Unusual Emotions

The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx #3

by Shelby Rhodes

Foxx Honeywell here… Have you ever wanted something, but then when it finally happens, you panic and think of all the things that could go wrong, because things have always gone wrong? No? Just me? Well, let’s backtrack.

We pick up where we last left off…after the hypocritical murdery priests. Yeah, I'm still dealing with all that. Cases come and go, and things are normal…but then normal flies out the window. All because my mind decided to focus on things it shouldn’t. Because as is often the case, emotions and feelings don’t give a shit about timing, place, or the sanity of those involved!

Speaking of sanity. My annoyingly insane partner, HARLOW, decided that he wants to make it all the more complicated by feeling ‘something’ as well.

Long story short, more cases, more confusion, and just the urge to burn the world down in a fit of anger, because why the bloody hell not? Things are decidedly not okay.

CONTENT WARNING: This is a slow burn M/M paranormal romance book, that ends in a cliffhanger. There will be blood, violence, gore, torture and death. Please do not read if you find any of the previous triggering.

Genres: Paranormal, Vampires, M M Romance, Fantasy, Romance, LGBT, M M Paranormal

346 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 11, 2024

About the author

Shelby Rhodes is a lover and writer of MM Paranormal Romance novels, but any genre is up for grabs. She loves building worlds and creating new realities. In her books you can expect to find a mix of humor and fluff with a dash of blood and violence. And while dramatic and comedic monologues may be her favorite things, that doesn't mean she won't try to rip your heart out.

Reviews

[Bree | breesoleilreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these psychotic lovers!!! Why are they so cute? And annoying? And lovable? I know why, because all throughout this book while both men are falling for each other (harder than they already were) they’re both actually like “what is this? Feelings? Am I dying?” And I lived for these idiots in love 😂😂

Foxx was splendid as usual being a chaotic gremlin myself I definitely appreciate when a character is also one too and loves it, revels in it. Foxx is a cutesy, demure, deranged vampy murder bby with so many feelings and has been through so much. He’s so worried about his feelings that he has for Harlow but is worried he doesn’t feel the same 🥹 He needn’t worry though because his psychotic murder bby Harlow is having his first big feelings and trying to understand what’s going on 🥺

I appreciate how the author shows psychopathy as a spectrum and shows Harlow learning that too since he so obviously feels very big and hard feelings for Foxx. Harlow is super caring, attentive and in tune with Foxx’s emotions even if he’s a bit shaky and awkward with expressing them himself he definitely shows Foxx how much he cares with his actions. I just love these two so much and they really are so similar but also compliment each other so well. And that ending OMG that’s ending!! I’m glad the next book in the series is already out!

I will definitely keep reading about Harlow and Foxx’s (willing) adventures as long as the author keeps writing about them 🥰

[Haven Lockeby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am CLEARLY a glutton for punishment. Why you ask??? Wellllllll I started this not realizing the series wasn’t complete. I inhaled the first two books in one day. But did I decide to get smart and wait for the series to be complete before finishing?? OF COURSE NOT! I needed more of Foxx and Harlow, and I needed it NOW. But now I’m left pacing my room because *insert unintelligible screech cursing* gosh darn cliffhangers. I absolutely love these two murder goblins. Now excuse me while I sit in the corner and rock back and forth from withdrawal until the next book drops.

[Yackie]

Reading this I remembered that Rhodes also wrote the undead detective agency books and like… yeah.
Love an author who makes it up as they go because the end of this one is like… okay but did they mention this at any time during the other two books? Nah.

Anyway, fine vibes all around if you need whackadoodle and I shouldn’t be here like “this makes less than no sense” when like, yeah.

[Ash🍉 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What does this mean 😫

[Molly Otto · Rating 3 out of 5]

What has the potential of being an angsty book of two men fighting their true nature of being together falls flat. We are dealing with the trauma from book 2 yet don't fully see that resolved by with either party. I was happy to see both characters seek help to move forward with their lives. To top that, you don't get to see Harlow get his revenge for the person who tried to blow up his house. Does this still make me want to continue on to see what happens with Foxx & Harlow? Yes. I'm just hoping the next installment solves these issues and goes back to what I loved about previous books

[Sarah (a.mood.readers.bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harlow is the sweetest murder boyfriend ever 🥰

F*ck a duck, why was the man doing this to him?!
He was supposed to be a psychotic a**hole, by the man’s own definition of himself!
Sweet shouldn’t have even entered the equation.

I loved that this book focused more on the growing relationship between Foxx and Harlow. They both struggle with real emotions and it was so cute to see them realize they have feelings for the each other.

His sadistic ball of sunshine was back in full force, offering him the hearts of others… but the only heart Harlow was interested in was the one beating in Foxx’s very chest.

And now I really want to know what the deal is with Tony and his wife!?!

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, don't leave me like this!

Warning: major cliffhanger. Ugh.

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Audiobook Review** December 28, 2024

After reading the books...I look forward to Matt Williams narration. I absolutely adore him and hear his voices when reading. In book 3, he has Foxx and Harlow's full emotions down pact. There are cases Foxx and Harlow go out on but mainly this is about them coming to grips on their feelings and partnership. I absolutely love their banter and their craziness...some new characters are introduces and the author drop the bomb of all cliffhangers...great read....great listen! 5 STARS!!!!!!


June 2024...ebook review

OMG...three books in and I'm absolutely hooked on Harlow and Foxx shenanigans. So in this one...there is more emotional turmoil going on between the two that it almost became a little bit angsty. Cool...I'm good with it because it made it all the more a delight because them two crazies trying to figure their crap out was entertainment...INDEED. All the pettiness...the hilarious bickering...all the blood and gore...all the sweet caring and the HOT sexy times kept this a page turner til the very end with that UNBELIEVABLE cliff hanger mannnnnnnnnnnnn...I'm over here with questions upon questions that have to be put on hold until I get answers in book 4...patiently waiting but it's worth it...LOVE this!!!

OH yeah...I can't wait to get a hold of this audiobook when it comes out...reading this was great...I know the audio will be AWESOME!!!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

one incredibly powerful and heart stopping book

Rating: 5🌈

Unusual Emotions is the third book in Shelby Rhodes’ amazing paranormal romance series, The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx, so a couple of things right away. If you’re reading this series, you are already familiar with the trigger warnings, so I’m not going to repeat them.

Secondly, if you’re familiar with Shelby Rhodes writing, either here or any of this author’s work, then again, see my sentence above about triggers. Rhodes’ writing just comes with a certain amount of warnings, primarily because of the various types of themes and content that are present in this author’s work. If you know, you know.

As this is the third book in this remarkable series, one that has to be read in order, then a reader knows what is in store for them and the characters here. Proceed forward with knowledge!

Unusual Emotions tells us exactly what our characters are dealing with. After the traumatic events and deepest horrors of the past revisited that Taste of Fear put Foxx and Harlow through, now the impact of those events and its consequences, emotionally are seen here on the partners.

Unsurprisingly, Foxx is having nightmares, the burning marks upon his body still visible, his emotional state is shattered as much as his damaged threads. Hes not in good shape as the book opens. But just as shocking, neither is his partner Harlow. He’s having feelings, anger , fear, and more, which he’s trying not to identify. He’s a psychopath and , in his own words and mind, he’s not supposed to be having feelings.

Rhodes weaves an intimate, increasingly confused relationship between two characters that always thought they knew what their relationship was about. Until recently, and Foxx’s recent traumatic experiences have upset him and their dynamic. Both sides are stumbling around, dealing with their own issues, their partner’s unspoken difficulties with the current situation, and a multitude of new cases involving them and weird elements.

It’s Foxx and Harlow trying to figure out how to make their relationship work but it’s changing in ways neither understands. The author lays this out , all the fears, the misguided ways their friends and bosses interfere in the process, all the challenges that realistically make them not trusting of anything deeper than a work relationship, it’s complicated journey that makes them feel more real and broken. Incredible stuff here.

Threaded through this slow burn journey over broken glass pathways is the cases Henry is throwing their way. Unusually big numbers, scary details, weird situations. Each one coming with some defining features and scenarios that will, I’m sure, add up to something even more terrifying to the partners later on.

And I’m not just talking about the cliffhanger of that ending!

Yes, it does have a wowzer of a cliffhanger here. We also knew that would happen.

Unusual Emotions (The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx Book 3) by Shelby Rhodes is one incredibly powerful and heart stopping book. Our connection with Foxx and Harlow is made stronger, and we are all so happy that they have made a new step forward in their journey. Now about that cliffhanger!

Highly recommended! Read them in order. Not one is a standalone.

Love the covers.

The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx:
- [x] At First Irritation #1
- [x] Taste of Fear #2
- [x] Unusual Emotions #3
- [ ] Thirst Quenched #4 - August 24,2024
- [ ] False Morality #5 - TBD

[ShelfLife · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, I’m definitely in the minority here. I enjoyed the first two books (mostly), but the slow pacing of Foxx and Harlow’s “relationship” was wearing on my patience. I was so hoping that this book would start to see them developing true feeling instead of being complete oblivious idiots. Sadly, that continued to be the theme until 60% in or so.

Honestly, I skimmed this book from about 40% on. It is such a tremendous chore to read, and it’s too damn long for what happens in the story, and for how the plot and their relationship develop. I so wanted to love this series and finish it to see what all happens with Harlow and with Harlow and Foxx together, but I think I’m done. It’s a real shame, because at the heart of it, I like the characters and the story, but it’s just become a bunch of repetitive ridiculousness. I cannot take another 2+ books of men acting like they’re in a telenovela. Every other sentence (or more, tbh) ends in a “!” or “?!” or has shout-y capitals. And the use of “the man,” “the vampire,” “the human” along with their names, just annoyed me to no end. Especially because “the man” and “the vampire” are both used for Foxx in Harlow’s POV. And “the man” and “the human” are both used for Harlow in Foxx’s POV. This series needs an editor and major cuts.

The bickering was fun at first. You know, when they’re getting to know one another and then start sleeping together. But I don’t read romance to read about a couple that after 2.5 books still adamantly denies any feelings at all, even when they’re living together, having sex all the time, sleeping in the same bed, caring about the other dying, and comforting them after a nightmare! Even the sex scenes are tedious and repetitive, because there’s no emotion or passion. Everything about this book frustrated the hell out of me. I was exasperated after book two when there was no relationship development in the feelings department, and didn’t think I could take much more. I was right; I’ve hit my breaking point. It’s just too juvenile, I think. It’s trying to be something that’s just not coming together. Such a shame.

[Katriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series keeps getting better and better, Shelby improves this plotline with each addition, and this series is truly incredible! I've never read books quite like the ones Shelby writes; she creates really unique worlds and characters, and her stories always have an elaborate plots that you can't quite predict what is going to happen next, which I love!

This one started off slower than the others in this series but it gradually picked up pace the further into the story I got. In this book we saw Harlow's character grow exponentially and realize he isn't as emotionless as he believed he is. We also got to see a new development occur between Harlow and Foxx! I enjoyed all of their pranks, it was amusing reading the ways they got back at one another, and it was funny to see just how elaborate they got with their pranks. This book featured less of them solving cases and more on the characters growing as individuals, they both grew a lot and realized things about themselves that they hadn't known about before.

I liked being able to see both of the men grow as individuals and them growing together as partners. I'm really looking forward to the next book! Especially because Shelby left us with a cliffhanger!! What happened to Harlow? What happened to our murderous fashionista? Will they still be able to have their first date? All of these questions are ones that will hopefully be answered in the next book! Just to note, this book isn't a standalone. You must read the previous books in this series in order to understand the characters and what is going on. I highly recommend doing so, this series is chaotic, unique, and really well written!

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Foxx and Harlow have caught feelings and are now trying to learn how to handle them. And if you know these two, you know it was gonna be chaotic as they try to navigate these new and "unwanted" emotions of caring and *gasp* love. One is a vampire who doesn't want to deal with another human "leaving" him, the other is a psychopath who "doesn't have feelings". But it's not dragged out or frustrating, it's set perfectly for the characters and their personalities.
But sadly these aren't the only emotions they are dealing with, they're also dealing with the traumatic events from Taste of Fear (2nd book of the series). We get to see a vulnerable side from both Foxx and Harlow. Harlow surprises us with his sweet and tender side, which he does not know how to handle. Harlow is struggling with all these new emotions, emotions he shouldn't have as a psychopath. But surprisingly Foxx is struggling the most, not knowing how to deal with all these emotions and go back to his normal happy self.
It had me cracking up with their snarky/sassy comments, feeling mushy with sweet tender moments, heart aching with their pain, and cheering for these two to find their happy place. There was also suspense and action, they are hunters after all 😁
This is the 3rd book and the previous books must be read to understand the complex chaotic grumpy/sunshine (but sunshine with a thirst for pain while looking cute) relationship

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series gets better and better and more hilarious with each book. I heart Foxx and Harlow always. These two are such petty menaces that are so made for each other.

There's a cliffhanger. I think the other books ended on cliffhangers, too, but this cliffhanger is an interesting doozy. The next book comes out soon, so I won't have long to wait to continue my reading enjoyment.

Notable Quotes:

“That…” Foxx hissed. “MOTHERF*CKER! I AM NOT A CAT!”
++++++++++++++++

“Well, now that I’ve made myself clear, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go and be loud, opinionated, and petty as fuck. Toodles.” Foxx waved goodbye mockingly as he spun on his heel and left.
++++++++++++++++
“Yes, yes, but you can start back tomorrow, after you cool down. Don’t want you murdering anyone you shouldn’t.”

Harlow snorted. “Like we’d tell you even if we did.”

“Get out.”
++++++++++++++++

And trying counts just as much as succeeding…sometimes.
++++++++++++++++

“Harlow, drop it. I said no, and that’s that.”
“Regardless, you are mine.”
“What?!” Foxx squawked.
“I said what I said. You are mine. My brain has decided that.”
What was he? A f*cking object?!
“Well, it can f*cking undecide, because I am not a thing, Harlow!”
“You are my thing.”
Oh, the audacity of this f*cking human!
++++++++++++++++

“Brat.”
“Senile old man.”
“My kitten’s fur is in a real fluff today, huh?”
“I AM NOT A KITTEN!”
“But you are mine.”
“You…YOU⁠—”

[Chetana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

This book was a trip and a half. I loved that this author not only makes me laugh and giggle but also makes me cry and feel some other strong emotions. But in the end I am always left feeling happier. But I have noticed that this series is a little more on the angsty side but I can handle that as Harlow and Foxx together just make sense to me. But the author had to throw a spanner in the works with that ending and now I have to read the next book as soon as I can bring myself to. Which is hard because I want to stay with this story longer and there are only 2 more books out in this series so far and I just do not want to fly through them. There is so much I want to know - about Gavin, Sephira, Daydric and so many more people in this world, not just the MC's.

*Sigh* I guess I will just have to read the next books in the series and reread the series till the next book comes out.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down! On top of that the ending left me wanting more! 😫 When is the next volume coming out?! I need to read it! Harlow and Foxx go through such an emotional rollercoaster while fighting zombies, vampire cults, and high/blood thirsty werewolves. After finally getting together and establishing themselves as boyfriends, tragedy hits right in the beginnings of their new relationship! 😭

This is definitely a must read for anyone who likes drama, action, suspense, and steamy sex. If you've been keeping up with the series, you can see how Harlow and Foxx have further developed in not only themselves, but I'm their relationship with one another. For the next book, I predict Harlow's origin story???? I can't wait for what Shelby Rhodes writes next. The suspense is killing me!

[Flick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Sometimes I’m not entirely sure if I love or hate Shelby lol. This was such a good book but it has a massive cliffhanger so fair warning. I normally hate cliffhangers (really I always do) but I make an exception for Shelby because I adore her books. Still makes me crazy when I get to that last page and see the horrifying words ‘the end’ right after something HUGE happens. Other than the ending which has me desperately needing the next book right away, this was awesomeness exemplified. Harlow and Foxx finally get their heads on right and realise they are boyfriends and are clearly perfect together. Plus there’s lots of fun stuff involving their work (which is always a fun addition to the byplay that is Harlow and Foxx merely existing). I seriously need the next book both to get another fix of these guys and to see what happens next!

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story so much and I adore these characters. And definitely hope Foxx and Harlow are right that he will have a long long life. There was so much emotional development between these two. Also Harlow unfortunately finds out that zombies are real. We get lots and lots of death and violence along with more emotional growth. I laughed a lot though the end makes me need the next book so badly. Foxx and Harlow have their cases to deal with. We also find out who the heck blew up Harlow’s home along with who that vampire was who tried to blow them up. We find out just how bad Iggy is at being a hunter. He also doesn’t know how to take a hint. I can’t wait to see where the relationship with Harlow and Foxxs goes. If you like some violence with your emotionally damaged cuties this series is a great one!

[isthisakink · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another dose of chaos!

And as usual, I was here for it. I’m pretty sure I’ll always be here for it.

But, same as always, the need for editing overshadowed everything. Maybe it was the wrong copy getting uploaded? I don’t know, but it was really difficult to read.

I still loved it, and the story and characters and the way things are progressing and building…all of that is Top Tier. This little world has a chokehold on me, and I’m always eager to come back to it.

3.75/5. Based solely on how hard it was to slog through the messy mechanics of the book. I highly recommend it, I can’t wait to read the next one, and I love it so much. I just can’t lie and say it was easy to get through the text because it wasn’t, and that’s my only gripe.

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their cray cray just fits together

Harlow and Foxx have to be one of the weirdest couples that I’ve ever read about but in Shelby Rhodes hands they just work. Their chemistry is like two different elements that are never supposed to be together like oil and water but you add what happens to them when they are in the profession that they are in and they combine and at least start to recognize what they are feeling. To read about them is alternately funny and heartbreaking.
There is a rather intense cliffhanger at the end of this book, luckily the next volume is coming soon (hopefully). I definitely need to be in the mood for a book like this and you can’t take it too seriously but it’s a hoot to read and lots of fun (even the undeading bits)

[Ashley D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Foxx and Harlow are back and still dealing with the fallout from when the priest kidnaped Foxx. Harlow is trying to understand why he is having feelings when told he is a psychopath and can't feel things, but he is feeling things for Foxx. Foxx realizes that he is starting to develop feelings for Harlow but doesn't believe Harlow can have feelings, so he allows others to try to talk him into dating others, which sets off Harlow.

This book discusses many confusing feelings, and the characters try to solve cases while dealing with possessiveness and anger. Foxx and Harlow are great characters, and I can't wait to read the next book. This one did end in a bit of a cliffhanger, so be prepared.

[Jay Purse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harlow and Foxx continued...

MM
CLIFFHANGER
HUMAN/VAMPIRE/PARANORMAL/POSSESSIVE/GORE/VIOLENCE
STRICT TOP/BOTTOM
3rd PERSON POV
HIGH ANGST
5 OUTTA 5 IN THE 🌶🌶🌶 DEPARTMENT

This book is a continuation of book 2...

Harlow is trying to navigate "feelings" and his fears of losing Foxx...
Foxx is trying to get a handle on his trauma while being in denial about his feelings for Harlow...

All while trying to get an understanding of how to stay alive on CRAZY missions...

So, with more cat loving fun and actions... Some sweets for all... And, thrown back... This book is highly entertaining and leaves you clutching your pearls for our rambunctious psychotic MCs...

Is love really in Harlow and Foxx's future, or will we be devastated by an unexpected ending to their story???

On to book 4 to get more answers to these exact questions!!!

[Crystal Knapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the continuing story Harlow&Foxx It's best to read them in order,this is third book of Harlow&Foxx. Harlow didn't understand why he was having feelings for Foxx. Foxx was confused about his feelings for Harlow. When Harlow didn't show up for a very important date with Foxx he knew something was wrong so he went to look for him. When he found his partner he found a huge surprise and will have to try to figure out how to hide it from work

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feelings!?

Foxx and Harlow are back.
Yes, there's plenty of action, danger and adventure abounding.
The snarky banter continues to be a benchmark for these two along with the pranks.
The main story here is the fact that suddenly they're doing very adult things like having feelings for each other and developing their relationship.
The cliffhanger nearly killed me because I need more of these two.

[Fey-Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The murder couple is at it again. Except this time the enemy is feelings. This story has excellent character development. Honestly, the world building and side characters are good as well, however the character development is what really shines in this particular story. Don't worry, there is still action and smexy times (possibly in unfortunate places). This story is an excellent addition to Harlow and Foxx's story. Beware the cliff hanger though.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG

Book 3 is bringing Harlow & Foxx closer together, but will this be a good thing? Foxx panics as relationships have never gone well for him and Harlow panics because as a psychpath he doesn't understand feelings. Then all of this may be for nothing as we are left on a cliffhanger wondering if these two will even make it. They have to right? Shelby will give us a HEA right?! Bring on book 4!

[Manlove · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this a whole lot more than the prior book - it's almost like they're making progress in their relationship! I was even hoping the next book would be the last (I really like it when things end) but it looks like it's going to stretch on for longer (a really Big Thing happened at the end of this book, I'm sure that'll need to be milked for a few volumes). I guess I'll keep reading as long as there is positive forward motion in their relationship.

[Stefania Corbini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do so love this serie, really it's only problem are the cliffhangers! Why i say!
It was a bit expected to have such shenanigans, there were some signs during the previous books of somethings amiss.
What's missing now is a follow up on the plot of the priests ,that really is very interesting, i hope to see the final "court" conclusion, or Harlow's version of said conclusion.... i sort of agree with him.

[T.A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soooo Goood!!

Harlow and Foxx are in more danger in this book. Plus Harlow finally admits to having feelings for Foxx and Foxx does the same.
And it made me laugh a little too much at the psycho goings on.

And OMG! The ending explains sooo much!!!

I MUST have the next book ASAP!!!!!!

[K-Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now was that so hard Harlow? I love that they are boyfriends now!! That fact however has not stopped all the crazy around them! I am not sure what they are not dealing with! We have werewolves, vampires, zombies and just chaos galore! It is a fast & fun ride. I personally just love how intimate they are now though! Keep the adventures coming!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keep getting better, Foxx and Harlow are back at it again with their special uniqueness. Fill with mayhem, murder and over all craziness you will not be able to put this one down.

The connection these two have seems to really come to life in this book. This story does end on a cliffhanger so beware of that.