She wasn’t his daughter. But she made him a father. When Matthew’s brother dies, leaving behind a premature newborn daughter, one decision changes everything . A lifelong bachelor with no plans for parenthood, Matthew must choose: walk away—or become a father overnight. Unconditional is an emotionally powerful story of unexpected fatherhood and chosen family . Perfect for readers who love heartfelt, emotionally rich stories about parenthood, family, and the bonds that shape a life . Meeting baby Allie turns Matthew’s world upside down. He trades carefree days for sleepless nights, diapers, and responsibilities he never imagined—but cannot turn away from. With the steady support of his loyal friend Sherry, he navigates the chaos of single fatherhood and discovers a love stronger than fear . Spanning eighteen years, this coming-of-age story follows Matthew and Allie as they face loss, sacrifice, and the quiet courage of showing up for one another. When life tests them, Matthew and Allie must decide what truly matters—and how far unconditional love can carry them. Heartfelt, honest, and deeply moving , this is a story for anyone who believes that family, in all its forms, can change a life forever . Available on Kindle Unlimited . Praise for Unconditional A moving portrait of love, loss, and chosen family. - Kirkus Reviews Original, deftly crafted, exceptional, emotionally engaging, memorably inspiring, and a simply compelling read from start to finish. - Jim Cox (Midwest Book Review) In Kogon's novel, a photographer's carefree life is upended by unexpected responsibility and a second chance at love. Matthew Russell has made a name for himself as a successful sports photographer for the NFL. When Matthew unexpectedly runs into his ex-girlfriend, Monica, a brilliant, globe-trotting documentarian, he realizes he may want more than casual flings. But just as the two begin to explore rekindling their relationship, Matthew receives a life-altering phone call from a New Mexico police officer: His estranged older brother, Paul, and Paul's wife have died by suicide, leaving behind a premature newborn daughter and a note asking Matthew to take care of her. Grappling with grief, guilt, and a terrifying lack of experience with babies, Matthew travels to New Mexico to meet his niece, Allie, and prepare for a completely new life. As Matthew navigates single fatherhood and Allie grows into a curious, sensitive child, Monica remains a constant presence in his mind. Matthew shifts careers to become a nature photographer, and a European assignment finally gives him the perfect chance to reconnect with Monica. He brings Allie along for her first international adventure, but she suddenly becomes gravely ill, and the reunion becomes another missed connection. Throughout the years, the core tension of their relationship remains: Monica can't give up her restless, nomadic lifestyle, and Matthew can't uproot the stable home he's built for Allie. Ultimately, Matthew receives another piece of life-changing news that forces all three characters to confront what, and who, is most important to them. In this compelling blend of family drama and slow-burn romance, Kogon deftly explores the ever-present tensions between responsibility and desire, vividly rendering the "yo-yo existence" of two people who can't stay apart. Each of the characters navigates sacrifices as they try to remain true to their most central beliefs, making the novel an absorbing read about the emotional ties that hold us to one another, and to ourselves. A moving portrait of love, loss, and chosen family. - Kirkus Reviews Original, deftly crafted, exceptional, emotionally engaging, memorably inspiring, and a simply compelling read from start to finish, "Unconditional: A Story of Fatherhood, Lost Love, and Lifelong Friendship" by Stephen Kogon is a very special and unreservedly recommended pick for personal reading lists and community/public library Contemporary General Fiction collections. - Jim Cox (Midwest Book Review) Loved it! Reading Unconditional by Stephen Kogon was a beautiful experience. He told a moving and touching story that shows how complicated adult relationships can be and how fulfilment can be found in the least expected places. The writing was flawless. No flowers and frills, but beautiful! Its simplicity allowed me to enjoy the innocence and purity of love. The focus became the budding relationship between Matthew and Allie, along with the relationships he had with others. Kogon's character development was also excellent. Each character that came onto the scene was a living, breathing, multidimensional human being. Because of that, the story became more relatable and it was easier to connect with the characters. If you enjoy family stories, this is the kind of story that can pull on your heart strings. - Reitumetse Mokoena (Reedsy Discovery) Unconditional by Stephen Kogon is an amazing read. Matthew is a 35 year old b