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Incidental Happenstance
Incidental: Occurring or likely to occur as an unpredictable or minor accompaniment*
Happenstance: A chance circumstance *
Neither was looking for it. Neither was expecting it. But sometimes, life has other plans…
One year after the loss of her fiancé, Tia Hastings needed to find a way to start over. She had to figure out how to be single again, but she had no idea how to do it. Last Stop was a tiny pub with no significance—she chose it to be anonymous, to watch the interactions between the sexes so she could figure out how to start her life over…
Dylan Miller was a megastar. It was impossible for him to move amongst the general population without being recognized, but he longed to simply blend into a crowd. He donned a disguise and wandered into Last Stop, a dark little hole-in-the-wall where he was sure no one would know him…
When their worlds collide, Tia and Dylan discover something neither of them thought possible—love. But when a fallen star sees Dylan as her ticket back to the top and will stop at nothing to make him hers, Tia wonders if she’s out of her league; and out of time to rescue the love she thought she’d never find again…
Is it fate? Coincidence? Or both?
Happenstance: A chance circumstance *
Neither was looking for it. Neither was expecting it. But sometimes, life has other plans…
One year after the loss of her fiancé, Tia Hastings needed to find a way to start over. She had to figure out how to be single again, but she had no idea how to do it. Last Stop was a tiny pub with no significance—she chose it to be anonymous, to watch the interactions between the sexes so she could figure out how to start her life over…
Dylan Miller was a megastar. It was impossible for him to move amongst the general population without being recognized, but he longed to simply blend into a crowd. He donned a disguise and wandered into Last Stop, a dark little hole-in-the-wall where he was sure no one would know him…
When their worlds collide, Tia and Dylan discover something neither of them thought possible—love. But when a fallen star sees Dylan as her ticket back to the top and will stop at nothing to make him hers, Tia wonders if she’s out of her league; and out of time to rescue the love she thought she’d never find again…
Is it fate? Coincidence? Or both?
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2012
47 people are currently reading
1314 people want to read
About the author
Kim DeSalvo
3 books91 followersKim is the best-selling author of 'Incidental Happenstance' and its sequel, 'InHap*pily Ever After.' Her new book, 'Sanctuary,' was released on May 1, 2017. Kim enjoys travel, and often brings her experiences into her books. By day, she works as a middle school teacher, and holds a master's degree in education. Currently, she lives in the Chicago area with her husband, Brian, and her rescue mutt, Princess Gracie. Check out Kim's books here... http://tinyurl.com/desalvoamazon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
October 22, 2012
Wow what can I say i loved this book!!! Loved it. If you enjoyes love unscripted you will enjoy this book just as much if not more. I cant say enough good things about this one. Loved the story. The characters were so easy to fall in love with. It was a book I couldn't put down i would say its a must read.
March 18, 2013
4 Stars
Incidental: Occurring or likely to occur as an unpredictable or minor accompaniment
Happenstance: A chance circumstance
Incidental Happenstance is a light Adult Contemporary read with a movie star/singer theme. I would say it reminds me a lot like Love Unscripted since it has the same plot and tone of writing.
[Summary]
It’s the one year anniversary of the death of Tia’s fiancé. After a year of hiding out, she decides to go to a hole-in-the-wall bar to start moving on with her life. She then notices super star, singer and actor, Dylan Miller at the same bar. Dylan is in disguise and doesn’t want to be bothered. He just wants to drink his beer and enjoy one night on his own without fans circling around him. Tia buys a drink for Dylan just to let him know she’s a fan and that’s all. Dylan is intrigued with Tia and notices she isn’t the typical fan he’s use to, meaning she’s doesn’t seem to have alterative motives.
[My feelings]
At 22% I had a HUGE smile on my face and was just swooning with the chemistry
At 23% - 74% still smiling and enjoying my read
At 75% I got nervous
At 83% Getting really pissed off and getting really frustrated
At 96% I was jumping for joy
At 99% I was thinking… that’s it?!
[Review]
I really enjoyed the beginning of Incidental Happenstance, it was really warm, light and just all around sweet. There really wasn’t too much tension and I was fine with that. Even the overly narrative writing didn’t bother me to much because I felt like there was a lot of character development.
[Tia + Dylan]
I LOVED Tia and my heart just broke for her in the beginning. I loved how the first chapter kind of set her character up, even though it was just so sad! I liked her attitude on life and the support system she had. Yes, at times Tia seemed a little too sweet, but it made you like her even more.
Was Dylan awesome? Ug, yeah he was. I’ll admit, I read a lot of books where the Hero is either famous actor or singer, so there’s a lot characters I can compare with and Dylan would be on my like list. I wouldn’t say Dylan was overly dominated, but he was definitely cocky and exceptionally sweet. Tia had him whipped and I liked it!
[Overall]
I would describe the first 30% a slow progression of how Tia and Dylan meet. Incidental Happenstance is a very descriptive book, you can read 50 pages and still be reading the same day and sometimes this didn’t bother me and other times I felt like I just wanted to fast forward to the next scene.
The middle part was super cute and it involved more of the Tia and Dylan dynamics. I felt like I was part of the story and was enjoying the light-fluffy ride I was reading. Pretty much the first 75% was really easy, there’s almost no tension, and again, I was okay with that.
At the 75% mark things changed for me and this is where everything shifts.
…..pausing a moment before I make my rant
I understand shifts, I actually was ready for it because everything seemed to go so perfectly for me, but I didn’t like the direction of the shift. I felt like there could have been a different obstacle Kim DeSalvo could have come up with. I am not upset about the slight love triangle either. It was just the actual set-up I had a problem with. Basically Tia and Dylan’s direct interactions were gone in the last 25%.
I didn’t appreciate how long everything was too. For example, there’s one part of the book where one of the characters was going to explain something and I just wanted her to come out with it, but it took a good 20 pages of coaxing and prodding before she said anything and by that point I started too (and I shake my head in shame) BUT I SKIMMED!
Yes, I skimmed the last 25% because it was just too much! It pains me to say this because basically I had a 5 star review ready and couldn’t wait to share my wonderful news, but everything went downhill towards the end.
Once you get to the ending that’s it! I didn’t understand why there wasn’t an epilogue. Is there another book? Incidental Happenstance does end, but somehow I feel like I didn’t get closure.
I had to give a 4 star review because despite my rant, Incidental Happenstance was a good read and since this is the only book listed by Kim DeSalvo, I commend her effort. I am all for self-published authors and will definitely pick up the next DeSalvo book, I just hope she cuts the narrative writing a bit.
For more reviews, visit http://jacquelinesreads.blogspot.com/
October 19, 2012
Tia has been through some struggles in the past year and decides to stop with the pity party and move on with life. She goes to a bar because she wants to be around people but also to ease herself back into the outside world. Here she sees a guy with a mullet but he looks familiar.
Dylan is a rock star/actor looking to avoid the fame associated with that for the night and have a few drinks at a bar like a normal person.
OK, so it is not hard to predict the main thread of the plot from here. But isn't that the beauty of the girl meets rock star theme? What really sucked me into this book was Tia and Dylan's meeting and first night together. I really got the feeling that these two characters were just at the right place at the right time. They meet under unusual circumstances and feel a genuine connection to another human being when neither of them had any intention of seeking anything of the sort. It was really very sweet and my favourite part of the book.
I really enjoyed this book. It did remind me of Love Unscripted in some respects but not enough to spoil Incidental Happenstance for me.
My two minor issues with this book:
1). I almost skipped over this one because of the cover. Combined with the title I really didn't realise that his was a contemporary romance. I really only looked further because I did an amazon search on the rock-star tag.
2). The POV changed between several characters during the book. My only issue here is I sometimes had to backtrack a few sentences to be sure whose POV I was reading. I think this might have been formatting as much as anything because a larger gap between paragraphs when the POV changed might have helped me clue in sooner. Then again this might be just me and my reading style.
Also, although I didn't find it lacking, I could have handled a bit more steam in the bedroom...just sayin... ;)
If you like this type of story line then I definitely suggest picking up the kindle sample for this one. That was enough to hook me.
Dylan is a rock star/actor looking to avoid the fame associated with that for the night and have a few drinks at a bar like a normal person.
OK, so it is not hard to predict the main thread of the plot from here. But isn't that the beauty of the girl meets rock star theme? What really sucked me into this book was Tia and Dylan's meeting and first night together. I really got the feeling that these two characters were just at the right place at the right time. They meet under unusual circumstances and feel a genuine connection to another human being when neither of them had any intention of seeking anything of the sort. It was really very sweet and my favourite part of the book.
I really enjoyed this book. It did remind me of Love Unscripted in some respects but not enough to spoil Incidental Happenstance for me.
My two minor issues with this book:
1). I almost skipped over this one because of the cover. Combined with the title I really didn't realise that his was a contemporary romance. I really only looked further because I did an amazon search on the rock-star tag.
2). The POV changed between several characters during the book. My only issue here is I sometimes had to backtrack a few sentences to be sure whose POV I was reading. I think this might have been formatting as much as anything because a larger gap between paragraphs when the POV changed might have helped me clue in sooner. Then again this might be just me and my reading style.
Also, although I didn't find it lacking, I could have handled a bit more steam in the bedroom...just sayin... ;)
If you like this type of story line then I definitely suggest picking up the kindle sample for this one. That was enough to hook me.
October 23, 2012
As I began reading this book, I really thought this would be a winner. The initial attraction and buildup of Tia and Dylan's relationship had the makings of a great love story. I couldn't wait to see how the relationship between the two characters developed and eagerly waited for the moment when they gave in to their feelings. Well they did....and the entire story went downhill from there, starting with the first love scene. There was too much sexual tension between the two characters for the author to dedicate 5 sentences to the moment when they finally came together.
The next 100 pages that should have drawn the reader into this relationship felt like a summary of their time spent together. This felt like such a missed opportunity, it was the only time in the novel that the two were able to be together before circumstances forced them to be apart. The plot consists of an antagonist fixated on the male lead in this novel that takes measures to break up this couple. When a story is well written, you feel like you have an emotional investment in the turnout and root for love to prevail. In this case I just wanted to finish this book so that I could get to another one that is hopefully better than what I just read.
The next 100 pages that should have drawn the reader into this relationship felt like a summary of their time spent together. This felt like such a missed opportunity, it was the only time in the novel that the two were able to be together before circumstances forced them to be apart. The plot consists of an antagonist fixated on the male lead in this novel that takes measures to break up this couple. When a story is well written, you feel like you have an emotional investment in the turnout and root for love to prevail. In this case I just wanted to finish this book so that I could get to another one that is hopefully better than what I just read.
December 1, 2012
"I think I could get lost in her,man." ~ Dylan Miller ;-)
I absolutely love love love this book to the max! I always love the hollywood romance - such as Love Unscripted & Hollywood Romance novels.
Tia and Dylan are just sooo amazing together! both of them have their own problems of healing - with Tia on her Fiancee and Dylan on his sister. I just really hate Penelope for her crazy antics that almost tore Tia and Dylan apart but in the end Dylan found out the truth and found their way with each other. There are really a lot of consequences for a celebrity relationship to work through. People are all about money, fame, & power, but in the end they are just humans who need love as much as we all do, and we need to see right through it against all odds.
I absolutely love love love this book to the max! I always love the hollywood romance - such as Love Unscripted & Hollywood Romance novels.
Tia and Dylan are just sooo amazing together! both of them have their own problems of healing - with Tia on her Fiancee and Dylan on his sister. I just really hate Penelope for her crazy antics that almost tore Tia and Dylan apart but in the end Dylan found out the truth and found their way with each other. There are really a lot of consequences for a celebrity relationship to work through. People are all about money, fame, & power, but in the end they are just humans who need love as much as we all do, and we need to see right through it against all odds.
September 20, 2012
Wow - super sweet love story. It was great to see Dylan and Tia fall in love - Kim did a great job of building the relationship believable - and making me swoon with how romantic it all was. I really loved Dylan and Tia both - they are great characters, and made the perfect pair - oh and that Penelope - she was easy to hate. Overall, the story took a predictable path - but that didn't make it any less enjoyable. Grat read!
June 11, 2013
Unfortunately, I forgot I read this book; so, my mind is rusty on my reaction. I suppose that statement really says something all on its own, doesn't it?
Anyways, I love the Hollywood/celebrity theme and, as such, enjoyed the premise of the book. However, the execution just wasn't there. Not only was the writing "meh," but there were several aspects I found to be a little lacking in the credibility department.
For one, Tia and what's-his-face's relationship crumbles pretty easily and quickly. The plot thread concerning the actress (forget her name, too) just didn't make sense, especially as there was no real lead-up to her mental breakdown. At least, not one like what she experienced. I didn't buy it. On top of that the male protagonist is pretty quick to discount the integrity of his assistant considering his info comes from a source associated with said-actress, whom he had previously claimed not to trust. I didn't buy it.
Second, it's another whirlwind romance. Sometimes I can buy into this, but not this time.
Also, I can't remember any sensual/sexual scenes. This may just be my faulty memory, but I'll go ahead and say that i wasnt feeling the heat. Oooh...I just remembered. There was also this ridiculous thread featuring a jealous male-friend. It was completely unbelievable. It lacked authenticity, and was probably thrown in last minute. Not to mention, it doesn't go anywhere; it's just there as ignominious proof of Tia's desirability.
Maybe I'm reading the wrong ones, but it seems like so many of the Hollywood-themed books are just plain bad or lacking in true effort. I wonder why that is...
Anyways, I love the Hollywood/celebrity theme and, as such, enjoyed the premise of the book. However, the execution just wasn't there. Not only was the writing "meh," but there were several aspects I found to be a little lacking in the credibility department.
For one, Tia and what's-his-face's relationship crumbles pretty easily and quickly. The plot thread concerning the actress (forget her name, too) just didn't make sense, especially as there was no real lead-up to her mental breakdown. At least, not one like what she experienced. I didn't buy it. On top of that the male protagonist is pretty quick to discount the integrity of his assistant considering his info comes from a source associated with said-actress, whom he had previously claimed not to trust. I didn't buy it.
Second, it's another whirlwind romance. Sometimes I can buy into this, but not this time.
Also, I can't remember any sensual/sexual scenes. This may just be my faulty memory, but I'll go ahead and say that i wasnt feeling the heat. Oooh...I just remembered. There was also this ridiculous thread featuring a jealous male-friend. It was completely unbelievable. It lacked authenticity, and was probably thrown in last minute. Not to mention, it doesn't go anywhere; it's just there as ignominious proof of Tia's desirability.
Maybe I'm reading the wrong ones, but it seems like so many of the Hollywood-themed books are just plain bad or lacking in true effort. I wonder why that is...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2012
First off I want to say I really liked Tia and Dylan. They made a great couple and I liked them enough that I didn't mind that the sex was barely PG worthy. I think "rock star" and I imagine dirty sex....maybe that's just me :) I had two major issues with the book though. One: Dylan's not only a Rock Star but a Movie Star. Uhhh really? I know there's crossover now but very few do both well and for his character who lives and breathes music since he was a kid why would he even bother? He complains about his lack of free-time from touring but he makes movies? It seemed to me that he had to be in movies just for Penelope. Which brings me to issue Two: his and her stalkers. I found Jace to be completely pointless. It was like he was thrown in just to give Tia some extra conflict. Bleh. She had enough with Nick and dating a touring Dylan. Then there's Penelope. I love a good psycho but once again I found her storyline pointless. I dragged through her POVs and couldn't wait to be done with her. Then after all the drama was done (finally) the ending came off as more of a HFN than a HEA. I think for me the story would have been much better skipping the stalker/movie stuff and focusing more on the realities of an everyday woman dating a celebrity and all the pitfalls that can come with it.
October 17, 2012
I loved the book!! Great read for a first time author, but the book definitely needs a sequel. There was not enough of the book, once Dylan found out everything and got to Tia. ( Sorry, do not want to say too much) I loved the characters, Tia and Dylan. They were so believable, and I loved their connection. I even liked her friends and family, it was like I knew them.I liked the band Dylan was in, they were reaaly cool, again, a very nice read!! Could choke Penelope, though, what a witch. I felt the book was inspirational as well, leaving the reader to feel they could accomplish anything, if you put your heart into it.
I would recommend the book to anyone.
I would recommend the book to anyone.
September 18, 2012
This was a wonderful story filled with romance, intrigue and plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader coming back for more. I read this book in a few days as it kept me enthralled and I couldn't wait to find out what happened next in the lives of Tia and Dylan. The book is an excellent addition to the contemporary romance genre and the author has delivered a tour de force in originality in her first published novel. I am awaiting her next one with baited breath.
November 6, 2012
Ugh so this book could have been good but it was just wayyy too out there for me. I mean just SO unrealistic and the way the characters spoke to each other sounded like high school age kids. Also, everyone in this books seems to exclaim everything they say! I mean, really there's at least four exclamation marks on each page!! Who says everything with SUCH enthusiasm?!!!!!!?!!!!!
May 31, 2022
Very much enjoyed this for the most part. It did drag in parts. And I didn’t like the huge, manipulative separation. But that’s a creative decision. Just a few glitches, mostly in the shelves I put it on.
When one runs into a front door, that’s a collision. Running in the front door is entering the house.
Some guys can only afford “cheap grocery store flowers” - and the heroine mocking this was off-putting. In fact, the heroine wasn’t too likeable at times. Like teasing her “best” friend at the concert. Everyone was exceedingly smirky. Just smirky overload. But we are asked to like and even feel sympathy for this woman because she lost her fiancée. Hard to do when she’s kind of bitchy.
A “crown prince” is the heir. There are no “crown princes.” Just the one.
Regarding the elevator at the Eiffel Tower, he began his *descent* - not decent.
“…that wasn’t help his concentration any…” - wouldn’t.
“…it’s going to be like from now on…” - like this or like that?
The shortened version of t-shirt is tee, not the letter t.
At 67% the “players” (more on that in a bit) are separated until the last few pages. Mind you, this can sometimes really work out well dramatically. Not so here. All the action was in New Zealand. Well done. But the heroine was left in stasis, without any development. Certainly not as much as the bad girl.
The fourth wall was broken and it gave me a sprain as a reader. To wit:
“Three more weeks passed, each of the players surviving in their own private hell. For Tia…” The PLAYERS?? Come on! The narrator in third person is obviously present, but shouldn’t be presented obviously. Another note on the perspective is that there were no spaced paragraph breaks for when it changed. Often it was paragraph to paragraph, but sometimes it changed within a paragraph.
What did I like? There was no lack of action. Even the villainess and her minion had increasing action in the last third. The falling in love was insta - can’t call it anything else but insta when it’s at the 48 hour mark. And who would say no to their rock star idol? I wouldn’t. It was also original, kind of a Johnny Depp character in reverse. More music than film. The true star was her friend and his personal assistant, unsung heroines. Could have done with an epilogue, show us the characters we were introduced to who just disappeared after the tour. Solid start from this author though!
When one runs into a front door, that’s a collision. Running in the front door is entering the house.
Some guys can only afford “cheap grocery store flowers” - and the heroine mocking this was off-putting. In fact, the heroine wasn’t too likeable at times. Like teasing her “best” friend at the concert. Everyone was exceedingly smirky. Just smirky overload. But we are asked to like and even feel sympathy for this woman because she lost her fiancée. Hard to do when she’s kind of bitchy.
A “crown prince” is the heir. There are no “crown princes.” Just the one.
Regarding the elevator at the Eiffel Tower, he began his *descent* - not decent.
“…that wasn’t help his concentration any…” - wouldn’t.
“…it’s going to be like from now on…” - like this or like that?
The shortened version of t-shirt is tee, not the letter t.
At 67% the “players” (more on that in a bit) are separated until the last few pages. Mind you, this can sometimes really work out well dramatically. Not so here. All the action was in New Zealand. Well done. But the heroine was left in stasis, without any development. Certainly not as much as the bad girl.
The fourth wall was broken and it gave me a sprain as a reader. To wit:
“Three more weeks passed, each of the players surviving in their own private hell. For Tia…” The PLAYERS?? Come on! The narrator in third person is obviously present, but shouldn’t be presented obviously. Another note on the perspective is that there were no spaced paragraph breaks for when it changed. Often it was paragraph to paragraph, but sometimes it changed within a paragraph.
What did I like? There was no lack of action. Even the villainess and her minion had increasing action in the last third. The falling in love was insta - can’t call it anything else but insta when it’s at the 48 hour mark. And who would say no to their rock star idol? I wouldn’t. It was also original, kind of a Johnny Depp character in reverse. More music than film. The true star was her friend and his personal assistant, unsung heroines. Could have done with an epilogue, show us the characters we were introduced to who just disappeared after the tour. Solid start from this author though!
November 16, 2012
"I think I could lost in her..." ~ Dylan Miller
After reading this book I felt like I was in the sea of love. What a pure and honest love story. I have read so many rockstar love stories but this one is totally refreshing. No angst, no crazy hardcore rock and roll, but it is a story of two people who both got hurt in the past because of the death of their loved ones and have been trying to move on. Dylan was surprised when Tia recognized him at the Last Stop (a dump place where guys with dirt in the fingernails hang out - Lexi's description of the place - Tia's bff), she approached him to thank him for his gift of talent sharing to the world, she did not act like a crazy fan which totally amazed him and felt bad that he even pushed her away, and totally denied her recognition of him. Tia just recovered from the lost of her fiance, she was at that place trying to move on after a year of mourning and shutting herself in from her families and friends. When she saw the man at the bar who is far different from all the people hanging out in there, she couldn't help but give him a second look and observe. Nobody could tell that the guy who's in disguise, wearing a a mullet wig is no other than the front man of a popular rock band! But the tattoo on the back of his hand gave him away. No doubt about it, she knows the man in and out, she is totally a fan, and had watched the band's concert more than twenty times! From that incident, the night had changed both of their lives - an Incidental Happenstance.
I liked how their story began because it was not an insta-love, it was not rushed, but you can tell that there was a chemistry between the characters, and I connected with them. After their first meeting on that strange Friday night, all they wanted was to be with each other and savor the last few days the band will be in Chicago for a two-night concert, and because of that desire their journey of getting to know each other began. I felt like I was Tia's best friend Lexi who had been there to witness how their love for each other bloomed in spite of the two different worlds where they live in. I agreed on Tia's decision to keep Dylan's identity to herself, because I know for sure what would be the consequences if the whole world would know, especially the people from the town where she lives.
There were a lot of giddy moments, a lot of feelings of "Wow! I wish I was Tia!" - envy in a good way. The concerts were amazing, I felt like I was there also at the front row, witnessing all the extraordinary moments that a fan could ever experience! I was imagining that I could hear their music. The character of Penelope affected me so much! She is totally the villain whom you would hate to the core! When the story just ended abruptly after resolving their miscommunication, my thoughts were screaming in my head "What? That was it? No more? Where's the next page? Are you kidding me, is it already acknowledgement?" I wanna cry because it is unfair, I do not want this story to end! I am not fully satisfied, I wanted to know how their love would conquer all the differences, what's gonna happen next, are they going to get married eventually, how? And then I went to Kim DeSalvo's website and found out that there'll be a sequel and then yes! I calmed down, haay... (sigh).
Dylan wrote a song for Tia and it was amazing, that's one of the best reasons why I also fell in love with him. So check it out for yourself. This is a must read and until now I am still in a happy daze ;o)
After reading this book I felt like I was in the sea of love. What a pure and honest love story. I have read so many rockstar love stories but this one is totally refreshing. No angst, no crazy hardcore rock and roll, but it is a story of two people who both got hurt in the past because of the death of their loved ones and have been trying to move on. Dylan was surprised when Tia recognized him at the Last Stop (a dump place where guys with dirt in the fingernails hang out - Lexi's description of the place - Tia's bff), she approached him to thank him for his gift of talent sharing to the world, she did not act like a crazy fan which totally amazed him and felt bad that he even pushed her away, and totally denied her recognition of him. Tia just recovered from the lost of her fiance, she was at that place trying to move on after a year of mourning and shutting herself in from her families and friends. When she saw the man at the bar who is far different from all the people hanging out in there, she couldn't help but give him a second look and observe. Nobody could tell that the guy who's in disguise, wearing a a mullet wig is no other than the front man of a popular rock band! But the tattoo on the back of his hand gave him away. No doubt about it, she knows the man in and out, she is totally a fan, and had watched the band's concert more than twenty times! From that incident, the night had changed both of their lives - an Incidental Happenstance.
I liked how their story began because it was not an insta-love, it was not rushed, but you can tell that there was a chemistry between the characters, and I connected with them. After their first meeting on that strange Friday night, all they wanted was to be with each other and savor the last few days the band will be in Chicago for a two-night concert, and because of that desire their journey of getting to know each other began. I felt like I was Tia's best friend Lexi who had been there to witness how their love for each other bloomed in spite of the two different worlds where they live in. I agreed on Tia's decision to keep Dylan's identity to herself, because I know for sure what would be the consequences if the whole world would know, especially the people from the town where she lives.
There were a lot of giddy moments, a lot of feelings of "Wow! I wish I was Tia!" - envy in a good way. The concerts were amazing, I felt like I was there also at the front row, witnessing all the extraordinary moments that a fan could ever experience! I was imagining that I could hear their music. The character of Penelope affected me so much! She is totally the villain whom you would hate to the core! When the story just ended abruptly after resolving their miscommunication, my thoughts were screaming in my head "What? That was it? No more? Where's the next page? Are you kidding me, is it already acknowledgement?" I wanna cry because it is unfair, I do not want this story to end! I am not fully satisfied, I wanted to know how their love would conquer all the differences, what's gonna happen next, are they going to get married eventually, how? And then I went to Kim DeSalvo's website and found out that there'll be a sequel and then yes! I calmed down, haay... (sigh).
Dylan wrote a song for Tia and it was amazing, that's one of the best reasons why I also fell in love with him. So check it out for yourself. This is a must read and until now I am still in a happy daze ;o)
December 4, 2012
It's 4.5 stars.
*I received this free from the author for an honest review.
Wow! I was wary, as always, with a new author. I am so happy that I gave this one a go. I was engrossed from page one. I fell into this story from the first word and shortly thereafter fell in love with Tia and Dylan. I really liked all the detail from their first meeting to when Dylan had to leave to continue his tour. It was nice to get the POV of the different characters. It was done real well. I didn’t find/notice any problems in the editing department, which was pleasant.
Tia is a school teacher who has a very difficult time the past year dealing with the death of her fiancé. On the anniversary of his death she decides to go out, taking baby steps to get her life back. Just wants to watch others interact and be a “fly on the wall”. Little did she know she would find her future. Tia is a strong yet vulnerable person. I liked her from the start. I could feel her pain and confusion trying to get on with her life and not feeling guilty about it.
What can I say about Dylan? I loved him right away. He’s sexy, smart, sensitive to Tia’s needs and just down right hot. Dylan has his own issues to deal with and does so quite well, until he trusted the wrong person. I can’t add much more without giving too much away.
I hope there is going to be more Dylan and Tia in the future. I’m going to be greedy though and say I also want to see the rest of the band members and Jessa get their HEAs.
If you want a wonderful love story with a bit of angst and laugh out loud humor, cue Chester and Francine;) I could do more of those two also.
The only thing I didn’t like was all the time spent on Penelope in the beginning, but that’s a personal opinion. It was better balanced in the last part of the book.
This is 4.5 star read for me for that reason.
*I received this free from the author for an honest review.
Wow! I was wary, as always, with a new author. I am so happy that I gave this one a go. I was engrossed from page one. I fell into this story from the first word and shortly thereafter fell in love with Tia and Dylan. I really liked all the detail from their first meeting to when Dylan had to leave to continue his tour. It was nice to get the POV of the different characters. It was done real well. I didn’t find/notice any problems in the editing department, which was pleasant.
Tia is a school teacher who has a very difficult time the past year dealing with the death of her fiancé. On the anniversary of his death she decides to go out, taking baby steps to get her life back. Just wants to watch others interact and be a “fly on the wall”. Little did she know she would find her future. Tia is a strong yet vulnerable person. I liked her from the start. I could feel her pain and confusion trying to get on with her life and not feeling guilty about it.
What can I say about Dylan? I loved him right away. He’s sexy, smart, sensitive to Tia’s needs and just down right hot. Dylan has his own issues to deal with and does so quite well, until he trusted the wrong person. I can’t add much more without giving too much away.
I hope there is going to be more Dylan and Tia in the future. I’m going to be greedy though and say I also want to see the rest of the band members and Jessa get their HEAs.
If you want a wonderful love story with a bit of angst and laugh out loud humor, cue Chester and Francine;) I could do more of those two also.
The only thing I didn’t like was all the time spent on Penelope in the beginning, but that’s a personal opinion. It was better balanced in the last part of the book.
This is 4.5 star read for me for that reason.
October 26, 2012
If you read Love Unscripted, you would definitely love this one. I attempted reading Love Unscripted, but it was too slow of a read for me (h/e I will attempt again in the future b/c I hate flouncing). With this book, I couldn't stop reading. I couldn't stop this smug smile I have on my face throughout the book b/c the story was beautifully portrayed and the emotions were well depicted. You feel the love. You feel the tension (FYI it is YA novel). You want to be HER and to experience everything she's going through!
This book was a wonderful read. I fell in love with both characters right off the bat. I couldn't stop swooning and awwwwing over these two. They were really easy to connect with. There's not a lot of angst, but when the angst start rolling in....you got hit by it HARD! I wanted to yell and choke that conniving Lil B**** for her master plan. The author was damn good with the plot. The ending....how sweet and perfect it was. There's really a potential for a sequel and I really hope and pray that the author will write one!
This book was a wonderful read. I fell in love with both characters right off the bat. I couldn't stop swooning and awwwwing over these two. They were really easy to connect with. There's not a lot of angst, but when the angst start rolling in....you got hit by it HARD! I wanted to yell and choke that conniving Lil B**** for her master plan. The author was damn good with the plot. The ending....how sweet and perfect it was. There's really a potential for a sequel and I really hope and pray that the author will write one!
November 1, 2012
"Incidental Happenstance" is a beautiful story of love so strong between two people who meet by chance. A well-written story with deep, realistic, and well-developed characters that you can't help but fall in love with. I certainly did. The passion between Tia and Dylan is so real you can feel their emotions leaping off the pages. I found myself constantly smiling throughout. This book sucks you in right from the start keeping you engaged right until the end. This is Kim DeSalvo's debut novel, and as such, she's done a brilliant job of creating a true romantic novel, thereby making you believe yourself in true love.
By the way, if you're looking erotic sex, or even tame sex scenes, you will not find it in this novel. This is true romance at its best. I highly recommend you give this novel a chance. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
By the way, if you're looking erotic sex, or even tame sex scenes, you will not find it in this novel. This is true romance at its best. I highly recommend you give this novel a chance. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
July 11, 2016
I really really enjoyed this book!
It was recommended to me on a kindle blog, and I'm so glad I took a chance on this first-time author's fabulous book. If you liked The Mighty Storm, Love Unscripted or similar romance/chick-lit books- you will definitely like this one.
I thought the writing was pretty great. I especially loved the characters- Tia is genuine and Dylan is just awesome-, and you really feel like you are there in all the beautiful places they visit. I don't think I've ever hated a character as much as I hated Penelope.
I was sad to see this one end, and I will certainly check out the author's next book. :)
It was recommended to me on a kindle blog, and I'm so glad I took a chance on this first-time author's fabulous book. If you liked The Mighty Storm, Love Unscripted or similar romance/chick-lit books- you will definitely like this one.
I thought the writing was pretty great. I especially loved the characters- Tia is genuine and Dylan is just awesome-, and you really feel like you are there in all the beautiful places they visit. I don't think I've ever hated a character as much as I hated Penelope.
I was sad to see this one end, and I will certainly check out the author's next book. :)
September 25, 2012
The first 3/4 of this book is awesome. Dylan and Tia are great characters. I did not like the Penelope storyline, she was fine in the beginning but just made Dylan look silly in the end. I wish there was less of the Penelope/New Zealand story and more of them making up and visiting Austrailia to meet his family. Maybe you could do a book two on that and how they managing their life together. Maybe add a story for Bo and Lilly :) I also did not care for Lexi that much for being a BFF she came across as pretty selfish. I was happy with the ending although it felt rushed. This is a cute book and I recommend others read it as well. I hope there is a sequel for this story. I think there's more of InHap that needs to be told!
November 8, 2012
Story line on Incidental Happenstance doesn't suck. It falls into one of my favorite new sub-genres of Hollywood heartache lit, so part of me is always going to like it. But technically it falls flat.
For some reason I just don't "feel the love" and I can't pinpoint why. The "meet cute" works, the relationship progression works, chemistry works...The only thing I can pinpoint is that the POV is constantly changing between characters and first/third person in a very chaotic way (sometimes mid paragraph?) and that's why it falls short of the "it factor" to make their relationship great.
I'd say if you don't have anything else to read, it's worth reading. But this ones not going into my favorites box.
For some reason I just don't "feel the love" and I can't pinpoint why. The "meet cute" works, the relationship progression works, chemistry works...The only thing I can pinpoint is that the POV is constantly changing between characters and first/third person in a very chaotic way (sometimes mid paragraph?) and that's why it falls short of the "it factor" to make their relationship great.
I'd say if you don't have anything else to read, it's worth reading. But this ones not going into my favorites box.
June 4, 2013
I REALLY liked this book!!! The reason I couldn't give it 5 stars is that I felt the end was very anticlimactic. I was riveted all the way through this book, right....up....till....the...end. The ending was SOOOOOO disappointing. It does have a HFN, but the end just fizzled out, and quickly I might add. If I've read ANY book that NEEDED, DESERVED, HAD TO HAVE an epilogue, this was IT!!! And it didn't have one. That upset me so VERY much. :'(
The H here wasn't OTT possessive or jealous, he was sweet, down to earth, ROMANTIC and loving. The h was very likable. The story of them falling in love was beautiful and caused me to respond physically. Butterflies in my stomach & tears. But darn it, it NEEDED a better ending and an epilogue to finish with a bang.
The H here wasn't OTT possessive or jealous, he was sweet, down to earth, ROMANTIC and loving. The h was very likable. The story of them falling in love was beautiful and caused me to respond physically. Butterflies in my stomach & tears. But darn it, it NEEDED a better ending and an epilogue to finish with a bang.
November 15, 2012
Do you want hot romance? A sexy rock star? Who also happens to be a sexy A list Actor? Throw in a complete bitch who is hell bent on securing him and to hell with tramping over the woman who he is with and loves after meeting her in bizarre cirumstances and you have the makings of a completely fabulous suspenseful page turner, romantic love story.
God this book is great! It grabbed me immediately and all the people leapt off the pages and played out in my head brilliantly. Oh to have a Dylan by your side, so dreamy!
I highly recommend this book if you like rock star/actor romances, it's just brill!!
God this book is great! It grabbed me immediately and all the people leapt off the pages and played out in my head brilliantly. Oh to have a Dylan by your side, so dreamy!
I highly recommend this book if you like rock star/actor romances, it's just brill!!
October 13, 2012
I loved this book but it was really really really detailed, which grated on my nerves a bit. I've never flipped pages on a book I felt deserved five stars. I feel like some of the character background and the majority of the backstory was so over done. That being said, I blazed through this book and thought the plot was extremely well done. It was a great book despite a few lulls. I did feel extremely connected to these characters but I'm confident I could have felt attached in about 75 less pages!
October 23, 2012
For a first novel, this author is amazing! I can't wait to read more of her work. As for the book...I was pulled in and weeping by page 2. These characters were so real and raw, the plot was refreshing and the dynamic was very well thought out.
My only complaint is that there were a few spots were the POV changed and it would catch me off guard bc I wouldn't know who was speaking or thinking a particular thought. But that only occurred maybe 3 times throughout the book.
Overall LOVED this read. I'm still smiling
My only complaint is that there were a few spots were the POV changed and it would catch me off guard bc I wouldn't know who was speaking or thinking a particular thought. But that only occurred maybe 3 times throughout the book.
Overall LOVED this read. I'm still smiling
October 4, 2012
Love the cover and the first part of the book. Dylan and Tia were believable characters and I enjoyed learning how they met and fell in love. However, Penelope annoyed me to no end and ruined the remainder of the book. She was so predictable and over the top that I found my self skimming through whenever she came onto the scene, and she was in most of the last part of the book. I really wanted to like the book but she left a bad taste in my mouth.
November 15, 2012
In a way, this story remind me a little of Love Unscripted with the normal everyday girl dating a celebrity. The story started out great and interesting, but i find myself skipping through some of the pages in the second half of the book. I find Penelope's POV and her schemes a little too much and would have liked more on having the H/h build their relationship and going thru the highs and lows of dating a celebrity instead. Also, i find the ending somewhat lacking and rushed.
November 12, 2012
3.5 stars
Started out strong, a little too sugary sweet sometimes. Then unfortunately spent way to much time on psycho and not enough on the ending/reconciliation. Needed an epilogue to smooth out the abruptness of the ending.
Started out strong, a little too sugary sweet sometimes. Then unfortunately spent way to much time on psycho and not enough on the ending/reconciliation. Needed an epilogue to smooth out the abruptness of the ending.
October 17, 2012
loved this book only problem it ended..... i want more :)
October 20, 2012
So in love with Dylan! Please do a follow up!!!
October 22, 2012
I enjoyed this story! I loved how Dylan and Tia saw through all of the B.S. that was Penelope! Cute, cute story!!
October 31, 2012
A love story between Tia an Dylan struggling to find their love an hang on.
I enjoyed the book an story very much.
I enjoyed the book an story very much.
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