Something Unintended

Split Rock Ranch #1.5

by Rory Maxwell

After his boyfriend ruins graduation day by dumping him—over text!—Eli decides to go solo on the Pride week vacation they’d planned to take together. His first night there, a smoking-hot bartender rescues him from some unwanted attention…then sticks around. Rebound flings aren’t usually Eli’s style, but what better time than his first Pride week to try something new?

Strings-free hookups are the only kind of relationships Hunter goes for these days. As a bartender—especially during Split Rock’s Pride celebration—he doesn’t have any problem finding people to be with. But he’s tempted to break his own rules for a pretty boy who’s only in town for the week. Their tastes line up perfectly, and Hunter finds himself straying from his usual pattern with Eli. It’s nothing to worry about, though. Eli’s on the rebound and Hunter doesn’t do repeats. They can have some fun and both walk away satisfied.

What happens during Pride week stays at Pride week. Right?

Something Unintended is a 22k novella in the Split Rock Ranch universe. It includes an age gap, size difference, and some very spicy Daddy kink. It can be read as a stand-alone story. It was originally a part of the MM Romance Class of 22/23 Event. There have been no changes to the content.

Genres: Romance, M M Romance, Novella, LGBT, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, BDSM

ebook

First published June 5, 2023

About the author

Rory Maxwell discovered romance novels on her mom’s bookshelf when she was probably too young to be reading them—the reward for being a nosy kid with great reading comprehension. The magic of a dial-up internet connection led her to the wonderful world of MM fanfiction a few years later and she fell in love with the genre. In 2019 she woke up with a plot bunny, opened a word doc, and started trying to figure out how this writing stuff worked.

Rory grew up outside of Washington, DC, moved away, and then came back for reasons she doesn’t fully understand. An artist and writer, she always has too many exciting ideas and not nearly enough free time. One day, she hopes to escape to the mountains and open an LGBTQIA+ friendly bed and breakfast where she can work from home and write as much as she wants. In the meantime, she splits her time between her day job and writing MM romance with heart, heat, and happy endings.

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Reviews

[BookSafety Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.

Hunter snagged him around the waist and lifted him off his feet. Eli squealed with laughter as Hunter spun them in a quick circle, taking the opportunity to blow a raspberry on his neck before setting the breathless, giggling boy back down.

I don’t tend to read novellas, but I’m glad I finally read this one. I’m very impressed with how the author has managed to fit a great (believable) connection, fantastic spice, surprising amounts of emotion, sky-high sexual tension *and* daddy kink into this little novella. It really felt like a complete story, and it actually made me cry a little. There’s obviously not tons to say about it, but man, don’t sleep on this author. I was super impressed by their book Something Unforgettable as well.

If you’re into fantastic sexual tension that lasts even after the MCs get together (and I mean, who isn’t into that), then I highly recommend this one. The daddy kink was the cherry on top. The epilogue also tied up the only loose end we got, which I appreciated.

I got a little scared on the very first page of Hunter’s first chapter because it seemed so off in comparison to who/how I thought he would be, but I think it was a small case of ‘missed the mark’. It lasted literally two pages and then he was back to his awesome, daddy self. I am also very sensitive to that kinda thing, so I’m sure most folks wouldn’t notice.

⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️

⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Daddy kink
Novella
Hookup to lovers
Jewelry-maker
Twink and bear
Beard and tattoos
Size difference

⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Sexual assault/harassment (on page, touching and attempted kiss)
Cheating ex boyfriend

⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 24 and 40
Pages: 104

Hunter’s eyes softened and Eli couldn’t help noticing the way they crinkled at the corners. Hunter was a little older than he’d first assumed. That was hot.

“Make sure you only order drinks from me tonight.” Eli blinked at him and frowned in confusion. “I want to know exactly how much you’ve had before I ask to walk you home later.”

You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

- age gap (40/24)
- size difference
- one night stand
- daddy schmink

After being dumped via text on graduation morning, Eli decides to make the most of it and goes on a week long Pride week vacation that he and his ex had planned together. There he meets Hunter, a ridiculously hot bartender, who he spends one very hot night with.

Hunter doesn't do repeats and as a bartender always finds himself some fun to get into, but there's something about Eli that's different, and he throws all his rules to the wind. These two were super cute, and I really loved their story.

I wasn't a big fan of the epilogue, it just didn’t fit, but overall still really enjoyed this!

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. That was a lovely novella, fresh, sexy, with lovable characters (except one ugh)

On graduation day Eli gets a text!! where his boyfriend dumps him. He shows up with his new boyfriend.
The plan was after graduation they packed up and celebrate Pride week at Split Rock.
Eli is a bit reluctant but still, he goes alone.

Eli is twenty-four and came out just two years ago, this is his first Pride week. After this, he’ll set up his own business as a jewelry designer.

The most pretty petite graceful young guy enters his bar and Hunter can’t take his eyes off him.
He’s alone and Hunter takes his claim. Hunter at forty does only ’one night’, no repeats and no locals, Eli is perfect. What he couldn’t foresee Eli is the sweetest tantalizing boy and calls him Daddy!!, what more can you ask for? It will be hard when the week is over.

Oh boy what a great read, there’s more to this story than above, there are lovely protective friends, there are some super attractive sexy encounters, and more!
I enjoyed this short read immensely, it has a perfect pace and is clearly written, it has a fresh vibe, is enough developed, and has a marvelous epilogue!

Read and reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews

[Book Binge: Reviews by Melissa DaSilva · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. So I totally picked this book up on a whim. Trying out some new to me authors and my friend recommended this book as a short, easy read so without even reading the blurb I picked it up and read. And I’m so glad I did. I really enjoyed this authors writing and the story was super cute.

Eli was super cute. He had a shit ex boyfriend and I’m so glad he went on his trip and had a great time anyways. He deserves so much. I loved Hunter’s brand of possessiveness and his Daddy voice! I loved that even though he broke all his rules he didn’t stop himself from being with Eli!

As always with shorter reads I feel like I always want more. In this case I wanted more after they were happy. I felt like their relationship progressed at a great rate even though it was fast as sometimes it just clicks! Either way though I know I’ll be checking out more books by this author in the future!

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had this series on #tbr due to the MMM novel, but when I got the chance to get this novella #ARC, I grabbed it! My 1st book my Rory, Devoured it within 2hrs.

This is a small town MM Age-gap (of 16 years) romance where Eli (jewelry designer!) visits the town for his 1st pride fest after his 1st breakup. Hunter's the bartender & they catch eachother's eyes! A bit of opposite-attract, daddy kink (pretty mild here) align. What starts as a rebound/vacation hookup becomes so much more as feelings bubble. Will Hunter ask Eli to stay?

This was a fun novella, I adored E & H, the friendships are lovely! The spicy scenes with H & E are HOT. The confrontation at end was unexpected but a good one. Eli's ex is a sleazy cheating asshole! I do wanted a bit more of E & H in epilogue lol. Pretty cool still.

Story ratings:

POV: 3rd person, Dual POV
1) The Characters: 5/5
2) Top 3 feels: omg, yes, hot!
3) Story enjoyment: 5/5
4) Creativity & Conflicts: 4.3/5
5) World build: 4.5/5
6) Relationship: 5/5
7) Steamy scenes: 2.5/5
8) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4.5/5
Angst: 1/5
Dark: 1.5/5
9) Writing style & pace: 4.7/5
10) Grammar: 4.9/5

[The Secret Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 3rd person
MM | novella | Daddy kink | age gap

I loved this sweet Daddy kink novella! Eli had my attention right from the start, and phew, with all that thick sexual tension and chemistry between him and Hunter? I really didn’t want this story to end, and I could have easily read a full length story with these two.

Eli was absolutely precious with his sweetness and air of innocence. He and Hunter had some amazing chemistry, and even if it was a insta-lust story, it was clear that they shared a deeper connection. I totally adored these two together, and I liked how smitten Hunter was with Eli.

Something Unintended works great as a standalone, and is a perfect read if you want something sweet with some steam and a little bit of Daddy kink!

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute!! A quick, easy read that was light on the angst and heavy on the swoon. I loved the two characters Eli and Hunter and their instant chemistry/fondness for the other. I liked their dynamic and I thought even though it was all very fast paced it worked for them. I'm interested in a few of the other characters so maybe I will give this series a shot and read the other books :)

Eli had somehow managed to sneak past Hunter’s rock-solid boundaries and Hunter couldn’t bring himself to mind. If he was being honest, from the moment Hunter had laid eyes on him, Eli had been an exception to things.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars

Something Unintended is set in the Split Rock Ranch universe. It can be read as a standalone, although there are references to other characters with brief cameos. I like this small town and the stories that have come before this one and it was fun to revisit Split Rock in a shorter story.

This is a good read for those times you want a shorter book and a great way to visit the town of Split Rock.

Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun

What a fun, sweet addition side story to this universe. Pride week stories are some of my favorite yet you don't always feel hey they could work outside of pride but with Hunter & Rory you can feel them slotting perfectly into each others worlds to make it better. Always fun to see main characters from previous stories come to visit to see how others view them and if they just work so well outside that world as they do in theirs. Great novella length story.

[Ditte · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have KU again so here I am, reading a random mediocre daddy kink novella instead of my actual tbr... When will I learn? 

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous fast romance for Daddy Hunter and his boy told over a week to fall in love with each other. I wanted this to be longer.

[anna_79_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, easy to read. This story is so sweet! I love Eli, he's adorable and I love Hunters possessiveness over Eli.

It's amazing how authors can put so much feelings and how you can feel the connection between the MMCs in such a short read. I didn't want it to end.

[Hanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the perfect quick read. I felt even though it was short it had enough of everything.

[Melissa Polk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute and super sweet.

[Bailie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! This was a fast read for me, but part of that is because at absolutely no point did I want to put this down! I loved everything about this book except for the fact that it was so short! I very easily could have read a full length book with these two characters and I so hope that we get to see more of them in the comic books! I love the way that Joe supports Eli in the beginning of this book even though they have been rivals all through grad school! And I love the way that Hunter supports Eli from the very beginning and that’s how their relationship starts. And I love that from the very beginning Hunter knows that there is something different about Eli and that he’s willing to break all his rules for him with little to no hesitation! The way that Izzy, Micah, Archer, and Nick instantly accept Eli into their friend group also melts my heart and I love the way that Nick steps up for Hunter after everything happens with Eli at the cowboy theme night. I absolutely love the dynamic between Hunter and Eli, I love the protectiveness that Hunter feels for him but that it never turns into trying to control Eli and the way that even after what happens to Eli in the bar, he still trusts Hunter with every part of his being because he knows that Hunter would never purposely hurt him. And that epilogue!!! Oh how I love that Bryan finally gets what is coming to him and that his fiancé finds out the true person that Bryan is. I love that through the conversation and Hunter denying their request, Eli gets some closure as to how long Bryan really had been cheating in him or really how long Bryan had been cheating on Justin. And oh how I wish we could have gotten to see the conversation between Justin and Bryan after the left the bar because I can only imagine how much Justin laid into him for lying to him for so long! Overall, I think it is safe to say that there isn’t a detail that I don’t love about this book and that it’s obvious a full length book with these two characters would have only made it better! I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!!!

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, let me say I got this book from gay romance reviews and this is me leaving my honest review
This is the third book in the series and I think this book could be read as a standalone but really and truly read them in order cause then you get to know of the friends that we read about previously.
Eli had just had his graduation and you think he should be celebrating, but on the morning of his graduation his boyfriend of two years dumped him by text and not only did he dump him. He bought another man to his graduation and it didn’t look like a new relationship. Brian was meant to take Eli for his first pride week celebration as a way to mark their graduation. Eli had never been to one before and they chose split rock. Eli went by himself. He was determined to have a good time and this is where he met Hunter and the attraction was instant. The only problem is Hunter only does once and done because he wasn’t looking for a relationship but there is something different with Eli and this is about them spending Eli’s week together.
Hunter is the owner of the Lookout bar and his kink is daddy but not in the sense of age play he just like taking care of people and Eli had really started something with Hunter so how would it end?
I thoroughly enjoyed this Read I’m thoroughly enjoying this series. Rory Maxwell is a new author to me and these books are just so easy to read and they cheer you up. I found myself smiling throughout this book. There was a couple of times the other emotions came out but mostly I smiled these two have a strong chemistry a passion that is off the charts. just a uplifting read I am so looking forward to the next Book in the series.

[Zoë Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

3rd person, past tense, dual PoV
Elliot 'Eli' Vaughan (24), recent MBA graduate / jewelry designer
Hunter Owens (40), owner of The Lookout bar

I originally read this as a Prolific Works Freebie in June of 2023 and remembered loving it, but was unable to write a review for it at that time. I'm finally getting around to reading the series as a whole and the book was just as good the second time.

I love this author's writing style, it's very easy and enjoyable to read. I also liked that while this novella fits within the Split Rock Ranch world neither MC was an established character so it read well as a standalone. I remember when I was initially reading it that while I could tell some of the secondary characters were previously established in the series, it didn't feel like I was missing out on anything, though having that context now makes for a really great read as we catch up with other characters.

Eli and Hunter fit so well together, Eli is just so sweet and it was wonderful seeing him experience his first Pride week. Hunter was so protective and considerate of him. I loved the small increments in their relationship development as a touch turned into a night, then into a day spent together. It was fast with their immediate attraction to each other, but their dynamic didn't feel forced or too insta-love, which was nice since sometimes novellas operate on a too quick to be believable timeline.

[Michelle N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something Unintended is the third book in the Split Rock Ranch Series by Rory Maxwell. While it is part of this fantastic series, it is a stand a lone read. The story takes place in the town of Split Rock during pride week, predominantly at the Lookout bar, owned by mmc Hunter. Hunter was in previous books but as a side character. The other main character Eli comes to Split Rock on vacation to experience Pride Week, after getting dumped by his boyfriend.
Hunter is content running his bar and following his rules for one-time hookups. Until, Eli comes into his bar uncertain and interested in experiencing his first pride week. There is an instant attraction between the two men that results in them throwing caution to the wind and deciding to spend Eli’s vacation with each other. Eli and Hunter have to face their feelings and what they want out of life when the end of the week comes.
I love the books in this series and this was another great addition. One thing I loved about this book was it allowed us to see a lot of the characters from the books outside of the ranch. There was a lot of story development packed into this novella. I love this series and I am always looking forward to the next book.

[Tara Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY OPINION: I’ve read the first two books of this series and have enjoyed them. This is a lovely novella where we see how Hunter, the bartender and owner of the local bar from the other books, finds his person.

Eli finds himself alone in Split Rock after his ex breaks up with him, and instead of going on this vacation as a couple, he goes alone. Deciding to go alone turns out to be a perfect decision. He has the looks that a lot of guys are interested in, but when Hunter—the bartender at The Lookout, a queer friendly bar takes notice and stakes a claim, Eli doesn’t complain and leans into it.

Hunter doesn’t do second nights, but he is drawn to Eli. He decides to break some rules and spends the entire week with Eli in his bed, but it wasn’t just what they did behind closed doors. Something about Eli was right for him; he was ready to break all his rules.

Eli could feel it too, so the two of them fell into each other and went for a happily ever after. This is a fun novella for an afternoon read. It is a lovely addition to the series, and the characters are great fun. For a novella, there is a lot of spice. You get a real feel for each guy, and the friend group is amazing. I wanted these two to find a happily ever after together. Hunter and Eli are perfect together.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌕🌕🌕🌖

This was really cute! Eli is really brave, going to his first Pride Parade on his own after his painful break up, and he’s such a lovable character, it isn’t surprising Hunter snatches him up right away! I loved how their relationship, even though it was fast, it wasn’t incredible, it made sense. They talked, they got to know each other, Eli got to hang out with Hunter’s friends, just in a shorter amount of time than most people expect. But I really liked the pace, and the fact that Eli is his own independent person, and isn’t swallowed up by Hunter. It was a really sweet read, and I loved how the ex whose name I forgot because he was that forgettable gets his comeuppance at the end, well done Hunter! It was really well written, and raised 300 questions, but I promptly forgot them all, because he isn’t worth anyone’s time. On the other hand, Hunter’s friends are so nice, and welcoming Eli and making sure they both get the HEA is very heartwarming. Really cute, fast read, with common tropes treated in a very pleasant way.

[Vols77 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, fast, and adorable read. I was hooked from page one on Eli and Hunter's story. I read it in one sitting and when finished I was left wanting more. My heart broke for Eli, who gets dumped at graduation but still goes on his pride vacation, but things perked up when he had a sweet interaction with Hunter the bartender. Despite their issues (Hunter only does pick ups and Eli is on the rebound)-they have off the chart chemistry that is combustible that draws them together. The rewarding part of this read was watching them become emotionally connected and find more that just a physical connection. A reminder that no matter how hard we fight our love and attractions the heart knows what the heart knows. I cannot recommend it enough. Great book. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good to take a novella-sized visit back into the Split Rock Ranch world. This time, the story takes place in the town. Eli is visiting Split Rock solo because his boyfriend of two years broke up with him via text during their grad school graduation. Although they were supposed to go to Pride Week together, Eli decides to go by himself.

While at the local bar, Eli realizes he's not really much a hook-up guy. However, when he gets the attention of the bar owner, Hunter, Eli realizes he's open to spending the night with him. He's warned by Hunter's friend that Hunter is a "one-and-done" guy, but since Eli is on a rebound and only there for the week, he's fine with one night. What happens when one night becomes two and more and feeling begin to develop? This book has good friends, emotions, passion, and a committed, loving relationship.

[Monal (Reading.Wth.Monal) · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book was... cute. nothing that blew my mind as such. it's just that I don't read a lot of LGBTQ+ romance (which I really should) and I decided to pick this one up. also because I'm not gonna be reading anything for the rest of the month including first week of December because of exams.

so, this book is a novella. very short. finished it in two hours tops. this being a novella is also a reason for the 3 star rating. I just wish there was more build up. but then that would be a full novel. me coming to this realisation now is pretty dumb but it's the truth. I wish there was more substance or material to read.

but, if you're looking for quick spicy read, literally a 100 pages worth, then I guess you could check this one out.

[Helen Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rate this book 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars. I'm really enjoying the Split Rock Ranch series. Rory Maxwell's writing is terrific, and all of the characters are interesting people whom I enjoy spending time with on the page. Eli and Hunter's story features insta-lust, which I'm fine with, but also insta-love, which I always find implausible. The epilogue was also too convenient to be believable. I would have preferred that this story be fleshed out more into a longer exploration of their attraction and the development of their relationship over a longer timeframe. Still, I enjoyed their journey to their HEA. The intimate scenes in particular were very well written. I look forward to continuing this engaging series!

[Babara-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A SWEET AGE GAP WITH AWAKENING KINKS!

A new to me author who’s writing style thoroughly enthralled me!

“Sweet boy,” he murmured, his heart doing an unfamiliar flip. “You’re going to make me break all my rules.”

A gut wrenching breakup leads sweet, sassy jewellery designer graduate Elliot Vaughan to Split Rock for Pride Week and here he meets Hunter Owens bar owner and Daddy extraordinaire….

A hookup leads to many discoveries and unknown kinks for both of them but Hunter does not do relationships and Eliot is only staying for a week…

A sweet, steamy novella that will enthral and entertain!

I voluntarily received an ARC from HRR for an honest non biased review.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eli and Hunter

I fell in love with Eli and Hunter, their chemistry was undeniable, and Hunter was everything Eli deserved after Bryan. Eli found a place he belonged, friends who supported him, a community that embraced him, and a man who loved him wholeheartedly and without reservation. The final frosting on the cake was the confrontation at the end of the book, a perfect way to conclude this enjoyable book. A fairly quick but engaging read. Looking forward to reading the first 2 books and number 4 when it comes out. A delightful offering by a new author.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I normally don’t read novellas but a newly graduated (with his MBA), relatively newly out baby gay getting to experience his first Pride in a small town and falling in love with an older Daddy type? I just was here for it and all in all it was a delightful read. Starting out as a Pride week fling was a great approach with these two, and how it unfolds is perfect. I loved the wrap up with the ex-boyfriend (no spoilers, just enticing you to read it). Honestly I could have read more about these two and am kind of excited about the rest of the series.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was short and sweet. Eli, dealing with a harsh breakup at graduation, goes on his graduation trip alone. Once there, he heads to a local bar, where he meets Hunter. Hunter, the handsome bartender, who Eli is smitten with from the get go. Hunter is known for his one night stands and daddy kink. But with Eli, Hunter is breaking all the rules.

Of course, nothing is ever easy and feelings can be scary. Can this short trip lead to a long term relationship? Definitely read and find out.

I received a copy of this book from GRR and this is my honest review.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Make sure you only order drinks from me tonight... I want to know exactly how much you’ve had before I ask to walk you home later.”

I loved this book. It was such an enjoyable read. I loved the characters. The attraction between Eli and Hunter was immediate and felt by both. They had such great chemistry. I also liked the supporting characters. It was a quick read and I wish it were longer so I could see more of these guys. This was the first book I've read by this author and I will definitely be reading more. 5 stars.

[Becky A · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Something Unintended" received FOUR stars.

The novel gained *stars* for these items:

* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."

* gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."

* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."

* gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"

The novel failed to gain stars for this item:

NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."