Title: Unbelonging
Author: Sabrina Stark
First published December 23, 2013
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.98
Overview
Mia Sanchez has been struggling to make ends meet ever since she dropped out of college. Her days are spent working as a waitress, while her nights are filled with endless job applications.
When she lands a gig as a house sitter in an affluent neighborhood, she knows she’s out of her comfort zone. But she’s determined to fake it till she makes it.
Meanwhile, Ethan Wilde is a self-made billionaire who has everything he could ever want. But he’s never found someone who truly understands him.
When Mia and Ethan’s paths cross, they both feel an instant connection. But with their vastly different backgrounds, they know they should stay away from each other.
As they navigate misunderstandings and secrets, Mia and Ethan can’t help but feel drawn to each other. Will they be able to find a place where they truly belong – together?
Editoral Review
Unbelonging by Sabrina Stark is a contemporary romance novel that was first published on December 23, 2013. Stark is a prolific author who has written several other books within the romance genre.
The plot centers around two characters, Adriana and Weston, who are both struggling to fit in. Adriana is an outsider in her small town, while Weston is an outsider in his own family.
When they meet and fall in love, they are confronted with numerous obstacles, including disapproving family members and traumatic pasts. Unbelonging is a well-written and engaging novel that explores themes of love, family, and self-acceptance.
The use of alternating perspectives between Adriana and Weston allows readers to gain insight into the characters’ inner thoughts and emotions, making them feel more real and relatable. One of the strengths of the novel is its depiction of small-town life and the prejudices that exist within such communities.
Stark does an excellent job of showing how outsiders are often marginalized and mistreated, and the toll that this can take on a person’s mental health and well-being. Additionally, the relationship between Adriana and Weston is complex and nuanced, with both characters being flawed and imperfect.
This makes their love story feel more realistic and gripping, as readers become invested in their journey towards self-discovery and acceptance. However, there are some weaknesses to the novel.
The pacing can be slow at times, with some scenes feeling overly long or unnecessary. Additionally, the ending may be predictable for seasoned romance readers, which could leave some feeling unsatisfied.
Despite these flaws, Unbelonging is an enjoyable and thought-provoking read for fans of contemporary romance. Stark’s prose is eloquent and descriptive, transporting readers into the small town setting and the minds of her characters.
Overall, Unbelonging receives a recommendation for readers who enjoy romance novels that explore complex themes and relationships. This book is likely to appeal to young adult and adult audiences alike, and could especially benefit those who have experienced feelings of isolation or rejection.
I rate the book 3.5 out of 5 stars for its engaging characters, strong themes, and elegant prose, but marked down for its occasional pacing issues and predictable ending.
