REVIEW: Unsung by Shannon Richard

In Unsung by Shannon Richard, determined to escape the gossip train after her fiancé decided to call off their wedding, Harper Laurence decides to head to Nashville to visit her aunt on the weekend she was supposed to be married. But when her aunt cancels their plans for a night out at the last minute, Harper decides to have some fun on her own when she meets the handsome Liam James.

What an incredible stand-alone story Ms. Richard has penned in the Country Road series, encompassing the mysterious strangers trope, a couple falling in love at first sight, and the consequences their weekend of fun generates. Their playful dialogue sets the fast pace of this story, and the moment they meet was memorable as Liam comes to Harper’s rescue.

”Glad you approve of my beer that you’re drinking.”
“Your beer?” He gave her that tilted grin again. “I believe I paid, after saving you from Recently Paroled over there.”
“Saved me?”
“Yup, he was about to ask for your social and bank account information.”
“That man wasn’t going to get anything personal out of me.”
“Of that, I have no doubt.”
“So what, you want a thank-you for saving me?” she asked, raising her eyebrow before she brought her glass to her mouth and took her first sip of beer.
“Nope, no thank-you required. Just doing my civic duty. But it would be nice to know your name.”

Both Liam and Harper are delightful characters, and I loved the obstacles they had to overcome. Both make choices they regret, but it was riveting to read how Liam wins Harper over. She needs a man she can trust. Someone that is willing to fight for her, and prove that she has no reason to be insecure in a relationship. Yet, at the same time, Harper has every reason to be insecure. Because with the career Liam has, it’s hard for her to trust that he won’t stray from their relationship. Especially when the town gossip keeps writing malicious things on her blog and a woman that wants Liam manages to rattle her, driving home Harper’s insecurities regarding relationships.

While the hero, the ways he shows Harper that he’s committed was romantic, especially when he meets her parents. Harper’s mother isn’t an easy woman to win over, considering she liked Harper’s ex-fiancé, but Liam is determined because he loves Harper. Besides, meeting Harper is good for his career, and the song he writes for her is heartwarming. Then there’s the close relationship he has with his siblings, and his sister really helps Harper see that she should fight for their relationship because she and Liam were meant to be.

This couple has amazing chemistry right from the moment they meet, which spills over onto the pages in several scorching sex scenes. Harper is scared by their instant chemistry, and who can blame her when her last relationship fell apart. Yet, Liam is determined to make her see that they belong together through their intense intimacy.

In the end, Ms. Richard has written a wonderful tale where love at first sight really does exist, and I completely enjoyed how it ended. Liam deserved the recognition and appreciation he received in his career, and he owes it all to Harper. I would recommend Unsung by Shannon Richard, if you enjoy books that contain the second chances trope, or the mysterious strangers trope.

Book Info:

Publication: November 3rd, 2015 | Forever Yours | Country Roads #5

Harper Laurence has been jilted on her way to the altar. Desperate for some time away from her friends and family, Harper takes off for Nashville—only to meet a hot, scruffy, tattooed stranger. A man she liked a little too much, and who left her the teeniest bit . . . well, pregnant.

Liam James is an up-and-coming country musician, who just found his muse. Ever since their weekend together, Liam hasn’t been able to forget the curvy, vivacious woman who left him wanting more, even as she inspired some of the greatest songs he’s ever written. He’s determined to convince Harper that he’s the guy for her . . . and that the best love songs can never be unsung.