Book Review – Unloved by Katy Regnery

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: Finished an ARC of Unloved by Katy Regnery. Best book she has ever written & at the top of my list of Best Reads of 2017!! Just WOW!! Oh ! Maryse you are going to love it! Best book Katy Regnery has ever written and I have read many !

Kooloo: LOVED the “UNLOVED” yup yup Only 11% in and I was bawling (“your skin and bones, Brynn… It’s the dead-fiancé diet) – 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 it’s safe cause I KNOW where this is going… it even had me laughing out loud  (sperm as “Tribute” -Bahahah) BUT then it was like – HUH. No I didn’t!!! I lurv it when a book surprises me like that! I strong 41/2 stars fo surrrrr

Grey: I read Unloved by Katy Regnery as an ARC and although I hadn’t read any of her work before, this was a really good book… 4.5 stars for me.

Jean: I just had to breakdown and buy it today (even with all the others I already have and ARCs waiting)…. 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 reclusive…..he needs saving by me for sure! LOL!

Grey: Jean…and Maryse, you’re gonna love it!

Leslie M: Maryse & Jean, Unloved looks soooooo good! Can’t wait to hear what you guys think!!!

Jean: Maryse, I can’t 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 😉 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.

“Does she think I’m a bad seed?”
He winces, looking away from me. “She worries ’bout you.”
“Do you think I’m a bad seed, Gramp?” I want him to say no quickly, but he doesn’t, 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, “You’re Paul’s son, Cassidy.”
“But I’m me,” I insist, “not him!”
“I ain’t know what’s inside of you, Cass,” he says, reaching out to cup my cheek with his weathered palm. “I’ve prayed to every god that ever was that whatever was inside Paul ain’t inside of you too, son. And you’re 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. It’s 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 don’t really know her.
I don’t have any right to her.
I shouldn’t get attached to her.
In a handful of days she will be gone.
But right now, there is simply nowhere else on earth I’d 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.

“Sooner or later everyone was driven to love someone they could never have.”

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.

3.75 stars