Love Unexplained

by Rian Durant

All I want is to live an ordinary life, keeping at bay the psychic abilities running in my family. My career as a marketing executive usually keeps me busy enough to avoid them, but lately something is off. When my half-brother Desmond goes missing I know why I am feeling so unsettled. Determined to find him I take to the road and a surprise companion joins me.

Parker, my brother’s ex, stirs strange feelings within me I never thought I’d have for a man. But he’s like a spell and I lose myself whenever I look at him.

Our road trip leads us to a small town where both my psychic abilities and my desire for Parker spiral out of control while my brother’s whereabouts continue to be unknown.

Do Desmond’s seductive tattoo artist and the local police chief know more than they are letting on? Are they more than what they appear to be?

With the Strawberry moon approaching, a full on clash with the supernatural is in the cards and the endgame of this journey doesn’t seem to be only finding my brother.

It’s also learning about love.

A love that’s real, unassailable, and timeless.

Genres: M M Romance

573 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 5, 2025

About the author

Rian Durant is a writer roaming the MM fiction sphere but doesn’t like being confined by (sub)genres and categories. The only rule she believes in when it comes to life, love, and writing is to do everything with passion or not at all.

Reviews

[DeniReadsMostlyMM · Rating 4 out of 5]

***ARC Review***

This is my honest and voluntary review for the ARC I received.

This book was an interesting blend of the supernatural/paranormal and the “normal.” I was fascinated by it. Gordon has psychic abilities, but he tries to subdue them. His younger brother, Desmond, has gone missing. During the search for his brother, Gordon comes across his brother’s ex-boyfriend, Parker. There’s something about Parker that calls to Gordon and draws him in. Gordon and Parker embark on a road trip to find Desmond. Along their journey, Gordon’s newfound attraction to Parker progresses into stronger feelings. After the initial hesitation related to guilt surrounding desiring his brother’s ex, Gordon leans into his yearnings for Parker. (I especially appreciated the later reveal about Parker’s initial reaction to Gordon).

While searching for him, Gordon sees and hears his brother Desmond in one very specific conduit. His perception of Desmond is different than Gordon remembers. (I’m trying not to spoil anything, so I will just leave it at that).

The side characters in this book are really intriguing! Zahir is an interesting character that I would be interested in seeing more of. Devon is a brat. Nevertheless, I was really enthralled by Dev and Ras’ storyline as it intermingles with this one. Love Unexplained is an intricate story; it’s really interesting to see the different interludes.

There are numerous kinds of love in this book. You feel it throughout the entire story. The emotion permeates the pages…and ages. It’s heartfelt and heartbreaking at different points in the story. It’s an enjoyable read and definitely ends with an HEA.

[Tate Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not sure that I have read a book quite like this before. Paranormal elements that affect the land, psychic connections that span hundreds of miles, cursed immortal beings, and love.

Brotherly love
Love of friends
Unrequited love
A parents love
Love lost
True love

… 💕 Love Unexplained 💕…

At the center is a brother searching for his missing brother. The circumstances are strange and the small town they find themselves stranger still. Gordon goes off looking for his brother with his brothers recent ex boyfriend. Sparks and clothes fly and Gordon finds himself wanting something he has never wanted before…a man.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the blurb, it caught my attention but still wasn't sure what to fully expect. And what I got was the unexpected, a unique story that captivated my attention from beginning to end, making it unable to put the book down. Not only was it full of suspense, humor, twists and turns, supernatural mystery, and unexpected eerie psychic surprises; it was also a beautiful heartfelt love story of two couples that I absolutely fell in love with. One starts in ancient times and continues on to current times. The other starts and is set in current times. It's two separate relationships, not poly, but both full of emotions, hope, fear, vulnerability, and love.
The immortal MCs had been in love for centuries but a curse did not allow them to be together as a couple, causing them to suffer so much pain, longing, and loneliness. But their love was so strong that being apart and not seeing each other was even more painful.
The second couple discovered love in the least expected time and with the least expected person, leading them on a journey of self discovery, bi-awaking, and acceptance.
Both get their HEA, but it was not an easy road, each having to face many physical, emotional, and supernatural obstacles. Loved that the author intertwined both love stories perfectly together, while giving each their place and importance without overwhelming and confusing the reader.
The world building and all of the characters were fully developed and intriguing. Especially Zahir, who seems to be more than what the author allowed the reader to see and know of him (hope we get his story too). Also, the emotions just bled from the book, making the reader feel the heartache, longing, and love from each of the MCs.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and it won't be the last. The book is very well written and easy to read. I enjoyed the way the story encompasses everything from the mundane, to psychic abilities and supernatural talents and includes a really good mystery. This is the story of Gordon and Parker. Gordon is a marketing executive that keeps all his psychic abilities firmly locked down. But when his half brother Desmond goes missing, Gordon is on a mission to find him. Checking in with all Desmond's friends they mention an ex boyfriend. Gordon checks in with Parker to see if he knows anything. When the two of them first meet, sparks fly. When Gordon leaves to track down Desmond, Parker comes along as well. This is their story. This is the description of two love stories. You will jump back and forth between couples but they will all be together to rescue Desmond. There is plenty of action and lots of surprises in this book. I really enjoyed this book.

[Colette De · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This book was so surprising, I knew it would be fabulous but I didn't realise that it would draw me in quite so much.

The story starts with Gordon and his search for his missing brother, he meets Parker, the ex boyfriend of the brother, and he starts to have feelings. There was just acceptance and a desire to progress their relationship with a side dish of guilt. It's a beautiful unfolding.

Arriving in Shadow Hill the couple meet Chief Raines and the tattooist Devon.
Gordon has a glimpse of their bond but struggled to comprehend the enormity. Their story spans across time as immortals and the struggles they faced

Devon ( another brat) tries to seduce Gordon and cause issues between him and Parker but then the immortals decide to trust Gordon and Parker and lead them to where Desmond can be found.

Here we start to get some answers as to why Desmond ( a ghost hunter) has been pulled into paranormal story of the cursed lovers and their tormentor Zahir ( who actually seems quite sappy).

It's an interesting story and really pulled me in but I struggled with the names (especially Des and Dev ) and whose pov I was reading.

But I would certainly recommend reading it.

To convince you further here is my favourite quote

“But his eyes.
God, his eyes.
They are the same, the same divine beauty of silver and soft brilliance, conflicted, pleading, ardent and enthralling. I see his soul in them. I see our first night, and us walking through endless fields under the sun, and then him sleeping in my arms.”


I received an ARC from the author but all views are my own.

[Jeanine Beaulieu St Pierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I time I read book by this author,,,,I liked this book it is full of mystery and psychic and paranormal and there are a lot of people mentioned in this book but the chief of police and the tattoo artist are the ones you have to follow because what happens when they meet Desmond and then he goes missing then his brother Gordon and his brothers ex Parker try to find him ,,,there is a lot packed in this book and they also have a bonus seen
I rad this book for this author for my honest opinion

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprising and intriguing

This was such a unique story.
Gordon has psychic abilities he doesn't want any part of.
When he discovers his brother Desmond is missing, he embarks on a road trip to find answers.
He gets a road trip buddy, Parker, his brother's ex who he's always felt an attraction to.
The road trip is not just about finding Desmond, it's also about finding friendship, love in unexpected places and finding acceptance within yourself and from others.
The mystery and paranormal aspects were definitely interesting and kept me invested.

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very unusual book with several interrelated storylines and some very unexpected twists. The various psychic and supernatural elements are combined in an original way. Although the main focus is on Gordon and his unexpected growing relationship with Parker, the ancient love between the other couple turns out to be a beautiful addition. I hope that there may be a second book planned about them.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

**********Contains Spoilers**********

This is the first book that I’ve read by Rian Durant and it won’t be my last. I really enjoyed this book and enjoyed immersing myself in this magical world that Rian has created. Gordon has been feeling unsettled and when his younger half brother Desmond goes missing, he knows that’s why he’s been feeling off. He leaves NYC and tries to find him. He feels an instant attraction to Parker when they meet, which is a tad scary because he’s never been attracted to a man before and Parker is actually Desmond’s ex.

They fell in love during their journey to find Desmond. I enjoyed meeting Devon and Ras but their story is heartbreaking. Shown in a few flashback scenes throughout this book, but things eventually work out in the end. I’ve got my fingers crossed that this isn’t the last we’ve seen from this world, as I was hoping they’d crossed paths with Desmond again. I really enjoyed the epilogues. I’m looking forward to reading more books by Rian Durant in the future. I’d definitely recommend this book and author to others.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not sure what to expect from this one when I started it and I'm not completely sure how best to describe it after finishing. This was a wild ride. There was enough a a mystery element that I couldn't put this down and I also just really enjoyed the paranormal aspect. This book is unlike anything I've read before and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Aly York · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this arc for my honest opinion. Love unexpected by Rian Durant was a good read. I enjoyed the psychic abilities and the supernatural aspect as well as a mystery aspect. I also enjoyed the relationship between Parker and Gordon. if you were in the mood for supernatural would recommend reading.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing story about a man searching for his missing brother with the help of said brother's ex boyfriend. A beautifully crafted story of intertwined love throughout the ages. I was right there with both couples but do admit to wanting to know if there will be more loving from the newly-settled couple from the past.

I received this story as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.

[Kate W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and the title is so well suited to the storyline. The mystery disappearance of the brother had me page turning to get to find out the answer. It was intriguing with the flashback and then turning up in modern day but overall I enjoyed I and would recommend.

[Anny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written and engaging story, captivating from start to finish. At its heart are two couples: one ancient and enduring, the other young and blossoming. Their destinies intertwine on the winding path to Love Unexplained — a love timeless and illogical, impossible yet sacred, forgiving and nurturing, unexpected but pure. It’s a love that defies explanation, for love can only be felt, not described.

[Alicia Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

unexpected

I wasn’t sure if I would like this but by the time I finished it I was so glad I gave this a chance. It really speaks of unsuspecting love and also never ending love. It does involve 2 different relationships but they are interwoven into 1 story and not poly. This was a great unexpected romance.

[kn_cozy_bookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 11%. I tried to go back and continue reading a couple times and I might go back someday but I just couldn’t get into the story. I admit I might not have given it enough of a chance but with how many books I read and ARC’s I have on my TBR if a book isn’t grabbing me I have to move on. I also had a bit of trouble with the writing.

*ARC Review*

[Kelsey’s Kindle]

Gordon is a marketing executive in NYC who lives a boring life, well that’s what he wants people to think. He has psychic abilities much like his mother that he tries to suppress. When his brother goes missing he knows he must find him. In his search he finds Parker, his brother's ex boyfriend who he’s instantly intrigued by. Together they embark on a paranormal adventure where they find love and friendship along the way.

Tropes include:
💜 Bi- Awakening
💜 Brother’s Ex
💜 Road Trip
💜 Psychic Abilities
💜 Supernatural Entities
💜 Timeless Love

[Traci S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the book, here is my honest opinion:
3.5-4⭐️This was such a creative read, it has an interesting mix of being both mystical and grounded. Gordon is very relatable, recovering from a bad breakup, short tempered at work, and trying to find his missing brother, Des. Add to that, his powers are growing and he’s become powerfully attracted to his brother ex, Parker. He’s definitely a compelling character to follow. I enjoyed this quite a bit, but I will say it was a little slow to get going. There is a lot of mundane conversation early on, especially with Parker on their trip to find Des, which didn’t add to the relationship or the plot. I liked Gordon and Parker as characters, though it did take me a while to believe their connection, especially with Des’s psychic “interference “. The plot is super engaging though, I liked how the author plays with time and the world building is done well. It was also fun jumping back and forth in time, I liked how the author used the interlude chapters to set the time jumps apart. There are a lot of characters to keep track, but that kept things interesting as the story is chock full of twist and turns. Creative and genuinely entertaining.

[Emma Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Unexplained is a mysterious and steamy paranormal romance that weaves psychic intrigue with unexpected emotional depth. With a missing brother, a reluctant psychic, and a road trip that unearths more than just secrets, this book pulls you into a whirlwind of suspense, magic, and a love that defies expectations.

The plot is imaginative and layered, with a strong supernatural undercurrent and just the right amount of romantic tension between the narrator and Parker, his brother’s ex. Their chemistry is electric, and the emotional pull between them adds a rich layer to the suspenseful storyline.

However, at times the pacing stumbles—some scenes unfold so quickly that it’s easy to lose track of how characters got from point A to point B. With just a bit more breathing room, this could’ve been a full five stars.

Still, the atmosphere is fantastic, the premise is original, and the story leaves a lasting impression. If you enjoy MM romance with paranormal twists, emotional stakes, and a bit of moonlit mystery, Love Unexplained is worth the ride. 4.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenna Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is basically two for the price of one as not only do we get the story of Gordon and Parker, our main characters, but we also get the sub-story of Devon and Ras, which I LOVED as it gave us quite a bit of backstory on these two side characters, but also helped develop the story in full (in truth, I was more invested in their story than Gordon and Parker's). Gordon and Parker's relationship is definitely insta-love so if that's not your jam, just keep this in mind. They also don't really talk about their feelings a ton, their relationship just happens, which isn't my favorite way for things to develop, but that's a personal preference.

Gordon and Parker meet when Gordon's brother Desmond goes missing and he meets up with Des' ex Parker to find him. They end up on a supernatural adventure where Gordon's powers start building, Des starts showing his unhappiness about the relationship between Gordon and Parker (with his powers, while he's still missing) and discover a love story spanning centuries that ends up being the main point of the story.

If you like old magic, insta-love, unraveling mysteries and happy endings, don't miss out on this book.

[Louisa Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pulled into this story by the characters and the unique storyline, if you enjoy the supernatural and are intrigued by psychic energy and abilities then you'll enjoy this story.
Gordon begins the story feeling drained and off kilter after a break up, until his mother reaches out to him about his brother not being in contact, Gordon realises that his body has been trying to tell him that his brother is missing.
While trying to find Desmond Gordon finds himself being drawn in by his brother's ex boyfriend Parker and they go to the last place they know Desmond was seen.
There's a good range of wider characters to bring the story to life and some mystery and intrigue that made this an enjoyable read.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

What in the world did I just read? No idea, other than I was in a different world, I traveled through time, and I saw love that transcends everything! I’m so glad I got this ARC via Booksprout, and I leave my voluntary review, because this book was amazing! The words the author uses are so powerful, I loved it! And the characters are so real… I hated Des, seriously, for so long, but then… you have to read it, seriously, this is amazing. Everything is woven in so beautifully, and the changing POVs are well done, easy to keep track of, and not bogged down with details, but with enough information to enrich the story and make sure the reader isn’t lost. Well, in a sense, I got so lost in this story, I neglected other things, because I couldn’t put this book down! My goodness, I want more!

[Kelly Quirin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A paranormal romance that made the paranormal seem ordinary… that is the best way I can describe “Love Unexplained.” While elements of the supernatural and paranormal drive this tale, the book didn’t feel cheesy or over the top. I LOVED Gordon and Parker! Their relationship felt genuine, even if their meeting was a little awkward. I felt like all of the characters had incredible depth. I also loved the interspersed tale with Sajeel and Ras- they felt like a mirror to Gordon and Parker. While we don’t get to see a lot of Desmond in this story, I loved the glimpses into his psyche. This book was very minorly spicy- more of a fade to black or “cracked door” feel.

[Urszula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written story. An intresting plot with a paranormal twist. Well created characters and relationshieps among them. An insta love too.
Lots of action.
Definitely a good book for paranormal mm love story plus some immortal beings.
Enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS READ GRABBED ME FROM THE START AND BLEW ME OFF MY FEET!

I thought this was such a good and fantastic read! I found this read to be very interesting, I liked the PNR aspect and the story. I really enjoyed the connection between Gordon and Parker.

[stardragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is just astounding. The characters are wonderful, from human to paranormal. You travel through time to get the full story and it’s an adventure in history, danger and finding soul deep love. It truly is love unexplained.

[Sarah☀️ Somerville]

DNF @ 70% - Way too instalove and I'm just not interested in the plot.

[Elyse · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an unexpected pleasure! Not only do we get an intriguing and captivating storyline with a paranormal element but the mc's were just so endearing. I was completely captivated following their journey and loved the interactions between them.10/10 highly recommend
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review

[Miruru Shouting]

DNF; couldn't connect with the writing and characters.