Rethink

Unexpected Love #2

by M.J. Padgett

I may be the most single pringle in town, but agreeing to be my sister’s future brother-in-law’s fiancé will probably cause more problems than it solves. With a future partnership at his law firm on the line, John needs to impress a new “family man” client to prove himself to his overbearing jerk of a boss.

When I find myself stuck in an RV for a work trip with him, things go from friendly to confusing fast… Until I finally de-diva the uptight and driven attorney and find a gentle, protective man behind his thick veneer.

When the trip is over, and we must part ways, I realize John is everything I always wanted… but does he see me the same way, or am I fooling myself?

***Rethink is opposites attract, driven vs. laid back forced proximity romantic comedy full of tender moments, embarrassing antics, and swoony sweet romance!***

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

228 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 3, 2023

About the author

M. J. Padgett is first and foremost a mom. Her free-spirited daughter has quite the vivid imagination, and her antics sometimes find their way into her mommy’s work. She is a lover of all things chocolate, a Grimm and Dickens addict, a self-proclaimed smarty-pants, and an introvert to the core.

Writing is her true passion (after raising her daughter, of course), and she writes as often as possible. One of her favorite things about writing is creating a world where people can escape reality for a little while, maybe even walk away feeling hopeful about the real world around them. When it comes to reading, she loves a book that can make her forget where she is no matter the genre. If she can get lost and feel like the characters are her real friends, she’s a happy reader.

Reviews

[Morgan Giesbrecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

After May & John’s less than auspicious meet-cute at the end of Calliope & Edwin’s story, I knew this book would be wonderful. And it was!

It’s an opposites-attract with a fun, sweet side of fake relationships. Things happen fast and usually that bugs me, but honestly it was so sweet and thoughtful I couldn’t be upset about it!

And I absolutely love how May challenges John to rethink his life priorities and what God’s plans are for him.
___

2025 reread

Goodness, I adore this series so much! 😍😍

[Lizzie Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

May was perfect for John, and watching them fall in love was sweet and wonderful 😊

[Judith Cowley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun rom-com in this series. After a rough first meeting, May starts to see that there may be more than just grumpiness to her soon-to-be brother-in-law. She offers to be his fake fiancé to impress his difficult boss and keep his job. Fun banter, and fun to see John change from uptight, only focused on making partner, to realizing his feelings for May and changing his goals. Loved May's dog, Frisco!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun second book in this series. I enjoyed it very much. The main characters were excellent together with that initial antagonistic energy morphing into attraction and affection. John, pushing himself to get partner at his law firm, fibbed to his boss about having a fiancée. “John is the kind of man who makes a person feel generally indifferent. He’s not quite jerky , but no one would call him pleasant. He’s sort of…empty, really. Like a hollowed-out man whose only life support is his job.” His future sister-in-law’s sister, May, offered to step in as the fiancée since it would also pause her mother’s matchmaking attempts. Part of the deal was a work RV camping trip. This provided plenty of close proximity and opportunity for the already building feelings to blossom. It also made John question his singular focus on partner. “I’ve always been a go big or go home kind of guy, and it seems falling in love follows suit. It’s sudden, and it’s insane, but at the same time, it feels like what my heart has been waiting for all along.” Sweet and swoony, for sure. While this is the second book in the series and there is carryover from the first book, it can be read as a standalone. This is a sweet and clean story with no harsh language.

[Dulcie Dameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm convinced that MJ is the queen of low-angst romcoms.

Her brand of humor just resonates with me, and I love that her characters are so respectful and kind to each other...most of the time.

John has his issues, but I absolutely ADORED how he went all in for May. Also, can I just say that I love a man who knows what he wants early on? Their moments are so tender together and everything you could want in a sweet, swoony romantic comedy.

If you haven't read the first in the series, Reroute, you'll want to as it is amazing! But this one isn't far behind. Love MJ stories so much!

[Lynn Hyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Laugh Out Loud Book

The trouble with this author's books is I can't put them down once I start reading. I literally laughed out loud so many times reading this story of May and Paul. They go from barely being able to stand one another to fake engaged to not fake at a feelings. There are so many things that happen to them. It was a delight to see Paul change his priorities in life and for May to cheer him on. Absolutely a beautiful funny story! Looking forward to reading the next one.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not sure where the author (M.J.) came up with this idea… it is sooo wild! May and John are the most unlikely couple, who seem to fit together perfectly. Farm-lovin’ hairstlist May and uptight, workaholic lawyer John have some crazy antics and some truly heart-felt moments in “Rethink”, making it a perfect second book (or stand-alone read) in this trilogy of the Loughton brothers. A sweet, clean, adult romance… a must read.

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

After May and John's first encounter with each other didn't go smoothly at the end of Edwin and Calliope's story, I couldn't wait for their story in Rethink. This was another fun romcom with opposite attracts, forced proximity, and a fake engagement. It was great seeing May challenging John. John has some decisions to make regarding his career. This clean romcom read has banter, chemistry between the characters, no swear words, and laugh out loud moments.

[Lindsay Rankin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story!

This is a cute and fun story and I enjoyed reading it. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

[Megan Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book of the series! I have it five stars because John and May are just so cute and the banter between them was amazing! 1000% recommend reading!

[Jade Ingalls · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great aunt with dementia, a deadly kissing plant, a mother who wants to set her daughter up with her future husband and a star linebacker with an inexplicable physical attraction to his phone are just a few of May's "issues" as the story opens. Her sister, Calliope, is getting married to Edwin and his brother, John, is keeping her company and out of trouble as wedding preparations go on. What seems to be a straight-forward "bodyguard" agreement changes when they find that they need each other's help. John's boss tells him he could be a partner in the law firm if he can prove to the owner that he's secure and married. Calliope has a disastrous past with boyfriends and her mother just won't give up on trying to find a love match for her. To take care of their mutual problems they agree to be fake-engaged. They are a combination of sweet and hilarious with their banter and the way they tease, taunt and the sarcasm, oh the sarcasm! But it's not always sweetness and butterflies with their inner thoughts. There are times when they assume too much about their relationship and fail to communicate, afraid of offending the other and, without talking things out, they internalize a conflict. As they both come to realize that they are actually in love, a "non-misunderstood misunderstanding" with John's boss is the impetus for facing reality. I loved this story with its message and celebration of love.

[Parkland Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ & 1/2 (4.5 out of 5, rounded up to 5 stars)
Finished: February 2024
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: CNL’s #29 of 50 - “One-word title”

[Feb. 5/24 — Once again, Goodreads crashed when I was almost done my review so I’ll add it in Feb. 6. My highlights aren’t showing up either but hopefully they will at some point.]

BOOK 12 of 2024: This is the second book in the Unexpected Love series.

I really appreciated this book! It was just what I needed to lift my spirits, make me smile and laugh, and enjoy the swoony romance. I discovered this author in 2023 by recommendation of another author, Latisha Sexton. I believe this is my fourth book by Padgett.

One can’t help but love the FMC, May. She’s everyone’s champion, an animal lover, and she wears her heart on her sleeve. She’s not afraid to admit she wants to date with the intention of possible marriage. John becomes the man he wants to be by her example and reminders from family. There are so many hilarious parts to the book but also some wondrously romantic moments and life lessons.

I think this may be my favourite book yet by this author. I love the community within the Unexpected Love series because they feel like friends that I would spend time with.

[Latisha Sexton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, John and May. I loved the sneak peek we got of them at the end of Reroute and I loved seeing their relationship develop in Rethink. The two of them were just way too adorable and sweet together. I love how May makes John rethink (see what the author did there? lol) everything he's always wanted in life.

If you're looking for a sweet, clean romcom featuring an opposites attract, fake relationship then look no further!

*I received an early copy. All opinions are my own