Unlike Any Other

wow. totally different. I loved. a re read

AJ Colthurst is one of three children and her upbringing was not a conventional, what with parents who both happen to be celebrities. After too many years of being kept secret, AJ has had enough and, after a heartbreaking confrontation with her parents, she walks out. It takes three years for her to come face to face with her father, Gabe Colt, and it comes on the heels of news of her parents' separation. She wants them to reconsider and maybe having Gabe reminisce and share their love story will help them to do so.

Gabe Colt's life changed from wanting to be a stockbroker after he's discovered as a model. Soon afterward, he becomes an actor and a famous one at that. Over the years, he's evolved even further but still remains in the industry that he loves...but at what cost? His family has always meant the most to him but with his only daughter leaving the family fold for three years spotlighting problems from within, Gabe may need to look back to the past if he hopes to fix the present and still have a future with his loved ones.

Unlike Any Other is the first book in the Unexpected series by Claudia Y. Burgoa and one that I enjoyed quite a great deal. I do wish that I hadn't seen this book categorized as a specific kind of romance on Amazon because then the reveal would have unfolded as a surprising twist rather than as an already known fact. The entire book isn't just about the romance but it is the focal point and one that sets the foundation for everything else that happens to the characters, especially the lead female, AJ Colthurst.

At its very core, this was a story about a family struggling to regain its roots and its balance, especially after daughter AJ, the only girl among the triplets, makes certain accusations regarding how they were raised toward her parents and then leaves and doesn't return for three years. Her sudden return is brought about by a news item regarding her father and that he is no longer a bachelor and is about to be a father; ironic since he already has three grown children and has been married for quite some time now.

I've always felt that the first book in a series is successful if it does two things: 1. Tells a great story and has memorable characters, and 2. Piques the reader's interest regarding the other characters in order to want to read future installments. Unlike Any Other most certainly did both and now I'm itching to find out what happens to the rest of the characters. This was such an unexpectedly (pun not intended!) addictive read and had I not known the twist going in, I would have given it a perfect five-star rating. It gets 4.5 stars! ♥

Unique as to premise and characters, Unlike Any Other succeeded in getting me hooked on another series. The points of view of a father and daughter are so vivid and clear as to ring true. I had some trouble with pacing at first, because it took some set up to make the book work for me, and I had to do some re-reading I must admit. I am so glad I suck with it because as the story unfolded I was gather in hook, line and sinker. If you like family sagas, intrigue and drama, and you are curious about the effects of celebrity, I really recommend this book. I am definitely sticking around for the next one!
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

AJ has been living without really living since an argument with her father Gabe. After three years she goes back after hearing that her father is marrying a much younger woman who is also pregnant. Knowing that her parents hide behind many lies in order to protect their family she decides to confront them and demand the truth. With both revealing what has been going on for the last three years they both try to heal old and new scars, while bringing their family together. At times the beginning dragged but a huge twist came in at the half way point and really made it more exciting. The chemistry between AJ and Mason a family friend makes me want to read the next book in the series.