Harrison Davenport is my best friend’s elusive, wealthy, older boss. A man seemingly worlds apart from me… and yet, somehow, our worlds collide.
When I lock eyes with the gorgeous man across the room, butterflies ignite my insides. We flirt with our hurried glances and sneaky smirks, and then, to my surprise, I slip away after sharing only my name.
A week later, through my gilded mask, those familiar electric eyes have me captivated, and this time, we exchange more than names.
The third time we meet, it’s on the dance floor of a nightclub. Words clash, accusations fly, and in a whirlwind of temptation, I spend an unforgettable night with him… knowing it’s all he could give.
Against the odds, I see him again one month later—this time, I’m teaching his daughter how to bake.
Is it coincidence or the universe’s way of pushing us together?
Despite our connection, he holds me at arm's length, too protective of his daughter and family bond.
Until one day, the tension snaps, and we finally give in to the unexpected pull between us.
Juliette is a doormat. The hero is rude and makes assumptions about Jules to her face and later when they see each other, with a smile and very weak apology, she’s back with him. His actions spoke volumes. He may have said things like she is mine and wanted to be JP/OTT, but he wasn’t. He was a tool. Their relationship, if you want to call it that, was forced. The chemistry was nonexistent. I love heroes who tug and pull the relationship with the heroine, but the heroine needs to have a spine. There needs to be some groveling. Juliette just did whatever Harrison wanted. She was weak. Good luck. My opinion. DNF. That’s all folks.
This is my first JR Gale book and it won’t be my last. I can’t wait for more in this series. This was everything I loved in a book. I cried at the prologue and I did tear up a few more times. This story was so beautiful and well written. I went into this book blind and I am so happy I did.
Tropes: 🤍Age Gap 🦋Single Dad 🤍Possessive Alpha 🦋Billionaire 🤍Instant Connection
What an unexpected and Amazing book. This is my first J.R. Gale book and Wow I was so impressed, the writing was so captivating and flowed beautifully. This story really churned up so many emotions for me and it was such a pleasure to be able to read it and it made me cry so much. The relationships in this book are wonderful and I adore these brothers and will definitely be reading their stories. Fate keeps putting Harrison and Juliette in each others path and they have such a lovely connection. Harrison is a billionaire and a single dad and Juliette is just what him and his daughter need...in fact Harrison and Juliette are just what each other need. Juliette is an ex ballerina and has been through some difficult times, her life being turned upside down when she was injured. Imagine all your dreams slipping away and the loss of not being able to do something you love anymore. This is also an age gap book and I think that is why Harrison tries to push his attraction down for Juliette at first...But you can't deny the chemistry for too long. Like I said before, this is an emotional read, but make no mistake there is plenty of steam to enjoy as well, and a lightness to compliment the feels. I thoroughly enjoyed and loved this story by J.R. Gale and she has gained a new fan today. A brilliantly crafted book. 5 Stars.- Cat W.
Possibly my new favourite JR Gale book (it’s close Wills and Sadie!)
This was absolutely beautiful and as someone who is not a crier at all, I did tear up a few times- there were some parts that really tugged at my heartstrings, especially as a mum.
I loved Juliette- she’s 24 but so mature and selfless. Harrison and Claudina’s relationship is incredibly special- as is her relationship with all the brothers. I loved how close they all were with her and how they all took care of her. We saw that this continued throughout her life in the epilogue too!
The storytelling captivates you as soon as you start reading and it’s one of those books that’s hard to put down. A couple of my favourite things would be spoilers which I don’t want to mention in a review- I think going in to this blind is the best way- but there are some really beautiful elements included throughout the story that I loved. There were a few twists and turns I didn’t see coming and a couple of moments that kept me on the edge of my seat too. I think this series is going to be fantastic, and can’t wait to see which brother’s book we get next!
Huge thank you to the author for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
🖤Billionaire 🩰Age Gap 🖤Single Dad 🩰Ballerina 🖤”One Night” 🩰”My Girls” 🖤Alpha- Possessive
Mr. Unexpected is the first book in J R Gale’s newest series, Bonded Brothers. It’s set in NYC and follows two sets of brothers that share an unbreakable bond. Their banter is so funny and while they may not all be related by blood you wouldn’t know it by the way they are fully in each others lives.
After tragedy Harrison is tasked with raising his friends daughter and he makes a promise to make her his world until she is grown and gone. This means Harrison’s life doesn’t have time for his “other half”. Fate steps in when he puts a beautiful woman in his path multiple times and undeniable sparks fly.
Juliette was a principal ballet dancer before an awful accident took away her ability to continue dancing. Now she lives at home with her mom helping run the bakery her family has had for years. She wants a change of pace, but she didn’t know that would come in the form of an older, possessive, alpha, single dad billionaire who is ready to forget all the promises he made and make her his.
J R Gale writes the alpha/ possessive so well…I mean hello Wills Taylor;). I absolutely loved this book and the single dad element. Seeing those grumpy billionaires be girl dads just does something to me….then add him finally opening his heart to Jules and not allowing anything to stand in the way….yeah I was done.
What an amazing first look into this new series and what a beautiful story of finding your other half and not allowing life to get in the way in order have the love you never knew you would receive!
When the grumpy closed off billionaire meets the young firecracker. But she recently lost some of her spark. Because of choices Harrison made, he can only give her one night. For once in her life, Juliette is ready to let herself have want she wants and agrees that one night is just what she’s looking for. However sometimes when we get a taste, one time will never be enough.
Started crying on the first page. Ugly crying. What an honor and sacrifice. Couldn’t be a better example of found family. It’s true you know; the best things always show up when you’re not looking. This time it’s unexpected and delicious. Juliette and Harrison have more than intense chemistry, they connect easily and deeply. Passion off the charts. Their love is one of my favorites. The can’t get enough of or keep my hands off you type filled with the right amount of jealously and possession. I just adore them. And don’t even get me started on Claudina. Her uncles. The entire dynamic. Chef’s kiss, as they say. There is so much in this book that is perfection but you need to pick it up to find out.
Mr. Unexpected has moments that make you chuckle and smile so big. It made me grab my chest and sob. All the relationships add so much to the story. Loved this one from the jump. The perfect blend. One of my favorite books of 2024.
mon petit papillon: my little butterfly
“Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs. The ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile and who love you no matter what.”
“This is where you belong, with me, in this bed, my home, and our life.”
“Now you have me, Juliette. Let it all go so I can shoulder some of your pain, baby.”
“First, we fuck, then I eat you, then we make love. The most perfect three-layer dessert I’ve ever had.”
“Mon petit papillon. My perfect girl, you are the light of my life,”
You can’t just expect me to be onboard with this fucked up relationship by telling me that they have chemistry. Like you need to actually SHOW me the chemistry. And that needs to be more than sex. The only conversation I’ve read so far (23%) is the H telling the h she is a stalker. And her getting angry then forgiving him when he kisses her. Apparently they ‘talked for hours’. I don’t know what about seeing as they still know nothing about each other.
The book was completely unexpected! This is a new to me author and this book will not be my last by this author. I enjoyed this story greatly!! The way JR Gale weaves this story was so perfectly done. The banter, the humor, the chemistry and the harsh/hardness that is Harrison was is fantastic. Harrison was an intriguing character, hard when he needs to be yet soft with his daughter. The way him and Juliette meet, plus continue running into each other is just great. There are also parts of this story that will pull at your heartstrings hard, but add some much depth to this story. There were just so many moments that I loved while reading this book. Claudina will steal your heart from the beginning and never give it back. She is so lovable. I can’t wait to see the next character in this series. I am absolutely thrilled I gave a new author a chance. I recommend this book. Told in dual POV.
“Mr. Unexpected” is my first JR Gale story, and it’s a winner. It certainly helps that it hits almost all my favorite tropes, including the age gap and a possessive MMC. A hefty and heavily themed story from start to finish, I was taken aback by how much “Mr. Unexpected” had me tearing up several times but also getting so upset with some of the supporting characters. I do hope some end up with their own story.
Harrison (MMC) had made several promises to his sister/friend and brothers. Those promises carried a lot of weight and sacrifices through the years while caring for his daughter. And when he met Juliette (FMC), despite their age difference––he’s 38, and she’s 25––Harrison took the risk even with the work/life balance challenges. However, the possibility of negative feedback from some of his brothers was looming.
As the first book in a series, “Mr. Unexpected” was laid out well. The character building with the brothers was intriguing enough for me to want to continue the series, and I enjoyed JR Gale’s writing style. The spice was perfect and well-written. I’ll be looking through other books written by the author, too.
DNF at 45%. I wanted to love this so much. The single dad.. billionaire.. “just once” trope.. it’s my thing. But for whatever reason, I COULD NOT STAND this hero. The way he spoke to the heroine 🫨 no just no.
This is my first book from the author and won’t be my last. I can’t wait for more of this series. This was so beautiful. I did tear up many times, a few parts really tugged at my heartstrings! Those letters were so important and meaningful! There were a few plot twists and they had me worried and kept me on my toes.
Juliette has gone through some difficulties and is so mature for 24. Harrison and Claudina’s relationship is so special and did not change once Juliette joined. They were a whole together and worked so well together. Claudina has such a special relationship with her uncles and will always have someone to count on. They all took care of her so well.
Juliette and Harrison have a strong relationship, intense chemistry and deep connection. They always knew what the other one needed and if they needed time to think or space they respected the other instead of pushing. Harrison’s brothers truly loved Juliette and we could see that at the end. All the brothers are tough and strong but when it comes to family they have each other’s backs and are like giant teddy bears. I hope Juliette got her puppy!
Book Title: Mr. Unexpected Author: J.R. Gale Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Love is like a butterfly, a rare and gentle thing.” – Dolly Parton
𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒆𝒏𝒋𝒐𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈: 🦋 Age Gap 🌃 Billionaire 🦋 Single Dad 🌃 Possessive Alpha 🦋 Instant Connection
I’m a total sucker for the age gap trope, so you know that when I saw this book I HAD TO read it. It’s my first J.R. Gale book and I honestly cannot wait for the next book. This was a cute read with its fair share of drama, chaos and sadness. Only issue is when Juliette made the decision to give Harrison and Claudina space they didn’t ask for but then again I always have an issue when it comes to the FMC choosing to stay away from the MMC because of an ACCIDENT but I am glad that they worked that out.
𝑫𝑰𝑺𝑪𝑳𝑨𝑰𝑴𝑬𝑹: As always, although this is an E-ARC, my thoughts are my own and this is my honest review. Thank you to J.R. Gale for the ARC opportunity.
ARC Book Review Mr. Unexpected A Novel Written By J.R. Gale Fiction - Romance Published March 2024 541 Pages ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Juliette Caldwell is taken by surprise when she keeps running into the handsome older man. They both notice each other. It is also unexpected when he takes an interest in her. She never thought this billionaire single dad, Harrison Davenport, would be interested in her. A one night stand is not enough for either of them.
Can Juliette, the injured ballerina in the New York City Ballet, have a life with Harrison who is a devoted dad and a possessive boyfriend?
This is a long story with much family drama that jeopardizes Juliette and Harrison’s love story. There are several emotional parts throughout the book.
“You only live one life. Live it up, laugh it up….either way, don’t **** it up.”
I’m not gonna lie, the writing in the first few chapters was giving Wattpad, but then the WAY that this book pulled me in…I cried again—I cry way too much for fictional characters.
I know Nate’s book is next but I want uncle Sebby’s book NOW!!!
This was such a beautiful story ♥️ I teared up quite a few times. The relationship and growth with Harrison and Jules was amazing. The story truly captivating and it drew me in within the first 25 pages. The emotions I had reading this were all over the place, but that is what made this book so amazing.
Thank you J R Gale and The Author Agency for this ARC.
Tropes: *billionaire *age gap *single dad *alpha hero *one night stand *possessive MC
This book starts with an emotional prologue which drew me into this beautiful story of love, responsibility, loyalty, the bonds between people and what makes family.
Harrison and Juliette are both wonderful characters, alike in their strength and loyalty. At times this creates issues for their relationship as they put others needs before their own but the fierceness of how they both love ultimately ensures they get a beautiful HEA.
There are so many great characters in this book, Harrison’s brothers, Juliette’s best friend and I loved how it interconnected with The Taylored Men series. This is the first in a new series and I can’t wait for more.
This was a cute story. Classic insta-love but with a unique backstory that I hadn’t read before. I loved the bond the brothers have and the way they all take turns taking care of Claudina. Poor Juliet has had a rough go and the way Harrison supported her was major swoon.
This was the most beautiful thing I've read this year! I literally cried for hours, my heart is completely full! I love this family with all of my heart and this book made my heart happy! 10/10 would recommend!💘💘💘💘
Stop, I genuinely enjoyed this book. At first I didn’t think I would like this book, and then all the sudden I couldn’t put it down and cried a lot towards the end loll. I am mad bc I need a book on seb & I didn’t realize it wasn’t a complete series 😭😭 but still top 5 for me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
It really takes a lot for me to dnf a book but this was just awful.
Juliette started off as so strong and then when Harrison would mess up, all it took was him kissing her and she forgave him. She was weak and pretty much just after sleeping with him if that's how she lets him treat her.
Also Harrison? The biggest douche on the planet. I don't understand how the author can paint him to be such a caring dad and such a terrible person the rest of the time. He demands things of Juliette, yells at her when she isn't happy about the situation and is just controlling.
Dnfed when he said "“Stop pushing me away, I’ll take my girl when and where I want.” Like sorry???? There's no way he's talking to the girl he likes like that? Disgusting.
The amount of 5 star reviews for this is concerning