Crucify my Love: Gay Book Reviews: [195-ENG] Review: Unashamedly Us

Series: Offbeat Shifters

Volume: 4/4
Publisher: Independently published

Genre/s: Supernatural M/M Romance

Length: 77 000 words

Pages: -

Read in: English
Review copy format: epub

Rate:✮✮✮✮✮✮

Charlie and Austin's relationship is blooming, but they must find some time in their lives not only for each other but also for their work. But how long can you live two lives simultaneously trying to completely separate your work from your private life? Austin must make a decision about the future of his relationship with Charlie, and thus tell the world about their love. Will he be able to do it? And will they be able to find happiness together or will something else stand in the way of their happily ever after?

There are novels which, although they tell a fictional story, for the readers are like a light in the tunnel, a signpost that shows the right way to go. "Unashamedly Us", the fourth volume in "Offbeat Shifters" series by Colette Davison is this type of novel. In this volume we see even more clearly than before how important it is to believe in yourself, to look at yourself with approval, and to accept your past choices, past events and yourself from years ago. I really like the fact that the author puts emphasis on the topic of coming to terms with one's past in order to look into the future with hope, and also points out how important it is to love yourself. For no matter what others think of us, if we do not fully accept ourselves, our view of the world and people around us will be distorted. As a person with distorted self-esteem, I really appreciate all the things the author emphasizes in "Unashamedly Us".

I have no doubt that once again the great advantage of yet another novel in "Offbeat Shifters" series is Austin, or more precisely, the kind of person he becomes in this volume. Austin undoubtedly changes from volume to volume more and more clearly, and Colette Davison emphasizes various aspects of his changes. This time we finally see the "birth" of the real Austin, who so far has largely hidden himself from the world. It was easier for him to play roles that did not require showing affection and emotions, and allowed him to hide himself. However, in "Unashamedly Us" the chrysalis transforms into a butterfly, as Austin finally begins to show himself to the world as a deeply emotional, loving person who feels and fights for his feelings. Our character comes out of his cave to live, and thus to feel.

Undoubtedly, Charlie's illness is also an important topic in this novel. So far, we have seen that he learned to live with his problem and don't really think about it too much. However, what's important, in this volume, Charlie has to deal with his health once again, as he has to get used to the idea that his illness is not "only his", but may also affect someone else. Consequently, the reader has the opportunity to get to know this character from a different angle. For while Charlie was usually confident and strong, now we see him as a bit weaker, doubtful person. These doubts, small and big fears are some of the opponents our character has to face in this volume. In order to take a step forward, start a new phase of life, he must realize that he is not fighting his disease alone, which is why he's able to do way more than he thinks.

Another important theme in "Unashamedly Us", which concerns both characters, but most of all Charlie, is the issue of pride in the context of family relationships. I have the impression that the author emphasizes above all the importance of the point of view and the ability to change it when it comes to children. After all, when feelings and close relationships are involved, words and actions have a very different meaning than in the absence of any kind of emotion or interpersonal relationship. In other words, a parent must sometimes learn to forget about pride and try to understand the child, forgive them for their mistakes and the choices they make. Imagine that a stranger screams in your face that they hate you because you did not agree to their request, and now let's replace the stranger with a child who yells the same words to a parent who refused to do something. This is the situation the author presents to us in this novel, however in here it concerns more adult behavior and problems.

Finally, a few more words about the relationship between two omega partners, as that's the one we see in "Unashamedly Us". I have no doubt that in this volume the author shows us more clearly than before some problems of such a relationship and how they can be dealt with in a civilized society, adapted to this type of relationships. I really liked the way Colette Davison showed us Charlie and Austin's relationship in this volume, because she focused not only on the characters themselves, but also developed the world of her novel and let us get to know it a little better.

To sum up, "Unashamedly Us" is a truly fantastic novel and a great series ending. In this book, Colette Davison not only closed the love story of two people who really needed it, but at the same time managed to raise and develop many important topics. Thanks to this, while reading this novel, we not only have fun, but also learn something important about life, its ups and downs. To put it simply, "Unashamedly Us" is a must-read novel.

Headcanon: For each anniversary, Charlie and Austin go on a short vacation abroad. Each time to a different place.

Fanfiction idea: A surprise party for Austin's birthday. Everyone is present, the whole family.

AU idea:

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Here's some more about:

Book Title: Unashamedly Us (Offbeat Shifters Book 4)

Author: Colette Davison

Publisher: Independently published

Cover Artist: Colette Davison

Release Date: April 13, 2021

Genre/s: Paranormal M/M romance

Trope/s: Omegaverse, shifters, age gap (19 years), mpreg, pop star, hurt/comfort, found family

Themes: Importance of family, being true to yourself, standing up for yourself

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 77 000 words

Not a standalone story. It is the fourth book in a series, which should be read in order. At the very least, it should be read after book 3, Unapologetically Me.

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Charlie taught me I deserved to be loved. Will I be brave enough to claim him as mine?

Blurb

Temporarily separated while Charlie is on tour, my love for him grows. He is my future—or he will be, once we’ve made our relationship public.

Charlie has been patient—probably too patient—while I’ve been struggling to get over my fear that history will repeat itself. An unforgiving media destroyed my career, I don’t want the same thing to happen to the man I love.

Telling the world is one of many obstacles we have to navigate. The only thing I’m sure of is that we’ll find our way together.

Unashamedly Us is the fourth book in Offbeat Shifters, an m/m paranormal romance series with a continuing storyline. The series is best read in order, however Charlie and Austin’s story begins in book 3, Unapologetically Me. This book includes a monkey shifter who has to face his fears, an arctic fox shifter who will always stand up for himself, extended families, steadfast friends, lots of children, and a HEA ending for the main characters. There are pregnancy and birth scenes in this book.

Excerpt

“I’m feeling needy.” I walked up to him, pulling him close and kissing him while savouring his touch and taste.

“Me too.” Charlie smiled and then leant against my body. He stroked my back and breathed in deeply, his chest expanding against mine.

“What are you doing?”

“Memorising your scent.”

I kissed his hair and then inhaled so I could do the same. Charlie’s scent was very distinctive—toffee apples and crisp autumn mornings. My heart squeezed tight at the realisation that I wouldn’t get to hold, kiss, or be in the same room as Charlie for three months.

Staying behind and keeping our relationship secret, for now, was the right decision. Charlie didn’t need any stress on top of the rigours of touring. It didn’t matter that his schedule was more relaxed than most singers enjoyed; the demands of performing two-hour sets were exhausting. Worrying about the media gossiping about us was the last thing he needed. Or maybe it was the last thing I needed, and Charlie was an easy scapegoat for my fear.

But the media and Charlie’s fans would gossip the moment they found out we were a couple. I was nineteen years older than him, and we were both omegas.

Charlie slipped his hands underneath my shirt and started to walk me backwards, kissing me.

“This is nice,” I said during a brief break between kisses.

“I’m saying goodbye,” Charlie whispered as he tipped us both onto the sofa.

“Didn’t we do that this morning?”

“Uh-huh.” He pushed my shirt up and pressed kisses to my chest.

“And last night?”

“Yes, but I want to say it again.” He looked up at me. “I’m really gonna miss you.” He undid my belt. “I need to feel your skin against mine one last time before I go.”

CATCH UP WITH THE SERIES

BOOK 1

Secretly Mine (Offbeat Shifters Book 1)

Book 1 could be read as standalone.

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Blurb

The first rule of being a bodyguard is never get involved with your client. It should have been easy to follow, but Jesse Steele is a beautiful, kind omega, who’s far more down to earth than a pop star has any right to be.

Someone discovering our tryst becomes the least of our worries when it becomes clear Jesse has a stalker.

Can I love Jesse and protect him, or will my emotions cloud my judgement and put him in danger?

Secretly Mine is an m/m paranormal romance with a protective tiger shifter, a sweet monkey shifter, lots of cuddles, secret kisses, and piggy back rides. Whilst it is set in an alternate universe where omegas give birth, there are no pregnancy or birth scenes in this book.

Trigger warning for mentions of infertility.

BOOK 2

Openly Yours (Offbeat Shifters #2)

Book 2 is a direct follow-on from book 1 and will not have the same impact without having read book 1.

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Blurb

Now the tour is over, Isaac has to adapt to depending financially on someone else for the first time.

When my world gets thrown into turmoil again, I need to learn that relying emotionally on others isn’t a bad thing.

We have to face our biggest challenge together—creating a different dream from the one we had envisioned.

Openly Yours is an m/m paranormal romance with a loving tiger shifter, a sweet monkey shifter, enthusiastic family members, and lots of cuddles. Whilst it is set in an alternate universe where omegas give birth, there are no pregnancy or birth scenes in this book.

Trigger warning for scenes revolving around infertility.

BOOK 3

Unapologetically Me (Offbeat Shifters #3)

Book 3 could be read as a standalone,

but has spoilers for the other two so is definitely better read as part of the series.

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Blurb

Austin Steele is my idol. He’s also the guy I can’t get enough of.

Everyone thinks they know who I am—one of pop’s biggest divos. They don’t know me at all. Austin Steele makes me want to see the real me, only there’s some problems:

We’re both omegas, he’s nineteen years my senior, he’s nursing old wounds, and he wants to keep what’s happening between us a secret.

I thought a one-night stand was all I wanted. Now it’s becoming so much more. But how can we look to the future when we can’t let go of our pasts?

Unapologetically Me is the third book in Offbeat Shifters, an m/m paranormal romance series with a continuing storyline. This book includes a misunderstood and unapologetic Arctic fox shifter, a caring capuchin monkey shifter, and a HFN ending. While it’s set in an alternate universe where omegas give birth, there are no pregnancy or birth scenes in this book.

About the Author

Colette’s personal love story began at university, where she met her future husband. An evening of flirting, in the shadow of Lancaster castle, eventually led to a fairytale wedding. She’s enjoying her own ‘happy ever after’ in the north of England with her husband, two beautiful children and her writing.

Social Media Links

Blog/Website | Facebook Page | Facebook Group: Colette’s Cosy Corner

BookBub | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram: @colettedavison

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