Unexpected You

Sapph in the City

by Chelsea M. Cameron

Cade: When I applied for a job as a personal assistant, I had no idea I’d be working for THE Eloise Roth. One of the queens of romance novels, who has dozens of bestsellers under her belt. I also had no idea that she would be strict, demanding, and difficult. Every single day I think about quitting, but for some reason I keep coming back for more.

Eloise: My new personal assistant Cadence “Cade” (ridiculous nickname, honestly) McCord is a chaotic mess who obviously lied on her resume, but something about her made me hire her anyway. Now I’m having regrets, but I’m also…intrigued. She’s young and there’s an energy about her that I like having around.

Cade: I have no idea when the hell Eloise went from my intimidating boss to the woman who stars in all of my dirtiest fantasies, but it’s becoming a real problem, and my already scattered brain is having even more trouble functioning. I’m so getting fired.

Eloise: I’m going to have to fire her. There’s no other solution to the situation I’ve found myself in. People assume that my life has been full of romance, but it’s actually the opposite. I’ve always been laser focused on my career. So why am I suddenly having new and embarrassing (and inappropriate) feelings for my absolute disaster of an assistant?

Genres: Romance, Lesbian, LGBT, Contemporary, Slow Burn, Fiction, Adult

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 21, 2024

About the author

Chelsea M. Cameron is a New York Times/USA Today/Internationally Best Selling author from Maine who now lives and works in Boston. She's a red velvet cake enthusiast, obsessive tea drinker, former cheerleader, and world's worst video gamer. When not writing, she enjoys watching infomercials, eating brunch in bed, tweeting, and playing fetch with her cat, Sassenach. She has a degree in journalism from the University of Maine, Orono that she promptly abandoned to write about the people in her own head. More often than not, these people turn out to be just as weird as she is.

Reviews

[Sapphic Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I flew through this book in one sitting! Cade and Eloise are such a sweet, lovable couple, and the story's intimacy really shines with its small cast of characters. My only small gripe is that the last few chapters felt a bit rushed. After such a beautiful, slow build, things escalated pretty quickly in the final stretch. But overall, it’s a heartwarming read!

[Robin Clairvaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny and Adorable

Cade is out of her depth in so many ways when she takes a job as an assistant to the sexy, older bestselling novelist Eloise Roth and promptly develops a hopeless crush on her. Eloise’s carefully regimented life is disrupted by her chaotic new employee, yet she finds herself more intrigued than annoyed. Could a novelist and her polar opposite assistant be fated for a happily ever after?

Unexpected You is funny, adorable, and entertaining from start to finish. In fact, this first entry in a new series is pretty much peak Chelsea M. Cameron in humor, heart, sexiness, and clueless sapphicness. The story is told from both Cade and Eloise’s point of view, which is perfect for showcasing each of their unique and authentic characteristics along with plenty of angsty self-questioning and second guessing as they stumble into love. Side characters such as Cade’s quirky friend group and Eloise’s lovely found family consisting of her best friend and kids add energy and warmth to the story, and it’s easy to imagine knowing them in real life.

If you enjoy cute, sigh-inducing slow burn age gap sapphic romances, you’ll adore Unexpected You.

[Vita L. Licari · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful age gap/ slow burn / workplace love story. Cade has ADHD and has a hard time getting and holding on to jobs. When she applies to be the assistant to romance novelist Eloise. She has the interview and realizes who she is, and finds her very attractive. Cade feels she bumbled the interview but instead is offered the job.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this delicious book! 5 stars!!

[Chelles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected You

Definitely a good start to the series. Ice queen author hires young PA with ADHD. Obviously you expect a lot of clash and adjustments to each other, but it seemed to me that they blended well. I mean one is super particular with a ridgid work schedule while the other needs lists to help keep her organized and focus. Despite their completely different work styles, they learned from each other and developed a great working relationship.

That was the slow burn. Once they both admitted to having feelings for each other -💥🔥❤️‍🔥🌶 Can't wait to read more of the series!

[Lady Olenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

That was pretty good. Age gap, ice queen, neurodivergent lead, office romance. The slow burn was needed I reckon to really build the characters’ relationship. It’s not heavy but it also not superficial that’s it’s a meh read. I enjoyed it. Also, some parts I feel like the author was describing how I like my life - quite, few but meaningful relationships.

[Lyn Denison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. Good storyline and interaction between the likeable and very different characters. And who wouldn’t fall for a romance writer. (My partner gives this a 👍). Well worth a read. Romance writers forever.

[Dominika Piskorz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love it and I did, up until 50-60%, then it progressed really fast, too fast, and suddenly Eloise is bi, suddenly Cade is super brave. The beginning was really amazing, but the end was rushed, unfortunately.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was overall enjoyable, starting off strong but too rushed once the romance really picks up. I wish there had been more in between time establishing attraction before the romance. 3.5 stars.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

unexpected

I’m not sure how Cameron does it, but out of the books and series I have read so far, every one has a different feel to it.
With this being the first book in a new series I was unsure what to expect. Of course you can rely on Cameron to introduce some interesting characters and these two are a brilliant start. They each bring out the best in each other, from opening up about hard topics to accepting a person, faults and all. Obviously being on the neurodivergent spectrum isn’t a fault but having someone supporting you and not trying to change you is special.
I look forward to meeting and reading more books from this series. If this first book is anything to go by it’s going to be fun.

[S. Hess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am continually amazed how Chelsea M. Cameron is able to churn out book after book that just feels right. Her books, to me at least, are the equivalent of being curled up with your favorite blanket and favorite drink in your favorite chair, just pure comfort. This book was no exception. If you want something cozy with just the right amount of spice, definitely grab this one.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slowwwww burn sapphic romance!

Lovely story! Age gap, slow burn, hot for boss, rich girl/poor girl, toaster oven sapphic romance! Neurodivergent representation well done and relatable. Open communication throughout the slow burn so we get to explore how their relationship develops into something more. Definitely recommend!

[Simone11 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 - 4 ⭐️

[lauraღ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I knew you were trouble from the start.”
I grinned at her. “And yet you still hired me.

This romance was SO cute; I had such a lovely time with it. Low-angst, simple plot, simple writing, but something about it had me smiling from ear to ear and giggling. Maybe it's a serendipitous case of right book, right time; I do think I was in just the right mood for something that was just this combination of light and sexy. It's a slow burn, age-gap, forbidden sapphic romance between a best selling author and her newly hired assistant. When I think of forbidden romance, I usually think of something that has a lot more angst and drama than this did, but I'm grateful that it was so cute and drama-free.

I adored both main characters. It's a little bit of a grumpy/sunshine dynamic. Cade is really sweet, a little erratic, really anxious to do well at her new job, but that anxiety doesn't dampen her irrepressible spirit. I love when she teases and jokes around with Eloise, finds ways to get under her skin in cute ways, and to encourage her into trying new things. Eloise is my absolute favourite type of ice queen. She's strict, very exacting and by-the-book, but she's never mean or cruel, and she's willing to listen and bend on a few matters. I adored her so much. I loved their dynamic as they figured out how to work together as author and assistant: Eloise giving all her very exacting instructions that Cade is happy to follow, even if not in expected ways; Cade being able to give insight and ideas into her writing process; the both of them being book lovers and chatting about books they love. I was a little sad that they didn't chat more about sapphic romances, but it's understandable that Cade wouldn't rec those, since for most of the book, Cade thinks Eloise is straight. I loved how slow this was, and all the little moments that added up to them realising that they had feelings for each other. Texting about haunted objects was SO CUTE, as was Cade getting Eloise to pinky swear. I do wish this had been a little longer and a little slower, so as to give us time to really see their connection and chemistry. You know me; no matter how slow burn a book is, I probably could stand for the tension to be drawn out a liiiittle longer. But I still loved the trajectory of the romance, and the last quarter of the book just had me kicking my feet and squealing. Especially because of Eloise, omg. A dirty talking ice queen who likes to give instructions? HALLELUJAH. I was very grateful that there was no huge third act conflict, and they approached the obvious problem in a very pragmatic way. Really, I just can't stop smiling, thinking about this book.

Listened to the audiobook as read by Zura Johnson and Chelsea Melone, and I adored it. I'm not super familiar with either narrator, but they were both great, and really fit the characters. I liked Cade's narration and intonation a little more, but the narrator who voices Eloise had the perfect, swoony timbre. I did notice a couple errors (moments where one of the narrators said 'Candace' instead of 'Cadence') but they were minor. This was the perfect light little read: a bunch of my favourite romance tropes wrapped up in a perfect bundle. It does a good job of introducing you to the side characters and the friend group, and I'm definitely doing to continue on with the series.

“No way. You signed up for this, Eloise Roth. You get all of me or none of me,” I said, and she sat back in her chair and crossed her arms.
“Fine. I’ll take all of you.”

[Venuss · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.0🍰
*sooo late in logging this in*

This was a cutesy story that had me giggle and grin, and had no angst. But yet I wasn’t pulled in with our characters individually or them together. I think with the writing for them it would’ve done best in perhaps third person!

I was all in for the slow ride but soon as things began to bump up, everything was bumped and passed by with such quickness that it didn’t feel balming.

[Rebecca MacAlister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice slow burn

This was a very well written slow burn, age gap romance. Wondering what the second book in the series is going to be about. Looking very forward to it.

[ChasxSabri💗🫧 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice and sweet
Nothing too crazy, no third act breakup, literally no conflict
Passed the time honestly🤷🏾‍♀️

[Angelica Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

so good

It’s one of those books that doesn’t let you put it down. It was cute and funny and the spicy parts were spicy.

[AL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

A beautiful book with so many well described characters, real dialogues, and plenty of chemistry. Excellent book to read!!! I really loved it

[Izzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was fine. it was nothing special. i still read the whole thing anyway even with a migraine. take from that what you will.

[Linda Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow burn but Good

This is a wonderful slow burn romance that is worth the wait. The characters falling for each other is quite realistic in my opinion. Definitely recommend for those that are contemplating.👏

[Minna Perälä · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and exactly what I needed to read.

I am in the enviable position of being less than 2 weeks out from releasing my first novel, and in a sad position of being a widow of just over a year and a half, and finally being completely ready to date even though I thought I was before. Started reading this because I had it in my TBR list for a while, and I'm trying to distract myself from the passing of time right now, two weeks is a long time when every second feels like an hour. This book had me on the edge of my seat, I read it in two settings, almost completely finished at the first time I picked it up because it was so good, so sweet and tenuous and then so very dirty. I really enjoyed it, and I'm going to continue on to book two in the series cuz I love these characters already.

[thosemeddlingkids · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio review - 3.5 stars rounded up

A cute sapphic age gap romance between an romance author and her new assistant. Slow burn, mutual pining on both sides, bi awakening/coming out without much drama surrounding it, adhd rep.

Overall a cute listen! This does do a lot of telling but it did grew on me and both leads just talk a lot. And then also show a lot too. It worked.

Also, great narrators. Good time!

[LEAH · Rating 3 out of 5]

Man I just can’t quite put my finger on why this one just didn’t click for me. Maybe because it’s just extremely low angst with no conflict at all and I just got bored. It’s not a badly written book by any means, this one just wasn’t meant for me.

Slow Burn. Boss x Employee Dual POV. Grumpy x Sunshine. ADHD Rep. Toaster Oven. No Angst.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

normally i like book with a bit more angst but this book was sweet and fluffy and just the perfect length that it worked well having no angst.

[Margarida Pereira · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got so confused when the book ended. I really didn't expect it to be so short. It was short and sweet.

[Lyn Denison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance writers forever.

I enjoyed this. Good storyline and interaction between the likeable and very different characters. And who wouldn’t fall for a romance writer. (My partner gives this a 👍). Well worth a read.

[QRficFAN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chelsea M. Cameron never disappoints!

Is it sweet? Is it funny? Is it as satisfying as the right person saying “Good girl” in just the right way? Yes, yes, and yes.

I love a story that takes the time to let characters sort out how they will communicate and learn each others quirks. Unexpected You does that, and it demonstrates how sexy meeting someone where they are can be.

[Kady · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I tell you I did nothing but read this book, I mean no sleep, no food, no human interaction. I loved the opposites attract, the consent is sexy and the age gap trope.

[Clarissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll be honest, I was a little skeptical going into this one (and yes, I 100% judged it by its gorgeous cover). I usually don’t pick up books with people on the cover, but wow… this book proved me SO wrong.

Unexpected You was such a fun time. Making Eloise an author when Chelsea M. Cameron herself is such an amazing writer felt like a bold and brilliant choice. I loved getting to see the writing process woven into the story, and the character dynamics?? Chef’s kiss. Cade and Eloise are perfect opposites. Cade is a little bit of a gay mess (said with love), and Eloise is the composed, icy, older woman of my dreams. Their personalities bounce off each other in the best way, and watching that slow burn build had me screaming.

The emotions hit, the bonding moments were everything, and the representation made my lesbian heart very happy. I love a good famous-person trope, but what really sold this story was how real it felt. The dropping the celebrity mask, the vulnerability, the quiet moments that made everything feel grounded and earned. As a lesbian, I love lesbians, and this book DELIVERED.

The pacing was perfect, the length was just right (though I absolutely would have read more), and I had to physically stop myself from squealing multiple times. Also, as someone with a sourdough addiction, I laughed every single time I saw Eloise’s name—if you know, you know.

I truly cannot rave enough about this book. I’m genuinely upset with myself for waiting so long to pick it up because once I did, I absolutely devoured it. And the fact that the next book is about Hunter? I am already running. Seven books in this series? Say less. I’m seated and ready to read Chelsea M. Cameron’s entire catalog. Unexpected You was exactly that: unexpected, delightful, and completely unforgettable.

P.S: “The cockroach book”? Shameful! The Metamorphosis is my baby. I love all the book references in here lol