The Unexpected Third

by L. Clara

They say two’s a party, three’s a crowd.
But what about when that third was the love of your life?
Between the unexpected reappearance of my sister, and my parents’ unwavering disapproval of my past relationship, my life is rocked to its core.
I’ve given my heart to Clay, but now with Anya back in the picture, is it big enough to hold them both?

228 pages, Paperback

Published December 25, 2024

About the author

L. Clara is an award winning amazon international best selling author who lives in south central PA with her husband and their son. When she's not writing she's trying to convince her husband to adopt every animal - because who doesn't want a house cow, right? Her love of Gilmore Girls transcends into her day to day life in the form of a fast talking, coffee obsessed daisy lover. Although daises have been her favorite flower since she was a kid. You can catch her listening to audiobooks on the daily or when she has time to sit down and enjoy a book on her kindle she's reading all things romance.

Reviews

[jennifer langdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic conclusion to pickles' story.

It was spicy, gripping, and one hell of a ride. The twists were shocking, I lost count of the number of times i had to pick my jaw off the floor.

[Linda McCutcheon · Rating 4 out of 5]

“He is the one who helped heal what you broke."

“But baby, even if you decide to allow her in again, in your life or in our bed, nothing on this earth will take me away from you. You’re mine.”

"It's not always about the permission. It’s about the acknowledgement.”

Once again, intense romance author L.Clara tightened my heart with the gripping MFF polyamorous The Unexpected Third. It's the sequel to The Unexpected Reunion, Kat's duology from the Unexpected Series.

The Unexpected Reunion had Kat finally let her self love again after the love of her life, Anya left her. It was Clay who took care of her as she drank, partied, and had one night stands for over 6 years. Clay finally made his move to let his girl know she was worthy of love and he loves her.

Now Anya's back. It's an accidental meeting; but when it happens it's explosive. Kat's pain, anger and anxiety comes out after being buried for so long.

It's Clay who lets Kat know she has options so long as they include him. He can accept her loving more, just not loving him less.

My favorite part of this book is the communication. Even when angry every one communicates their feelings. There's no confusion or doubt about how someone feels. There may be worries, fear, even tension about the feelings but they are known. It's such a refreshing writing decision for a romance author.

There are currently 4 books in the series, each highlights a couple. All characters show up in each story because they're a found family. Alannah's story is next and I need more of Auggie (Kat's brother).

There's family drama, Kat's parents are the worst, some laughs, lots of titillating steamy scenes, and honest talk. It's everything I expect from a first rate romance.

*Check Trigger Warnings*

I received a free copy of this book from the author for a fair & honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Yesenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full circle moment! The cliffhanger in the previous book had me hooked. I LOVE, the dynamic between the three of them. Is it unconventional, yes but it works! Each person brings something special to the table and it’s a place of no judgement. Just love between three people. Her parents 😱!

Pickle I love that you get to have it all! You’re unapologetically lovable! She gets to be her true self. I love that we see the flash back memories of her life and see what’s happened to her. And why she is the way she is. Her feeling never stopped for Anya. She never had the closure because they were never truly done. I love that we get to see her dominating side!!! I knew she had it in her 🖤

Clay!! The man to my heart! All this man is for his girl to be happy, even if that means he doesn’t get her to himself. He knows her and what she needs, and he doesn’t care that it doesn’t seem right. He TRULY just wants her to be happy. But in true romance fashion how could he not equally love someone that his girl does. He is just the happy go lucky guy that is along for the ride and won’t apologize for it! You go clay!!

So Anya wasn’t my favorite to begin with just because she broke pickles heart. But I did come around to liking her. She brings out something in the relationship that both clay and pickle needed. There’s nothing like a second chance romance but in the best trio way 😂


I need a book on her brother and his relationship!!!

[K’s bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not going to lie I was a little bit nervous at first how this was going to play out after that cliffhanger from the first book! I like how well Clay handled everything and was able to support and love Kat throughout her decisions and dealing with the past hurts etc. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about Anya but I was happy with how she handled her end and taking responsibility for the past. They all had things to grow through separately and together which I appreciated the way it was handled. Kat’s parents were horrible people and I enjoyed the little snippets of Auggie and Chloe from KIOP supporting Kat and her struggles. I am really intrigued as to what will happen in the next book with Alannah especially after the snippets in the final chapter and Prologue!! I really love L Clara’s work and highly recommended checking out her books!

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book was full of explicit scenes! I mean, it’s every few pages and I was so in love with it and on cloud 9. It was just amazing how they can be so full of naughtiness. I want my own Clay, he is just perfection. He is caring and kind. Who wouldn’t want someone like that. To top it off, he got 2 for 1.

I was so invested in the book i didn’t realize it was past midnight. Gosh, this book had me reading to the end. Just the way it was written and the descriptions were just so engaging.

When you think you might not get the story, you definitely do and its such a rewarding scene that had me get all giddy. At first i was like “noo, i need the story” and well i got it right after.

Such a great book! In love with it.

[LeAnn Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute story! I love the relationship between Pickle and Clay. I didn't want Anya screwing that up! I disliked her going into this book because of how she left Pickle. Now that I have finished this story, I am glad they gave Anya a second chance. Clay and Anya's love for Pickle is so heartwarming. They make it work for her. Pickle got to heal from her parents with the help of her partners and Auggie! I have a special place in my heart for that man! I like the fact we got to know the side characters as well. We met new people and they didn't take away from anyone else's story. You have just enough info to keep you interested in the next book. This universe will keep you interested! I also love the True Blood references! I can't wait for her friend Alannah's story!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

It Get hot, heavy and WET lol

The conclusion of Pickle’s love story.

The Unexpected Third, was a fast paced, hot and heavy, steamy read. Good lord did it get hot!

My love for Clay knows no bounds. This man is selfless and absolutely LOVING. A man of honor, integrity, and dare I say the blueprint on how all men should be? His understanding of Kats wellbeing is astonishing and something I admire. Not a lot of people can make their partners wants and needs a priority. I feel that he has always but Kat first and it shows with every step they took on as a couple to expand their hearts for Anya.

I hope you enjoy Pickle, Clay and Anya’s final book in the Unexpected series as much as I did.

[Stefanie McLain · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a highly anticipated book. This book picks up after the ending of the unexpected reunion. It starts right where the other one left off which I love. Do you check any trigger or content warnings for this book. While this is not a dark romance book, there is some topics that could be triggering. You have a lot of story that started years ago, but was destroyed. Now they get their happily ever after maybe. The MMC would do anything for the FMC. While the FMC does not want to hurt the MMC. she cannot seem to let go of her past. Now throw in a very controlling family that is just plain horrible to the FMC. What happens when the MMC wants to make all of the FMC dreams come true. But the FMC family just wants to destroy her life. Do we get a happily ever after?

This is a MFF and does have a lot of steamy and spicy parts. There is MF with both FMC’s and FF along with the MFF.

Overall, ratings are 4 stars, 4.5 smiles, 4 peppers, 0 black hearts.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally could not put this book down! The characters are wonderfully written. The relationships are really thought out. The events in the book kept my attention. I love the way the author brings them all to life so if you put the book down, you're still thinking about it - what's going to happen now? How are they going to handle that? Seriously - you really should read this entire series. If you don't, you're totally missing out!

[Marina Garnica · Rating 4 out of 5]

while the storyline has a good buildup and the characters have a good backstory, there are some important parts of the plot where there is a jump in time and takes away from them, breaking a bit the good rythm the story has.
On the other hand the spice is amazing in this book and you are in for a hot ride!

[Liz Ranne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this! It's Pickle, Clay & Anya's story & WOW!! I'm glad we were able to see the growth between them all & I loved how Clay was so supportive. The spice was fantastic & the storyline was awesome. They all had to go through things together & separately & it was great to see. Recommend this series & author!

[Shatana · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG. Like what woman. You are absolutely amazing with these books in this series. I seriously could not put this book down like what the crazy plot put into this book will definitely keep you on your toes. You have to read to see what these three are going to do next.

[Salima · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Love the conclusion for Clay, Pickle and Anya book. Love this series as a whole although my favourite character is Pickle. Waiting for her book to come left me feeling all happy that she finally got her story. Love L. Clara’s books. Can’t wait for more!!!

[Brittany Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy effing spice!
FFM 🖤
With a wild plot that has you gasping and on edge.
These three deserve their HEA!
But will everyone in their life allow it to happen or be their biggest obstacles ?!

[Melissa Thyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

FFM HEA
Spice Level 3.5-4 depending on what you are used to. L. CLARA, great job as always.

[Saharah Vanvalkenburgh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story and how it turned out. Pickle and annya story and how Pickle ends up with a guy and then Anna coming back.

[LJ Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could read Pickles Duet for the first time again, I would do it probably twice a month. If there ever is an Unexpected Ending to the Unexpected Series, I would most certainly be calling the authorities. Or I will go full blown Mrs. Adams, do not tempt me. 😈

Until next time,

XxX- Laura

[Lori]

I did NOT want to like Anya. I told myself I would not like her… but dang it! She grew on me.
This book is full of whirlwind emotions and drama! Every chapter something intense happens, and you just have to keep reading.
Read the warnings, because this book is not for everyone, but if you have an open mind & love spicy dramas… read this!