why Frankie left in the first place... That reason is Arlo himself. He used to be a drug addict and has his life together now. Both men are afraid to reconnect because of their shared past but what if the past doesn't matter? What if all that matters is now?
Unwanted has a really emotional plot as it deals with drug addiction (it can be triggering for some people) and it is intertwined with a love story. Frankie becomes a MUCH MORE sympathetic character in Unwanted compared to Ache. It was sweet to see both Frankie and Arlo rekindle their relationship. The book was overall good. However, sometimes it felt like this book IS A LITERAL FIRST BOOK of a new series. The sidecharacters got a lot of attention (too much almost) and it was distracting. Also its ending is weak as it seems to be a starting point of the next book in the series (an M/M/M romance) and was WAY TOO DRAMATIC. Nevertheless, Marley Valentine's writing all makes up for it.
Unwanted is a recommandation if you LOVE high angst romance novels. It isn't in the same league as Without You but it is a great love story about two lost souls and their reconnection.
December 30, 2022
“Stop being so hard on yourself. You deserve good things, Arlo.”
His eyes fall shut and I watch and feel his whole body expand on an inhale.
“I don’t want good things,” he whispers into the space between us. “I’ve never wanted good things. I just want you.”
This book didn’t hit as hard in the angst and heartbreak as I wanted. I wish this book could have been longer so there was more time to delve into the characters (especially Frankie). This felt like a novella. Frankie and Arlo grew up in foster care and fell in love along the way. They did drugs together every once in a while but Arlo started doing them more and more without Frankie. To the point where drugs were ruling Arlo’s life. Frankie brought Arlo to a rehab centre and left the state. Leaving behind not just Arlo but his family as well. Now it’s 4 years later and Frankie is back because his brother is in the hospital.
I absolutely loved Arlo. Seeing how the last 4 years went for him and where he is now was amazing to see. With the heartbreak in the prologue is made me so happy to see his recovery journey. His love for Frankie clearly didn’t waver and it was just as strong as it was all those years ago. However, I couldn’t say the same for Frankie. I wanted more from him. Frankie was deeply hurt from how his and Arlo’s relationship turned out 4 years ago, which caused him to leave. But he also left his family for 4 years? They all grew up in foster care, so their lives have not even been close too easy. And he just left without looking back? AND in “Ache” I remember him pining for Jordan. Even in this book, he thought Jordan would be the one for him if it wasn’t for Gael. So if Gael wasn’t in the picture Frankie would have been all over that. Anyway, I didn’t vibe with his character. He seemed selfish and he said a lot of things but I just couldn’t believe. Maybe if the book was longer, showing more of Frankie’s actions rather than his words, it would have been much better in my opinion.
It’s his turn to crowd me in now, arms on either side of me, head lowered, his warm breath hitting my ear. “You don’t want to hear about how leaving you turned my world upside down? How it nearly killed me?”
UGHHH *again* I wish so much this book was longer. I wanted to see more of Frankie’s struggles. He said all the right things but I wanted the damn evidence of his struggle LOL. I don’t dislike Frankie, I just don’t love him like I did with Arlo. I did like Frankie in “Ache” so I decided to pick this up. “Without You” by this author is one of my favorite books of all time, so I always have high hopes for Marley’s books. But I didn’t enjoy this one as much as I thought I would. There were some very sweet moments, and my heart hurt for both of them but I just wanted more. Not sure if I’ll read the rest of the books in this series once they come out 🤔
“Always have, always will.” 😭😭
His eyes fall shut and I watch and feel his whole body expand on an inhale.
“I don’t want good things,” he whispers into the space between us. “I’ve never wanted good things. I just want you.”
This book didn’t hit as hard in the angst and heartbreak as I wanted. I wish this book could have been longer so there was more time to delve into the characters (especially Frankie). This felt like a novella. Frankie and Arlo grew up in foster care and fell in love along the way. They did drugs together every once in a while but Arlo started doing them more and more without Frankie. To the point where drugs were ruling Arlo’s life. Frankie brought Arlo to a rehab centre and left the state. Leaving behind not just Arlo but his family as well. Now it’s 4 years later and Frankie is back because his brother is in the hospital.
I absolutely loved Arlo. Seeing how the last 4 years went for him and where he is now was amazing to see. With the heartbreak in the prologue is made me so happy to see his recovery journey. His love for Frankie clearly didn’t waver and it was just as strong as it was all those years ago. However, I couldn’t say the same for Frankie. I wanted more from him. Frankie was deeply hurt from how his and Arlo’s relationship turned out 4 years ago, which caused him to leave. But he also left his family for 4 years? They all grew up in foster care, so their lives have not even been close too easy. And he just left without looking back? AND in “Ache” I remember him pining for Jordan. Even in this book, he thought Jordan would be the one for him if it wasn’t for Gael. So if Gael wasn’t in the picture Frankie would have been all over that. Anyway, I didn’t vibe with his character. He seemed selfish and he said a lot of things but I just couldn’t believe. Maybe if the book was longer, showing more of Frankie’s actions rather than his words, it would have been much better in my opinion.
It’s his turn to crowd me in now, arms on either side of me, head lowered, his warm breath hitting my ear. “You don’t want to hear about how leaving you turned my world upside down? How it nearly killed me?”
UGHHH *again* I wish so much this book was longer. I wanted to see more of Frankie’s struggles. He said all the right things but I wanted the damn evidence of his struggle LOL. I don’t dislike Frankie, I just don’t love him like I did with Arlo. I did like Frankie in “Ache” so I decided to pick this up. “Without You” by this author is one of my favorite books of all time, so I always have high hopes for Marley’s books. But I didn’t enjoy this one as much as I thought I would. There were some very sweet moments, and my heart hurt for both of them but I just wanted more. Not sure if I’ll read the rest of the books in this series once they come out 🤔
“Always have, always will.” 😭😭
May 20, 2022
Marley Valentine knows how to break my heart and heal me. She brings the best of angst in her MM romance. Unwanted is no exception. I felt like I am getting stabbed repeatedly with the knives of heartbreaks but the pain was so worth it. Because at the end, this is a journey of hope and redemption. Inspiring. Captivating. Riveting. Frankie and Arlo has captured my heart with their gritty and heart- rending second chance romance.
Frankie had to leave his soulmate Arlo after forcing him to go to rehab when Arlo was destructing himself by addiction. Now he has to come back to his own town..his past because his brother Lennox is hurt and he needs Frankie. Even it means facing the man he never stopped loving. Facing his foster friends who are his family.
This is an interesting take on second chance romance. The prologue made me break down into tears. That scene gives us the glimpse of just how broken Frankie and Arlo were. And then we are starting few years later. Arlo is now a recovering addict and he has so much pent up aggression and anger and bitterness and heartbreak. Frankie was his everything and he feels betrayed. Frankie is a mess now too. He left because he had to do something to make Arlo fight for himself. It doesn't mean it didnt kill him slowly. There are just so much raw and gritty emotions in every page of this book. Arlo had a difficult journey to sobriety but this emotional mess is making him crazy all over again. Frankie doesn't know if he is making it worse and he definitely doesn't know how to ask for forgiveness for a sacrifice he did for Arlo. The angst here is unreal. The writing is out of this world. The author has a brilliant style that brings out all the extreme emotions in their vivid, glorious, impactful details. Their connection is so strong and intense and it will hit you right at your chest all the time. I loved this mix match family they have. Foster system brought them together but their friendship kept them strong and thriving. That was one beautiful heartaching dynamic. I feel this story is for everyone who wants hard and deep emotions with sizzling chemistry in their romance.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Frankie had to leave his soulmate Arlo after forcing him to go to rehab when Arlo was destructing himself by addiction. Now he has to come back to his own town..his past because his brother Lennox is hurt and he needs Frankie. Even it means facing the man he never stopped loving. Facing his foster friends who are his family.
This is an interesting take on second chance romance. The prologue made me break down into tears. That scene gives us the glimpse of just how broken Frankie and Arlo were. And then we are starting few years later. Arlo is now a recovering addict and he has so much pent up aggression and anger and bitterness and heartbreak. Frankie was his everything and he feels betrayed. Frankie is a mess now too. He left because he had to do something to make Arlo fight for himself. It doesn't mean it didnt kill him slowly. There are just so much raw and gritty emotions in every page of this book. Arlo had a difficult journey to sobriety but this emotional mess is making him crazy all over again. Frankie doesn't know if he is making it worse and he definitely doesn't know how to ask for forgiveness for a sacrifice he did for Arlo. The angst here is unreal. The writing is out of this world. The author has a brilliant style that brings out all the extreme emotions in their vivid, glorious, impactful details. Their connection is so strong and intense and it will hit you right at your chest all the time. I loved this mix match family they have. Foster system brought them together but their friendship kept them strong and thriving. That was one beautiful heartaching dynamic. I feel this story is for everyone who wants hard and deep emotions with sizzling chemistry in their romance.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
May 19, 2022
I received a free copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
I wasn't blinded as I marked off squares on the trauma bingo card: foster siblings, child abuse, abandonment, drug abuse, medical emergencies, deafness, recovery, & overdose. Some elements of the novel were flawlessly executed while others fell short. Many of these threads were left dangling, the impact lessened, the emotions surface level.
I wanted to love the novel. There were portions that were vividly realistic, drawing all the torturous emotions felt by someone in recovery, as well as the loved ones they left decimated around them. However, this was all overshadowed by a major issue that incited me every time Arlo was up to bat as narrator, or during every interaction between Frankie and Arlo. I fear I will be in the minority, seeing this in a different light as someone who has been there versus the romanticized view of those wishing to soothe injured feelings, completely dismissing Frankie's feelings, since Arlo's louder feelings were voiced on every page. Overshadowing.
My issue is expanded at the end of this review, available to read by clicking the view spoiler button. If you're curious, have a read. I wrote this in the heat of the moment as I was reading, but I still feel the same after sleeping on it.
Five foster siblings, two of which are biological brothers, the eldest & the youngest of the group respectively. Two past lovers.
Angst city.
4 years in the past, Frankie left Arlo at rehab & never looked back. What some believe to be selfish was self-preservation mixed in with knowing if he stayed, Arlo would never heal himself. Not that Frankie ever voiced his reasoning. Frankie needed to better his life as he needed to live, work, and function to help support his siblings, as well as mentally and emotionally heal. But that's just my take, since Frankie was mum even in his own thoughts.
When Frankie's baby brother is injured, he must return to his roots, while facing those he left in the past... Arlo.
Arlo is in recovery, working in a gym that focuses on helping those maintain sobriety. He's taking it one day at a time, his sobriety is his priority, while also feeling abandoned by Frankie. I respected Arlo's strength, tenacity, & drive, while equally frustrated by his self-deluded anger toward Frankie.
Many will side with Arlo on Frankie leaving him behind, as he actually voiced his issues during his POV, but it doesn't make it any less selfish of a mindset. Arlo didn't have a self-aware bone in his body. It isn't until the end of the novel that Arlo gets a clue- a little too late to erase my frustration, nor was it written in a way to show any character growth. Frankie enabled Arlo to continue to not be self-aware by dismissing his need to make amends.
The past and present come face-to-face in what promised to be an angst journey.
The author excelled at most facets of the recovery process, especially maintaining boundaries, avoiding triggers, & protecting sobriety at all costs. I applaud the injection of realism, with true-to-life emotions. The prologue could have been ripped from my own memories, it was so lifelike.
The rest fell flat for me. I mentioned the trauma bingo card, which was overshadowed by a rushed pacing, not enough pages to support the character development, miscommunication used as an angsty, dramatic plot device (no communication is more accurate), and insta-love since the reader wasn't privy to the past. With so much going on, it also felt as if nothing was actually progressing forward- the author just wrote it away without actually working the steps.
Even with the first-person narrative, being deep inside Frankie & Arlo's minds, they thought "around" things to draw out the angst, but it came off as manipulative on the author's behalf. I never truly got to understand either MC, and I was INSIDE their heads.
Unreliable Narrator Syndrome.
The romance was stalled due to a refusal to communicate. Few early scenes are shared by both MCs, but what scenes were shared, all the way to the ending, featured a bunch of mental and verbal gymnastics, where they thought and talked around important relationship roadblocks but never truly hashed it out.
Out of nowhere, from one day to the next, nothing resolved, they were together.
While sobriety was executed flawlessly, the romance was rushed with little connection, with the relationship dynamics between all the characters just surface level emotions. The difference was jarring.
Readers close to the situation may feel as I do (see below) while romance readers may fawn all over Frankie & Arlo due to their past. I just felt the connection and romance was shallow in juxtaposition to the depth of Arlo's recovery journey, minus the purposeful non-communication (see below)
I wasn't blinded as I marked off squares on the trauma bingo card: foster siblings, child abuse, abandonment, drug abuse, medical emergencies, deafness, recovery, & overdose. Some elements of the novel were flawlessly executed while others fell short. Many of these threads were left dangling, the impact lessened, the emotions surface level.
I wanted to love the novel. There were portions that were vividly realistic, drawing all the torturous emotions felt by someone in recovery, as well as the loved ones they left decimated around them. However, this was all overshadowed by a major issue that incited me every time Arlo was up to bat as narrator, or during every interaction between Frankie and Arlo. I fear I will be in the minority, seeing this in a different light as someone who has been there versus the romanticized view of those wishing to soothe injured feelings, completely dismissing Frankie's feelings, since Arlo's louder feelings were voiced on every page. Overshadowing.
My issue is expanded at the end of this review, available to read by clicking the view spoiler button. If you're curious, have a read. I wrote this in the heat of the moment as I was reading, but I still feel the same after sleeping on it.
Five foster siblings, two of which are biological brothers, the eldest & the youngest of the group respectively. Two past lovers.
Angst city.
4 years in the past, Frankie left Arlo at rehab & never looked back. What some believe to be selfish was self-preservation mixed in with knowing if he stayed, Arlo would never heal himself. Not that Frankie ever voiced his reasoning. Frankie needed to better his life as he needed to live, work, and function to help support his siblings, as well as mentally and emotionally heal. But that's just my take, since Frankie was mum even in his own thoughts.
When Frankie's baby brother is injured, he must return to his roots, while facing those he left in the past... Arlo.
Arlo is in recovery, working in a gym that focuses on helping those maintain sobriety. He's taking it one day at a time, his sobriety is his priority, while also feeling abandoned by Frankie. I respected Arlo's strength, tenacity, & drive, while equally frustrated by his self-deluded anger toward Frankie.
Many will side with Arlo on Frankie leaving him behind, as he actually voiced his issues during his POV, but it doesn't make it any less selfish of a mindset. Arlo didn't have a self-aware bone in his body. It isn't until the end of the novel that Arlo gets a clue- a little too late to erase my frustration, nor was it written in a way to show any character growth. Frankie enabled Arlo to continue to not be self-aware by dismissing his need to make amends.
The past and present come face-to-face in what promised to be an angst journey.
The author excelled at most facets of the recovery process, especially maintaining boundaries, avoiding triggers, & protecting sobriety at all costs. I applaud the injection of realism, with true-to-life emotions. The prologue could have been ripped from my own memories, it was so lifelike.
The rest fell flat for me. I mentioned the trauma bingo card, which was overshadowed by a rushed pacing, not enough pages to support the character development, miscommunication used as an angsty, dramatic plot device (no communication is more accurate), and insta-love since the reader wasn't privy to the past. With so much going on, it also felt as if nothing was actually progressing forward- the author just wrote it away without actually working the steps.
Even with the first-person narrative, being deep inside Frankie & Arlo's minds, they thought "around" things to draw out the angst, but it came off as manipulative on the author's behalf. I never truly got to understand either MC, and I was INSIDE their heads.
Unreliable Narrator Syndrome.
The romance was stalled due to a refusal to communicate. Few early scenes are shared by both MCs, but what scenes were shared, all the way to the ending, featured a bunch of mental and verbal gymnastics, where they thought and talked around important relationship roadblocks but never truly hashed it out.
Out of nowhere, from one day to the next, nothing resolved, they were together.
While sobriety was executed flawlessly, the romance was rushed with little connection, with the relationship dynamics between all the characters just surface level emotions. The difference was jarring.
Readers close to the situation may feel as I do (see below) while romance readers may fawn all over Frankie & Arlo due to their past. I just felt the connection and romance was shallow in juxtaposition to the depth of Arlo's recovery journey, minus the purposeful non-communication (see below)
Read
June 13, 2022DNF @ 33%
I'm a mood reader. There was nothing wrong with the book but it just wasn't what I wanted. So I'm DNFing for now, but you can bet I'll likely be back. <3
I'm a mood reader. There was nothing wrong with the book but it just wasn't what I wanted. So I'm DNFing for now, but you can bet I'll likely be back. <3
May 20, 2022
Emotionally charged and beautifully heart-wrenching, the author will take you on a journey of forgiveness and second chances. A MM romance with raw and real emotion that will tug at your heartstrings from beginning to end.
I loved every character, every heartbreaking revelation, every single word that brought us to their HEA.
Frankie needed to start over. Leaving him behind was the hardest thing he had ever done. Now a tragedy forces him to face his past. He never thought he would go back, but now that he's back he may never want to leave.
Arlo hit rock bottom. He has spent the past four years re-building his life. When Frankie left, his heart was broken. Now he's back and they both need to face their past.
This one is going to tear you down and twist you up. It's not an easy read, but you won't want to put it down. I devoured this book because even when it was wrecking me, I wanted to be on this journey with them. I wanted to share in their pain and their triumphs.
The author never pulls any punches while she rips your heart out and I love her for that. Her writing is beautiful and her characters are unforgettable. Her stories always leave their mark, which is why I continue to come back for me. A five star read!
I loved every character, every heartbreaking revelation, every single word that brought us to their HEA.
Frankie needed to start over. Leaving him behind was the hardest thing he had ever done. Now a tragedy forces him to face his past. He never thought he would go back, but now that he's back he may never want to leave.
Arlo hit rock bottom. He has spent the past four years re-building his life. When Frankie left, his heart was broken. Now he's back and they both need to face their past.
This one is going to tear you down and twist you up. It's not an easy read, but you won't want to put it down. I devoured this book because even when it was wrecking me, I wanted to be on this journey with them. I wanted to share in their pain and their triumphs.
The author never pulls any punches while she rips your heart out and I love her for that. Her writing is beautiful and her characters are unforgettable. Her stories always leave their mark, which is why I continue to come back for me. A five star read!
May 30, 2022
It's just ok. I didn't get the heavy angst I was looking forward to with this story. Nice story, nice characters. That's about it.
May 23, 2022
I speedrun this heart wrenching mf. Like godspeed, I couldn’t put it down. Marley never disappoints me, honestly it was not surprise.
This book made me feel pain, giddy and sad all the way through. I have never felt so lonely reading a book. Every other line is just another beautiful torture that made me die a little. This is my new Without You
Arlo’s recovering addict story was written glimpse by glimpse. I thought it wasn’t enough, but the pace was just perfect until the end. I feel it was so beautiful to read and learn Arlo’s pain through his story. I love it. Flawed characters are my favourite and so is Arlo. I am so proud of him!! And I love how realistic his story was.
Frankie is just another MC, but he stole my heart just by loving Arlo has me shooked. I didn’t expect to love him as much as I did now. His pain is something, but his love for Arlo? That’s everything. He never doubted Arlo despite his addiction. Despite how broken Arlo was, he loved all of him. And never felt pity for him too. That shows how genuine his love for Arlo. Can I have love like that? 😭 Also, his confession in the elevator had me screaming and throwing up all over. I LOVE HIM. Frankie stole my heart. That easy.
The way they established their love was easy, but there was still tension and a little pull and push between them which made it perfect. It all makes sense because of their history and I love every second of it. Even with all of the pain and giddyness, this was super low angst, love that too! Love everything about this book. The side characters were amazing! I get to see Jordan and Gael again in this one and the new side characters are loveable! I can’t wait for Rhys story. He deserves so much love <3
By 90%, I was in tears. The truth unfolds and my heart ripped out of my body and I just had to throw those 5 stars for both of them.
cute details:
🫶🏻 Frankie’s elevator confession DESTORYED ME
🫶🏻 “Hey. I’m proud of you.” 😭❤️
🫶🏻 Arlo fed him food once GOSH THAT WAS ADORABLE
🫶🏻 Rhys last line in the epilogue
THE FREAKING EPILOGUE 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭GOSHHHHH I NEED RHYS BOOK RIGHT ABOUT NOW PLEASE!!!
This book made me feel pain, giddy and sad all the way through. I have never felt so lonely reading a book. Every other line is just another beautiful torture that made me die a little. This is my new Without You
”I don’t care about anybody else’s space. I just want you in mine.”
Arlo’s recovering addict story was written glimpse by glimpse. I thought it wasn’t enough, but the pace was just perfect until the end. I feel it was so beautiful to read and learn Arlo’s pain through his story. I love it. Flawed characters are my favourite and so is Arlo. I am so proud of him!! And I love how realistic his story was.
I wanted to promise him that I would never relapse. I wanted to promise him that there was a cure for addiction. I wanted to promise him the whole fucking world. But we both knew not to make promises we couldn’t keep.
”I don’t think I wanted to die,” I confess. “But I know I didn’t really care about living either.”
Frankie is just another MC, but he stole my heart just by loving Arlo has me shooked. I didn’t expect to love him as much as I did now. His pain is something, but his love for Arlo? That’s everything. He never doubted Arlo despite his addiction. Despite how broken Arlo was, he loved all of him. And never felt pity for him too. That shows how genuine his love for Arlo. Can I have love like that? 😭 Also, his confession in the elevator had me screaming and throwing up all over. I LOVE HIM. Frankie stole my heart. That easy.
I’d settle for the smallest morsel of him; his kiss, his touch, his love. I’d take some of it or all of it, I didn’t care as long as I could be this close to him, always.
Because there is no world I want to live in which I have to exist without you.
The way they established their love was easy, but there was still tension and a little pull and push between them which made it perfect. It all makes sense because of their history and I love every second of it. Even with all of the pain and giddyness, this was super low angst, love that too! Love everything about this book. The side characters were amazing! I get to see Jordan and Gael again in this one and the new side characters are loveable! I can’t wait for Rhys story. He deserves so much love <3
By 90%, I was in tears. The truth unfolds and my heart ripped out of my body and I just had to throw those 5 stars for both of them.
cute details:
🫶🏻 Frankie’s elevator confession DESTORYED ME
🫶🏻 “Hey. I’m proud of you.” 😭❤️
🫶🏻 Arlo fed him food once GOSH THAT WAS ADORABLE
🫶🏻 Rhys last line in the epilogue
THE FREAKING EPILOGUE 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭GOSHHHHH I NEED RHYS BOOK RIGHT ABOUT NOW PLEASE!!!
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