Unlovable Review

Book Review April 18th

Unlovable (Port Fare #1)

by: Sherry Gammon

5 Stars ★★★★★

Blurb: 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.

I read Unlovable sometime last year and honestly, I don't remember loving it this much. The fact that it has been signed on for a movie deal makes complete sense because much of the story plays out that way. Honestly, I got a whole Jump Street Vibe because of the whole undercover in a high school thing so I apologize ahead of time for all the coordinating GIF's. 

In honor of Seth's die-hard love for Math :)

The blurb gives much of the story away, but don't let it fool you. There is enough mystery and intrigue mixed in that the details and secrets you know going in only exacerbate the drama and tension within the story.  

 

Seth is undercover in the local highscool of Port Fare because he is working to bring down a heroin supplier that has been leaving bodies all around, recently those of young children. Though Seth is with law enforcement he is not old by any means and thus is the perfect candidate for the job. Sometimes however the in-depth police work he must do is a bit daunting, such as hanging out with the school's popular cheerleader.

There's not really that whole insta-love moment happening so haters of that have no fear. Let's say it starts on both sides as a crush and works from there. Seth is asked by Booker (his boss and BFF) to get closer to Maggie for a few reasons. 1. Her mother and her lifestyle 2. Her neighborhood and neighbors and 3. Her skinny, dark-rimmed eyes make her the poster-child for heroin chic, as they call it. But they couldn't be further from the truth.

To say Maggie's mother sucks is an understatement. She takes being a drunk to the furthest limit and has no qualms about placing all the blame on Maggie's shoulders. From a young age Maggie has suffered at the hands of her mother and her vicious verbal attacks always reinforcing how Unlovable she is. But then Seth steps in and let's say things get better. 

There are a few crazies in this book. And I literally mean crazy. The brothers Seth is unknowingly looking for are sick and twisted individuals. They see nothing wrong with their deceased brother lacing and selling drugs to elementary children nor cutting up girls for the sport of it. Unfortunately, the sicker and more twisted of the two, sees Maggie and becomes obsessed. A few times we see things through his POV and his crazy is beyond real, it's disturbing. The brothers are in Port Fare to seek revenge on the cops who killed their brother and of course this connects to Seth and Booker. They seek out the family and close friends of Seth and Booker in hopes to hurt them as much as possible and let me tell you at one point I thought I might cry. These are two crazy-ass psychos out for blood vengeance and the next high, all to save face with their high profile drug-dishing daddy. 

The relationship between Seth and his friend Booker is awesome. They are like brothers separated at birth and the connection between them is extremely strong. Booker is older than Seth but that in no way hinders their closeness. They knew each-other since they were young and helped each-other out with the hard loss of their parents. The camaraderie between them often adds a bit of sarcastic light to the sometimes daunting and horrifically brutal plot. And Booker's not the only friend to make an appearance, there is also Cole, their clumsy Dr. friend who could injure himself opening a fridge door LOL... And FYI Unbelievable (Port Far#2) is Cole's story. Can't wait!!!

 At one point the main crazy Alan makes his move and reveals all Seth's truths including his hidden identity and drives a wedge between him and the unknowing Maggie. I'd say she's more hurt than angry but she goes through a ringer of emotions thanks to her mother's NEVER kind words when she was growing up.

Low and Behold Seth (My hero and Maggie's too I guess) pulls through in the end. He rescues the girl, though Maggie proved she didn't need the help, and the two live on in bliss. My one question or should I say daunting moment of REALLY? was when Seth pretty much admitted to being a virgin. WOW, kinda threw me. I knew his father was a Chaplin and very religious but Seth is a hot detective, with need I mention handcuffs and a gun....  But in a way that just makes him all the much more perfect for Maggie. 
 
>Unlovable
is a story of heart-ache, misery, thrilling and suspenseful moments, danger, intrigue, mystery and horror, hidden identities, neglectful parents, drugs, romance, sarcasm, murder, tears and retribution. It's FREAKIN Fabulous... A can't miss that I would highly recommend.

HAPPY READING!!!