Review: Move over Emerson Ray!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 1, 2013
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*'Hotdamn', Emerson who? and 'Holy Bridle Lead Batman' sum up Unafraid by Melody Grace for me.I loved Melody's previous two books so I knew it was going to take something pretty special for me to love someone as much as I loved Emerson Ray from Untouched and Unbroken. So imagine my surprise and delight when Hunter Covington blew Emerson out of the water! I loved Brit and Hunter's story. It began three years ago with only one night between them but little did they know then, that one night would keep them going and make them strive for a better future and to feel worthy of each other.So Hunter Covington strolls back into Beachwood Bay with only one intent; finding Brittany Ray and making her his own. Of course Brit is horrified at his return as she only knows the Hunter from three years ago and she feels their differences are too big for them to be together. "Whatever the reason he's back in town, he's still the boy who'll inherit the whole world, and I'm still the girl with nothing. Some things never change."But that doesn't deter Hunter in the slightest. "I smile, feeling like myself again for the first time in damn too long. Yeah, I'm going to do it right this time. I'm going to make her mine." I think this is why I fell head over heels for Hunter. He knew what he wanted. He arrived in Beachwood Bay focused and determined to get the girl and boy was he not taking no for an answer. Hunter wasn't a cocky Alpha male, he drew strength from Brittany and focused on what he knew they could achieve together. He was just dreamy *sigh*.Brit had a lot of growing to do in this story and it was great to witness it. She was so full of self doubt and self loathing because that was all she had ever known. Brit carried around the burden of feeling worthless. When both parents left her at a young age, Brit had no choice but to question why they did that and ultimately in absence of the answer she blamed herself. It took a lot of effort and a few mistakes but Hunter was determined and he soon proved to Brit that it was never her fault and she truly was someone worth cherishing. There was a pivotal moment for Brit, when she realised she could either carry the blame for her family with her forever or she could shed the weight and be free. This was a lovely scene and yes I did she one tear or ten but who's counting? ;) "I came here looking for answers...but it turns out I've had them inside me all along. I feel the weight slip from my shoulders, the deep, knotted tangle of my heart finally unbind.""I'm enough. I was good enough. I was always good enough. It's not my fault they couldn't stay."Hunter seemed like the White Knight strolling in to save the day, I worried that he might have been almost too perfect but then his dark secret came to light and reminded me that he was in fact just a mere mortal with a heart breaking past as well. Hunter bowed to his parents demands and hurt Brit in the process, but when it mattered most, love prevailed and Hunter took a stand to live the life he had chosen for himself. "From the moment I wake up in the morning to the second that sleep claims me at night, she's always there, in the back of my mind. Reminding me that good things exist in this world, reassuring me that I can feel some hope again."I loved the fact Hunter was determined to make Brit feel she was worthy of his love. He pulled out all the stops and arranged the most romantic dates. Although, he did have some help in the form of Garrett, Brit's boss/surrogate big brother. We got to know more about Garret this time around and I really liked him; "I'm not being a manwhore, and you're not being a destructive bitch... Look at us and our emotional maturity."I was also happy to see Emerson and Juliet make an appearance although I did feel guilty because Hunter has now taken Emerson's space in my heart! But shh don't tell Em that ;) But as always Emerson was there for Brit when she needed him: "That's life. That's love. You have to figure out what you want and then fight like hell. Because it's never easy, not when your heart's on the line."I say this about every book from Melody Grace, but it's true, the chemistry sizzles on each page. I always feel the connection between the characters and I believe their desperate need for each other. "You're going to feel me for days," he whispers, "I'm going to own you, every part of you. Even your heart." His lips curl up in a heartbreaking smile. "Especially your heart."This book was HAWWTT! Like seriously, the smexy scenes were electric and yes this is where the bridle lead comes in ;)  Lil' Brit is all grown up and Hunter Covington is now one of my favourite book boyfriends. I will not deny it was the thought of him all hot and sweaty working in the stables that done it for me. I think if he appeared in a cowboy hat that would have finished me off completely. There may have been a touch of instalove or a whirlwind relationship but do you know what? I loved Brit and Hunter so much that I didn't care. I was all in and more than happy to sit back and enjoy the ride!Melody Grace's writing is so easy to get swept up in. I finished the book within hours an yes I may have wished for an epilogue but I doubt this is the last we will hear from Brit and Hunter as we do have a novella from the Beachwood Bay gang to look forward to this Christmas, and although I will be sad to see this series end at some point (I really would like Garrett and also Ray Jay's story) I am also looking forward to reading something different from Melody Grace as I believe she could work her magic with any set of characters.Do not hesitate, do not pass go and do not collect your $200. Just 1-Click Unafraid now! ~Ava