Thursday, January 19, 2012

Unlovable by Sherry Gammon

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Today I have Sherry Gammon stopping by Xpresso Reads to answer a few interview questions regarding her books and the writing process. There is also a chance to win, and of course, my dazzling 5-star review of Unlovable.

REVIEW

Unlovable
Sherry Gammon
Release date: January 19th, 2011

Goodreads / Purchase

Port Fare, New York, has fallen into the clutches of true evil. The Dreser brothers have arrived with a scheme to increase drug sales in the area by whatever means possible. Seth Prescott is part of MET (Mobile Enforcement Teams) a branch of the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration). He’s been assigned to work undercover at Port Fare High, and things aren’t going very well, until senior Maggie Brown enters the equation. He’s harbored a secret crush on her from day one, and now that she is in the center of the case, he’s trying to stay clear and objective while walking the line between business and unrequited love.

Maggie is truly the poster child for Heroin Chic, complete with jutting bones and dark-ringed eyes, but is she an addict, or is there another reason for her appearance? She struggles with her feelings for Seth, fearing he is just another person who will eventually let her down, as everyone in her life has done thus far. Maggie has spent her life caring for her alcoholic mother. A task that has left her heavily burdened and alone. Before long, her mother’s health takes a turn for the worst, sending Maggie’s life into a tale-spin. While Seth works relentlessly to inject fear into the dealers and flush them out into the open, Maggie fights to stay alive as the hunt turns deadly.

*A copy was provided by Sherry Gammon for review purposes*
You know how you read a book and you follow by saying it was a “great, emotional read”. But when it comes down to it, it’s often superficial (oh it’s so sad she has to choose one guy over the other) heartbreak that in the grand scheme of thing, are unimportant. Now this… this was the real deal; Real, raw, undeniable emotions run through the pages of this amazing book. Really, I can’t praise it enough. It’s an eye opener and while writing this review, with a heart doubled in size, I’m experiencing a world wind of emotions just by reminiscing what I’ve read. If you aren’t touched by this novel at all, you are definitely a rock.

We have a remarkable cast of characters in this book. First we meet Maggie. Maggie – I can’t say enough about this wonderful, outstanding girl. Having been told she is a stupid brat that should never have been born, by her alcoholic mother, she has incredible strength with a resolve that is simply admirable. She will undoubtedly dig herself into everyone’s hearts and you will love her as if she was your own daughter in need of so much more than she’s getting. Don’t expect her to be perfect, full of self confidence or even have great judgement; what she goes through throughout this novel is heartbreaking in every sense of the word, which is bound to have an impact on someone’s way of thinking. I’m not one to cry while reading, but if I would have let myself, I could have easily bawled my eyes out with this one. But I didn’t, only because I simply HAD to keep reading. I had to know that she would just be ok. This sh*t happens. Every day kids go hungry because they are unfortunate to have been born to alcoholic, drug abused parents. This is what makes this novel so incredibly heartbreaking. Not because she has to choose between hot guy #1, or hotter guy #2; but because Maggie’s problems are rooted; genuine.

Then we meet a fantastic team of side characters who are all equally as important as Maggie. Seth, Cole and Booker are the sweetest, most incredible group of guys that love unconditionally and become the rock in Maggie’s life – the much needed rock. I loved how they were all portrayed. They felt like older brothers we all want to have. They are simply honest to goodness, good-hearted people. Seth, being the love interest, is the one we delve into the most. This was a true romance. Nothing fluffy, nothing instant. It was hard, it was heartbreaking, it was one of the best romance in YA I’ve read in a long time. However, don’t expect it to be the center of it all. It plays a pretty big part, but this is, first and foremost, the story of Maggie’s tragic life.

Unlovable has everything a contemporary can offer. Over the raw emotions and romantic aspect, we also have a murder mystery that is always in the back of your mind. When will the killer make his appearance again? There’s always this small fear nagging at you anytime Maggie goes out on her own. I really enjoyed that twist in the otherwise deeply heartfelt story. It was surprisingly a great mix. Really, I want to give a virtual standing ovation to Sherry Gammon for this novel that I can not express into words how much I loved. I want everyone to read this. I then want you to give it to your mom, your grandmother, your whole family, even read it to your dog, because this story… it needs to be shared.  

5 Hot Espressos
Interview with Sherry Gammon 
Q. Let’s start by telling us what readers can expect from Unlovable. 
Unlovable is the emotional journey of 17 year old Maggie Brown. We get to experience a 5 month segment of her life as she struggles to survive high school, a drug ring, and her mother.

Q. What is your favorite part of the writing process? 

Publishing! I love when it is done and people read and enjoy my work, hopefully. Editing is a love/hate thing. If it is going well…I love it. If I am struggling…I hate it, naturally;}

Q. What aspect of the story gave you the most difficulty when writing? 

Probably the drug stuff, since I have no experience with them, and the guns. I know so very little. I had to ask my hubby a million questions when it came to the guns!

Q. Can you give us a hint on what’s to come in Unbelievable (book 2)? 

In Unbelievable, book 2, we get to know Cole, and we get to experience his love story. The Dreser brother’s sister comes to town seeking revenge for her brother’s murders and she is quite the handful. There will also be a wedding!

Q. What books do you currently have in your reading pile? 

I just finished Geek Girls, by Cindy Bennett, (Loved it) and I am review Prank Wars, by Stephanie Fowers (It is really good too) I also am in the middle of the Tiger Saga books by Colleen Houck….I wish she would hurry and finish the series!

Thanks so much, Sherry for dropping by! I can’t wait to read about Cole!

Sherry has been writing for several years. Her work has been in several newspapers, and an educational Magazine.She and her husband,along with their children and a couple of crazy dogs, call Upstate New York home. Unlovable is her debut novel, and is the first novel in the Port Fare Series.


Giveaway
Sherry has generously offered up one paperback copy and one ebook copy of Unlovable.
Paperback copy is open to US residents
Ebook copy is open internationally.
Contest ends January 27th, 2012
Use the form below to enter

*Winner will be contacted by email and will have 48 hours to reply before a new winner is chosen.

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
WINNER IS: Na (ebook), Katie of Blook Girl (Paperback)

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Giselle

Canadian blogger, wife, mother, coffee lover, and sarcastic at heart! She has had a love for all things bookish since before Amazon and eReaders existed *le gasp*. You can also find her organizing tours and other fun things at Xpresso Book Tours.

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34 Responses to “Unlovable by Sherry Gammon”

  3. Rebecca

    Oh, such a great review! And the interview was real interesting too. I have this for review and sadly had to push it up, but I so can’t wait to start it! I need to this month after the deadlines are caught up on. o: I know many I know have loved it and you just made me even more excited to read it!

  7. Ashley

    This is actually the first I’m hearing of this one. Coming from someone who has a lot of drug history (heroin, particularly) in her family, it’s nice to see an author who tackles such a heavy topic (and apparently) does it really well and convincingly. If I don’t win(!) I’ll definitely be sure to pick this one up myself.

  8. K. Tuccelli

    Wow, Giselle, what a great review! You have just influenced me to add Unlovable to my GoodReads TBR List 🙂

    It sounds like Sherry did a great job writing Maggie’s story, and now I can’t wait to read it myself.

  9. Giselle

    Thanks guys!

    @Annette: Eeek! I can’t wait to see what you think!!

    @Ashley: It’s a very hard subject and I think you’ll really enjoy it but you may need a box or 2 of tissues!

  10. Amy

    What a great review! I wanted to read the book before, but after reading your review I really want to read it. Great interview too.

  17. Candace

    This book sounds incredible! Your review totally has me sold and I LOVE the cover! I love covers with trees and this look dark and foreboding but is gorgeous!

  19. Giselle

    Thanks everyone! I love the cover too it’s gorgeous and what attracted me to check this book out at first!

    And thanks Sherry for posting it on your blog and FB! 🙂

  32. kmartinez528

    I would love to read this book. I have a family member who battled a heroin addiction. I think that this book may give me more insight into her battle.

    Thank you for the opportunity.

  33. Espana

    This book was incredible! Not only was the writing superb and highly entertaining, but the story itself grabbed my attention with the first sentence and held it in place through to the very last line. The characters were perfectly flawed and lovable (or hate-able, in the case of the bad guys) and you really felt for them as the story progressed. The dialogue was so true-to-life, I felt as though Seth and Maggie were in the room with me, sharing their story. The pop culture references were so clever and creative in their use, I found myself laughing out loud at moments.