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Cape Sands #1
Unexpected Forever
One stolen night with my best friend’s older brother and I have a new name…Mommy.
When I meet baseball star, Nate Gentry, our chemistry is out of the park. And for one night, he shows me more pleasure than I thought possible. But two months later, life throws us a curveball in the form of two pink lines.
I don’t fool myself that it could ever work. We’re from different worlds.
He’s a newly retired future baseball Hall of Fame contender and his handsome face rakes in millions of sponsorship dollars.
I’m launching my dream career as an event planner and thus far, my biggest accomplishment is carrying twenty shots of tequila through a bar without spilling a drop. From putting together a crib to managing my weird cravings, he insists on being a big part of our accidental family. I’m falling for him, even though his emotional scars tell him we can’t be together. But when he brushes his lips over my forehead, I wonder if he could be falling for me too. We may have started as a one-time thing, but now I want our unexpected forever.
When I meet baseball star, Nate Gentry, our chemistry is out of the park. And for one night, he shows me more pleasure than I thought possible. But two months later, life throws us a curveball in the form of two pink lines.
I don’t fool myself that it could ever work. We’re from different worlds.
He’s a newly retired future baseball Hall of Fame contender and his handsome face rakes in millions of sponsorship dollars.
I’m launching my dream career as an event planner and thus far, my biggest accomplishment is carrying twenty shots of tequila through a bar without spilling a drop. From putting together a crib to managing my weird cravings, he insists on being a big part of our accidental family. I’m falling for him, even though his emotional scars tell him we can’t be together. But when he brushes his lips over my forehead, I wonder if he could be falling for me too. We may have started as a one-time thing, but now I want our unexpected forever.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2023
951 people are currently reading
1574 people want to read
About the author
Eliza Peake
18 books219 followersHey y'all! I'm Eliza and I write steamy, all the feels romance full of heart, heat, and humor. My heroes are swoony cinnamon rolls, my heroines are strong and audacious, and family is at the center of it all.
I'm a proud mom and a Southern girl who can bless a heart with the best of them. I live with my very own book boyfriend, a snoring dog, and a sassy cat.
In my downtime, I read all the panty-melting romances I can get my hands on, drink coffee by day, wine by night, and indulge my woo-woo side as often as possible. I'm also hopelessly addicted to tacos.
I dream of retiring to the beach someday where I'll continue writing sexy romance stories to my heart's content and taking sunrise and sunset walks in the sand, thinking of my next book!
Join my newsletter, The Sneak Peake, to get updates on all sorts of shenanigans, exclusive content, and news on books and appearances at http://elizapeake.com/subscribe/
I'm a proud mom and a Southern girl who can bless a heart with the best of them. I live with my very own book boyfriend, a snoring dog, and a sassy cat.
In my downtime, I read all the panty-melting romances I can get my hands on, drink coffee by day, wine by night, and indulge my woo-woo side as often as possible. I'm also hopelessly addicted to tacos.
I dream of retiring to the beach someday where I'll continue writing sexy romance stories to my heart's content and taking sunrise and sunset walks in the sand, thinking of my next book!
Join my newsletter, The Sneak Peake, to get updates on all sorts of shenanigans, exclusive content, and news on books and appearances at http://elizapeake.com/subscribe/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 318 reviews
June 15, 2023
I love this book. I kid you not I could not put the book down, I read the book in one sitting. The writing is just (chef's kiss) beautifully written. The author has a way of making the characters come to life and to make you feel like you are apart of the story (I was imagining myself as charley through out the entire book) lol. Nate is so sweet and is protective over the people he cares about which just make him that much more attractive if that's even possible lol. Did I mention he's sexy. I love Charley. she's so funny and sassy. I love Nate and Charley's story. I can't wait until the next book in Florida Bull Sharks series.
I received this book as a review copy.
I received this book as a review copy.
June 21, 2023
ARC kindly provided for the author in exchange for an honest review
This was my first book by Eliza Peake and I definitely want to read more of her! Nate & Charley were a couple with an insane chemistry from their first meeting, both with emotional barriers that prevent them from fully committing and a new situation in their future that united them forever and further complicated their relationship, and even though their story wasn't perfect, I really enjoyed it and I think The Cape Sands Bull Shark Series got off to the best start with Unexpected Forever, so I can't wait to read the rest of the characters in this series.
Charley was a character that captivated me from the first lines of the book: a girl who is trying to give a more mature, professional and independent image to the people around her. Charley is finally about to get the job of her dreams and her world is turned upside down when Nate appears in her life, something I liked about her was her daring & outgoing personality, and that she's able to return the flirtation that Nate begins with her from the first chapters, I loved the relationship she has with his sisters, brothers and also with Megan, and although I would have liked to know more about the part of her past that prevents her from fully opening her heart, I think this aspect gave a VERY interesting twist to her personal plot.
And just like with Charley, Nate made me fall in love from the first chapter I read from his point of view, he's a serious and reserved man but with a flirtatious, sweet, tender and seductive side which made me enjoy reading him much more than I expected. Nate has a sad, complicated and heartbreaking past that very few people know about, he just retired from a very successful baseball career and has his next steps very well planned, until he meets Charley and everything takes a completely different turn.
Charley & Nate share a VERY strong chemistry from their first meeting, the attraction they feel for each other is impossible to hide for both, and after an interesting conversation they agree to allow themselves just one night together, a night that ends up uniting them forever when Charley discovers that she is pregnant. And even though starting a family was NEVER in Nate's plans ever, since he assimilates the news, it shows that he is a responsible & sweet man in the most tender ways in the world, constantly worrying about Charley's well-being, and even though they both agree there can be nothing between them, their feelings are impossible to ignore after spending so much time together, BUT things aren't easy for Nate & Charley due to their past traumas and the fears they both have of letting someone new into their lives.
⚾Nate: 4/5
🍼Charley: 4.5/5
⚾Plot: 4/5
🍼Love story: 5/5
⚾Secondary charcaters: 4.5/5
🍼Cover: 5/5
🌶️: 3/5
🇪🇸
ARC amablemente proporcionada por la autora a cambio de una reseña honesta
Éste fue mi primer libro de Eliza Peake y definitivamente quiero leer más de ella! Nate & Charley fueron una pareja con una química arrasadora desde su primer encuentro, ambos con barreras emocionales que les impiden comprometerse del todo y una nueva situación en su futuro que los unió para siempre y complicó aún más su relación, y aunque su historia no fue perfecta, la disfruté muchísimo y creo que The Cape Sands Bull Shark Series tuvo el mejor inicio con Unexpected Forever, así que no puedo esperar por leer al resto de los personajes en esta serie.
Charley fue un personaje que me atrapó desde las primeras líneas del libro: una chica que está intentando dar una imagen más madura, profesional e independiente a las personas a su alrededor. Charley por fin está a punto de conseguir el empleo de sus sueños y su mundo se pone de cabeza cuando Nate aparece en su vida, algo que me gustó de ella fue su personalidad atrevida, extrovertida y capaz de regresar el coqueteo que Nate empieza con ella desde los primeros capítulos, me encantó la relación que tiene con sus hermanas, hermanos y también con Megan, y aunque me hubiera gustado saber más de la parte de su pasado que le impide abrir su corazón por completo, creo que este aspecto de su pasado le dio un giro MUY interesante a su trama personal.
Y así como con Charley, Nate me enamoró desde el primer capitulo que leí desde su punto de vista, es un hombre serio y reservado pero con un lado coqueto, dulce, tierno y seductor que me hizo disfrutar leyéndolo mucho más de lo que esperaba. Nate tiene un pasado triste, complicado y desgarrador que muy pocas personas conocen, se acaba de retirar de una carrera muy exitosa en el beisbol y tiene sus siguientes pasos muy bien planeados, hasta que conoce a Charley y todo da un giro completamente distinto.
Charley & Nate comparten una química MUY fuerte que se puede notar desde su primer encuentro, la atracción que sienten por el otro es imposible de esconder para ambos, y después de una interesante conversación acuerdan permitirse una sola noche juntos, una noche que termina uniéndolos para siempre cuando Charley descubre que está embarazada. Y aún cuando formar una familia NUNCA estuvo entre los planes de Nate desde que asimila la noticia demuestra que es un hombre responsable & dulce de las manera más tiernas del mundo, constantemente se preocupa por el bienestar de Charley, y a pesar de que ambos acuerdan que no puede haber nada entre ellos, sus sentimientos son imposibles de ignorar después de pasar tanto tiempo juntos, PERO las cosas no son nada sencillas para Nate & Charley debido a sus traumas del pasado y los miedos que ambos tienen a dejar entrar a alguien nuevo a sus vidas.
⚾Nate: 4/5
🍼Charley: 4.5/5
⚾Trama: 4/5
🍼Historia de amor: 5/5
⚾Personajes secundarios: 4.5/5
🍼Portada: 5/5
🌶️: 3/5
This was my first book by Eliza Peake and I definitely want to read more of her! Nate & Charley were a couple with an insane chemistry from their first meeting, both with emotional barriers that prevent them from fully committing and a new situation in their future that united them forever and further complicated their relationship, and even though their story wasn't perfect, I really enjoyed it and I think The Cape Sands Bull Shark Series got off to the best start with Unexpected Forever, so I can't wait to read the rest of the characters in this series.
Charley was a character that captivated me from the first lines of the book: a girl who is trying to give a more mature, professional and independent image to the people around her. Charley is finally about to get the job of her dreams and her world is turned upside down when Nate appears in her life, something I liked about her was her daring & outgoing personality, and that she's able to return the flirtation that Nate begins with her from the first chapters, I loved the relationship she has with his sisters, brothers and also with Megan, and although I would have liked to know more about the part of her past that prevents her from fully opening her heart, I think this aspect gave a VERY interesting twist to her personal plot.
And just like with Charley, Nate made me fall in love from the first chapter I read from his point of view, he's a serious and reserved man but with a flirtatious, sweet, tender and seductive side which made me enjoy reading him much more than I expected. Nate has a sad, complicated and heartbreaking past that very few people know about, he just retired from a very successful baseball career and has his next steps very well planned, until he meets Charley and everything takes a completely different turn.
Charley & Nate share a VERY strong chemistry from their first meeting, the attraction they feel for each other is impossible to hide for both, and after an interesting conversation they agree to allow themselves just one night together, a night that ends up uniting them forever when Charley discovers that she is pregnant. And even though starting a family was NEVER in Nate's plans ever, since he assimilates the news, it shows that he is a responsible & sweet man in the most tender ways in the world, constantly worrying about Charley's well-being, and even though they both agree there can be nothing between them, their feelings are impossible to ignore after spending so much time together, BUT things aren't easy for Nate & Charley due to their past traumas and the fears they both have of letting someone new into their lives.
⚾Nate: 4/5
🍼Charley: 4.5/5
⚾Plot: 4/5
🍼Love story: 5/5
⚾Secondary charcaters: 4.5/5
🍼Cover: 5/5
🌶️: 3/5
🇪🇸
ARC amablemente proporcionada por la autora a cambio de una reseña honesta
Éste fue mi primer libro de Eliza Peake y definitivamente quiero leer más de ella! Nate & Charley fueron una pareja con una química arrasadora desde su primer encuentro, ambos con barreras emocionales que les impiden comprometerse del todo y una nueva situación en su futuro que los unió para siempre y complicó aún más su relación, y aunque su historia no fue perfecta, la disfruté muchísimo y creo que The Cape Sands Bull Shark Series tuvo el mejor inicio con Unexpected Forever, así que no puedo esperar por leer al resto de los personajes en esta serie.
Charley fue un personaje que me atrapó desde las primeras líneas del libro: una chica que está intentando dar una imagen más madura, profesional e independiente a las personas a su alrededor. Charley por fin está a punto de conseguir el empleo de sus sueños y su mundo se pone de cabeza cuando Nate aparece en su vida, algo que me gustó de ella fue su personalidad atrevida, extrovertida y capaz de regresar el coqueteo que Nate empieza con ella desde los primeros capítulos, me encantó la relación que tiene con sus hermanas, hermanos y también con Megan, y aunque me hubiera gustado saber más de la parte de su pasado que le impide abrir su corazón por completo, creo que este aspecto de su pasado le dio un giro MUY interesante a su trama personal.
Y así como con Charley, Nate me enamoró desde el primer capitulo que leí desde su punto de vista, es un hombre serio y reservado pero con un lado coqueto, dulce, tierno y seductor que me hizo disfrutar leyéndolo mucho más de lo que esperaba. Nate tiene un pasado triste, complicado y desgarrador que muy pocas personas conocen, se acaba de retirar de una carrera muy exitosa en el beisbol y tiene sus siguientes pasos muy bien planeados, hasta que conoce a Charley y todo da un giro completamente distinto.
Charley & Nate comparten una química MUY fuerte que se puede notar desde su primer encuentro, la atracción que sienten por el otro es imposible de esconder para ambos, y después de una interesante conversación acuerdan permitirse una sola noche juntos, una noche que termina uniéndolos para siempre cuando Charley descubre que está embarazada. Y aún cuando formar una familia NUNCA estuvo entre los planes de Nate desde que asimila la noticia demuestra que es un hombre responsable & dulce de las manera más tiernas del mundo, constantemente se preocupa por el bienestar de Charley, y a pesar de que ambos acuerdan que no puede haber nada entre ellos, sus sentimientos son imposibles de ignorar después de pasar tanto tiempo juntos, PERO las cosas no son nada sencillas para Nate & Charley debido a sus traumas del pasado y los miedos que ambos tienen a dejar entrar a alguien nuevo a sus vidas.
⚾Nate: 4/5
🍼Charley: 4.5/5
⚾Trama: 4/5
🍼Historia de amor: 5/5
⚾Personajes secundarios: 4.5/5
🍼Portada: 5/5
🌶️: 3/5
June 18, 2023
Unexpected Forever was the first book by Eliza I have read, and Wow. Nate and Charley set these pages on fire! 🔥
After just one night explosive together, Nate and Charley part ways, but two months later, both their lives change.
This book is funny, hot as hell, and emotional as well.
I so enjoyed reading this book and totally have to thank Eliza for providing me a copy to read. ❤️
You will definitely love Nate and Charley's book.
After just one night explosive together, Nate and Charley part ways, but two months later, both their lives change.
This book is funny, hot as hell, and emotional as well.
I so enjoyed reading this book and totally have to thank Eliza for providing me a copy to read. ❤️
You will definitely love Nate and Charley's book.
May 17, 2024
2.25
This was soooooo boring. The characters had no chemistry. Even the third act breakup was a snooze fest
This was soooooo boring. The characters had no chemistry. Even the third act breakup was a snooze fest
August 15, 2024
This was recommended to me by the author on a Facebook group because I was looking for a book with pregnancy. It was supposed to be a standalone, but I felt like I was missing half the story because I hadn’t read the series that came before this one.
On the plus side, it did deliver on the pregnancy trope and there were some pretty steamy scenes.
On the plus side, it did deliver on the pregnancy trope and there were some pretty steamy scenes.
June 23, 2023
"She's my magic. My Firefly. The prize I've been chasing my whole life and never knew it."
"You've given me love I didn't think I deserved, a family I thought I was too broken for, and a life that's more than a series of long road trips and nine innings."
Rating:
4/5 stars
2/5 spice
Read if you like:
~ baseball romance
~ best friends brother
~ age gap
~ forced proximity
~ unexpected pregnancy
~found family
I can't believe I'm saying this but... I think I just fell in love with an unexpected pregnancy romance
I went into this book with a little hesitation because of the unexpected pregnancy trope, but I'm so glad I decided to give it a chance. There were some pretty heavy topics mentioned (child abuse, grief, neglect, etc.) that made this feel like SO much more than just another sports romance.
Charlotte (Charley) and Nate were both really fun characters but I formed such a soft spot for Nate. Despite his horrible childhood, he stepped up in the most supportive way for Charley when he found out she was pregnant. Him going to all her appointments and telling her how big the baby was melted my heart.
You also get plenty of small-town/found family vibes throughout this book too. Charley has a really big family and supportive network around her and seeing Nate slowly being brought into her circle was so wholesome.
Only reason it's not a five-star is because the third-act breakup felt really predictable for me. It could've just been solved with some proper communication and understanding. Also, there were a lot of cheesy one-liners during some of the spicy scenes so prepare yourself for that.
Overall I really liked it and although it features a trope that soooo many people don't enjoy normally, I would 10/10 recommend it.
"You've given me love I didn't think I deserved, a family I thought I was too broken for, and a life that's more than a series of long road trips and nine innings."
Rating:
4/5 stars
2/5 spice
Read if you like:
~ baseball romance
~ best friends brother
~ age gap
~ forced proximity
~ unexpected pregnancy
~found family
I can't believe I'm saying this but... I think I just fell in love with an unexpected pregnancy romance
I went into this book with a little hesitation because of the unexpected pregnancy trope, but I'm so glad I decided to give it a chance. There were some pretty heavy topics mentioned (child abuse, grief, neglect, etc.) that made this feel like SO much more than just another sports romance.
Charlotte (Charley) and Nate were both really fun characters but I formed such a soft spot for Nate. Despite his horrible childhood, he stepped up in the most supportive way for Charley when he found out she was pregnant. Him going to all her appointments and telling her how big the baby was melted my heart.
You also get plenty of small-town/found family vibes throughout this book too. Charley has a really big family and supportive network around her and seeing Nate slowly being brought into her circle was so wholesome.
Only reason it's not a five-star is because the third-act breakup felt really predictable for me. It could've just been solved with some proper communication and understanding. Also, there were a lot of cheesy one-liners during some of the spicy scenes so prepare yourself for that.
Overall I really liked it and although it features a trope that soooo many people don't enjoy normally, I would 10/10 recommend it.
June 30, 2023
I was so happy to read Charley's story. I also was really intrigued by Nate. I loved how he was with Megan. They both made me really curious about how their story would be after reading Wreck Me.
This one started out with a bang. The chemistry between these two was on fire. Charley is such a strong and confident woman. It's really hard not to love her. She loves her family with everything she has. Nate is the same, but he is more standoffish. He keeps people at a distance most of the time.
I was pulling for these two for the whole book. You kind of get an idea of what is going to happen between these two, so I was expecting it. But I wasn't expecting how Nate and Charley both were going to figure out what was plaguing both of them.
Loved the epilogue, and I'm excited to read Lucas's story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This one started out with a bang. The chemistry between these two was on fire. Charley is such a strong and confident woman. It's really hard not to love her. She loves her family with everything she has. Nate is the same, but he is more standoffish. He keeps people at a distance most of the time.
I was pulling for these two for the whole book. You kind of get an idea of what is going to happen between these two, so I was expecting it. But I wasn't expecting how Nate and Charley both were going to figure out what was plaguing both of them.
Loved the epilogue, and I'm excited to read Lucas's story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 27, 2023
First time I've read this author and it won't be my last! I loved these two a lot! Nate and Charley are awesome together and I loved watching their love unfold and grow!
This was such a great book! I'm literally amazed by how well it's written and how well I fell in love with the characters!
Nate and Charley have this amazing connection and their chemistry was so hot! And the trope, accidental pregnancy, is a new favorite of mine! I love how Eliza wrote it in this book. So good!
It was full of banter, spice, emotions, and funny moments that it was hard for me to put down.
I recommend a lot!
This was such a great book! I'm literally amazed by how well it's written and how well I fell in love with the characters!
Nate and Charley have this amazing connection and their chemistry was so hot! And the trope, accidental pregnancy, is a new favorite of mine! I love how Eliza wrote it in this book. So good!
It was full of banter, spice, emotions, and funny moments that it was hard for me to put down.
I recommend a lot!
June 22, 2023
Charley brother Aiden is getting married to her best friend Megan, and she has to get Megan’s famous brother to Megan surprise party before she gets there. When Charley and Nate meet they are attracted to each other. They have an amazing one night and both go back to their lives. Two months later Charley find out she is pregnant. She tells Nate and he says he going to be there for them, but Charley is falling hard for him. Can they be together when they live miles apart? Great characters and storyline Highly recommended Amazing book. I love Charley and Nate. Great supporting characters. This book has all the feels humor and emotional. This is my first book by this author definitely not my last.
August 18, 2023
1.5 stars.
I really disliked this one. The characters were flat, didn't get any development throughout the story and had zero chemistry together. The author kept telling me things about them instead of showing these things and she decided to have both of them have parent-trauma just for the sake of a stupid and completely avoidable third-act conflict, wich was terribly written.
Accidental pregnancy? There was no focus at all on her pregnancy. There would be time jumps every few chapters so you don't get to read about the pregnancy and how the characters connect to the baby.
Age gap? Mentioned once or twice to never be brought up again. It didn't impact the plot.
Sports Romance? Yeah, he's a baseball player, but you could've told me he was anything else. The fact that he used to be a baseball player wasn't really that relevant to the plot. Also, is baseball that big of a sport? Is the press really a concern, like, do players really get paparazzied ?
Wouldn't recommend. It was a waste of time.
I really disliked this one. The characters were flat, didn't get any development throughout the story and had zero chemistry together. The author kept telling me things about them instead of showing these things and she decided to have both of them have parent-trauma just for the sake of a stupid and completely avoidable third-act conflict, wich was terribly written.
Accidental pregnancy? There was no focus at all on her pregnancy. There would be time jumps every few chapters so you don't get to read about the pregnancy and how the characters connect to the baby.
Age gap? Mentioned once or twice to never be brought up again. It didn't impact the plot.
Sports Romance? Yeah, he's a baseball player, but you could've told me he was anything else. The fact that he used to be a baseball player wasn't really that relevant to the plot. Also, is baseball that big of a sport? Is the press really a concern, like, do players really get paparazzied ?
Wouldn't recommend. It was a waste of time.
July 10, 2023
Ahhhh...I LOVE NATE GENTRY!!! What a book and what a great cast of characters. Charly seems so put together while Nate isn't. One night brings them together but it's it going to be enough to keep them together.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
July 1, 2023
Good Read
Wow, this is an awesome story. I connected with the characters on a deep level. Nate and Charley have baggage that's relatable and ones that can make it impossible for their suitationship to work. I got lost in this book from the very beginning because they both knew they shouldn't do what they were about to do.
Fantastic character, awesome story development, and relatable life experiences.
This is a must read .
Wow, this is an awesome story. I connected with the characters on a deep level. Nate and Charley have baggage that's relatable and ones that can make it impossible for their suitationship to work. I got lost in this book from the very beginning because they both knew they shouldn't do what they were about to do.
Fantastic character, awesome story development, and relatable life experiences.
This is a must read .
July 2, 2023
4.5 rounded up to 5!
This book made me feel all of the feels! I laughed, i cried, i was angry, and i swooned! Charley and Nate were adorable together! I could have read 300 more pages of their life together with nugget!
This book made me feel all of the feels! I laughed, i cried, i was angry, and i swooned! Charley and Nate were adorable together! I could have read 300 more pages of their life together with nugget!
July 7, 2023
This was a beautifully cute book. The age gap was perfect. The chemistry was great. The way Nate stepped up was great. It was definitely well written. I loved it
June 28, 2023
Thank you so much Eliza Peake, for the arc! I am leaving my review voluntarily.
This is my first book by Peake, and it did not disappoint! It had everything that I love:
Accidental Pregnancy
Age Gap
Small Town Romance
Best Friend's Brother
I loved how sweet Nate & Charley were - their chemistry was just so effortless. Sparks literally flew off the page, and I binged this in a day. A DAY. I haven't been able to do that with a book in forever!
I can't wait to read future books in this series 🩵
This is my first book by Peake, and it did not disappoint! It had everything that I love:
Accidental Pregnancy
Age Gap
Small Town Romance
Best Friend's Brother
I loved how sweet Nate & Charley were - their chemistry was just so effortless. Sparks literally flew off the page, and I binged this in a day. A DAY. I haven't been able to do that with a book in forever!
I can't wait to read future books in this series 🩵
July 1, 2023
I didn't know I had a thing for baseball until I read this book and was introduced to Nate Gentry. Could there be anyone more swoonworthy?
Charley - a strong, independent, fierce woman finds herself pregnant after what was supposed to be a one-night stand with her best friend's brother, Nate. Thrown together in an unexpected way Charley and Nate truly get to know one another - and she sees him as the man, not the professional baseball player everyone wants access to.
Ultimately, I loved this book and these characters. I cannot wait to read more about the Bull Sharks baseball players.
Thank you to Eliza Peake for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Charley - a strong, independent, fierce woman finds herself pregnant after what was supposed to be a one-night stand with her best friend's brother, Nate. Thrown together in an unexpected way Charley and Nate truly get to know one another - and she sees him as the man, not the professional baseball player everyone wants access to.
Ultimately, I loved this book and these characters. I cannot wait to read more about the Bull Sharks baseball players.
Thank you to Eliza Peake for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 1, 2023
Unexpected Forever is the fabulous introduction to this author for me and contains some of my favorite tropes. It is a standalone, contemporary, best friends brother, accidental pregnancy, age gap, small town, sports romance read that features Charley and Nate.
These two lead characters have chemistry galore and sparks fly when they come together. I absolutely loved them both. Not only were the primary characters amazing, but the secondary characters were too!
The storyline is excellent. I became addicted from the start and literally could not put it down. The writing, storytelling, flow, character development, relationship development, and world building were all incredible as well.
This may have been the first book I’ve read by this author, but it certainly will not be the last. I definitely recommend this book and author and cannot wait for more.
These two lead characters have chemistry galore and sparks fly when they come together. I absolutely loved them both. Not only were the primary characters amazing, but the secondary characters were too!
The storyline is excellent. I became addicted from the start and literally could not put it down. The writing, storytelling, flow, character development, relationship development, and world building were all incredible as well.
This may have been the first book I’ve read by this author, but it certainly will not be the last. I definitely recommend this book and author and cannot wait for more.
June 30, 2023
I always think I don’t like an accidental pregnancy trope and then I read one and remember I totally love them! Charley and Nate’s story may be my favorite one yet. I loved the chemistry between these two, they had some great banter and the steam was smoking. A lot of times in books with this trope the steam kind of disappears when the heroine is pregnant but these 2 just kept getting it on and I was here for it. The worrying was so great it totally captured me and this small town of Madison Ridge has become one that I want to go back to over and over again.
July 14, 2023
Move over hockey romances- baseball romances may have taken over my heart if they are all like this one!
Nate Gentry has finally retired after a stellar career as the catcher for the Bull Sharks. With the chance to manage the team next year he is pretty sure his life is all set. That is all about to change when he surprises his sister Megan for her birthday.
Charley Reynolds has some high expectations to overcome- and not just because all of her siblings seem to have mastered life while she has been content just working day after day at the bar. With an events planning gig opening up at the winery, this is finally her chance to make use of her degree and show her family that she isn't just the party girl that is living life without a care in the world. Nate Gentry was never part of her plan but the chance at one night is too good to pass up. Will she be able to have it all when life throws a curveball her way or will everything she dreamed of crumble down?
This story was so well written, it really surprised me. Yes, the spice and chemistry between Nate and Charley was indescribable and really helped add an extra edge to the story but what shocked me was that the further I got into this story, the more I realized that this wasn't just about two people who were thrown into a situation neither planned for. It was a story about healing, moving on, discovery- I could list so many because this story had it all. These were two people who had very different childhoods, but still carried scars from them, some deeper than others. They had both shut themselves off from some of the greatest joys in life out of fear- of hurting others as well as experiencing hurt. As time goes on and Nate and Charley really start to chip away at the walls both have in place for protection, you really start to see their true selves and a bit of their desires all while beginning the very big path towards healing for their future. It was so well written that it took me a bit to really understand just the depth and magnitude of what was happening between them which made me love this story even more.
I can't wait to see where this series goes next- and hopefully we will get a bit more of Nate and Charley because I am not ready to let them go just yet.
Nate Gentry has finally retired after a stellar career as the catcher for the Bull Sharks. With the chance to manage the team next year he is pretty sure his life is all set. That is all about to change when he surprises his sister Megan for her birthday.
Charley Reynolds has some high expectations to overcome- and not just because all of her siblings seem to have mastered life while she has been content just working day after day at the bar. With an events planning gig opening up at the winery, this is finally her chance to make use of her degree and show her family that she isn't just the party girl that is living life without a care in the world. Nate Gentry was never part of her plan but the chance at one night is too good to pass up. Will she be able to have it all when life throws a curveball her way or will everything she dreamed of crumble down?
This story was so well written, it really surprised me. Yes, the spice and chemistry between Nate and Charley was indescribable and really helped add an extra edge to the story but what shocked me was that the further I got into this story, the more I realized that this wasn't just about two people who were thrown into a situation neither planned for. It was a story about healing, moving on, discovery- I could list so many because this story had it all. These were two people who had very different childhoods, but still carried scars from them, some deeper than others. They had both shut themselves off from some of the greatest joys in life out of fear- of hurting others as well as experiencing hurt. As time goes on and Nate and Charley really start to chip away at the walls both have in place for protection, you really start to see their true selves and a bit of their desires all while beginning the very big path towards healing for their future. It was so well written that it took me a bit to really understand just the depth and magnitude of what was happening between them which made me love this story even more.
I can't wait to see where this series goes next- and hopefully we will get a bit more of Nate and Charley because I am not ready to let them go just yet.
August 30, 2023
Pleaseee--- I need someone as attentive as he was😭 Nate is so sweet and protective of the people he cares about. He loves his sisters so much and now he loves Charley and his baby. Agh, he's so perfect.
Charley was also a pretty great character to read about. She's funny and has got sass. Though she's a bit more reserved about opening up to Nate because of something his sister (who's also her best friend) said about him.
Their chemistry is undeniable from the very first page. So much so that they have a one night stand and it comes with a little surprise. Two months later, Charley and Nate have found themselves back together as parents. Yes, it takes a Nate a bit to come to terms with this news because he never intended to start a family after what his childhood was but he embraces it wholeheartedly after.
❈•≫────≪•◦𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔+𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒔◦•≫────≪•❈
• accidental pregnancy
• age gap
• best friend's brother
• celebrity baseball player
• forced proximity
• mutual pining
• one night stand
• small town
• sports romance
June 29, 2023
Thank goodness my Eliza drought is over with this long anticipated release! I am a huge fan of this author, and Unexpected Forever was worth the wait. The chemistry between Nate and Charley is hot… and I mean, black asphalt in the middle of a Georgia summer, steamy and sweaty HOT! No wonder Charley gets knocked up the first time they’re together. But it’s not all under the covers. There are some epic romantic scenes that had me swooning, especially the picnic scene – I totally teared up!
Both characters are a little bit broken, and I loved seeing their character arcs from beginning to end. Nate is one of those hunky book boyfriends you can’t help but fight for, even when he messes up. And Charley is strong and independent, always giving Nate an out, even though she’s dying on the inside. I was rooting for her, too. This book left me smiling and I was satisfied with the HEA . Eliza is a fantastic storyteller and one of my favs. I highly recommend you check out her other books too, because you’re going to love them!
Both characters are a little bit broken, and I loved seeing their character arcs from beginning to end. Nate is one of those hunky book boyfriends you can’t help but fight for, even when he messes up. And Charley is strong and independent, always giving Nate an out, even though she’s dying on the inside. I was rooting for her, too. This book left me smiling and I was satisfied with the HEA . Eliza is a fantastic storyteller and one of my favs. I highly recommend you check out her other books too, because you’re going to love them!
July 7, 2023
Charly has been given the opportunity to become the Events Manager for Gold Mountain Winery and Resort. Her interview or trial by fire will be planning a surprise party for Megan, her best friend (also her brother's girlfriend) at the winery. One of her tasks is making sure that Megan's brother, Nate Gentry, shows up the the party on time and undetected. The catcher for the Florida Bull Sharks who is sinfully hot. That she has had a celebrity crush on for some time now. But she won't fan girl. She will remain professional, get him to the party on time and undetected and she will make sure her first event goes off without a hitch. After the party . . . that is a different story and when her whole life changes with two pink lines.
I really enjoyed this one. I liked the characters. I like the story. I felt his conflict with thinking his career wouldn't let him be good enough for Charly and struggling with that. Their chemistry was amazing. I really couldn't get enough of them. Her "trauma" came out of left field and that felt a bit awkward to me. Wish it was more woven into the story instead of thrown in her face at the conflict. But overall I really enjoyed this one and felt it was a great start to a new series.
I really enjoyed this one. I liked the characters. I like the story. I felt his conflict with thinking his career wouldn't let him be good enough for Charly and struggling with that. Their chemistry was amazing. I really couldn't get enough of them. Her "trauma" came out of left field and that felt a bit awkward to me. Wish it was more woven into the story instead of thrown in her face at the conflict. But overall I really enjoyed this one and felt it was a great start to a new series.
July 1, 2023
Swoon. Unexpected Forever is a heart warming, small town meets larger than life, love story.
Nate Gentry is a pro baseball player. He's in the prime of his playing days, but is truly starting to feel it. He's closed off and so incredibly gorgeous
Charley is friends with Nate's sister (who happens to be with Charley's brother). She's not at all what he expected when they meet. The sparks are instant between the two of them amd one incredible evening is shared. There is a surprise pregnancy that occurs, so If those aren't your jam, I'd stop now. This book has so much heart, that it's worth every one of the 5 stars.
These two together are a perfect fit. Nate isn't good at letting people in. He had a rough childhood and never imaged having a family of his own as a result. He's fine by himself. Charley loves her family. Losing her dad at a young age gives her.pause in relationships, but she's incredibly close to her family, and couldn't imagine not having them. She's strongly independent and wants to make her own way. They're both incredibly likable characters that are so real.
The relationship they develop will make you smile the whole way through. After discovering the pregnancy, they begin to test the waters of a relationship and there's an easiness that they find in being together. They just fit. I love their banter. Nate's ability to make Charley feel cherished is so sweet to see. She doesn't push or demand for anything. It's hard to not love them, even when they're being difficult. Unexpected Forever is just expectedly amazing. It has small town living vibes with big epic love. It's swoony, it's spicy and will make you fall in love.
Nate Gentry is a pro baseball player. He's in the prime of his playing days, but is truly starting to feel it. He's closed off and so incredibly gorgeous
Charley is friends with Nate's sister (who happens to be with Charley's brother). She's not at all what he expected when they meet. The sparks are instant between the two of them amd one incredible evening is shared. There is a surprise pregnancy that occurs, so If those aren't your jam, I'd stop now. This book has so much heart, that it's worth every one of the 5 stars.
These two together are a perfect fit. Nate isn't good at letting people in. He had a rough childhood and never imaged having a family of his own as a result. He's fine by himself. Charley loves her family. Losing her dad at a young age gives her.pause in relationships, but she's incredibly close to her family, and couldn't imagine not having them. She's strongly independent and wants to make her own way. They're both incredibly likable characters that are so real.
The relationship they develop will make you smile the whole way through. After discovering the pregnancy, they begin to test the waters of a relationship and there's an easiness that they find in being together. They just fit. I love their banter. Nate's ability to make Charley feel cherished is so sweet to see. She doesn't push or demand for anything. It's hard to not love them, even when they're being difficult. Unexpected Forever is just expectedly amazing. It has small town living vibes with big epic love. It's swoony, it's spicy and will make you fall in love.
May 27, 2025
Insta-attraction and dialogue that was fun. These characters meet because their siblings are engaged to each other. It started off strong with the attraction then one night stand. They both thought about each other after and both felt the connection but didn’t reach out.
2 months later… surprise! she’s pregnant. It was handled really well. I started to really like the character growth and the pining for each other but it acting upon it. They were both mature in that aspect.
For me it then fell apart. I felt like I was missing something from the side characters. I went back to make sure it was the first book and it is. It just felt like I should know more or like I picked up reading mid series.
Predictable and light but with an abundance of spice when it occurred, leaving me feeling like I was missing out on actual character depth.
2 months later… surprise! she’s pregnant. It was handled really well. I started to really like the character growth and the pining for each other but it acting upon it. They were both mature in that aspect.
For me it then fell apart. I felt like I was missing something from the side characters. I went back to make sure it was the first book and it is. It just felt like I should know more or like I picked up reading mid series.
Predictable and light but with an abundance of spice when it occurred, leaving me feeling like I was missing out on actual character depth.
July 23, 2023
When Charley Reynolds agrees to escort her best friend Megan's older brother, recently retired professional baseball player Nate Gentry, to her surprise birthday party, the last thing she expects is to end the night in his bed. Two months later, Charley realizes that their night together had unexpected consequences: She's pregnant, and Nate's the father. Even though he'd never planned to have children, Nate's determined to be there for Charley and their baby. As the due date approaches, Nate and Charley grow closer, but the demands of his career combined with unresolved issues from his childhood threaten to tear them apart. Can they find a way to face the challenges together?
For the most part, I enjoyed this story; Charley and Nate were likeable and relatable protagonists, they had great chemistry, and their relationship development was well paced. That said, I was frustrated by some of the details of the story. For example, Charley's abandonment issues related to her father's death seemed to come out of nowhere near the end of the story. I also found the bedroom scenes and dirty talk to be somewhat repetitive and even a little cringey in a few places. (Obviously, that is completely subjective, and I'm sure there are many readers who will absolutely love that aspect of the story.) He told her to "hold on" because it was "going to be a rough ride" at least twice, and one or the other of them said "I'm all yours" at least three times, twice in the same scene.
At any rate, I'd recommend "Unexpected Forever" for all steamy contemporary romance fans. I plan to continue with the series.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
CW: Child Abuse; Abandonment; Death of Parent; Drug Abuse/Addiction
For the most part, I enjoyed this story; Charley and Nate were likeable and relatable protagonists, they had great chemistry, and their relationship development was well paced. That said, I was frustrated by some of the details of the story. For example, Charley's abandonment issues related to her father's death seemed to come out of nowhere near the end of the story. I also found the bedroom scenes and dirty talk to be somewhat repetitive and even a little cringey in a few places. (Obviously, that is completely subjective, and I'm sure there are many readers who will absolutely love that aspect of the story.) He told her to "hold on" because it was "going to be a rough ride" at least twice, and one or the other of them said "I'm all yours" at least three times, twice in the same scene.
"I'm all yours."
"Oh baby, I know."
"Show me what ya got, hot shot."
At any rate, I'd recommend "Unexpected Forever" for all steamy contemporary romance fans. I plan to continue with the series.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
CW: Child Abuse; Abandonment; Death of Parent; Drug Abuse/Addiction
July 30, 2023
This book is filled with first love, heartache, and finding your way back to the person you were meant to be with.
Although the plot and ending became predictable, the story in itself was enjoyable. It was somewhat light and easy to follow.
As for the couple, it is so easy to love them.
The book is such an emotional rollercoaster and I had an amazing experience reading it. As I’d said, saying goodbye feels kinda bittersweet and hard but Eliza did such a brilliant job with the book that it made it easier. I loved every second of reading it, and I can’t wait for Eliza upcoming releases!
This book hit me really close to home so I loved it that much moreI loved it, this book was perfect.
Thank you so much for providing me this ARC.
Although the plot and ending became predictable, the story in itself was enjoyable. It was somewhat light and easy to follow.
As for the couple, it is so easy to love them.
The book is such an emotional rollercoaster and I had an amazing experience reading it. As I’d said, saying goodbye feels kinda bittersweet and hard but Eliza did such a brilliant job with the book that it made it easier. I loved every second of reading it, and I can’t wait for Eliza upcoming releases!
This book hit me really close to home so I loved it that much moreI loved it, this book was perfect.
Thank you so much for providing me this ARC.
July 17, 2023
I love this book! Charley and Nate really shine as real, flawed people who have to confront their issues to get the love and life they want. As frustrated as I was with them sometimes, I never felt like they were being overly dramatic or OOC, which is a huge pet peeve for me. Also, as much as I usually hate the “protective older brother” trope, Peake wrote this in such a way that I didn’t feel annoyed by it, and just found myself smiling fondly at everyone involved. It was so funny to see Charley’s brother be kind of muzzled on threats by the fact that he was with Nates sister😂 Definitely recommend this if you’re looking for a spicy and sweet love story with realistic main characters, awesome side characters, surprise pregnancy, and, of course, a HEA!! Can’t wait for Lucas’ story!!
I received an ARC of this book
I received an ARC of this book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2023
The accidental pregnancy trope is supremely underrated I LOVE THIS TROPE AND I LOVED THIS BOOK. Everything about it, top to bottom was amazing. It was so freaking sweet and heart warming. I melted at the way Nate looked at Charley, and how he saw a future with her before he really understood what he saw. And Nate? PHEWWWWWWW. Also can I just say the way he FOLDED for his pregnant Charlie just obliterated me. A few parts got me teary eyed, family and love and trauma can be so confusing and difficult to sort through and I feel like EP did it so well. Of course this book has beautifully done spice but it was so much more than that. I adored this book and I seriously cannot wait for the next one!!!!
July 8, 2023
Okay so hear me out. I'm not one to actually like the surprise pregnancy trope. Infact it's my least favourite of them all. Except recently the books I've read that have had it ... boy have they hit the mark!!
From the moment I picked this one up I couldn't put it down. I demolished it. I related so much to what happened and to how the two MCs deal with their baggage. From the hot one night stand to the happily ever after I was eating this one up!
From the moment I picked this one up I couldn't put it down. I demolished it. I related so much to what happened and to how the two MCs deal with their baggage. From the hot one night stand to the happily ever after I was eating this one up!
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