Unloved, a love story
<— When I think of this story, I think sweet and so incredibly cozy, despite a few of the incredibly disturbing scenes that lead into this heartwarming story. This author (and this story) is much loved and came highly recommended by quite a few of my fellow readers:
Nancy: Nancy:Β Finished an ARC of Unloved byΒ Katy Regnery. Best book she has ever written & at the top of my list of Best Reads of 2017!! Just WOW!!Β Oh ! Maryse you are going to love it! Best bookΒ Katy RegneryΒ has ever written and I have read many !
Kooloo:Β LOVED the βUNLOVEDβ yup yup Only 11% in and I was bawling (βyour skin and bones, Brynnβ¦ Itβs the dead-fiancΓ© diet) β OUCH my heart hurt but then I was like where bleeep @#*% did this just go and then I was like ok I kinda like it here and itβs safe cause I KNOW where this is goingβ¦ it even had me laughing out loudΒ
Β (sperm as βTributeβ -Bahahah) BUT then it was like β HUH. No I didnβt!!! I lurv it when a book surprises me like that!Β I strong 41/2 stars fo surrrrr
Grey:Β I read Unloved by Katy Regnery as an ARC and although I hadnβt read any of her work before, this was a really good bookβ¦ 4.5 stars for me.
Jean:Β I just had to breakdown and buy it today (even with all the others I already have and ARCs waiting)β¦. Sounds like my perfect book!
Maryse: Jean I will be reading that one this weekend. I want to SO badly!!!
Jean: Yes Maryse! Him being off the grid and reclusiveβ¦..he needs saving by me for sure! LOL!
Grey: Jeanβ¦and Maryse, youβre gonna love it!
Leslie M: Maryse & Jean, Unloved looks soooooo good! Canβt wait to hear what you guys think!!!
Jean:Β Maryse, I canβt wait for you to start Unloved!! SO AWESOME!!!!!
I’m really drawn to a story where two people are holed up away from the world (and for the most part, end up becoming the only two characters in the world for us – the readers). Living away from society, demands, future expectations and daily stresses. There’s something so satisfying and comforting in escaping into a self-sustained bubble (one that just has to be, due to circumstance). And while in real life, this, for the most part, is an impossible dream π but pretending and “becoming” these characters, even for just a short time, is a true relief.
So I was quick to jump in! I had a craving for just this kind of thing. A sweet connection, potentially void of game playing, and social expectations. An organic connection taking place in an intimate, yet safe setting.
And in this case, it was that but also fraught with uncertainty and a determined end, as her hero just might become an anti-hero soon enough.
So what’s it about?
Cassidy was raised by his mom and his grandfather (her father) “off the grid” in a remote cabin at a significant distance from society, cities etc. Why? Because Cassidy’s father was sent to prison after uncovering his serial killer side, and his wife and child were essentially “ousted” from society. Worried that Cassidy would eventually succumb to his father’s evil nature, they all felt it best for him to be isolated.
βDoes she think Iβm a bad seed?β
He winces, looking away from me. βShe worries βbout you.β
βDo you think Iβm a bad seed, Gramp?β I want him to say no quickly, but he doesnβt, and a chill races through my body, pinging off my bones and making me cold. He searches my face for a long while before saying, βYouβre Paulβs son, Cassidy.β
βBut Iβm me,β I insist, βnot him!β
βI ainβt know whatβs inside of you, Cass,β he says, reaching out to cup my cheek with his weathered palm. βIβve prayed to every god that ever was that whatever was inside Paul ainβt inside of you too, son. And youβre a good boy.
Suffering from losing the lives as they knew it, they depended on each other, and eventually got used to this new way of life (and new family). Being home schooled and relying on farming, solar panels, and water collection etc, Cassidy’s grandfather taught him everything he needed to know to never have to depend on society again to survive. All the while, his grandfather continued collecting (and saving) every bit of money that came his way.
This cabin, with its outbuildings, gardens, and meadow, is my home. Itβs far away from prying eyes full of hate and biting voices that call you names you inherited but never earned.
It is my sanctuary, and I love it here.
While Cassidy still had to venture into town on rare occasions for supplies, he kept to himself, for his security, and that of others. But it’s when he was feeling lonely one day, and decided to take a trek on a mountain frequented by tourists and hikers alike, did he come across the one woman that would make him truly realize his need for companionship.
I donβt really know her.
I donβt have any right to her.
I shouldnβt get attached to her.
In a handful of days she will be gone.
But right now, there is simply nowhere else on earth Iβd rather be.
And when he has to come to her rescue (such a savage scene!!!! I had a hard time reading this part), and bring her back to his home to help her heal, that we the reader, are indulged in this very quiet, sweet and serene read.
βSooner or later everyone was driven to love someone they could never have.β
I definitely recommend it to those looking for a quiet, soothing escape with a bit of mystery, secrets and misunderstandings, apprehension and a bit of tension, and an interesting twist or two.
For me, this is one of those that you just have to “go with it” and suspend a certain level of disbelief, as the coincidences and all around “situations” (conversations, etc) are a bit far-fetched. Yet, while it was a bit slow going (and at times, repetitive), the sense of innocence and the sweet, trusting connection between the two main characters kept me reading, and smiling.
Something nice for a cozy day.
Great review! I just couldn’t “suspend my thoughts and beliefs” with this one.
Thank you, Ela. Me too, in fact.
It was sweet, though.
It was sweet BUT that twist was just NOT, I felt cheated…
OMG just read my review up there….
I sound cray cray lol