Unforgettable (Signet Eclipse) [Mass Market Paperback]

Julie Ortolon (Author)

Book Description

Series: Signet Eclipse | Publication Date: September 4, 2007

Riley Stone kissed Hope, Texas goodbye and good riddance eleven years ago, when she headed out to conquer the music world with a head full of dreams and a heart bruised by unrequited love. Now the alluring singer is back with one mission in mind-save the old music hall before Jackson Hope can tear it down.

Long ago, Riley fell for Jackson-a skinny kid with worldly ways and a family who literally owned the town. But now the elder Hopes are letting their town fall apart. Signs of dilapidation are everywhere...except on the grown-up and strikingly sexy Jackson. As the two go toe-to-toe, Riley can't help but take notice.

Jackson is having a hard enough time trying to pull the town out of bankruptcy without battling the girl who tormented him with desire through his high school years-especially when she's even more tempting than he remembers. And now he's going to have to choose between the life he planned, and a woman he finds unforgettable.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Owned by one family, Hope, Texas, is dying, thanks to the abject neglect of the current scion, Congressman Edward Hope. His son, Jackson, a geek in high school, now a successful Austin lawyer, is due to inherit the town. Riley Stone is a talented singer in Austin, tall and shapely. No one would ever guess that she was just a few steps shy of foster care when she was unceremoniously left with her bible-thumping grandmother. Seen as fast and loose in high school, Riley nevertheless moves back to Hope when her grandmother dies. Then, when Edward plans to tear down a historic dance hall, Riley enlists the aid of a reluctant Jackson to help her save it. Along the way, family secrets are unearthed that threaten to tear the Hope family apart, and Riley and Jackson, each burdened with emotional baggage, find their way to each other in Ortolon's sweet, sentimental, and sexy tale of overcoming one's past. Hatton, Maria

Review

Entertaining and touching. (Booklist)

Julie Ortolon has perfected the art of the male/female relationship. (Virginia Henley)

Julie Ortolon takes her wonderfully colorful and appealing characters on an unexpected journey of discovery. Be prepared to laugh. (Christina Skye)

Ortolon's protagonists must overcome some tough emotional issues before they can set their sights on the future, but their journey is laced with humor...Earnest and endearing, Ortolon's newest is a heartwarming and at times heartrending read. (Publishers Weekly)

So romantic it will make you melt! (Virginia Henley)

This is an author on the rise! An endearing, emotional, romantic tale. (Romantic Times)

As long as Julie Ortolon is writing books like this one, romantic comedy is in good hands. (All About Romance)

If you have not read a book by this author, then you don't know what you are missing! (Huntress Reviews)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Signet (September 4, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451222040
• ISBN-13: 978-0451222046
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #816,170 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I'm late bloomer when it comes to reading -- and writing. I didn't discover either joy until I discovered romance novels in my early twenties. Now, I'm totally addicted. My biggest joy is bringing all my interests together in my books, to have the chance to celebrate the things that excite me through my characters. So when people ask me, "Do you put yourself or real life experiences in your books?" the answer is "You betcha!" I just edit out the boring parts, and emphasis the fun parts. And take a LOT of literary license!

Since I love to travel, all my books are set in places I've actually been. Sometimes those real places morph into fictional places -- like Pearl Island -- but I try to capture the magic of the setting and people in all my books, to make writing them like a trip to a wonderful world where good always triumphs and love always ends in Happily Ever After -- against all odds. That's what makes life worth living, and books worth reading: when someone grabs the brass ring.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book, November 13, 2007

By 

Judy "book reader" (Cincinnati, ohio United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Unforgettable (Signet Eclipse) (Mass Market Paperback)

Julie Ortolon has written another heart warming and sensual story in Unforgettable.

Riley Stone has come back to Hope, Texas to simplify her life. She left years ago to try to make it as a singer but the lure of a permanent home draws her back to Hope. Riley is shocked to find that the town hasn't been kept up to standards by the founding Hope family. Riley growing up had a major crush on the golden sun Jackson Hope.

Jackson Hope always had a soft spot for his hometown of Hope, Texas. He hasn't been back in years and when he does the shocks are one after another. First the state of the town and its people floor him. Then there is Riley Stone. Riley played havoc with his high school hormones but she never knew. Now as adults Riley has put herself front and center of his problems.

Riley has decided to save Hope and had rallied the town folks behind her. Jackson is drawn to the adult Riley and his misconceptions about her are falling by the wayside. He agrees to help Riley and the togetherness send sparks flying all over the town.

Unforgettable is a must read for every romance reader. This book will make you believe in second changes. Julie Ortolon writes keepers.

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars charming contemporary romance, September 3, 2007

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Unforgettable (Signet Eclipse) (Mass Market Paperback)

When she left Hope, Texas with no hope for her future at least there, Riley Stone vowed to never return. Eleven years later, Riley ponders the irony that she lives in Hope in her grandmother's house and sings at a restaurant.

Riley left the small town hopelessly in love with Jackson Hope, but he apparently did not reciprocate her deep yearning. She assumes that maturity will enable her to put aside her fantasy until she sees him for the first time since she left, as she now knows the fantasy was actually her believing she no longer wanted him. A lawyer Jackson is attracted to the adult Riley just like he was when they were teens and he hid his feelings from her out of nerdy shyness. This time he will not let her go without telling her how much he wants her, but they disagree on what to do about an old music hall. He wants to tear it down to build on the site while she wants to renovate it.

This well written small town Texas romance is a fun tale to read because of the lead couple, who as adults are in love just like they were as teens, but this time plan to act on their attraction. However, instead of shyness keeping them apart, the music hall prevents the duo from fulfilling the full promise of their relationship. Riley hopes the second time around proves eternal while Jackson knows whatever he does with the hall she will remain eternally UNFORGETTABLE inside his heart. Julie Ortolon provides a charming contemporary romance.

Harriet Klausner

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Romantic and sexy, August 14, 2011

By 

emma "napa324" - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Unforgettable (Signet Eclipse) (Mass Market Paperback)

It's a wonderful story with some great history. The romance between the characters is beautiful and so sexy. Could not put it down.