The first time I saw her, I knew this girl was wilder than any stallion I’d ever trained. She was headstrong, wounded, passionate and free. And I had to have her…”
Brittany Ray doesn’t care about her bad reputation. Growing up in a sleepy beach town with a junkie mom and a runaway dad, Brit’s learned the hard way that the people you love will only let you down. It’s no use hoping for love or happiness. Some dreams aren’t meant for girls like her.
Hunter Covington is one of those dreams.
Gorgeous, charming Hunter is damn near perfect—and it’s killing him. Son of Charleston royalty, he’s been trapped in a gilded cage since the day he was born. Now he’s breaking free. He’s quit law school to restore his grandpa’s old horse ranch, trying to soothe the demons in his soul. But Beachwood Bay is full of old ghosts, like the mysterious girl who spent an unforgettable night with him—and then slipped away before dawn. Brit.
Everything about her screams danger, but Hunter doesn’t care: he’s never felt a connection so deep. And try as she may, Brit can’t resist the desire consuming her —or the safety she finds in Hunter’s arms.
A reckless passion. An undeniable bond. Scarred by their pasts, Brit and Hunter fight to heal old wounds. But will dark secrets tear apart their new beginning? And when love is the biggest risk of all, can they find the courage to face the future unafraid?
Catch up with the other books in the Beachwood Bay Series
I can’t help but bounce a little bit as I drive past the sign I know too well, but am just now seeing for the first time. Welcome to Beachwood Bay. SQUEE!!!! I’m here!!! *breathe in, breathe out* Oh…and don’t wreck the rental. Where am I headed? Jimmy’s. SQUEE!!!! Again. Yes…I will be squee’ing a lot. You’ve been warned.
I park and walk up to the bar, stealing my nerves as I open the doors and take in my surroundings. It’s late afternoon, so the place is practically empty. Save for two gorgeous creatures standing over the side towards the back. Their heads jerk up at the sound of the door, bright smiling faces greeting me as I walk over. I’m so focused on not tripping over my feet, I don’t even know if I’m smiling, frowning or drooling. Probably a combo of all three.
Hunter reaches out and squeezes my hand. Mmmm…nice hands. Brit does the same and I have to refrain from wanting to hug her. The girl clearly didn’t get enough hugs growing up and…I’m a hugger. But I hold back. We sit down at the booth, making small talk before I dive in. It helps relax me just a little, enough to where at least I know now I am smiling.
Lisa: “Well, I want to thank you both again for doing this. And thank you for the excuse to come to Beachwood Bay.”
Brit: “You’re always welcome! It’s no trouble really.”
Lisa: “Alright, well Hunter, you’re up first.”
Hunter: “I’m ready.”
His smile is genuine. Uh oh…he’s never experienced one of my interviews before. I hope he still smiles at me afterwards.
Lisa: “Okay, honesty time…what brought you back to Beachwood Bay more – the ranch or Brit?”
Hunter: “Both of them were bound up together in my memories of that town: a place and time I felt like myself. I really needed to get back to that, but yes, Brit was a big part of the decision.”
Lisa: “Good answer! What do you think Jace would have to say about Brit?”
A sad smile curves the corners of his lips and Brit reaches her hand over and squeezes his. Awww…
Hunter: “He’d tell me to stop messing around and make my move! He always liked her, he was the one urging me to go do something that last summer in town.”
Lisa: “Smart guy. 🙂 What’s your favorite part about working with horses? And how is the ranch?”
His eyes light up with excitement, well at least I’ve cheered him up some with this question!
Hunter: “The ranch is doing great, it’s early days, but I’ve found a great team and we’re getting things back on track. I love the horses because it’s simple with them: no games, no bullshit. They’re amazing animals.
Lisa: “It’s awesome that you’re putting your heart into something you love. How does it feel to be free of all the guilt you’ve been harboring for the past 3 years? Have you really forgiven yourself and let go of the past?”
Hunter turns to Brit and gives her a loving look. He may be talking to me but all of his focus is on the girl sitting next to him.
Hunter: “It’ll take some time for me to really feel free, but Brit has shown me that I don’t need to carry this alone, and having her be there for me makes all the different in the world.”
Swoon
Lisa: “I can’t lie…going after Brit took a lot of guts, it was a huge risk, she could have told you to go to hell – were you nervous? What made you take the leap of faith? And did you have a back up plan in case things didn’t go your way?”
Hunter: “No back-up plan! I pretty much followed my gut and went in blind. I figured I’d know right away if there was something still between us, if she still had feelings for me. If she didn’t, I would have respected that, but I could tell, that fire was still there.”
I glance at Brit and she is trying desperately to hide her smile. Hunter leans over and gives her a kiss. Swoon…again.
Lisa: “I like that attitude! Go big or go home – and you were right! Okay Brit, your turn. Ready?”
Brit: “Sure.”
Lisa: “If you could ask your dad three questions, what would you ask him?”
Brit: “I’ve spent my life thinking like that, what I would say if I could just see him again. But I’m beginning to realize, there’s nothing he could say to me that would make leaving OK. Thinking like that only gives him more power, and I need to take that back for myself.”
Hunter’s arm wraps around Brit’s shoulder and he kisses her temple. Damn. Brit just knocked me on my ass.
Lisa: “Wow. Great answer. Just of curiosity…why do you dye your hair different colors?”
Brit: “I don’t know…”
Brit says shrugging her shoulders.
Brit: “I guess I always feel the urge to be someone else, see myself differently. I think a color will make the difference, but then it never does.”
I feel like I’ve just told her that I killed her dog. Come on Lisa…you can do better than this!
Lisa: “How are things going with your clothing designs? “
Her mood immediately picks up, thank god! I thought I totally tanked this interview. Me and my big mouth.
Brit: “Really great! I have a few private clients now, and I’m looking into taking some technical classes to improve my skills. I’m thinking maybe even launching an online store to sell some of my designs.”
Her smile is absolutely radiant. You can tell she is talking about something she is very passionate about and it shows.
Lisa: “That’s awesome! Alright…here’s another hard question, if you could go back and re-do the first night you spent with Hunter, would you still leave?”
Brit: “Yes, I wouldn’t change a thing. It may sound strange, but neither of us was ready for our relationship back then. Hunter was going off to college, and I was just a kid. We both needed to figure out our lives before we could be together.”
Lisa: “Fair point. Do you regret going after Hunter…even though it worked out in the end?”
Brit: “I’ll never regret anything about him.”
Oh wow… Swoon. Gah, love these two. They’re looking into each other’s eyes and it’s so freakin romantic. Can I just sit here and look at them? Prolly not, right? That’s kinda creepy. Oh well…
Lisa: “Okay, now it’s time for both of you!”
They reluctantly pull their eyes away from me and smile.
Lisa: “What are your five favorite characteristics about the other – physical and/or non physical” 😉
Hunter’s eyes are back on Brit.
Hunter: “Her lips, her rebellious streak, her sarcasm, her bravery, her body.”
Brit’s eyes are glued to Hunter.
Brit: “His kindness, his eyes, his playfulness, his chivalry, his butt!”
Lisa: “Nice!”
Brit looks my way and giggles. I high five her…I can’t help it, I agree!
Lisa: “You both have one thing in common – amazing big brothers. Can you imagine your lives without them in it and what’s your favorite memory with Jace and Em?”
Hunter: “I can’t imagine my life without him, I feel like he’s always there for me. I love remembering the times we would just hang out, doing nothing at all.”
Brit: “Emerson is the best. When I was a kid he would always make sure I had lunch packed for school, even if he had to make me PB&J himself.”
Lisa: “Can I get the scoop on any wedding plans?” 😉
Brit: “I’m making the dress! It’ll be in Beachwood here at Christmas, a small event with just friends. I’m sure there’ll be some drama…” 😉
Lisa: “Alright, little re-do time…you get to re-do one moment in your relationship (the end result is the same) – what would you do differently?”
Brit: “I’d trust him earlier, believe that this was real.”
Lisa: “Hmm…you surprised me. I like.”
Hunter: “I wouldn’t push her away when I thought I was doing the right thing.”
Lisa: “Oooh…another surprise. Where do you see yourselves in 5 years?”
Hunter: “With her.”
Brit: “With him.”
Excuse me…I must swoon again.
Lisa: “Now we get to the fun part. Rapid Fire! Easy game of either/or…Hard or Soft?”
Both: “Hard.”
Lisa: “Chocolate or Vanilla?
Both: “Chocolate.”
Hmm…I will get them to stop picking the same thing.
Lisa: “Fast or Slow?”
Brit: “Fast.”
Brit gives Hunter a sexy smirk.
Hunter: “I’m a fan of taking things slow…” 😉
Well damn it if that boy didn’t just wink at her and give her an equally sexy smirk back.
Lisa: “Books or movie’s?”
Both: “Movies.”
Lisa: “On a Hay Bale or In a Bed?” 😉
Hunter’s smile widens as he opens his mouth, Brit slaps her hand over his lips before he can utter a syllable.
Brit: “Both!”
She and I are giggling as Hunter attempts to pout. It’s cute.
Lisa: “Hot or Cold?”
Hunter is still pouting, so Brit continues.
Brit: “Hot.”
Lisa: “Go out or stay in?”
Brit: “Stay in.”
Lisa: “City or country?”
Brit quirks a brow in Hunter’s direction. His eyes dart to her, he tries to stops his lips from quirking into a smile. He doesn’t succeed. 🙂
Hunter: “Both.”
Lisa: “Alright, last part – word association. Just tell me the first thing that comes to mind – Beachwood Bay?
Hunter: “Home.”
Lisa: “Big Brothers?”
Brit: “The Best.”
Lisa: “Ferris Wheel?”
Brit: “Too public.”
Since I have Brit’s attention, I ask her,
Lisa: “Hunter?”
Brit: “Everything.”
I turn to Hunter and catch his eye,
Lisa: “Brit?”
Hunter: “Truth.”
Ohhh…he’s good.
Lisa: “Love?”
Hunter: “Always.”
Brit snuggles into Hunter’s side, head tilting up to him as their lips meet in a kiss. Swoon for the millionth time.
Lisa: “Wow…that was awesome guys. Thank you so much for your honesty.”
Hunter: “Anytime.”
Brit: “Yeah, it was great. Thanks for having us!”
We stay and chat for a little while longer. I get more Jace and Em stories which make me smile. I’m also able to pry a few details out of Brit on Jules and Em *sigh* Love them. It’s not until the bar starts to get crowded that we realize how much time has past. We all stand, saying our goodbyes. I get hugs from both – yay! They don’t hate me! As I drive out of Beachwood Bay and head back home, my resolve is clear. Definitely need to find a way to move there. 🙂
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
*ARC Given to Blog for Honest Review*
4 “Meet me in outer space…” Kisses
*Sigh* That’s about all I can do right now. I am in love with this series…in love with these characters…and possibly planning my move to Beachwood Bay. I cannot explain the hypnotic hold this series has over me, but I’m 100% A-Okay with it. It’s that just right blend of relatable heroine, with a drool worthy book boyfriend, the perfect amount of angst and grit and to top is off a good amount of steamy sexiness. What more could you ask for? I was over the moon for Unbroken when I read it 5 months ago and I can definitely say Unafraid was another amazing addition to this series.
Brittany Ray…poor poor Brit. She’s an outcast, the town slut, the girl every guy uses and forgets about, the girl everyone likes to gossip and talk about…even her parents didn’t want her. She’s a tough, hardened girl who has learned to live with walls built around her heart, because you can’t get hurt if you don’t let anyone in. She doesn’t let anything phase her, sarcasm and whit are second nature to her. Beachwood Bay is home and is the best she can do and while she does have a passion and dreams of being a fashion designer, even those get crushed with every denial letter that comes her way. So it’s about time something good comes her way…just so happens it’s in the form a 6’2” blonde Adonis.
‘The first time I laid eyes on Brittany Ray, I knew this girl was wilder than any stallion I’d ever seen. She was headstrong, wounded, passionate, and free. And I had to have her.’
Hunter Covington…Mmmmhmmm…I mentioned he’s 6’2”, right? And blonde? Yeah. Oh and ‘Drop-dead, panty-twistingly gorgeous.. That’s prolly the best way to describe him…he’s got gorgeous blue eyes…body to die for (and I did…a couple times), smart (went to Yale), kind…and basically rich boy royalty. But he doesn’t want his parents money, or all the strings that come along with that. He wants to work on his grandfather’s ranch in Beachwood Bay, training horses just like he was taught to every summer for years. Oh…and he wants Brit. Bad. He’s lived with immeasurable guilt for the past three years but he’s done living the life his parents have planned for him. It’s time for him to live his dreams.
‘Funny, how the idea of someone can mean so much. It was just a few hours we spent together all those years ago, but I’ve clung to the memory of her strength and tenderness, like the only light in my darkness. A north star, guiding me on, making me believe that for all my guilt and grief, I could feel something more too. A moment of peace, some glimmer of joy.
She saved me, and she doesn’t even know it.’
So what’s not to love about these two? They’re their own worst enemies….he’s living with a shit ton of guilt and she’s living with the town stigma’s the she can’t help but live up to…in her own words ‘I wanted so badly to prove them wrong, but all I do is live up to their low expectations.’ It’s actually really heartbreaking. Until she finally learns that Hunter might have better intentions than she thinks he does…that’s when the fun starts. And there was a lot of fun to be had in this book.
“You’re perfect, Brit. Special, and rare. And maybe you can’t believe that, but I swear, I won’t stop until you see what I do. The most incredible girl I’ve ever met.”
Of course it’s got emotional parts in it, but the chemistry and attraction between these two is pretty freakin awesome. I mean….duh…it was established years ago that they like each other, we’ve cleared that hurtle. But Hunter doesn’t want just sex from Brit and Brit has never experienced a relationship period, so a guy wanting her for more than sex is a foreign concept. Part of what made this that much more for me was getting it from both of their POV’s…it’s not every other chapter, it’s sporadic and kind of like a ‘surprise’ game, you never know who’s head you’ll be in next – which didn’t bother me at all. But I liked it because you knew what they were thinking and feeling in the moment and it’s almost like Melody had a magic ball and just knew when I was wondering what the other would be thinking or feeling because Bam! Then the next chapter would be in their POV.
‘And that’s when I know I’m doomed.
I can fight this, kicking and screaming. I can pretend I’m immune, and in control, and I can walk away any time I choose. But the truth is, I realize, I don’t stand a chance.
Because Hunter Covington is the most noble, sweet, gorgeous, sexy man I’ve ever met. And I’m falling in love with him.’
Oh and don’t you fret, it wasn’t a walk in the park once Brit finally gets it thru her head that Hunter might be a freakin amazing guy and totally into her….there is still more angsty goodness to be had. The guilt plays a big part…and I can’t spoil it…but it made me cry. And it squeezed my heart. But…I cannot say that they way Hunter handled things did frustrate the every living bejesus out of me. I get it…I understand it…but after all the work he did with Brit it was like WTF are you doing Hunter??? REALLY?!?!!? Ugh…boys. Just want to shake them sometimes. And God Bless Brit….she had a lot more guts than I ever would. *sigh*
“But I’m not a sane man, Brit, I’m crazy about you.” Hunter smiles at me, so full of tenderness it takes my breath away, “So you be scared, and freak out, and feel whatever it is you need to feel. Just promise me you’ll do it here, by my side. Because I can’t take losing you again,” he adds, determined. “If you run, I’m running after you, and dragging you right back home again. You understand?”
My only teeny-tiny problem with everything had to do with their relationship…I wish it was more developed. More of seeing them spend time together, getting to know each other, seeing him break down her walls a little slower, maybe? Not that I didn’t feel their connection and chemistry…it’s all well and good that they ‘feel’ it and they ‘know’, but it would have just made it a little more realistic and more believable. Trust me, I felt it and I loved the two of them together – you got exactly how they felt about each other, but just having more of that foundation…of them connecting on more than just that ‘one night’ and other than their physical relationship and the few conversations we got to see.
“I want to stay here forever,” he murmurs, dropping kisses along my neck, my chest, my lips. “Just you and me, it’s all I ever need.”
Oh my that ending…that is my bread and butter. That super lovey HEA that just leaves me filled with glee and warm and fuzziness. L.O.V.E.D. IT! And can I just say for the record that I can’t wait to see what’s next in Unwrapped….Lacey and Daniel! And a holiday wedding for Jules and Em SQUEEE!!!!! Oh, I so hope Garrett has a novel worked in there somewhere…I have a soft spot in my heart for manwhore’s and Garrett is a fabulous manwhore. I can only imagine what Miss. Grace has in store next for the Beachwood Bay series… 🙂
Click here to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway
Melody Grace is the USA Today bestselling author of UNBROKEN and UNTOUCHED. A small-town girl turned SoCal beach-lover, she spent years with her nose in a book before deciding it was time to write them for herself. She loves bad boys, good books, and pistachio-flavored ice-cream.
Unafraid sounds like an interesting book.