Take a photo of a barcode or cover
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Oh my goodness!! I loved this. Very slow burn, but worth it. Such good build up and great rapport between Leighton and Beckett. It gave me all the fun Renegade vibes. It had lots of fun connections to past characters, while making me fall for new characters at the same time. And that ending!!?? I kept trying to turn to the next page! But I guess I'll just be waiting for the next book. It can't come soon enough!
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
I'm feeling conflicted because this first part seemed to me like a one, big, long therapy session of Leighton's with Beckett being his therapist, and not like a story. I don't really know what else to say about it.
Every incident in the story served to move the story forward one way or the other, bringing the 2 MCs in each other's orbit even when Beckett tries to keep a distance. Beckett and Leighton's interactions lacked sparks, because they mostly served as a psychoanalization of Leighton's character, but when they got together, I admit, it was super HAWT.
And we were left in a cliffhangery way with Leighton mid panic attack about Ryan being there and Beckett's imminent arrival.
Despite it all, my interest is sparked and I can't wait for the second part.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Every incident in the story served to move the story forward one way or the other, bringing the 2 MCs in each other's orbit even when Beckett tries to keep a distance. Beckett and Leighton's interactions lacked sparks, because they mostly served as a psychoanalization of Leighton's character, but when they got together, I admit, it was super HAWT.
And we were left in a cliffhangery way with Leighton mid panic attack about Ryan being there and Beckett's imminent arrival.
Despite it all, my interest is sparked and I can't wait for the second part.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
**I am a member of Cara Dee's ARC team and received an electronic ARC via BookSprout.**
Cara Dee returns to The Hillcroft Group with book 2, Unmade. Readers follow Leighton Watts as he struggles with finding a place to belong. After the death of his mother from cancer, he pursues the information he has on his deceased father to the Hillcroft Group where he first meets Bo Beckett. Leighton enlists in the army only to be back at Hillcroft as a recruit several years later, with Beckett assigned as his mentor. Despite the information he's gained, Leighton has never reached out to his father's family, certain they don't know he exists and unsure if that should change. When Beckett realizes two of Leighton's uncles are Hillcroft employees, the pressure is that much higher for Leighton. And what's worse, Beckett's hot.
This author has never been one to shy away from the hard topics, and Leighton certainly has a lot going on. There is a heavy focus on seeking help from friends, family, and therapy. Especially with the line of work that Hillcroft employees are in, Beckett makes no secret of the fact that addressing mental health concerns is a requirement. This is a welcome change from a lot of paramilitary or military stories, where "strength" is frequently shown by sucking it up.
Leighton and Bo are a pair I'm eager to continue to follow into their second book (book 3 in the series). It is my understanding that their story was originally meant to be one book that got split due to length. While I am thrilled to get more of these two, the cut off point is absolutely diabolical for this one.
As always, Cara Dee's books feature lots of crossover with her other stories, and the cameos/easter eggs are so much fun.
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to read Unmade early and eagerly await the sequel.
Cara Dee returns to The Hillcroft Group with book 2, Unmade. Readers follow Leighton Watts as he struggles with finding a place to belong. After the death of his mother from cancer, he pursues the information he has on his deceased father to the Hillcroft Group where he first meets Bo Beckett. Leighton enlists in the army only to be back at Hillcroft as a recruit several years later, with Beckett assigned as his mentor. Despite the information he's gained, Leighton has never reached out to his father's family, certain they don't know he exists and unsure if that should change. When Beckett realizes two of Leighton's uncles are Hillcroft employees, the pressure is that much higher for Leighton. And what's worse, Beckett's hot.
This author has never been one to shy away from the hard topics, and Leighton certainly has a lot going on. There is a heavy focus on seeking help from friends, family, and therapy. Especially with the line of work that Hillcroft employees are in, Beckett makes no secret of the fact that addressing mental health concerns is a requirement. This is a welcome change from a lot of paramilitary or military stories, where "strength" is frequently shown by sucking it up.
Leighton and Bo are a pair I'm eager to continue to follow into their second book (book 3 in the series). It is my understanding that their story was originally meant to be one book that got split due to length. While I am thrilled to get more of these two, the cut off point is absolutely diabolical for this one.
As always, Cara Dee's books feature lots of crossover with her other stories, and the cameos/easter eggs are so much fun.
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to read Unmade early and eagerly await the sequel.