Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Unexpected

Rate this book
Saidah's Christmas memories have been warped by personal tragedy. A chance encounter brings her unexpected love and a new outlook on life.

Here's to finding love where you least expect it!

66 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2023

44 people are currently reading
90 people want to read

About the author

D.L. White

23 books393 followers
DL White writes romance novels that celebrate Black love across multiple series, including the Ruby's Novels, Black Diamond Bay collection, and Potter Lake Small Town Romance. Her fifteen-plus titles offer rich, nuanced relationships that center Black characters. Through The Books by DL White Bookcast, she shares her current reads and writing updates. An Atlanta-based author and Executive Administrative Assistant, White finds inspiration from lakeshores to white sand beaches. When she's not writing, you'll find her chasing the perfect Sunday brunch or enjoying a great cup of coffee.

Browse, read, and buy her work at BooksByDLWhite.com.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
75 (43%)
4 stars
62 (36%)
3 stars
28 (16%)
2 stars
3 (1%)
1 star
4 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Rellim.
1,676 reviews44 followers
November 5, 2022
This was a lovely Holiday romance. I admit that at first I didn’t know where White was taking things and I was a little worried. I shouldn’t have been though.

Entirely from Saidah’s perspective this incorporated new love, healing from the past, and found family in the best ways. While it spans a year, it didn’t feel like anything was missing or skipped over. Just a wonderfully sweet love story.
Profile Image for Frida.
809 reviews30 followers
December 12, 2018
I really don't mind fluff - especially in a holiday romance novella ffs - I am here for it. But this was just so absolutely not my cup of tea (or should I say my choice of sugary christmas latte)... There was just such a focus on the beautiful house, the fancy designer stuff etc etc. I just couldn't connect to the characters. At all.
Profile Image for Candy .
169 reviews1 follower
December 14, 2017
Great Short Story

I really enjoyed Saidah's story. I'm glad she found love with Will because she deserved some happiness after everything that she had been through. I'm usually not a fan of short stories, but this was a good one.
Profile Image for India.
38 reviews
November 19, 2017
An Unexpected Love has me all in the FEELS

This short was the happy ever after I needed just as the holidays roll around. Jay was an asshole, after he embarrassed Saidah at Christmas, I thought she was going to kill him lol! But the twist at the end was exactly what he deserved! Excellent read!
Profile Image for Mrs..
5,975 reviews105 followers
November 16, 2017
Unexpected Love

Saidiah had the perfect name for this story. The meaning of her name was just as appealing. The premise for the story was like. Hot dang!!!Old flame who started dating an unexpected guy.! huum. The Christmas party from hell, would be the best way to describe their reunion. Jay was the old flame who'd turned into a jackass... Will was the half brother, who turned out to be the best present a girl could ask for.. This was a short lovely story. Unexpectedly delicious!!!!!!
Profile Image for Mrs. Arvia.
107 reviews5 followers
September 17, 2019
Brotherly love

A deadly tragedy reminds Saidah of loss and devastation. Saidah normally sit around on Christmas alone and have a spiked hot chocolate and some takeout with a good movie. This year would be much diffrent as her best friend invites her over for dinner. What a difference a year makes
Profile Image for S.
816 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2020
Cute

This was super duper cute. Short stories can be difficult for some authors but DL White really has a talent for them. Would I like more? Yes, I'm a greedy reader. Do I need more? No, this is so complete and stands alone just fine.
Profile Image for Mika TheReadingRoom444.
257 reviews16 followers
April 7, 2022
Heart felt and warming

This is just want I needed right now! This gem warmed my heart and made me blush as the love unfolded throughout !! My love chakra is the better after reading this gem!!
Profile Image for Karen.
999 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2017
A good short story about love. There are times when a person thinks that they lost everything, only to find true love.
Profile Image for Mia Morgan.
1,144 reviews31 followers
November 16, 2017
Sweet and lovely

I just loved this short story. Of course, I wanted more. I would like to see how miserable Jay turned around to this loving guy who found the right one like his brother. Great short story.
Profile Image for Gemini.
1,644 reviews
December 1, 2024
Yaassss

I really enjoyed this book. There were several funny moments. I couldn’t believe that Jay was such a donkey! His brother came along and seemed so quirky. He turned out to be very lovable. I was so happy for Saidah. She needed a win and she definitely got it. Their love story had a fun meet-cute that morphed into something really romantic. I appreciated the closed-door intimacy. It didn’t take away from the story at all. This was a great read for the holiday season.
2 reviews
December 9, 2017
A Christmas treat!!

This story is so sweet and tender, it's like an urban lifetime Christmas movie!! You know, the ones that make u long for hot chocolate, ornaments....and a man!?!? I love that Saidah let him in the way she did, he turned out to be her perfect healing!!!! This book truly made me smile with my heart.
Profile Image for Eliza.
Author 22 books149 followers
December 25, 2017
TFW a story lives up to its title! I’m a fan of the author’s past works but this short story stood out for me. Her ability to deliver a twist early in the story that keeps you turning the pages is remarkable. Please don’t let this be your only DL White read but - if you’re pinched for time - this short will give you superb insight into her captivating writing style!
Profile Image for Tera L. Kirksey.
749 reviews21 followers
January 14, 2018
Unexpected

Saidah, a broken woman whose share of misfortune has caused her not to enjoy the holidays, ends up finding UNEXPECTED love and happiness. She took steps towards her healing and let the walls tumble away. She learned through Will that “a new broom sweeps well.”
This was a short but well written story that I truly enjoyed. I do want to know more about Will and Saidah.
Profile Image for Tina Jackson.
615 reviews11 followers
January 5, 2019
Alright now

Finding love at an unexpected time with an unexpected love interest. This was my second read from this author and I must say that I do like her writing style. This was also a well written holiday short about finding unexpected love. Well written story. I will be reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
970 reviews5 followers
December 13, 2020
3.5 stars. First introduction to this author. I was actually looking for a holiday Kwanzaa book as I've never read one, and came across her other book, THE KWANZAA BRUNCH. The forward suggested reading this short book first so as to not be spoiled by the book I was after. Glad I took her advice. It was a quick read with a nice holiday feel. Looking forward to the next one.
Profile Image for JoAnn Litman.
230 reviews2 followers
December 23, 2017
Awesome

This is my first book by this author but it will not be my last. Great story about friendship, love lost, and new beginning. We reminiscent about the love that got away but sometimes it's a hidden blessing.
Profile Image for Lakimbac .
478 reviews
December 31, 2017
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟

This was my first read by D.L. I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be reading more of her books. Saidah and Will were a cute couple. I enjoyed the karma that was served to Jay’s rude self.
Profile Image for Angel Graham.
Author 1 book33 followers
December 1, 2019
Quick, sweet

I'm glad I took a second chance at reading this. It was a fun, enjoyable read. The first time, there was a problem with the kindle file...glad its fixed.

I'll be looking into reading more by this author.
Profile Image for Jessica Terry.
Author 37 books40 followers
January 12, 2021
Very enjoyable

This was a really entertaining and developed read, especially since it was a short. I kept thinking something bad was about to happen (I don't know why) but I'm glad I was wrong.
Profile Image for Shahara’Tova.
90 reviews12 followers
December 28, 2024
This was a great holiday snack of a read! Witty main characters and a excellently paced story that gives just enough detail while progressing the plot in a very natural and fulfilling way! I want to read more from this author!
Profile Image for Mary Calton Gerard.
1,209 reviews6 followers
December 9, 2025
Enjoyable reading

A wonderful, unexpected romance. Superb story concerning keeping your heart and eyes open! Not only light but healing and bright future. Love the say about a new broom!
Profile Image for Shannon.
1,540 reviews2 followers
December 1, 2017
It was fate that Saidah and Will met. I'm glad he was it for her she deserved to be happy. And I'm glad she had Faith as a best friend.
Profile Image for Turtleberry Turtleberry.
Author 49 books49 followers
December 31, 2017
Awwwwwwwww

I loved this. I thought it was going one way and then... outstanding holiday story. Jay was just... and Will...

I loved it!
Profile Image for Lynne Spreen.
Author 23 books225 followers
April 8, 2018
A Good Story Even If It Isn't Christmas

I only recently discovered author DL White, but I do enjoy her writing. Her characters feel like friends. On my way to look for more.
Profile Image for Shawn Oates-Martin.
50 reviews4 followers
November 24, 2018
Entertaining Quick Read

Just what I needed to get in the holiday spirit! I'd love a full length novel on these couples. I'm definitely gonna read more by this author.
Profile Image for Shameka Erby.
Author 19 books81 followers
January 2, 2019
It was a cute story. I love the writing style. Would recommend this author definitely.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.