Review- Untouched by Melody Grace

Goodreads Summary:

Emerson Ray is trouble. Juliet knows it the minute she lays eyes on Cedar Cove’s resident bad boy. Forced to spend her summer before college in the sleepy beach town, she never expected to crash into the most devastating guy she’s ever met—or for Emerson’s blue eyes to strip through her dark secrets, and make her feel a desire she’s never known. Their connection is undeniable, but Juliet is torn. She knows, once she gives him everything, there’ll be no turning back.

Juliet McKenzie is dangerous. Emerson can tell from the way she blows through all his defences, laying bare the demons he’s carried alone all his life. He’s left a trail of broken hearts and empty beds in his wake, but Juliet is different. Her innocence is intoxicating—and the passion she keeps hidden, just below the surface. He wants to be the only one to set it free, but with every kiss, he’s closer to losing control and doing the one thing he swore he never would: fall in love.

One summer. Two damaged hearts. Their story is only just beginning…

UNTOUCHED is a prequel novella to the USA Today Bestselling UNBROKEN. It also can be read as a stand-alone story.

REVIEW:

From my Unbroken review, it is clear that I did not want to have anything to do with the Beachwood Bay series. The main characters, Juliet and Emerson were shallow and senseless. The story revolved around sex, there was no dialogue whatsoever. It was more a lust story than a love story. 

Yet, when author Melody Grace wrote a prequel novella from the points of view of both Juliet and Emerson, in spite of my indifference towards it, the curiosity in me was boiling. I really wanted to see if the two characters have any substance. Which is why I decided to give Untouched a try and compared to Unbroken, it was a pretty decent and okay read. 

In Untouched, we get to see how Juliet and Emerson actually meet and what makes them so attracted to each other. For the two of them, uh- I really hate to say this- but it's just the bodies of the other that heat things up and make them oh so desirable. Don't get me wrong, our body is what people notice for the first time and having a good body is good, but really, everything isn't about eyes and muscles and curves. But then again, that cover says it all, so maybe I was wrong in thinking there'd be more than just make up sessions. 

While the lust and desire to constantly be physically close to one another continues from Unbroken, what actually made Untouched better was dialogue. There really was no dialogue in Unbroken. In Untouched, however, Juliet and Emerson- thank sweet heavens above- talk. They actually make conversation and that was a relief. Seriously, this book should have come out before Unbroken and those of you who will take the risk of reading the series must read Untouched first to understand everything. 

Juliet and Emerson bond over the similar family situation they have at home and even though I found myself drifting off at times while reading, it was good to see Juliet try her best to help Emerson and make him understand that he isn't all alone. 

Overall, Untouched, for a short story, was an okay read, and way better than Unbroken. The two points of views made it more understandable and even though I'm not a huge fan, I must say that yes, this was a pretty alright read that was much needed to settle the sudden attraction between Juliet and Emerson. 

RATING:

Review- Unbroken by Melody Grace

Goodreads Summary:

"Mom always told me there are two kinds of love in this world: the steady breeze, and the hurricane. Emerson Ray was my hurricane...."

Juliet McKenzie was an innocent eighteen-year old when she spent the summer in Cedar Cove—and fell head over heels in love with Emerson. Complicated, intense Emerson, the local bad boy. His blue eyes hid dark secrets, and just one touch could set Juliet ablaze. Their love was demanding and all-consuming, but when summer ended, tragedy tore them apart. Juliet swore she’d never go back, and she’s kept that promise… Until now.

Four years later, Juliet’s done her best to rebuild the wreckage of her shattered life. She’s got a great boyfriend, and a steady job planned after she graduates. Returning to Cedar Cove to pack up her family’s beach house to prepare it for sale, Juliet is determined that nothing will stand in the way of her future. But one look from Emerson, and all her old desire comes flooding back. He let her go once, but this time, he’s not giving up without a fight. And Emerson fights dirty.

A heartbreaking history. An unstoppable passion. Torn between her past and future, Juliet struggles to separate love from desire. But will they find a way to overcome their tragic secrets—together? And after so much damage has been done, can a love remain unbroken? 

*This book contains adult situations and explicit content.*

REVIEW:

Unbroken is the story of Juliet, who had the summer of her life when she went to her home in Cedar Cove. Juliet falls in love with Emerson who breaks up with her when Juliet's mom dies the same summer. She then meets Daniel in college who she dates for two years until she has to go back to Cedar Cove to clear her home there. 

I don't read book summaries. But something about Melody Grace's Unbroken made me want to read the summary. I already loved the cover and then completely loved the whole concept of love being of two types: the steady breeze and the hurricane. 

Sadly, this book was neither a steady breeze nor a hurricane for me. I didn't love it (although I thought I would). Hell, I didn't even like it. I hate to say the things I've said about it, but what can I say? It is the truth. I know that what I have said is harsh at times and I apologise for that in advance.  

First of all, the characters in this book are shallow and silly. 
Juliet only thinks about herself. All she does is pretend like her life is hell. She gives, like literally "gives" herself to Emerson on her return to Cedar Cove. Emerson is a complete dickhead. He says absolutely terrible stuff to Juliet, who does nothing but fall in his arms. He acts like he's the hero of the town. Honestly, the two are perfect for each other because they are both dumb. 
Juliet's boyfriend of two years Daniel might seem like a sweetheart, but tell me, who on earth is all friendly and happy after a breakup? Her best friend Lacey was alright, but tell me, which best friend doesn't get a hint that she is to stay when the Ex comes? 

Second of all, the sex. 
All Juliet and Emerson do is have sex. There's hardly any, oh no wait, there's barely any, oh no wait, there's NO dialogue at all. Honestly, this girl says she's in love with the guy and they don't even talk. Like really. All they do is have sex. And when, out of the blue, they do decide to talk, all they do is fight, bring up their respective messed up shit and hurt each other with words. The memories Juliet has of Emerson involve sex. When Emerson helps her after her return, they almost have sex. The day she comes back again, he takes her to the storage room and they have sex. He takes her out on a date and they have sex. The day they make up, you guessed it right, they have sex. 
I mean, seriously people, TALK. I don't know how this girl calls the guy the love of her life. All she sees when she looks at him are his blue eyes and muscled body. What happened to a good heart, a good personality and some character? They are in lust with each other maybe, because that sure as hell doesn't sound like love. 

Third of all, the letter Juliet's mom writes to Emerson. 
It didn't make any sense to me. It was bland. All she told Emerson was to stay away from her daughter and let her live her life, a life she couldn't have. All I can say is like mother, like daughter.

Fourth and last of all, the book itself. 
While I was prepared for emotions and feelings, they seemed to be absent. I really didn't feel anything and it was getting really annoying. It's a good thing the book is short and gets over soon. 

Author Melody Grace's writing, in some places, was really pretty especially when talking of heartbreak. The overuse of exclamation marks was pointed out to me later, but it didn't bother me much. 
I did not like this book at all. I wanted to. I really did, seeing as it's a New Adult Contemporary Romance, a genre I love. But Unbroken... Well, it's just broken and cannot be fixed. 

RATING: