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Unexpected Love #1
Reroute
I may be the biggest klutz I know, but hiding in a dryer with my grumpy neighbor, Edwin's, unmentionables is a new low- even for me. Despite my successful career, I just can't seem to channel that same kind of luck into my love life.
When I unexpectedly find myself with said neighbor on a work trip, things go from bad to worse... Until I begin to see a different side to Edwin. He's unbelievably caring and unfailing kind underneath that persnickety exterior.
And when things begin to heat up between the two of us, I realize that maybe our differences are what makes us work.
***Reroute is an opposites attract, grumpy neighbor romantic comedy full of LOL moments, grumpy vs. sunshine banter, and swoony sweet romance!***
When I unexpectedly find myself with said neighbor on a work trip, things go from bad to worse... Until I begin to see a different side to Edwin. He's unbelievably caring and unfailing kind underneath that persnickety exterior.
And when things begin to heat up between the two of us, I realize that maybe our differences are what makes us work.
***Reroute is an opposites attract, grumpy neighbor romantic comedy full of LOL moments, grumpy vs. sunshine banter, and swoony sweet romance!***
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2023
27 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Padgett
74 books200 followersM. J. Padgett is first and foremost a mom. Her free-spirited daughter has quite the vivid imagination, and her antics sometimes find their way into her mommy’s work. She is a lover of all things chocolate, a Grimm and Dickens addict, a self-proclaimed smarty-pants, and an introvert to the core.
Writing is her true passion (after raising her daughter, of course), and she writes as often as possible. One of her favorite things about writing is creating a world where people can escape reality for a little while, maybe even walk away feeling hopeful about the real world around them. When it comes to reading, she loves a book that can make her forget where she is no matter the genre. If she can get lost and feel like the characters are her real friends, she’s a happy reader.
Writing is her true passion (after raising her daughter, of course), and she writes as often as possible. One of her favorite things about writing is creating a world where people can escape reality for a little while, maybe even walk away feeling hopeful about the real world around them. When it comes to reading, she loves a book that can make her forget where she is no matter the genre. If she can get lost and feel like the characters are her real friends, she’s a happy reader.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 1, 2025
Oh my heart! If you need a laugh, a spoonful of sugar, you need to read this book! It’s Mary Poppins’s sunshine medicine and will improve your day immensely—promise!
The situation comedy killed me. Absolutely killed me. Like, choking on laughter several times a chapter. 😂
But for all the silliness and comedic relief, the relationship truths hit hard. So hard. Edwin & Calliope are precious, and a good reminder that often times the person we need the most is the person we least expect. God’s timing in our lives is truly perfect. 💛
The situation comedy killed me. Absolutely killed me. Like, choking on laughter several times a chapter. 😂
But for all the silliness and comedic relief, the relationship truths hit hard. So hard. Edwin & Calliope are precious, and a good reminder that often times the person we need the most is the person we least expect. God’s timing in our lives is truly perfect. 💛
January 7, 2026
Reroute by M.J. Padgett is a lighthearted, opposites‑attract romantic comedy about Calliope, an adorably accident‑prone heroine whose life seems to unfold one hilarious oops at a time, and her prickly next‑door neighbor Edwin, a man as orderly as she is chaotic, whose forced proximity during a work trip slowly cracks open his grumpy exterior and reveals a caring, kind heart beneath. What begins as comic awkwardness and mutual exasperation slowly becomes something warm, tender, and unexpectedly sweet as these two discover that differences can sometimes be exactly what makes love click.
From the first tumble into the laundry room (literally in a dryer with Edwin’s unmentionables), I couldn’t help but laugh and then fall for Calliope’s earnest, sunshine‑bright personality that lights every scene with warmth, even when she’s tripping over her own feet. Edwin’s grumpy, prickly nature is such a fun contrast to her chaos; watching him soften around her was one of the most genuinely satisfying slow‑burn arcs I’ve read in a cozy rom‑com.
Their banter had me smiling, and the way they support each other’s flaws felt delightfully human and sincere. There’s clean, wholesome romance and mild, sweet moments of faith woven in here too, making it a feel‑good and uplifting escape perfect for days when you just want to laugh a little and swoon in the gentlest way.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
I adored how Reroute made me giggle aloud, care deeply about characters who are delightfully imperfect, and feel genuinely happy for a couple who finds love in the most unlikely bumps and blunders.
From the first tumble into the laundry room (literally in a dryer with Edwin’s unmentionables), I couldn’t help but laugh and then fall for Calliope’s earnest, sunshine‑bright personality that lights every scene with warmth, even when she’s tripping over her own feet. Edwin’s grumpy, prickly nature is such a fun contrast to her chaos; watching him soften around her was one of the most genuinely satisfying slow‑burn arcs I’ve read in a cozy rom‑com.
Their banter had me smiling, and the way they support each other’s flaws felt delightfully human and sincere. There’s clean, wholesome romance and mild, sweet moments of faith woven in here too, making it a feel‑good and uplifting escape perfect for days when you just want to laugh a little and swoon in the gentlest way.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
I adored how Reroute made me giggle aloud, care deeply about characters who are delightfully imperfect, and feel genuinely happy for a couple who finds love in the most unlikely bumps and blunders.
February 6, 2024
“And that, my friends, is how a grumpy cactus and a pure ray of sunshine fall in love.” This book was so fun. Right from the first scene, it really sets the tone. And that tone is sweet, cute, and funny. “I’m pretty sure the day cannot get any worse from here. I’ve hidden in a dryer, fallen out of a dryer, slammed my face into a door, and now my grumpy neighbour is scolding me for not having ice.” Poor Calliope was a walking disaster. If it could go wrong for her, it would. “If I’m not making a fool of myself, I’m probably dead.” (I relate to this so hard.) Her relationship with her neighbour, Edwin, was strained. Edwin’s “prickly personality” didn’t help foster a friendship until circumstances forced them into close proximity travelling to a conference together. It was really lovely to watch Edwin gradually shift to caring for and protecting Calliope. “Calliope is a breath of fresh air in my stuffy life. One that might blow in all directions, destroying a lot in its path, but it’s different…and I need different.” I really enjoyed this book. It was so entertaining with all the funny moments. Also sweet and romantic in a the perfect way for these two unique characters. The book includes brief mild faith themes. This is a sweet and clean story with no harsh language.
October 6, 2023
4 stars - Read via Kindle
This is a fun and comical book with a really odd coupling that still somehow works really well . You can’t help but see they are so wrong that they are right! They bring out the best in one another and challenge one another when needed.
While the klutz aspect of the FMC is a little over-the-top, it’s so humorous that you don’t even care. And the sparks fly in all the best ways! I appreciate Christian fiction romance because it is clean and respectful. It is so much more enjoyable. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series coming in November and December. I already have them pre-ordered.
*** My only ‘critiques’ would be: 1. A few typos that editing should have caught. 2. I’ve never seen, lived in, or heard of an apartment building where the doors open outward instead of into the dwelling. That definitely would cause a lot of accidents.
ADDED NOTE: I’m going to now use “Sugar cookies!” and “Snickerdoodles!” to my list of fun things to say when I mess up.
This is a fun and comical book with a really odd coupling that still somehow works really well . You can’t help but see they are so wrong that they are right! They bring out the best in one another and challenge one another when needed.
While the klutz aspect of the FMC is a little over-the-top, it’s so humorous that you don’t even care. And the sparks fly in all the best ways! I appreciate Christian fiction romance because it is clean and respectful. It is so much more enjoyable. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series coming in November and December. I already have them pre-ordered.
*** My only ‘critiques’ would be: 1. A few typos that editing should have caught. 2. I’ve never seen, lived in, or heard of an apartment building where the doors open outward instead of into the dwelling. That definitely would cause a lot of accidents.
ADDED NOTE: I’m going to now use “Sugar cookies!” and “Snickerdoodles!” to my list of fun things to say when I mess up.
January 11, 2025
I was hoping this book will be a 5 star read before I even started reading it. Then I read first chapter and I knew it's gonna be one of the funniest books I have ever read and it didn't disappoint. It became just that.
Calliope is a klutz on steroids and should probably be wrapped in a bubble wrap for her own good. Her let's call them "accidents" got me laughing so hard. I don't remember last time I laughed so much reading a rom com.
And Edwin (swoon) is there to rescuing her every move she makes. He's all put together and she's a disaster. He makes her better and she makes him better.
Their relationship was also so healthy, the communication was 💯
I had an absolute blast reading this book. So many favorite scenes. 100% recommend.
Calliope is a klutz on steroids and should probably be wrapped in a bubble wrap for her own good. Her let's call them "accidents" got me laughing so hard. I don't remember last time I laughed so much reading a rom com.
And Edwin (swoon) is there to rescuing her every move she makes. He's all put together and she's a disaster. He makes her better and she makes him better.
Their relationship was also so healthy, the communication was 💯
I had an absolute blast reading this book. So many favorite scenes. 100% recommend.
October 11, 2023
I LOVE THIS BOOK! Y'all, I have never laughed so hard (out loud!), reading a book. This story is so fun and the characters are the kind that will stick with you. I can't wait for the next in the series! The writing is amazing and the characters well developed and show significant growth along the way.
I read a free advanced copy of this book. The opinions are all my own.
I read a free advanced copy of this book. The opinions are all my own.
March 5, 2024
So funny! Calliope is the klutziest person Edwin has ever known, and somehow he keeps ending up having to rescue her. They both dislike the other, until they are forced to spend time together and start to see the good in the other. I laughed over and over again at the situations that Calliope gets herself into. Grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity tropes. Highly recommend for those who enjoy a sweet/clean rom-com.
June 30, 2024
Loved The Story
Calliope is a hoot from page one! She had me in stitches. Edwin is definitely her match who can balance her out and possibly save her life, numerous times. This book is just so much fun. I even enjoyed how they handled their exes. I'm looking forward to the next book after reading the ending to this one.
Calliope is a hoot from page one! She had me in stitches. Edwin is definitely her match who can balance her out and possibly save her life, numerous times. This book is just so much fun. I even enjoyed how they handled their exes. I'm looking forward to the next book after reading the ending to this one.
January 3, 2025
Reroute will provide you with plenty of laughter from the first scene. Calliope is klutzy and a walking disaster, and the countless mishaps she endured were so hilarious. Her neighbor Edwin is prickly. If you enjoy opposites attract, sunshine/grumpy, next-door neighbors, forced proximity, and romantic comedy, then this clean read is for you.
October 6, 2023
Funny, romantic , sweet , grumpy and smiley , never the Twain right? Erm wrong! Perfectly balanced, opposites attract trope . It’s light ,it’s tense , it’s a relationship and it’s theirs….Great, well written, entertaining light read.
I read an advance copy and my review is voluntary
I read an advance copy and my review is voluntary
November 10, 2023
A funny light hearted zany funtastical read! Defiantly one to make you smile and feel good. Such crazy characters and sweet storyline. *I was given a copy via StoryOrgin and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
November 27, 2023
Grump Meet Klutz
Calliope and Edwin have the worst luck… okay, to be fair it’s just Calliope who has bad luck. This sweet romantic comedy will have you laughing from the laundry room to the stairwell of their apartment building. Reroute is a well-written, clean romance with a guaranteed HEA.
Calliope and Edwin have the worst luck… okay, to be fair it’s just Calliope who has bad luck. This sweet romantic comedy will have you laughing from the laundry room to the stairwell of their apartment building. Reroute is a well-written, clean romance with a guaranteed HEA.
November 30, 2023
I loved the chaos meets introverted, sunshine meets prickly, and klutz meets controlled in this super entertaining and sweet romance. I was hooked from the start in a dryer to that sweet, sweet, perfect epilogue! Read this in a day!
April 8, 2025
This was awesomely hilarious. It is a little lighter on Christian content, but it is still there. I laughed out loud many times. Great characters and plot. This is the funniest book I have read for a while.
September 25, 2023
Cute!
This is a cute and fun romantic comedy, and I am looking forward to reading more books in the series!
This is a cute and fun romantic comedy, and I am looking forward to reading more books in the series!
June 21, 2025
What a funny book! Great quirky characters, cute plot, clean, and lots of humor. I loved it and can't wait to read the next in the series.
June 26, 2025
Absolutely loved this series! Perfect romance with such cute banter! 10000% recommend!
August 31, 2025
I loved how Calliope's and Edwin's relationship unfolded, despite the blunders. So adorable 🥰
November 24, 2025
3.25/5 ⭐️
October 7, 2023
'No sé si hay una mujer viva que pueda tolerarme, pero si existe, haré todo lo que pueda para ser lo que ella necesita que sea. Estoy seguro de que hay un hombre que también verá todas tus peculiaridades y formas peligrosas como entrañables. Lo encontrarás, pero ¿podría sugerirte que busques un poco más que los imbéciles mujeriegos que no merecen tu compañía?'
•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.
Reroute de M. J. Padgett Serie Unexpected Love libro 1
Argumento:
Puede que sea la más torpe que conozco, pero esconderme en una secadora con los innombrables de mi vecino gruñón, Edwin, es un nuevo nivel bajo, incluso para mí. A pesar de mi exitosa carrera, parece que no puedo canalizar ese mismo tipo de suerte en mi vida amorosa.
Cuando inesperadamente me encuentro con dicho vecino en un viaje de trabajo, las cosas van de mal en peor... Hasta que empiezo a ver un lado diferente de Edwin. Es increíblemente cariñoso y amable inquebrantable debajo de ese exterior quisquilloso.
Y cuando las cosas empiezan a calentarse entre nosotros dos, me doy cuenta de que tal vez nuestras diferencias sean lo que nos hace trabajar.
Mi humilde opinión:
Romance de enemigos a amigos/amigos a amantes/ héroe gruñón y heroina rayo de sol/ polos opuestos.
Los protagonistas tenían sus peculiaridades y eso los hacían entrañables. Si bien sentí que eran un poco inmaduros con sus relaciones: eran adultos y no sabían cómo lidiar con su exes? No me importó tanto pero no podía creer lo malas que eran sus anteriores parejas! Menos mal que finalmente los pusieron en su lugar y se dieron cuenta que necesitaban a alguien que los aceptaran tal y como eran.
En cuanto al romance, es limpio, no hay escenas subidas de tono. El progreso de su relación de enemigos -amigos-amantes fue gracioso y lindo. Edwin y Calíope juntos eran improbables, me gustó la forma en que se complementaran a pesar de lo distintas que eran sus personalidades. Pero... yo necesité más pasión que esos pocos besos, me faltó después de tanta anticipación hasta que por fin están juntos.
Me gustaron los personajes secundarios. Seguramente los hermanos de Edwin y Calíope, May y Jhon, tendrán su libro.
Reroute es una rom-com relajada, dulce, sin dramas o emociones fuertes, con un HEA catastróficamente romántico.
August 28, 2023
3/5 Stars - Cute, but not for me.
*Thank you, M.J. Padgett, for giving me an ARC of Reroute in exchange for an honest review.*
Reroute by M.J. Padgett is a clean, grumpy x sunshine romantic comedy. I've enjoyed several of Padgett's fantasy books and have recently started getting into rom-coms, so I was excited to have the opportunity to read Reroute. Unfortunately, while there were parts that I enjoyed, overall, Reroute wasn't really for me.
I really like the concept of Reroute and think that avid grumpy x sunshine fans would greatly enjoy this book. I personally didn't connect with the characters, which made it difficult for me to get invested in their relationship. I also felt that some parts moved too quickly and/or easily (which I wasn't a fan of, but I imagine some readers would really appreciate it).
As I said before, there were parts that I enjoyed. A big chunk of the book takes place at a mystery writer's conference, which was a lot of fun (and I won't spoil anything, but the squirrel and pepper spray scenes were both fantastic).
So, while Reroute wasn't for me, I imagine fans of light and funny rom-coms would eat it up. It was definitely a cute book, so if you're in the market for a sweet and clean story that won't break your heart, check out Reroute by M.J. Padgett.
*Thank you, M.J. Padgett, for giving me an ARC of Reroute in exchange for an honest review.*
Reroute by M.J. Padgett is a clean, grumpy x sunshine romantic comedy. I've enjoyed several of Padgett's fantasy books and have recently started getting into rom-coms, so I was excited to have the opportunity to read Reroute. Unfortunately, while there were parts that I enjoyed, overall, Reroute wasn't really for me.
I really like the concept of Reroute and think that avid grumpy x sunshine fans would greatly enjoy this book. I personally didn't connect with the characters, which made it difficult for me to get invested in their relationship. I also felt that some parts moved too quickly and/or easily (which I wasn't a fan of, but I imagine some readers would really appreciate it).
As I said before, there were parts that I enjoyed. A big chunk of the book takes place at a mystery writer's conference, which was a lot of fun (and I won't spoil anything, but the squirrel and pepper spray scenes were both fantastic).
So, while Reroute wasn't for me, I imagine fans of light and funny rom-coms would eat it up. It was definitely a cute book, so if you're in the market for a sweet and clean story that won't break your heart, check out Reroute by M.J. Padgett.
September 7, 2023
There is accident prone... and then there is Calliope!
I mean, seriously... I've read about some pretty clumsy heroines, but Calliope certainly is a league all on her own! Every time she turns around, she seems to find herself getting into some type of scrape... and many of them not even of her own doing. From squirrels to pepper spray... you never quite know what you're going to get!
Edwin on the other hand was serious and put together... and sometimes even a little prickly. This was such a great example of opposites attracting--- and then balancing each other out. All of these mishaps had me laughing out loud throughout the story... but I also couldn't help but love the chemistry between these two. They were so sweet together that I couldn't help but root for their happily ever after. It was truly just the right blend of humor and heart... and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Reroute is a closed-door romance with nothing beyond kisses and no language. There were a few mentions of faith that I personally appreciated too.
**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All opinions are my own.
I mean, seriously... I've read about some pretty clumsy heroines, but Calliope certainly is a league all on her own! Every time she turns around, she seems to find herself getting into some type of scrape... and many of them not even of her own doing. From squirrels to pepper spray... you never quite know what you're going to get!
Edwin on the other hand was serious and put together... and sometimes even a little prickly. This was such a great example of opposites attracting--- and then balancing each other out. All of these mishaps had me laughing out loud throughout the story... but I also couldn't help but love the chemistry between these two. They were so sweet together that I couldn't help but root for their happily ever after. It was truly just the right blend of humor and heart... and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Reroute is a closed-door romance with nothing beyond kisses and no language. There were a few mentions of faith that I personally appreciated too.
**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All opinions are my own.
August 30, 2025
This is the first book in the Unexpected Love Series and can be read as a standalone. Reroute is told through Calliope and Edwin's pov and is clean and sweet romance that will have you laughing.
As soon as we were introduced to Calliope, I knew that I was going to enjoy this story. She was chaos personified and I loved how, though vastly different from her, Edwin was a good match for her. While she was a klutz and had her head in the clouds, he grounded her while she gave him a sense of purpose. It was so fun to see them realize they were what the other needed. Their romance was a clean one consisting of kisses that were descriptive, but don't get too heated, and no foul language was used. There are light elements of faith, which I liked, and this is a quick no stress read perfect for those who like lighthearted stories.
As soon as we were introduced to Calliope, I knew that I was going to enjoy this story. She was chaos personified and I loved how, though vastly different from her, Edwin was a good match for her. While she was a klutz and had her head in the clouds, he grounded her while she gave him a sense of purpose. It was so fun to see them realize they were what the other needed. Their romance was a clean one consisting of kisses that were descriptive, but don't get too heated, and no foul language was used. There are light elements of faith, which I liked, and this is a quick no stress read perfect for those who like lighthearted stories.
September 15, 2023
Oh. My. Lanta.
This book, you guys. 🤩
Calliope is our main character and she is a klutz with a capital K! But she's also one of the most lovable heroines I've ever come across.
And Edwin??? SWOON! He's SO prickly and handsome and SUCH a gentleman. All Calliope wants to do is MESS HIM UP and I am HERE for it! 😍🙌 I loved every second of their interactions in this LOL sweet romcom!
If you're looking for a low-angst, fun, light-hearted read that will fulfill all your romance-loving dreams, check this one out.
EASILY one of the best books I've read all year!
Tropes:
🖤Grumpy/Sunshine
🖤Opposites Attract
🖤He takes care of her
🖤Neighbors
🖤Bad Exes
This book, you guys. 🤩
Calliope is our main character and she is a klutz with a capital K! But she's also one of the most lovable heroines I've ever come across.
And Edwin??? SWOON! He's SO prickly and handsome and SUCH a gentleman. All Calliope wants to do is MESS HIM UP and I am HERE for it! 😍🙌 I loved every second of their interactions in this LOL sweet romcom!
If you're looking for a low-angst, fun, light-hearted read that will fulfill all your romance-loving dreams, check this one out.
EASILY one of the best books I've read all year!
Tropes:
🖤Grumpy/Sunshine
🖤Opposites Attract
🖤He takes care of her
🖤Neighbors
🖤Bad Exes
August 28, 2023
I enjoyed this grump-sunshine romcom and I loved Edwin's character so much. Edwin and Calliope are the complete opposite of each other--when I say complete, it's completely complete--and that's why they were so darn perfect together. I didn't know people like Calliope existed; she was far too clumsy to my taste, but I must admit it was funny too, lol. Their chemistry, and character development were all excellent! Any romcom fans would love this sweet book!
I received an advanced copy for an honest review. All opinion is mine.
I received an advanced copy for an honest review. All opinion is mine.
September 4, 2023
Grumpy/Sunshine and opposites attract are in this clean sweet romantic comedy!
This book was a delight and had me laughing at quite a few of the shenanigans Calliope and Edwin end up in.
Edwin is neat, orderly, and considered to be as prickly as a cactus.
Calliope is happy-go-lucky, klutzy, and sometimes just a mess.
The adventure these two have finding more in themselves and each other hit the spot I needed for a sweet and believable relationship.
I received an ARC from the author who asked that I write an honest review.
I loved it and can't wait to read more by her!
This book was a delight and had me laughing at quite a few of the shenanigans Calliope and Edwin end up in.
Edwin is neat, orderly, and considered to be as prickly as a cactus.
Calliope is happy-go-lucky, klutzy, and sometimes just a mess.
The adventure these two have finding more in themselves and each other hit the spot I needed for a sweet and believable relationship.
I received an ARC from the author who asked that I write an honest review.
I loved it and can't wait to read more by her!
August 1, 2023
I've read a lot of romcoms, but very few have made me laugh out loud like Reroute. This book was the perfect balance of sweet, tender moments, banter, and hilarious mishaps. Padgett kept the romance clean while delivering on all of the great tension you expect from a grumpy vs sunshine and opposites attract romance. If you love books that make you laugh one minute and swoon the next, then Reroute is the book for you!
*I received an early copy. All opinions are my own.
*I received an early copy. All opinions are my own.
August 22, 2023
Reroute is a laugh out loud, sweet and swoony novel!
I adored Calliope and Edwin so much I didn’t want their story to end. They are the perfect opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine couple!
If you’re looking for a book full of fun banter, outlandish comedic and plenty of “awwww” moments then make sure you read this one!
This was my first M.J. Padget novel and I look forward to reading more from her!
I received an ARC copy for an honest review from the author, all opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews