The Unplanned Wedding

The Davenports #3

by L. Steele

I’m in love with my tall, dark and grumpy boss
Only he’s engaged to another...

Knox Davenport. Six feet three inches of glower, and with a presence that fills any room he walks into, is strictly out of bounds.
Too bad I’m secretly in love with him.
He’s a former Marine and the new CEO of the Davenport Group
I’m a struggling singer.
He doesn’t even know my name.
After all I’m only his assistant, AND his housekeeper AND his girl Friday.
I need this job so I can pay my bills
..while auditioning for my big break
..and putting my siblings through college.
Besides where’s my self-respect?

The man’s obnoxious, and disagreeable and has an ego I want to take down several notches.
So why can’t I get over this unreasonable attraction?
I resolve to do my job and keep things professional between us.
Until he announces he’s betrothed.
And asks me to plan his wedding.

How long can I watch from afar as the happy couple seem to be falling love, while my heart breaks apart?
Then his fiancée breaks off the engagement.
And Knox turns to me for help.
He asks me to marry him... Only so he can get his inheritance.
I turn him down.
I have my pride after all.
And when I leave the job, I’m sure he’ll forget about me.

Only a few weeks later the doorbell rings and he’s there.
He has a new proposal... with conditions...

This is Knox & June’s story. A billionaire, forced proximity, one-bed, boss-employee, fake relationship, romance with a strong-willed FMC who’s proud of her curves and won’t settle for anything less than love. It is a complete standalone with a HEA.

Genres: Romance, Marriage Of Convenience, BDSM, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook, Workplace Romance

396 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 29, 2024

About the author

L. Steele loves to write romance novels featuring powerful men and strong women who bring them to their knees. When she's not writing she enjoys trading trivia with her filmmaker husband, watching lots and lots of movies, and walking nature trails.

Reviews

[Amanda Martin · Rating 1 out of 5]

THIS IS NOT A ROMANCE!!! WHAT DID I JUST READ???? The book synopsis is COMPLETELY MISLEADING! HOW DOES THIS HAVE GOOD REVIEWS???

There are constant elements of BDSM- specifically degradation/humiliation both in their sex scenes and outside of them. So basically, he treats her like SHIT the entire book. He CONSTANTLY degrades her looks, rejects her, and she's like "I need to earn his attention, his approval, I'll do anything he wants, I was put on this earth to please him."

MEANWHILE he ONLY puts her down, makes her feel like shit, degrades her in sexual scenes AND outside of them, only for the FMC to say "thank you". I understand that's some people's thing, but BDSM without respect between the two partners makes me sick and is so unauthentic. He literally makes her LICK HIS FOOT and doesn't even treat her with basic respect, let alone act like he likes her.

And there is no warning, no mention of this whatsoever in the book synopsis or anywhere. I am heartbroken for June that she is giving her time and attention to someone who won't remember her first name.

I mean what is the point of this???? I am SO SICK of books like this being labeled romantic. This is just smut, just label it smut!!!! There's NO LOVE HERE!!!!

This was a vile read with misogynistic undertones. Really painful, just wanted the FMC to leave his rude ass behind and find a partner who would help her explore her kinkier side with some more fucking basic respect. It's so disappointing other females are writing this as "romance". It's so depressing.

Seriously horrible. Not sorry for being mean, the 5 star reviews seem fake as hell.

[dee☁️]

DNF at 22%

He’s fingering her with his foot y’all wtf😭😭😭😭😭

[Jesmin Nawaz · Rating 1 out of 5]

First of all - I've read a lot of smutty books, dark romance, and books with a variety of kinks explored. I have to say, this is the first one where I've seen a FMC get off on the MMC's BIG TOE! Excuse me, WTAF? The details in that part are so cringey because she notices his trimmed toe nail after she takes his shoe and socks off, leaving I'm sure a somewhat sweaty toe! Then she proceeds to f*ck herself with his toe. I had to put the book down and process that for a minute.

Secondly - the blurb of the story is not really what the story is about. I don't recall anything about June wanting to be a singer waiting for her big break. Knox's fiancé doesn't break up the engagement, he does. Also, what happy couple "falling in love" - we barely have a few parts with Knox and his fiancé before he dumps her and moves on with June.

I get the "dark" vibes, the BDSM, the dom/sub relationship, but it was hard to swallow Knox's coldness towards June. He's like a giant man child who can't deal with his emotions so his solution is to treat her like crap, then announce an engagement to push her further away. Even after they get married, he almost uses her as a sex toy, and not in a good way. He keeps emotionally throwing her for a loop with is hot and cold. And I get the submissive part of June's personality, but girl where's your self respect when he's being an asshole?

I will say, once Knox finally accepts his feelings he does improve but not by much.

[Amanda Blanche · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5⭐️

An easy read - does along the tropes of workplace romance, fake marriage, dominant and submissive, the naive heroine and the worldly experienced grump hero. This was a lot of push and pull - the whole “I want you but J don’t want to want you”. Love the drama, sometimes it gets repetitive. Lots of spice. This book is another in the Davenport series which sees Knox find his match in his new assistant June. Knox was a marine and is still struggling with past trauma, he is closed off, serious and blunt. June is trying to stay afloat, financially supporting the adoptive family she owes so much to while trying to figure out more about who she is. Determined to not quit her new job, June decides to go head to head with Knox instead of being run off like numerous others. Tensions and attractions grow. But then the curve ball gets thrown in by grandpa Davenport when he gives the ultimatum that Knox needs to get married or lose his position as CEO. Dun dun dunnnn, drama ensues.

[Chowie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh where to start….

The plot had promise, however, I feel like the description here isn’t very accurate to the book. I noticed that there were some missing elements, like June is not an aspiring singer. I don’t mind BDSM or dark tones in my books but this story fell flat for me. The writing style was hard to keep up with.

1. It can be repetitive as the H kept saying: “he didn’t want to sully her”, “she doesn’t know what I’m capable of”, “she’ll hate me, i’ll sully her, dirty her, take away every last shred of innocence”. Bruhhhh it’s kinky sex. Calm down. A lot of people are into very kinky sex and BDSM 🙄. It’s not that serious lol.

2. This book had a lot of a push and pull which gave me whiplash. The H is pretty dumb and juvenile for a billionaire marine war vet. The h is TSTL and a huge doormat that it’s just maddening.

3. The book can also be waaaaaay too descriptive and the details seem to be dragging on. In one of the earlier chapters, it took the author three pages to describe the h’s outfit for the party. THREE PAGES.

4. Then the cringey edging scene 🤦🏻‍♀️ “Then he raises his foot just enough that his big toe, with its trimmed nail, rubs up between my pussy lips again. Goosebumps pop on my skin. Liquid heat shoots out from the point of contact and zips through my veins.” Some details should be left out. Nuff said. That’s like describing a guy going down on you and licks your 🍑, your freshly wiped 🍑… 😂… I also don’t think this scene is sexy at all. It’s quite unsanitary and unhygienic. Sweaty foot rubbing on your vag. Can someone say UTI 😅

5. No spice 🤬. I’m at 59% and still no sex scene other than a spanking and the cringey edging scene.

I wanted to give up at 25% and DNF but I kept reading on. It’s been a really painful and torturous read. I don’t know why I put myself through this. Sigh. The writing style is just not the best and I started skimming. I’m not sure how this book has such high reviews. Probably bought reviews lol. DNF at 60%.

[isabella (semi-hiatus) · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was the quickest DNF known to man kind. WTF. “Don’t fall for him.” Like why we saying this. Also the biggest thing that made me DNF was “In fact, you won’t find it difficult to keep your attention from his face, for the rest of him is sooo built.” She blinks rapidly. “It makes you want to touch his chest to find out if the muscles under it are as sculpted as his shirt hints at…" She reddens.” WHAT THE ACUTAL FUCK. I’m sorry. Who talks about someone like this. Never in my life have I wanted to throw book so far out of my window. Some people look for the truth in the reviews we’ll here it is. THIS IS NOT IT.

[Grisette · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.2 stars

I did it. I read it without dnf'g. Though I wanted to. This is my second book from this author and I will say there won't be a third time. This type of stories is just not for me. Hail to you if you dig it.

It started well with the scene set up for some boss-secretary power play. There was even some great angst circumstances gearing up midway. I have to say that the essence of the storyline had big angst potential. Picture this: A grumpy/war-scarred Knox takes a shot a being the asshole very demanding boss to foster kid/ needing badly this job June. Soon, while trying to push her away, he also can't help himself titillating her senses. Then, fearing he will 'sully' her, gets engaged to an heiress so that June will know that he is out of bounds. Heartbroken, she decides to resign. Sounds promising right?

Nope, digging slightly deeper, it didn't work - at least for me. Here's why:

☕ The writing style was too bloated. Every thought, desire, musing, had to be overstretched in so many sentences saying the same thing. My brain cells feel so tired right now.

☕ The two main characters inspired no great sympathy. They were so confusing in their character make up. June was the bratty/ sassy type (not in the good way) while supposedly also being so caring of her adopted family - but frankly from her first day at work, she was more busy finding ways to please her boss than actually being a professional focusing on her family. Knox was supposedly a Beast but he spent loads of his time buying wardrobes for June, fantasising on what he would do to her body and also imagining hurdles on why he does not deserve her. Again, so many pages of that almost smothered my brain cells.

☕ The Dom/sub scenes. *yawn* too many of them. Probably done with more knowledge of the control theme than the average bdsm book, but still *yawn*. Not my thing.

☕ The angst potential was merely a smokescreen. So quickly set aside (the engagement lasted liked 24hrs 😅). But then I do guess that the author did not aim at all for this to be a betrayal-grovel type of story. Respect.

☕ The timeline. Everything happens like over one month. Super unrealistic. That these 2 would fall so quickly, why not? But to have all family and friends saying their love is so evident and pushing for them? Nope.


Things that I discovered or that I liked:

🎀 I was today's old when I learned that foot play (note: maybe there is a more technical term for it but I am too lazy to check) was a thing 😶😮😯 Not to be confused with foot fetish. And I don't mean foot play under a table either. Not my scene, but I learned something new!

🎀 That cover is just so delicious. Then again, this is so my colour scheme 🤗!

[Tara Cavanaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ughh this boooook!! 🤤😍 Knox and June are perfection. I couldn’t put this book down! From the first page to the last I was one million percent invested ❤️ I have no words other than I love this book and wish I could read it for the first time again over and over lol

[Michellelovesreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book so much I read it in a day. Which happens with all of L. steels books

[Soph · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was ok. If only it had a better editor, a better writer and a less icky mmc...

[Chronic Chihuahua · Rating 1 out of 5]

Mary Loves Nuancing Narcissism

Sex Slave June is such a pathetic wet blanket.

The only time he considers her feelings is when he is pretending he is dissociating from grooming someone i experienced.

Cunt.

Toxic groomer.

Imagine being able to emotionally invest in someone who is not emotionally investing in you.

Imagine investing in someone socially invested in Priscilla because you are a pathetic sack of shit that HE KNOWS you will forgive him for because you do not demand better.

She's still running after him at the end of this book.

Still enjoying how he enjoys the power imbalance.

He left you in a cramped apartment.

But people like this sit and nuance whats happening in Gaza and Lebanon.

They pretend they need to secure the world, blow up babies and deserve to have their Toxic Emotional Enabler get on her knees and call him Sir.

She's not a person.

She's an empty shell of a placeholder for the Unseen, Unloved and uttterly Unfucked to pretend submissive is better.

Imagine the romance of wanting a partner.

Toxic, flying monkeys, starving the world and literally pretending they have a heart of gold.

Can't relate to nuancing a toxic shit and then saving him, when he's like that because everyone saves him.

Mary is there because she nuances their abuses.

Green Pilled Patriarchial Parable of Toxicity.

The most love he ever even talks about internally, is when her mouth is filled with his tiny dick.

[Katherine M · Rating 4 out of 5]

These Davenport men are just true alphas! I love this series! This story is about Knox, interim CEO to the Davenport Group’s media division, and June, his assistant. Knox has such a bad attitude, and before June, has gone through so many assistants. He’s mean, cold, ruthless and they call him “The Beast.” June really needs this job in order to care for her family and goes toe to toe with him. I think he’s met his match. But he is so cruel to her and I felt so bad for her. Most would have just quit, or at the very least, kept a distance at all times. However, these two have some serious chemistry. They have both been through some trauma and hard times.

I always enjoy this authors writing and her alpha, dominating male characters. This was a good story and I enjoyed it.

[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I helped edit this book, but I don’t think my review is biased. Truthfully, this isn’t exactly my favorite genre to read, so there are certain aspects of the book that bothered me, especially as a feminist (and the author knows). However, I do like Steele’s writing. A lot. She’s able to artfully tap into emotions, leading us from hating the alpha male to loving him. I really didn’t want to like Knox, and to be honest, I still wouldn’t want to be in a relationship with him, but I changed my mind about him as a person by the end. Likewise, I didn’t connect with June overall because she seemed so different from me, but her story made sense. And there were some very emotional scenes where I definitely connected with her because feelings of loss are universal.

The other thing that Steele is good at is pulling you into the MCs minds and helping you to understand how they tick. You may not like it, but you’ll gain insight. I found that I understood more about the struggles of Knox and June and empathized with both of them. And who’s to say I wouldn’t feel the same way were I put into the same circumstances? For example, I still don’t understand the dichotomy of being a strong, independent woman while also being a submissive. But Steele, at least, helped me to see why it’s possible, and also drove home the extremes of the facades that people can show the public when their private lives are vastly different. It’s not just the alpha males who present a facade, pretending to be cold and indifferent while cloaking their soft, caring hearts.

In this book, we are privy to the often-contradictory, internal struggles of Knox, a man who wants to love a woman but fears losing control and becoming vulnerable. He does some incredibly stupid things to “protect” June from himself. And when he hurts June—because, of course, he does—we can feel her pain as she questions her own worth and wonders if there’s something wrong with her. What if she causes people to abandon her?

More of this book is spent building tension between June and Knox before they actually “consummate” their relationship, and I liked that. It doesn’t matter that we know they’ll eventually end up together. Most of the angst happens on the front end, so when they do get together, it’s even more rewarding. Finally, there are only some minor glitches until they have their HEA.

I guess the big takeaway for me is that the book made me think. It made me reconsider some notions I have about people, in general. It’s all too easy to judge others for their choices, but it’s also important to remember the choices they didn’t have. We each cope with our lives in the ways that make sense to us, and they don’t have to make sense to everyone else. Remember that the next time you want to make yourself feel superior to someone. I hope I will. ;)

[Jacklyn B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knox and June have amazing chemistry and so much of this book is full of tension. Knox is brooding and protective and possessive and also really struggling with his past - his employees has nicknamed him The Beast and no assistant has lasted more than a day. His need for control drives everything he does and you’re probably not going to like all of his choices. Knox is a tough character to like at first, but there is so much more to him under his tough exterior.

I liked June - she walked into a situation willing to do whatever it took for her family. Yes she is a sub but she is also sassy and smart and caring and wasn’t obsessed with wealth or status.

Get some good character growth and of course a HEA. My favorite Great Dane Tiny also makes an appearance!

✨What to Expect:
💼 Workplace Romance
💰 Billionaire
❤️‍🔥 Boss/Employee 
💒 Marriage of Convenience
🪖 Emotionally Wounded Military Vet Hero
🚩 OTT possessive MMC
🫦 Curvy FMC
🛏️ One bed
💍 "My Wife"
🔥 Slow Burn
⁉️ "Who did this to you?"
⚕️ PTSD/Mental Health Rep

[Hayley Gallant · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5 (rounded up)

Another wild ride in the Davenport's series!

I was really looking forward to Knox's story as I have been intrigued with his character throughout the first two books. And his book definitely didn't disappoint.

This one had a really good boss/assistant trope going on, so much tension, and a really good message of loving someone for who they are on the inside.

You get:
• Spicy Romance
• BDSM
• Boss/Assistant
• Marriage Of Convience
• My Wife
• Scarred/Ex Military MMC
• Powerful Family

I highly recommend this whole series! Available on KU, ebook, paperback, and audiobook.

[Meagan Grauel · Rating 3 out of 5]

You really have to let the feminism leave your body to be able to enjoy this one - as the dedication indicates. And fortunately, that is a talent I possess. I was only minorly outraged on the FMC's (June) behalf half a dozen times throughout the book, but if I hadn't been able to let my feminine rage go, it would have been a lot more often. You've been warned. Lot of classic romance tropes covered in this one - A billionaire, forced proximity, one-bed, boss-employee, and a fake relationship/fake marriage. It can be read as a standalone, though it is part of the Davenport siblings series, so if you've read any of those, you'll see some repeat characters. And thankfully, even though it absolutely shouldn't work out for the MMC (Knox) since he's kind of a knob head, it is a guaranteed HEA. Unfortunately, there is mention of a pregnancy at the end of this one, which is not my favorite. Thought I was going to make it through the book without that and then the author snuck it in at the tail end of the story.

One of the more frustrating aspects of this book was the back and forth and yanking June around. Knox convinces himself that he can't "have" June so he's routinely a giant fucking jackass to her to drive her away and discourage her. But then sends her mixed signals by putting her into a submissive role so many times. And then has the audacity to demand that she isn't anyone else's, and only he's allowed to interact and be with her. It's an infuriating conundrum and I could get behind it like once or twice, but then Knox goes and repeats the behavior again and again and again. And the fact that June is hanging on his every word like a lost little puppy and is willing to do anything for his attention proves to be a lesson in patience as well. It pays out for her in the end and they both get the relationship that they want, but it was disappointing to read her falling into his red flag behavior bullshit over and over.
Knox finally decides that he's going to "let himself" have June after they're married and that he's tired of fighting it ... but this revelation comes to him after he finds out that June is a virgin. Fucking archaic ass caveman. So he "has" June, but then his emotions get in the way and he yanks her the other way ... again and shuts himself off saying that he isn't deserving or some shit, or doesn't want June exposed to him. Literally cancels their honeymoon midway through and then ignores June. Jesus Christ. I had to put the book down and walk away for a little bit after that.

The other very disappointing aspect of this book is the inaccurate portrayal of the Dom/sub relationship. Now, I am not part of that community, nor do I claim to know in depth about how that lifestyle is. However, the way Knox's character is written and how he speaks about being a Dom is all about the control for him and not making sure his submissive is well taken care of and her safety and wellbeing is the priority. And he really only switches into the Dom role when it best suits him and kind of uses it as an excuse to just be a dick. Far be it from me to yuck anyone's yum, but this yum just didn't feel portrayed correctly.

With all that being said, this author does know her way around a spicy scene. Lots of sexual tension build up and slow burn before anything truly happens. Poor June basically gets edged for weeks until she finally gets her orgasm. But what does happen between the characters is kinky and was fairly interesting.

I definitely didn't think this was a waste of time, but it just wasn't my favorite marriage of convenience book ever. Their marriage didn't happen as quickly as you would anticipate it to, and the first half of the book seemed to drag on because of that. I feel like the book would have been better if the author hadn't tried to add in the Dom/submissive aspect, or if she had really done that part of it up instead of it kind of being a side thought.

[Jetscarbie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Toe Sex is not for the weak
I did finish this book, but it was hard.
(Possible spoilers ahead)

There is very little romance in this book. There is a very angry, abusive, controlling arsehole, though. It made me want to kick him hard in his face with some steel-toe boots on. I rage-read this book.

The plot was basic. h goes to work for the all-powerful H. He's a major shite head, so he can't keep any personal assistant until..... h. She's able to handle everything he throws at her and trust me, he throws her a lot of crap. (I know this is fiction, but the rational part of my brain started to short-circuit with so many questions) For example, he continues to call her the wrong name. He makes her work ungodly hours, he has her do a wake-up call every day, gives her assignments without any guidance, and makes her sign a legal document saying she can't ever file charges against him. The list is endless.

It doesn't matter what he does to her, she is eating his crap up. huh? Her POV is very painful. Her vagina is either gushing, leaking, throbbing, shaking, or she's experiencing "electric shocks" (lady needs an OBGYN appt) She makes it to day 5, then he makes her get down on her knees to remove his shoes and socks. Then he makes her hump his freaking BIG TOE. What in the everloving fk? So if that's not disgusting enough, he then makes her lick it all off when she's finished. I was literally yelling out loud eeeeeeeeekkkkk. WTF?

Then he gets engaged to OW. He makes h set up all the details. He spends so much time rubbing it in h's face. She quits. Finally, SHE DID SOMETHING RIGHT. Nope, it doesn't last long. He ends the engagement.

There's no smex in this book until (I think) 75%. He would never let himself have smex with her. That is, until he married her and found out that night she was a virgin.
Yes, once he found out she was a virgin, his control "snapped," and he just had to be her first. He wasn't very nice or gentle about it, either. Don't worry, though, she said she loves it.
He can't deal with his emotions like an adult, so he ends their honeymoon early and ignores her. Nice guy.

He's a dom and she's a sub. She loves to either call him Sir or Master. I don't know much about the kink stuff, but I highly doubt anybody into that stuff treats their partners this way. He was so disrespectful to her outside and inside the bedroom. I felt some of it was abusive. The names he would call her made my teeth hurt.

One day, he went to fire somebody, and she stepped in to save the guy's job. Everybody leaves the boardroom, and he locks the door. His "control snaps," and he decides he wants some backdoor action RIGHT NOW. He goes to get her "ready," but this woman told him she didn't want any lube. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA *snort laughing now* Yep, H with his big monster penis went in without any lube in the backdoor.
Then whiplash again. He's back to being Mr A Hole.

Finally, H's brother has to come tell him to get his head out of his arse and tell h that he loves
her. From 85% on- it's just one huge smex fest. They are in love. He becomes nice and loving. It was like one huge personality change. Oh, and of course, they are pregnant.

Now, about h- she was nothing but a wet noodle. There was absolutely no pushback from her anywhere in this book. She went along and accepted whatever the Master wanted. From the day she met him until the end of this book, her vagina leaked, gushed, squirted, quivered, shook, or throbbed. (I almost wanted to look up the word counts on those words, but I'm 100% serious with how much it's mentioned)

I am so mad at myself for reading this whole book.

[heidi ˘͈ᵕ˘͈ · Rating 1 out of 5]

yeah uh this wasn’t really a romance book lolll. i didn’t mind the bdsm element but damn if i was june and that man was treating me the way he treated her he wouldn’t be getting anywhere near me. the foot scene definitely made me realize this book wasn’t for me lol i was looking for an office, boss/employee steamy romance (as advertised) and this was not it. maybe it’s for others who are looking for just a straight up kink focused book with no real character development. it was just the same “damn she’s so hot, i’m not good for her i need to drive a wedge between us, but i can indulge just this once (aka 7 times)” and on her end, “ugh he gives me no attention he’s a heartless asshole, but wait that’s hot and i was born to please and serve him” girl what?! no thank you, 1/10

[BookSiren Baddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

With Shane East & Stella Hunter's narration, I loved this audiobook.
So the dominant scarred, alpha boss lust's after his new secretary, so he ultimately and relentlessly makes her his wife.
This book is hot, hot, hot! I love the way L Steele writes her spice.

[Elyvia (eliv_bookstagram)]

DNF at 22%
It started so good, love the Beauty & The Beast Vibes; I was enjoying it. And then, she f*ck herself with his toes, WTAF??? GROSS, I think I puked a little🤮

[Kelly (aka jsybookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first book by L Steele and what a glorious read it was! Very muchly deserved 5 star rating. In fact, I enjoyed this one so much, I intend to delve into the Davenport family more and read the other books about the family, next up is Ryot’s story (The Reluctant Wife) and I can’t wait. However, back to The Unplanned Wedding for this review!

Spice: 5/5

When June Donnelly goes for an interview at the Davenport Group Media Division for the position of Personal Assistant to the CEO, Knox Davenport, she knows she is not an ideal candidate with her lack of office skills but desperately needs the money. She is gobsmacked to be hired on the spot with a substantial pay package and asked to begin immediately. However, it soon becomes clear why she was hired so quickly, all the previous assistants to Knox Davenport never last more than a day or sometimes only hours, due to his demeanour and moodiness. June is severely underestimated and is determined to stick the job out for the wages she so dearly needs but neither June or Knox are ready for the attraction they feel for each other despite trying desperately to hide it from each other and keep things professional. When Knox is given conditions of his inheritance from his grandfather, Arthur, the only caveat is to marry and without any other options he agrees to the bride Arthur has chosen, Priscilla Whittington. The Whittington Group is the nearest the Davenports have as a competitor so the marriage would unite the two families. However, as the weeks pass Knox just can’t seem to get June out of his head and therefore breaks the engagement with Priscilla and proposes marriage to June. June is gobsmacked but agrees knowing that becoming Mrs Knox Davenport will ensure the financial security she has yearned for for so long for her siblings and adopted mother, Irene. They get married quickly and then go to Paris for a pretend honeymoon. Whilst in France both June and Knox fall into the roles of Mr and Mrs without any trouble despite constantly telling themselves that they aren’t in a real and proper marriage. But in all fairness the lines were blurred the minute that June accepted her job and met Knox. Will they acknowledge their feelings and realise that the arranged marriage was exactly right for them, or will they both walk away with what they wanted from the marriage but ultimately heartbroken?!

Well, this was a great first book of L Steele’s for me and I found it very difficult to put down. I always know the sign of a good book is when I am thinking about it when I am not reading it and this was most certainly the case for this story. I really loved June and how feisty she was and even better that she was a curvy gorgeous lady whose curves Knox just adored and that he made sure she knew that he loved them- so refreshing! I also really loved Connor Davenport; he was cheeky but funny and I liked his mischievousness. I did grow to like Knox, although I was surprised that June wasn’t getting whiplash from his mood swings as I certainly was, but it was good to see him open up to June as the story went on and show her that he wasn’t “The Beast”, which was the nickname his colleagues in the office had coined for him due to his terrible temper. I was guilty though of wanting to scream at him a few times “STOP SPIRALLING AND TALK TO HER”. thankfully he did eventually do just that! There was a bit in chapter 45 that made me melt and I really wanted Knox to get to the point that he felt he could say things like that to June rather than just thinking them, but I got that he was a work in progress. I had to look up the “as you wish” secret code (The Princess Diaries) and love that I have learnt something new!

Ultimately this was a great read, I lost sleep and time when reading as I kept telling myself “Just one more chapter”. Anyone who enjoys a good romance with a fair bit of spice will enjoy this one, and so to any reader who enjoys that I definitely recommend this one. I can’t wait to dive deeper into the Davenport family and read the other books about them.

Thank you to L Steele, Hambright PR and BookFunnel for my advanced reading copy. Out now.

[Andra Hoberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start by saying the details in the excerpt above are grossly inaccurate to the actual storyline and details of the book. If you’re looking for a broody boss that finally sees the love of his life in his receptionist and upturns his whole life for her, this isn’t it.

To start, June isn’t a singer, although she is struggling as she’s been out of work for 6 months and is determined to find a way to support her adoptive mother and pay for her two siblings college. Her close friend passes on the information of a company hiring an assistant to the CEO to which she applies and takes an interview. After she’s giving the job on the spot (due to the CEO having a less than approachable and downright mean demeanor with all previous assistants) she is determined to make it through to earn the money she needs to get her life back on track.

Enter brooding CEO, who goes out of his way to be demeaning, rude, and frankly just an ass because he wants to perpetuate the “beast” nickname his colleagues have given him. He’s self-deprecating with survivors guilt and takes every opportunity to hurt June “for her benefit.” She’s infatuated with him and determined to show him how much he needs her while he does everything he can to deny his feelings and push her away.

There is chemistry and the beginning of the book gives promise of a great character arc for self discovery and emotional awareness/growth, but it drops off about mid book. You start to feel like you’re reading in circles. The characters start to make progress, then jump right back to the beginning where thoughts of unworthiness and self-loathing are at the forefront. It’s almost exhausting to read. Thankfully, it’s a standalone.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spice: 4

Tropes:
workplace romance
marriage of convenience
veteran MMC
curvy virgin FMC
posessive MMC
dom/sub
boss/employee
Dual POV

The Unplanned Wedding is book 3 of The Davenports but it honestly could be read as a standalone. So, what would you get if you mixed Beauty and the Beast with Fifty Shades of Grey? You'd get this book! Knox Davenport is known as "The Beast" by his employees. It's not only because he's built like a house, a grump, highest expectations, can't keep an assistant, and shows no emotions or sympathy.... but he also was wounded while serving in the military, leaving him with a face scar from his eye to his mouth. People tend to run the opposite way of Knox Davenport.

That is until June showed up looking for a job. The woman has a lot on her plate, an invalid mother, siblings in University, and June won't be scared easily away from this high paying assistant job. Every time Knox challenge's her, she pushes back. She's not afraid to go toe to toe with this "Beast" if it means taking care of her family.

This book was spicy! I will tell you, it's a predominately Dom/Sub relationship between Knox and June, even outside the bedroom. I wanted to like this book more, but the Dom/sub relationship they had didn't feel.... like others I've read. June came off whiny sometimes, as she'd beg Dom "please, sir, please" vs the type I'm use to where they didn't beg. I wanted to like Knox more but I felt like I needed more "less dom" personality from him. We got a little in the end, but I needed more. It was too much sometimes. Overall, I probably will check out the others in this series though!

[QuinnReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

**DUET NARRATION** 🥳🎧🎉

The Alphahole's Undoing

I loved this Beauty and the Beast re-imagining! Knox "The Beast" Davenport is undoubtedly a Grade A 🫏🕳, but boy, can he rev a girl's engine. 🥵🥵 June Donnelly can attest to that despite the scars on his face and body. I really wanted to hate him, but like her, I couldn't.

His brand of foreplay with her was funny. He thrived on egging her on by intentionally calling her Kelly Assistant and July. I cheered each time she stood up to him. 🤭🥳 And I did other things each time he punished her. Mmm....

If she knew about the thickening column in my pants, Ms.-Sexy-Librarian-with-the-Virginal-Air-About-Her would run screaming.
-- Knox Davenport

There is an awkward ILU part in the book. It starts as an out-of-nowhere scene between Knox and his brother, Ryot, and carries across a couple of chapters. The whole thing seemed too out of place and contrived. That aside, I loved this book and the characters I encountered along the way. This is my first L. Steele book, but won't be my last!

I listened to the audio book. The narrators are fabulous and perfect fits for these characters! The duet narration was AWESOME! Honestly, Shane East and Evelyn Rose were simply marvelous.

Story: 5 stars
Narration: 5 stars
Listening Speed: 1.7x

[Stacey Foss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am loving these Davenport men they are insanely possessive and full-on grumpy alphas. This book was a hot one. Knox is the grumpy alpha boss that has his assistance running on day one and sometimes not lasting an hour. June is the sweet, caring woman who is trying to everything she can to take care of her adoptive family. When she starts working for Knox, she is instantly taken by him and the attraction is like a live wire. The push and pull and banter were perfect. I love the way L. Steele writes her characters because you fully get insight into what they are feeling and why. The inner monologues are fantastic. You can feel the internal struggles they have which makes the characters more relatable. Knox feels he is too much for any woman especially his sweet "July". June wants to submit and give him everything. I loved the vulnerability they each showed as their love grew it had your heart melting for them. Another fantastic book. I as given this book as an ARC for my honest review.

[Daisy.readsromance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Spicy!���

🩵𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
💍𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞
🩵𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐲 𝐅𝐌𝐂
💍𝐎𝐓𝐓 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐌𝐂
🩵𝐁𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐱 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐞
💍“𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮?"

✨Thoughts✨
𝐎𝐡 my goodness, this story was so spicy! Knox Davenport is an ex-marine turned CEO. He's our brooding hero, determined to push his new assistant away, fearing she will unravel the walls he has built around his heart since his near-death mission. But June, a kind and strong-willed woman, refuses to back down even when faced with Knox's grumpiness.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 story unfolds at a steady pace with many steamy moments that will leave you gasping for air. The duet narration by 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭 and 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞 is top-notch, drawing listeners in with their engaging performances. Shane East, in particular, is one of my absolute favorite narrators. He's just amazing at bringing every character to life, and this story was no exception.

𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥, if you're in the mood for a spicy office romance with plenty of heat, this audiobook is a great listen!

★★★★✩
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: 𝟒.𝟓/𝟓

[Ashley (andtheniwasbookish) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whewwwwww 🥵🥵🥵🥵. **Disclaimer: if you choose to read this in a public place, like I did ...make sure you've mastered your poker face**

This story is hot, hot, hot. We are spice from chapter one to the very end. Think 50 Shades of Grey, but a bit updated, and our FMC is HERE for it.

That being said, there is a true love story here that got vulnerable and heartfelt. I truly enjoyed the emotional growth that Knox had, and it was actually one of my favorite parts of this whole book.

I also really loved that June was completely for Knox's lifestyle, but her instance to be respected was really important and she never let up on that.

When you think spice with plot, this is such a great example. This was my first book my L. Steele and it will not be my last.

Overall: recommend
Spice: very open door

[Emily Johnston (Booked.Up.With.Emily) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️

This pains me to say, but this was not the book for me. Know was awful; I really don’t know how else to describe him. He was so toxic and just treated June like absolute garbage.

And June was a complete doormat who let him get away with everything. He would be a complete jerk and she would be like “give me more” essentially and it just portrayed a not so great dynamic.

I did love the spice - it was a slowwwww burn with a huge build up. I loved the build up and the tension; this is what truly kept me interested.

I will try more of this authors books in the future - I am hoping that this was just a one off for me.

[nightreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Billionaire, CEO, workplace, Moc

MMC: Knox Davenport
FMC: June Donnelly

It was the usual, just a nice chill no stress read. Grimm ceo that can’t keep an assistant then come June who can handle his bossiness and workload and has a crush on him. His attracted to her but doesn’t want to give in cause she deserves better or something. Then the usual He needs to get married…finds someone else…she gets pissed and quits…he comes crawling back but still won’t admit it so moc….then comes love…lol😂

“The logical thing to do would be to marry her... But my instincts tell me if I do that, I’ll be too vulnerable with her. It would mean getting my heart involved in the equation. It would mean sullying her even more than I already have.”

[Heather Wilkinson · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 62%. I started skimming from about 25% on. This author is just not for me. I've tried two books now. I think she would benefit first and foremost from a better editor. I'm so tired of the, "I never go out, but I guess I'll go out this one time and in a city of thousands/millions we just happen to end up at the same club/bar where both of us just happen to have an epiphany!" The pacing was choppy. The I'm not like other girls, but I won't slap the material presents out of your hands I guess.... mentality is so played out. I would like to negative star this because I could have been reading something else. However, the author wrote a book, which I have not. So kudos. 1 star.