Unlikely

The Unlucky Ones #3

by Marley Valentine

At twenty-four, I’d already lived a thousand lives.
I was a daughter.
An orphan.
A foster kid.
A sister.

Someone to everyone, and yet I was unrecognizable to myself. I spent my time keeping everybody else afloat, while I was slowly drowning.

Until I met her.

The first time she walked into my life, I was mesmerized by the mysterious stranger. When I came face-to-face with her a second time, I was being introduced to my best friend’s mother.

We were worlds and experiences apart, unlikely in every sense of the word.

Everything between us was unexpected. Our attraction to one another, the secrets I shared, and the cracked pieces of her I so badly wanted to put back together.

We broke.
We healed.
We loved.
Desperately.

But I didn’t know how to love her without losing myself, and if she discovered the cost, I knew she wouldn’t let me

Genres: Lesbian, Romance, Audiobook, LGBT, Lesbian Fiction, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 8, 2024

About the author

Living in Sydney, Australia with her family, Marley Valentine is a USA Today bestselling author and a former social worker who uses her past experiences to write real life, emotional and heartfelt contemporary romance.

She enjoys mixing it up with both M/F and M/M Romance incorporating all forms of life, lust and love as her characters embark on their journey to their happily ever after.

When she’s not busy writing her own stories, she spends most of her time immersed in the words of her favourite authors.

Marley enjoys interacting with her readers so please feel free to reach out to her via Facebook, Instagram, email and/or subscribe to her newsletter.

STALK MARLEY

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Reviews

[TipsyMermaid GR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leaving a 5 star to offset all the a**holes who already left 1 and 2 stars for no reason

[Ashley]

DNF @ 75%. There’s nothing wrong with this book necessarily but I’m just bored with it. I’m not really connecting with Clem and definitely not with her and Zara as a couple. I’m more interested in Zara and her grief but that’s only a small portion of the story. I loved What We Broke and I was eager to get more perspective from Raine and Zara, but it’s lacking. Maybe it happens in the last 25% but I’m struggling to continue at this point so going to DNF.

I really don’t think this series is for me because all the books have been pretty mediocre.

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this. I wanted Clem's story (as one of the foster-siblings) and I adored Zara in What We Broke. All through that book my heart just broke for her and I NEEDED her story.

Clem and Zara hook up for a ONS before Zara moves to California with her daughter who is heading off to college. The night is transformational for them both though they part ways. Some months later after she moves up there, they run into each other again because, oops. Her daughter is Clem's co-worker and the girls are friends.

They eventually begin to date. Both have some significant past issues (it wouldn't be a Marley Valentine book without them) to work through and though they were supportive of each other, I just didn't feel the connection between them.

Now full disclosure, Marely Valentine is one of my favourite authors and quite routinely reduces me to tears with the level of emotion she can evoke but I just didnt feel it here (bar one scene).

I have a friend (looking at you Dan) who gets cross with MM books if they seem like they could just be a MF book with a male replacing the female MC. Rightly so imo. For me, this actually felt like a MM book where the male MCs were just replaced with women.

I've recently been reading a lot of FF so maybe this has swayed me 🤷‍♀️

For a first go at FF, it was pretty decent and if you haven't read any before and you're a Marley fan, I'd say give it a go.

I'd certainly read another FF from this author but I'd have liked a bit more connection between the MCs.

[Aunt Missa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first read of Marley Valentine’s work. It’s well written, if a bit formulaic. It was an easy, breezy read. There’s very little tension between the two MCs, which is good and bad, depending on the mood.

I was looking for at least a little tension or longing or yearning and was a bit disappointed by the lack of it. Both characters just seemed too polished, which didn’t leave much room for growth. The age gap was barely talked about. Zara’s daughter said she was angry but none of that was shown. There was a ton of telling and not showing and that took away from the build up. Either way, it was a nice easy read.

[xxBooksILovexx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful story!

I was very excited to read Marley’s first FF story. I loved it so much. I really felt like a fly on the wall in Zara & Clem’s lives. They both have lots of trauma and managed to navigate through all of it in a mature and sweet way. I’m so beyond happy that they got their hard earned HEA! I’m hoping to see more of these 2 in bonus scenes and future books! I hope Marley continues writing FF stories! I will be waiting to read them.

May 27, 2024: Listened to the audiobook. Amazing narration by Samantha Brentmoor & Quinn Riley.

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, I so loved this well-written sapphic romance. This is the love story of Zara and Clem. It is written very well with considerable heartfelt emotion. It will pull you in and the memories of the story will never fade. Read this tale now and you will not be disappointed. XOXOXOs to the author, Marley Valentine, for creating this book:) It is her first F/F novel.

[Carlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know if I'll ever have the words to review this, I loved it so so so much.

[Miki_reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

RTC
3.5

[Jordan Fischer | julietfoxreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, Unlikely is one of the best sapphic books I think I've ever read! I'll be honest y'all, I didn't think I was going to be strong enough to read this book. I started it twice and had to set it aside because the prologue had me UGLY crying and I got scared - it's Marley, you know it's going to HURT. HOWEVER, my wonderful friend Sabrina agreed to buddy read with me, and with her help I got through the beginning and y'all - this book is so freaking sweet. While it's still INCREDIBLY angsty, Zara and Clem's romance is just beautiful. Here for more FF romance from Marley!!

Unlikely is actually a crossover novel featuring side characters from Marley's previous books - Unwanted/Unloved and What We Broke. If you've read either one, Zara and Clem will be familiar to you AND you will have some idea of what both characters are going through. Zara has been dealing with INCREDIBLE loss and grief. Clem has lingering trauma from her childhood, and she funnels that into the family she created with her foster brothers, sometimes in unhealthy ways. Their initial meet cute ends in a one night stand, but both women hold out hope that they will run into each other again. When they do, though, things are a little bit weird because Clem is good friends with Zara's daughter. It all works out though, as Zara and Clem are SO supportive of each other. For two women who are so selfless and constantly worried about other people, they both really needed someone would could focus on their needs instead.

I know there's been discourse around sapphic romance around the book community lately, so I'm going to take this opportunity to say that if you want to read GOOD romance featuring two women, its out there, and this book is an EXCELLENT example. Unlikely is emotional, raw, and real. Zara and Clem are relatable FMCs, Marley is an incredible writer, and I HIGHLY recommend checking this book out before you say anything about sapphic romance.

[Liza Broadaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure I did beta read this. With that said this is my favorite book of the series. My initial issue with Unloved with the overlap was a lot less in this book and the pieces that were were needed to make this book what it is. Where I was a little bummed that we didn't get more Lennox in a series about him and his found siblings this book is wholly Clem and her love story and she happens to fall in love with a beloved character from What We Broke-Zara.

This book is a journey for both women of finding themselves and learning it's ok let others help.

Zara-who's always been a mom 1st and put her daughters needs and everyone else's above her own (relatable) needs to find the pieces of herself she lost and maybe some new pieces she didn't know she needed. Her journey is one of rediscovery and healing.

Clem-I love her. I love everything about this woman. She may be younger than Zara and have fears and insecurities that are different but like Zara she bleeds for her family even at the cost of herself. Clem's journey feels like a coming of age-which if you know me is my favorite. We learn more about Clem's foster care life and the bond she has with Arlo-Frankie-Lennox-and Remy! Omg Remy! This book will have you falling over for more of him!!

Their journey is filled with familiar faces and one thing I absolutely loved was getting to see Jesse and Leo happy. For those who've read What We Broke this is a side of them that was so special to see! Also-Yes we get cameos-yes plural! Zara and Jesse's relationship in this book made me smile hard. And of course we have Raine and ALL the personality she brings to the table!

As a woman, a mom, this book hit me hard. The vulnerability in these woman and the journey to healing was just what I needed in a Sapphic romance.

[Layla]

This was lovely and romantic and HOT.

The age-gap worked really well here.

So, Samantha Brentmoor's voice does things to me. 🥵

Also, the Leo and Jesse cameos gave me life.

And the nod to Lebanese food 😍

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot hot hot

An absolutely beautiful piece of art is what this book is!! The bonding, pining, healing and love in this book is breathtaking! This is my first book by Marley Valentine, but I plan on reading a lot more of her work!!

[D.L. Howe · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥

As I began reading What We Broke, one blaring moment stood out to me. Zara, who had just given birth to a stillborn baby, left alone to deal with the aftermath. I remember feeling so angry and awful on her behalf.

So, to finally get what happened from her side, gave me a lot of closure. In fact, for me, I loved this book more because Zara finally showed her pain and everyone was finally there for her. When Leo told her if Raine is mine then Lola is just as much yours, I wanted to scream of course she is!

I loved the way Zara wanted to take care of Clem and the way Clem finally found a way to allow someone to care for her for a change. It’s beautiful how these two women strive to care for and love their family. And now, they had someone to do that for them. So, the steps Clem took to fully care for the woman she loves had me rooting for her 100%.

I felt the love in that sense but it did feel like the passion was a bit dimmed. The steam felt a bit rote. I wanted more passion and perhaps animalistic need. I’m honestly not sure, what exactly was missing.

Otherwise I enjoyed this story, and I simply wanted more.

I’m very curious what will happen with Remy. I’m also wondering what will become of Raine.

[Jennabeebs79 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlikely is a powerful contemporary romance with a plethora of emotional depth. The story explores themes of longing, hurt, and comfort along with coming out. Valentine masterfully portrays loss and grief, providing deep insights into the emotional toll it takes when trying to hold it all together.

Zara and Clem’s unexpected reunion six months after a one night stand leaves them both longing for more despite who they now are to one another. Their relationship has hurdles but together, with loads of mature communication, they’re able to navigate the tumultuous waters. Each woman is well developed with back stories that are authentic and relatable.

Samantha Brentmoor and Quinn Riley do an amazing job with the audio. Both performances capture the emotions woven throughout perfectly.

I thoroughly enjoyed Unlikely because of its unique plot line with multiple realistic themes. The main and supporting characters are endearing, loyal, supportive, and loving. The story is deeply complex and emotional, which is handled with the utmost care. The chemistry between Zara and Clem is off the charts and the love they feel for one another is palpable. Whether you read or listen, you can't go wrong! Grab your copy immediately!

[Angelica · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 35%

This didn’t work for me.

Everything is too polished, too perfect; conversations, values, intentions. There’s no chemistry, the “angst” felt forced and I didn’t feel it. The spicy parts were cringey and not hot. Most importantly - there’s no conflict! Why make a “best friend’s mother” plot if that isn’t going to be a cause of internal/external conflict?

Nothing happens and I’m bored.

💭 Random thoughts:
- A lot of in depth descriptions of completely unimportant things (scenes where she gets dressed, meals eaten, car rides and so on)
- I genuinely dislike when authors put a lot of focus on introducing characters and backstories for the next books (or reminiscing about previous, not sure where this fits in the order) in the series . It can be done naturally and well, this wasn’t imo.
- Zara calling Clementine “Sweetheart” rubs me the wrong way, it feels maternal and that doesn’t work for me.

🎧 Audiobook narration was great.

[lauraღ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fidgeting with the necklace hiding beneath my shirt, I head toward the staffroom. Gripping tightly to my reminder of what it could be like if I put myself first.

3.5 stars. This has been a really really solid series, once that I'm glad I took the time to go through. This was the book that I first saw and got excited about, and I decided to make my way through the entire three book series for continuity. This one also intersects with another of the author's books, What We Broke, which I'd read previously. This is the only sapphic one, and if you wanted to read it as a standalone, you probably could? Definitely more than, say, book 2 in this series. Things link up, but the events and characters aren't quite as intertwined. But I did enjoy reading all the books, and seeing returning characters, so take that how you like. This was probably my favourite book in the series, though it did have a few stumbling blocks? But the tropes were all my favourites (age gap, best friend's mom), the writing was solid, the romance was really swoony.

Zara is moving to a new city with her daughter for college, wanting to start over after a family tragedy. Clem is a 24 year old foster kid, super close with her foster brothers, very much used to taking care of everyone else around her. They meet and have an electric one night stand, and then six months later they meet again, and discover that Zara's daughter is Clem's new best friend. I really liked this. It's angsty, but in ways that tie into the characters' pasts, the grief and trauma they're still unpacking, and the ways they explore that with each other, and support each other. The relationship itself isn't very dramatic or angsty, which I was thankful for. There's some secret keeping, obviously, because of Zara's daughter, but they're pretty upfront with one another, while also being very gentle. Misunderstandings happen, but they don't last for very long. My forever catnip is characters who are caretakers being taken care of themselves. That troep goes both ways in this! In past books, we've seen Clem being the glue that brings her family together, taking care of them in little ways. And it was soooo sweet and swoony to see Zara doing the same for her. Every little thing she does to take care of her or spoil her in tiny ways is just so lovely. Zara also has a lot of bottled up stuff that she gts to let out with Clem.

They had an incredible meet cute that I was glued to, with so much chemistry, and I definitely agree with the decision not to show their one night stand on page until later in the book. This wasn't the slow burn experience I prefer in all my romances, but it still felt really well-paced, and was really sexy all around. The age gap isn't that big, and things with Raine (the daughter/best friend) were handled really sensibly. I was really glad that the conflict came from other sources. Sure, it might have made sense for there to be something super dramatic with the daughter, but that would have felt cheap, not true to the characters, and definitely wouldn't have felt as cathartic as what did happen. As I said, I really liked how they leant on each other, how Zara was the person Clem could open up to about certain aspects of foster care life, how Clem was the first person Zara really confided in about the miscarriage. 

I wanted this to be longer, but I feel like I'm an outlier; I always want romances to be longer. The progression didn't always feel as seamless or smooth as I wanted, in a way I can't really describe? Like, it just felt like they got really close really quick, and I couldn't always tell how much time was passing. I wish there'd been a few more dates, and more opportunities for their lives to intertwine. As I said, out of all the books, this is the one that can most easily be read as a standalone, but I actually wouldn't have minded more interconnectedness, especially with Clem's brothers and friends. And I wish we'd been more of Zara's job, and the life she was building in the city.

Listened to the audiobook as read by Quinn Riley and Samantha Brentmoor, and I really adored it. Riley's one of my favourite narrators, and Brentmoor was really great as well. There's something about the tone of her voice that's really alluring. I really enjoyed this overall, though it's still not my favourite from this author. Definitely hope she writes more sapphic romance in the future. It seems like there'll be at least one more romance in this series for the remaining brother, and I look forward to it for sure.

Content warnings: past miscarriage

We kiss as if it’s a slow climb to the top before we both fall.
Because that’s what we’re doing. We’re falling.

[Xiaoqing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I ever read about this author and it is the first book I ever read about the mother's grief of her still born child. The age gap romance is sweet and at times steamy hot, the sadness doesn't over shadow the joy of living one's life to the fullest. All the characters in the book are likable and relatable, and I especially love the friendship between the mother and her ex, and their effort of bring up their daughter together.

[Ryann Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This whole series deserves 1000x more hype. I’m always on the hunt for a spicy sapphic romance with SUBSTANCE and this is by far the best book I’ve read. It balanced plot with deep and layered characters plus amazing spice - it’s the whole package.

This book also looks at friend, motherhood, surrogacy, loss of a child and an age gap romance (10 years difference) but I loved the heart and the open communication plus NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP. No notes. This was beautiful.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely well done, emotional, heartfelt and sexy. Everything I could want in a sapphic romance! 100% recommend

[Daniela Tirrito · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://www.letturesalepepe.com/recen...

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very much excited to read Marley’s first FF book. And let me tell you when I say I wasn’t ready for it. I WASNT READY!!!! My god this love story was everything. Unwanted was and is still one of the favorites of this series. But Unlikely was also for sure a 5 stars read. Zara and Clem are so damn adorable and have captured my heart. One day I wanna be as bold as Clem was and confident as Zara is in her sexuality. Their love story is gonna live on forever in my mind.

[m4r.iex · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5 stars

[Francesca Vallicelli]

Non so se sia perché non ho letto tanti ff, ma ho faticato a vedere la penna della Valentine. Solo a tratti.

[Minna Perälä · Rating 2 out of 5]

2-2.5 stars - kind of okay but I could have lived without reading Unlikely. I basically read (listened to) it because of Quinn Riley's narration. The audiobook performance of both narrators was really good but the story was less than mediocre. There are so many issues that don't work for me. I'm guessing part of the problem is that the author is new to sapphic stories but it doesn't explain everything. I liked both Clementine and Zara as characters and I think they worked well as a couple. Also the side characters were done right.

First of all, I usually like age gap romances if they're done right without ickyness. Unlikely was in other ways an okay age gap story but I found it awkward that Zara called Clementine 'sweetheart' after 15 minutes of knowing each other. It sounded too motherly, especially because Clementine was only 24. Would the pet name been the same from the get go if they'd been 10 years older (34 & 44)?

I also felt there was a lot that was not explained or left out of pages. And I don't talk about series' two other books that - as far as I understood - take place at the same time. It didn't matter. But I felt that some things happened without explanation, the romance felt light. The writing was sloppy.

Lastly, there were several scenes where passionate kissing and/or s*x happened at a really weird time, like after one of them crying or being sad about their own or other one's past/present. Comforting and assuring kissing and holding is natural in that kind of situations but I don't understand why the author chose to go further.

If you want to read a really good age gap romance with same kind of starting point -- having a one night stand with your best friend's mom (without know it), please read Meryl Wilsner's Mistakes Were Made.

[Cynthia]

dnf at 40%

This started off promising, but once Clementine and Zara reconnected, I didn't really understand how they could both be so sure of things because it wasn't necessarily explained, and it just felt rushed. It seemed like it was just based on physical/sexual attraction. I think this tends to be the most common issue for me when it comes to one-night stands turned romance. I have to really believe that they are connected on another level.

I also don't get what Clementine's deal is, since we're not really told much about her history aside from that she was raised in a foster family. It's obvious that there is an underlying issue there which I'm assuming will be revealed later on in the book, but that just doesn't make much sense to me. It only makes me think that Clementine needs therapy more than she needs to embark on this exploration of her sexuality.

For those reasons, I just couldn't get invested enough to continue, but I do want to mention that the audiobook narrators were great! If you're a fan of sapphic, it's worth checking out--it might just end up working for you!

[_kenzie_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5🌶️
•age gap
•sapphic
•bestfriends mom
•one night stand
⚠️look up TW⚠️

“I love you, Zara. And not just on the good days. Or the days where you make me feel like I somehow deserve this beautiful life with you—Life is hard and complicated, but if you’ll let me, they’re the days I know I’ll love you the most.””

Zara and Clems story was so beautiful. they both deal with a lot of trauma and navigated it all in a mature, healthy and sweet way. they really find themselves in this book and help eachother through it all. they were so vulnerable with eachother and communicated so well. both are caretakers, while also not wanting to be a burden on anyone else but they constantly took care of eachother and opened their hearts.

“I want forever with you.”
“What does your forever look like?”
“It looks like a beautiful, selfless woman with a bleeding heart. It looks like nights wrapped up in your body and days filled with the sound of your laughter. It looks like fighting with your best friend and making up with your lover. It looks like firsts and lasts and everything in between—It looks like you, Clementine.—Today and tomorrow and the day after, my forever is all you.”

Zara: i love her so much. she is everything a mom should be. she always put her daughters needs first, and everyone else’s as well. her journey of healing and rediscovery was amazing. and she has the best heart and was always so gentle, understanding and patient. Clem really brought out such a vulnerable side out of her.

“Loving Zara means realizing everything before her was like living with your eyes closed, and I don’t want to go back to life before her.”

Clem: i loveeeeee everything about her. she may be younger, she may have fears and some insecurities. but she’s also bold and confident & i loved how she didn’t back down on what she wanted.

“I love you hard. I love you soft. I love you always.”

[Shana Peliti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't typically enjoy age gap books. I came across this as a recommendation on a book group I'm in and was curious. I looked at the cover and was like "ehhh". I thought it was going to be straight up smut. But.....

I was surprised. It started off with a really heavy topic. I read this in the throes of flu-fever, so my tears were for the emotional toll the book was taking on me, and the physical toll the flu is taking on my body 😭 Sorry, getting off topic.

This book was good. It was emotionally deep. The connection in the club was whiplash. Prologue was heartache. Chapter 1 was hot. But it worked. It was clearly painted how this connection of grief and need was out there and brought two broken people together.

There were things I didn't like, but they didn't outweigh what I felt like I took from the book. I'll be recommending this one in the future.

[Jodi - JodiReadsnListens · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Audio Review**
Unlikely by Marley Valentine was an emotional and swoony sapphic romance that tugged at my heartstrings in all the right places. Zara's journey to finally heal and find her very own HEA with Clem had many ups and downs and steamy moments that made me blush and happy sigh. Samantha Brentmoor and Quinn Riley both did an amazing job bringing Zara and Clem to life in audio in dual narration. Samantha gave Zara a certain sexy elegance and grace that was super alluring while Quinn's portrayal of Clem was sentimental and passionate. I really enjoyed the undeniable chemistry and the perfect touch of forbidden Zara and Clem's romance offered on their way to true happiness.

[Samantha Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved!

I think that this was hands down the best sapphic romance I’ve read to date. I absolutely loved how Marley wrote the characters, the plot and the spice. This book didn’t feel as heavy as the previous two books in the series, but it was definitely still heavy on the emotions. Especially in the final chapters. I could easily read more and more of these two. I resonated with Clem a lot in this book and I really wish I could have teleported myself into the book to be her friend. I loved seeing glimpses of moments from the other books too!

[What.Nikki.Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this...but...I loved the beginning. I loved the end. But I was majorly bored in the middle. There wasn't much that happened at all. These two were HOT 🥵 and the spice was definitely my favorite part 🤣 but I was bored enough on the middle I lost a lot of interest.
F/f
One night stand
Daughters best friend/ coworker
Grief/ trauma
⚠️ Check triggers pregnancy loss (past) rape (past) not MC main topics among others