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Echo #3

Unexpected Entanglement

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From the series readers are calling, "Hot, steamy, and deliciously complicated."

A fake relationship, billionaire stuck in a small town romance When a simple favor turns into an unexpected entanglement. Rowan Kelly has one goal for the next two throw the most beautiful wedding for her cousin. So what if the inn she inherited isn’t quite ready or staffed? She’s resourceful and scrappy enough to make it happen all by herself. She doesn’t need some nosy, charming stranger with smiles that both irritate her and make her woman’s bits tingle to swoop in to save the day.

World-renowned hotelier Chris Sullens only planned on spending twenty-four hours in Vinalhaven. So why the hell did he offer to help the fiery gorgeous innkeeper plan a wedding? He tries to keep things professional, but his self-control has its limits, especially when he suddenly has to play the role of the stubborn woman’s doting fiance.

As strange occurrences threaten the wedding, the inn’s future, and Rowan’s safety, can they work together to keep things from blowing up in their faces? Or will their unbridled passion entangle them into something more than they bargained for?

336 pages, Paperback

Published April 17, 2023

15 people are currently reading
89 people want to read

About the author

C.R. Alam

7 books108 followers
C. R. Alam loves to write heartfelt and steamy love stories with strong yet vulnerable characters readers would root for. There hasn't been a main character she's written about whom she didn't fall in love with despite their shortcomings. She'll laugh with her characters, cry along with them, then laugh again in the end. When she's not reading or writing, you'll most likely find her in the kitchen, cooking, baking, or eating while wearing her trusted Birks, sweatpants, and "I'm emotionally attached to fictional characters" T-shirt. After a whirlwind decade of living abroad, C. R. now lives in Durham, NC, with her husband, daughter, and cat.

Connect with her on:
- Muse Den readers group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/crala...
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cralam_author
- Newsletter: https://www.cralam.com/newsletter

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
Profile Image for Heidi Sturgess.
1,115 reviews19 followers
May 1, 2023
Again I just got lost in the cover art ❣️love the dedication ❣️📚

So now we’re all friends or rather family it really felt good to be amongst my people again 🫶🏼 knowing Rae and her history I was curious to hear how the other family lived…

I can only imagine the shock Rowan must’ve had first of loosing her father and then his dying words and wish 🥲so Rae can’t meet up with her family but Chris goes on her behalf and he has alterior motives and none are sinister but the man has his own issues and he’s protective of his friend , bless his heart …..


So Chris and Rowan didn’t get off to a good start but soon enough they’re working as a team to arrange the wedding , promote the inn , get the community on board oh and find out who is trying to sabotage them around every corner …. I know such excitement !

Kieran is a good soul and a protective brother but his heart is in the right place and I just fell in love with his nature 😉


Alit of people saw Chris as a threat which in turn put Rowan in a difficult position so out of pure desperation she makes a rash decision that puts both her in Chris in the limelight but man what sun it was to watch these two , they’re so different yet so similar , a perfect match I must say 🥰😉

Gibbs worked on my last nerve but again you can’t fault the old guy , his heart is in right place he’s just not always good at showing it and more often than not comes across as a real gruff and grumpy old man , please be patient with him and his show him love , I know these people have become part of me so I just want others to love them like I do 😘


This is a story of love , redemption, regret, forgiveness, remorse , hope and so much more but it’s also laced with anger , jealousy and vengeance.
I was kept on my toes , I laughed , cried , held my breath and cheered friends on and I’ve a new found respect for cats 🐾🤣, just saying !

Profile Image for Lorralei Hoerner.
926 reviews24 followers
April 20, 2023
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This is a great read and a great series. Unexpected Entanglement is book 3 in the Echo Series, and I highly recommend reading this series as characters are tied in throughout the book, and I would have to say this while I loved all the books this would be my favorite story. I loved Chris and Rowan.
Spark, sizzle, fake relationship with banter, secrets, suspicion, drama, unexplained "accidents" and healing.

Chris Sullens, planned a vacation spot in Vinalhaven and a bit away from work as a successful hotel owner...but upon coming onto the island, he meets a fiery, Rowan Kelley. Chris' plans also including to help out Rowan and her brother Kieran with their Inn, especially coming from experience....but this help at first comes with much questions and push-back.

Rowan wants to prove she can run her family owned Inn successfully...she is so determined. Things change unexpectedly with a loss, but it does not deter Rowan to fulfilling her family legacy and keep the Inn going. When Chris Sullens shows up to help, with at first hesitation, she ends up learning so much more. Rowan is determined more than ever to have the best wedding for her friend at the Inn...but when strange things start happening at the Inn.....will Rowan be able to have the wedding that she planned for her cousin be successful while working with Chris as they also navigate their feelings?

This is such a fantastic read, I highly recommend! This story gave me all the feels as I devoured each page and I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

Profile Image for Jenni.
6,374 reviews79 followers
April 18, 2023
4.5 stars
Unexpected Entanglement is the third book in The Echo series. I really enjoyed the first two books in the series and this one is no different. I like that CR has intertwined the characters throughout the books. This is probably my favourite of the three.
This heartfelt and fun love story will have you falling in love with the characters, Rowan and Chris. I also enjoyed their back and forth banter. The supporting characters where great too.
There is tension and angst, chemistry and steamy scenes, unbridled passion and humour, danger and suspense, pain and emotions. This is a great read and I was hooked from the word go.
This is a captivating tale and I liked the fake relationship trope and all that comes with trying to keep things straight. What is supposed to be a simple wedding turns out it is anything but……. Are lives in danger? You will have to read to find out.
I am looking forward to seeing what comes next from CR.
74 reviews1 follower
April 19, 2023
This book is a great read with a lot of character development.

This book follows Rowan. She inherited an inn and has been fixing it up. She has a pretty clear vision of what she wants the inn to look like and the feeling it will have. With the help of her father, she has been able to get quite a bit of the remodeling done. She has a deadline that she wants to have up and running by and that is her cousin's wedding.

Chris is world-renowned in the hotel industry. He has many hotels all over the world. What happens when he winds up in the same town as Rowan's little inn? Chris is pretty laid back but knows how to put his foot down and get things done and done well.

What happens when the sassy spitfire meets the well-put-together businessman? Can something that was just for show really become something? Read this book to find out what happens with Rowan and Chris. Also, find out what happens with the inn.
Profile Image for LaliLovely.
96 reviews1 follower
April 19, 2023
I love the Echo series !! This 3rd book is just as fantastic as the other 2. None of the characters resemble each other & none of the storylines are even close to the same . There is always an element of excitement, along with some steamy spots, but mostly they are so wholesome. Chris is such a great guy & it was wonderful to see him find love! I didn't really care for Rowan & I would have liked to see Chris be loved as freely & enthusiastically as he deserved. She was very negative & self denying & hurt his feelings too often for me. It was kind of annoying. However, she was a tough cookie & courageous. There were good qualities in her, & her love for Chris & Rae were the most important thing. Plus, grief has a profound impact on personality & the author showed that beautifully. I LOVED that Rae finally got to meet her sister & brother, & loved even more that it was her friend & sister that connected. The bit of mystery was also done phenomenally & really kept me uncertain right up to the reveal. Even though I thought I knew, I still thought it could have been different too. I'm so excited to read more of these books & I hope we get a Kieran & Frankie story from this amazing author!
Profile Image for Jennifer .
1,632 reviews33 followers
April 19, 2023
Having read and enjoyed the previous two books in the series I was looking forward to this story, and I found it as entertaining and engaging as the others. Although the characters do crossover it can be read as a standalone story. Although the inn which Rowan Kelly has inherited is not as ready or as staffed as she would like, she’s determined to provide her cousin with a beautiful wedding held there. Meanwhile, well known hotelier Chris Sullens had planned on staying in Vinalhaven for just twenty four hours, but finds himself offering to help the beautiful but fiery innkeeper plan a wedding.
Rowan knows she should be flattered by Chris’s help and use his expertise but she just finds him nosy, and a bit charming. Despite their obvious mutual attraction and sizzling chemistry, they both try to keep things professional, and we’re doing well until Chris finds himself playing the role of Rowan’s fiancé. However, the couple have to work together as strange events seem to threaten not only the wedding and the inn’s future, but also Rowan’s safety. The storyline flows well and the plot kept me hooked throughout. Both main characters are likeable and relatable, who’s chemistry really came across in the narrative. This heartwarming romantic suspense story was a real page turner.



Profile Image for Rosanna Ingram.
669 reviews5 followers
April 20, 2023
Rowan has inherited her family's inn and wants to prove herself worthy. What better way to do that than to plan an amazing wedding for her cousin?!? Even though the inn might not be fully ready...and she doesn't quite have the staff she needs...she (begrudgingly, at first) accepts the help of a stranger.

Chris comes to the island on vacation, and as a favor to a friend to check on the inn. What he doesn't plan on doing is helping to plan a wedding and pretending to be the fiancé of the inn's owner. He also doesn't plan on the intense attraction the two have. But, when things start to get crazy, will Chris and Rowan be able to work together to get to the bottom of it?

I was really rooting for these two. This book has so much going on...love, loss, grief, drama, banter, angst, fake relationship, sabotage, healing...the list goes on and on. The author does such a good job at keeping you guessing til the end and making these characters feel so real. As the third book in the series...it can definitely be read as a standalone. However, C.R. Alam leaves lots of little gems in this book that refer to previous books in the series. This is a good book that I enjoyed reading.
9 reviews1 follower
April 18, 2023
The author has created a really great guy in Chris Sullens, a wealthy hotelier who’s not afraid to roll up his sleeves and get his hands dirty when there’s work to be done. What’s not to love? A sexy blond with hazel eyes, he rolls with the punches when he gets thrown into playing the role of Rowan’s fiancee.

Rowan, a feisty redhead who’s determined to reopen the family inn, has a lot on her plate and reluctantly accepts the handsome man’s help. Their relationship sizzles from the very start, with Rowan’s sharp tongue and prickly attitude spicing things up.

This is my favorite book in the series thus far. I love the chemistry between Chris and Rowan, and I like how the story links to the first book, Echoing Hearts. An enjoyable read!
85 reviews1 follower
April 18, 2023
After reading the first two books in the Echo Series, I was excited to read Unexpected Entanglement. Once again, C. R. Alam did not disappoint! This book had wonderful characters: Rowan Kelly and Chris Sullens. When they meet, Rowan realizes that she could use Chris’ help with her inn; but small island community living easily sparks rumors-meaning the two will have to pretend to be a couple.
This novel has a lot to offer, with well-written characters, romance, suspense, and humor. I recommend reading the first two books in this series, but Unexpected Entanglement could be read as a stand- alone.
Profile Image for Jules Herbert.
620 reviews11 followers
April 19, 2023
This very talented author creates such amazing characters and storylines filled with so much heart! I was instantly in love and was completely invested in the story of Rowan and Chris right from the start. Having met Chris a little in the previous books in this wonderful series I knew his story was going to be a great read and it definitely was that and so much more! Now if you haven't read the previous books you will still follow the storyline and enjoy it wholeheartedly but I HIGHLY recommend reading the entire series simply because the people and places created in these pages will burrow into your heart to stay and you don't want to miss out on that.
Profile Image for Manda.
108 reviews1 follower
April 19, 2023
Unexpected Entanglement (The Echo Series Book 3) by C.R. Alam - Review by Manda Kelly- 2023
Oh WOW!
This is my 1st read from this author and I was NOT disappointed. I instantly fell in love with the leading female character. She is strong and stubborn and everything I look for in a leading lady. Our leading man was no let down either. I was instantly drawn to their chemistry. I felt their attraction. I knew without a doubt that this story was going to leave me wanting more, and it DID. I want to live in this world. I want to befriend these characters. I need to visit the Inn and befriend that townspeople. C.R. Alam has done an AMAZING job of creating a place you WANT to be, and I am here to tell you, I WANT TO BE THERE. Thank you so much for creating a world for us to get lost in.

Review by @MandaKelly2023
292 reviews4 followers
April 20, 2023
Alam definitely knows how to build love chemistry between her characters and she has done it yet again! Absolutely loved the previous two books and fell in love with this one as well! This story has to do with Rowan, who becomes an unexpected wedding planner as she helps out her cousin. Even though things are not turning out as planned, she is trying to keep her head held high and making the best of it. None other than the handsome Chris Sullens turns up at the hotel where wedding planning is underway and ends up helping her. As their attraction and planning come to be, other things are unraveled. Don’t want to give much away because this book is a must read! This series is amazing and I’m sure many others will feel the same way too! Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Julie.
1,081 reviews73 followers
April 20, 2023
Rowan Kelly has inherited an inn and she's super excited to host her cousin's wedding there. Everything has to be perfect and beautiful for the big day. Rowan can handle just about anything that is put in her way but having an extra hand or two never hurts!

Insert Chris Sullens. Chris is a well-known hotelier who is more than happy to dig in and help Rowan make this wedding the best ever. What he didn't expect is the role that he'd be asked to play in order this wedding to go off WITH a hitch!

This is probably my favorite book of this series so far! There is an overlap of some characters from previous books (it was good to catch up on them!) but this book can be read as a standalone easily. I look forward to seeing where this series continues to go!
Profile Image for SaviLeeLind .
607 reviews13 followers
May 1, 2023
Prepare to fall in love with Rowan and Chris. I enjoy fake dating tropes mixed with drama and mystery. There was so much to their story together, as much as individually. They come together unexpectedly, and each can’t ignore the pull they feel to each other. This was a great read.
Chris is doing a favor for a friend, and Rowan is trying to keep her family business alive. Together they build an entanglement meant to last.
19 reviews3 followers
April 18, 2023
romance and drama at a New England inn

This book hit several themes I love, the fake relationship trope, the ‘adult secret family member’ theme, the enemies to lovers story. I enjoyed spending virtual time at the inn and the ringside seat to the romance. I recommend this book for a fun read.
Profile Image for Emily.
5,865 reviews545 followers
April 19, 2023
Rowan Kelly thought her life was all planned out until she finds out a secret that was carefully hidden. Now the improvements she is hoping for for her inn. When Chris Sullens ends up in town offering his help and to get a sense of the inn, she never expects it to be in a fake relationship. As they get closer though they find the chemistry is too much to ignore, what happens when they fall for one another.

Another great story from this author. Rowan is full of sass and I liked that the emotions for her and her sister were a bit raw, it fit with the plot. Chris is great, he has some swagger and the attraction between Rowan and Chris is undeniable.
163 reviews5 followers
April 19, 2023
I loved this book! Relatable characters, great backdrop - I've always wanted to renovate an inn - lots of chemistry and suspense, and just the right amount of steam. I haven't read the previous two books, and this worked great as a stand-alone, but now I'm going to read the previous two. Enjoy!
Profile Image for La Toya.
328 reviews7 followers
April 19, 2023
This is another sizzling romance story! Unexpected Entanglement is the third book in The Echo Series by C. R. Alam. Chris Sullens and Rowen Kelly are a really fun and steamy couple. Chris is a handsome and wealthy hotelier that finds himself entangled in a fake romance with sassy, beautiful Rowena that now runs the family inn. These two were so great together. I loved the witty banter and the passion between these two. Another plot that has you on the edge of your seat. Although I’ve enjoyed all the books in this series, this one was my favorite!
Profile Image for Barbara Strickland.
Author 7 books53 followers
April 20, 2023
A lovely romantic read

This was so easy to enjoy with likeable characters who charm their way into the reader’s heart as much as into each other’s hearts.
Nice use of continuity from the previous book by including Rae as a strong peripheral character. It adds depth to Rowan and Chris’s story and connects the reader to the whole series.
A simple and well thought out plot, lots of heat and a smooth pace makes this a very enjoyable novel. Looking forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Melanie A. Smith.
Author 29 books297 followers
April 24, 2023
This started a little slow for me but once the action picked up — both romantic and suspense — I couldn’t read fast enough! I love getting further into a series because everything gets so much more dimensional; backstories, characters, etc, and this book featured a lot of that. Chris and Rowan had great push and pull with heaps of chemistry, and the side characters added a lot to the story (so many spin-offs to be had there!). I also thought I had the suspense pegged but nope! I appreciated the bit of twist in the resolution and, of course, the totally satisfying HEA. Definitely recommend this for romance readers who like a little heat and intrigue in their reads.
128 reviews1 follower
April 14, 2023
OMG! This series just keeps getting better! I read the first two and knew I would enjoy this one too and it did not disappoint. This follows Rowan and Chris as they are thrown together and follows them on a hilarious journey with some ridiculous circumstances. It's laugh out loud funny in parts, romantic, steamy and a very easy read. I loved it! And I love the fact that some of the characters from the previous books are included as well so you get to know their relationship progress. If you haven’t started the echo series yet, then you really need to. They are awesome!
Profile Image for Rayne.
1,334 reviews15 followers
April 20, 2023
The heart knows
The third book in The Echo Series and this is Chris and Rowan’s story. We met Chris in previous books and I was glad he got his own book. The banter and chemistry between Chris and Rowan and the added mystery kept me glued from start until finish. I loved the cameos from characters from the previous books and how everything was cleverly woven together. Highly recommend this book and the whole series.
Profile Image for Jan.
Author 13 books29 followers
April 26, 2023
slow burn romance

Full confession: I’m a sucker for a fake fiancé story. Enjoyed this read and would recommend. The whole series is pretty great.
Profile Image for Anya Davies-schultz.
211 reviews3 followers
May 1, 2023
Unexpected Entanglement is the third book in the series. This book is about Chris - who we have met before -a hotel conglomerate, best friend of Dean, and now a great friend of Rae’s. We find out at the beginning that Rae has extended family that just found out about her. She is not sure how to handle this news, and due to the fact that she is pregnant, Chris volunteers to go check things out. Rae’s father has left property to her and her siblings, but not sure what to expect. Chris arrives on this small island and things from the start become quite interesting. He meets Rae’s siblings - Rowan and Kieran Kelly. The siblings own a farm and inn that is trying to reopen, but in two weeks they are holding a wedding and not really prepared. Once Chris makes it to his destination, things start to move quickly; Chris offers up his services to help prepare for this wedding. While no one understands why he would be doing this, he tries to reassure them it is for the love of his friend. What Rowan doesn’t realize is that Chris is a blessing in disguise. Can the two work together to host this wedding? Will obstacles always get in the way of progress? Can the two keep their attraction to each other at bay to have a successful opening? Will the siblings be able to come together to produce a successful inn that means so much to their father?
There is a lot going on in this book, but I love it. As the third book, I have already fell in love with most of the characters. Chris always had small roles in the first two books, but I knew I was just going to love him - and I do!! Chris is a down-to-earth, handsome, successful, smart, gentleman with a huge heart. He is a hard worker and confident in his abilities. Rowan is a strong, sassy, stubborn woman who is just a great partner for Chris. She is driven and begins to become more courageous about going after what she wants. The little bit of spice that is written was also enjoyable. It was a great story about siblings coming together, love finding each other, and healing from the past.
577 reviews10 followers
May 8, 2023
This series really knows how to pull at the heartstrings. I absolutely love The Echo Series. Unexpected Entanglement was a wonderful addition to the series. Though very much a series these books work well as standalone novels as well. The author is at it again. The ability to make the reader happy, sad, angry, and bring tears to one's eyes is a gift that not all possess. In saying that and the emotional rollercoaster ride I just finished, this is my favorite book in the series to date. I hope there’s more.
Chris and Rowan are wonderfully written. Two characters on different paths when their lives collide. Recognizing the best in one another and using those attributes to make Rowan’s property rebuild and first wedding event a success. Not without drama Bright Head Inn & Farm keeps running into some speed bumps. Patriarch passing, an estranged sister, some cosmetic issues, or the neighbor who’s lobbying for the property won’t prevent them from prevailing. The sister is the reason Chris is there in the 1st place. It’s the other sister he meets at the Inn he can’t keep out of his head and heart. Determined to help he would do anything for Rowan, only if she lets him.
The Echo Series keeps you on your toes. It keeps you wanting more. I’ll reiterate that you can read these books without reading the others, however my question is “why would you?” Time to take a dive into these characters' lives, you won’t regret it.
Profile Image for Audrie Harrington.
176 reviews2 followers
May 7, 2023
This series has been extremely well written and I have enjoyed all three stories. This one follows Chris Sullens. He owns and develops small resorts in some of the most beautiful areas in the world. He finds himself on a small island in order to help Rae, his best friend’s new wife, when she finds out some interesting family news. I like that this book circles back to some of the reasons Rae is untrusting in book one. Chris is flashy and comes from money, but he really wants to move away from that and loves his Eve Collections resorts that he created. When he arrives on the island he is instantly interested in Rowan. She is a red headed, independent spitfire who is running the family inn. Not everything has been easy for her after her father dies and drops a bomb on her and her brother. Chris shows up shortly before they are supposed to throw a family wedding and for some reason offers to help her. He has worked every part of the family business and tries to help where needed. He is there to help Rowan and they find themselves in some unexpected and strange occurrences. I loved the setting of this book so much and can imagine the small island feel, the inn and all the land, and the characters who live on the island too. I enjoy when an author writes books based on different characters but with overlapping stories so I can still read about the other characters.
Profile Image for Rebeca.
270 reviews8 followers
May 10, 2023
This is the third instalment of The Echo series; This series can be read as standalones as each book focuses on a different couple.

Once again, the author has created vivid imagery of both the scenery and the characters. I found myself picturing each scene with ease and feeling like I had stepped into the story to join them. The writing style used was smooth and flowed very well, making the experience more enjoyable.

I must say that the fake relationship books are up there in my favourites so I was already loving this book before even properly starting!

I loved Rowan and Chris; they had such chemistry! I was most certainly rooting for them all the way through reading.
I enjoyed reading about the inn and seeing Rowan and Chris work together and the attempts to remain profession were so sweet.
I didn’t have a favourite as I loved both Rowan and Chris equally, they both were strong individual characters.

I found this book the most heart-warming and my favourite so far in the series! I will be looking out for mor by this author.
3 reviews1 follower
May 23, 2023
loved every word, pace and characters of this book! my absolute fave out of the three. The most light hearted, fun, page turner out of the three. Loving the connections between characters, vibes of the island, progression of every events happening in the story. The author pulled us into her story by weaving her words perfectly. The tension and heat between main characters perfectly potrayed. This is wonderful full of tension, romance, sprinkle of heat for summer read now summer is approaching. While reading, I felt like I was there witnessing everything. I loved how the author added a hint of mystery into the story despite it took backseat yet added excitement while the romance still IS the main dish.
93 reviews
November 27, 2023
I loved Chris from the moment we’re introduced to him in Echoing Hearts. His loyalty and love for the people in his life is so strong. I’m glad I didn’t have to wait long for his happily ever after. A major thing I think Mrs. Alam does so well is to keep the main characters from previous books well engrained in the subsequent ones. Too many romance authors write one person’s story then forget about them later even with the connections that were originally established. To catch a glimpse of Rae and Dean in their HEA was such a treat. Rowan is fierce and I absolutely adore her. The chemistry sparks off the page. I also really loved that there was closure for other things outside of the main relationship. Alam’s stories just keep getting better and better.
Profile Image for Ashley Sugar.
251 reviews9 followers
May 9, 2023
I love when books intertwine with other books! It gets me in my feels! A fake relationship trope is another favorite of mine and I love the drama and angst it brings while reading it. Makes the HEA that much better. Huge page turner for me and the entire thing was great! I couldn’t put it down. I read this book in one sitting so if that doesn’t tell you that it’s good, idk what will lol. Check this series out! You won’t regret it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews

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