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Unexpected #9
Dean
The path to self-acceptance has always felt like an uphill battle for me. It’s hard not to feel that way when the most important people in my life decided long ago they can’t accept me as I am, that they don’t want a gay son, a feminine son, a boy who likes pretty things.
And caring for myself from a young age has come with a lot of hardships, but finding myself bruised, homeless, and sleeping in my car just about tops the list.
Fortunately, the person I least expect offers to take me in and share his home with me.
My boss, Dean, may be twenty years older and have a son my age, but he’s still the sexiest man I’ve ever met. (Mechanics, amiright?) He’s also incredibly sweet and thoughtful and apparently quite protective of me. He may even be a bit possessive…
But best of all, he genuinely seems to like and accept me just as I am.
The only problem is, Dean is straight. And living with my very hot, very straight boss just might be the thing that kills me.
And caring for myself from a young age has come with a lot of hardships, but finding myself bruised, homeless, and sleeping in my car just about tops the list.
Fortunately, the person I least expect offers to take me in and share his home with me.
My boss, Dean, may be twenty years older and have a son my age, but he’s still the sexiest man I’ve ever met. (Mechanics, amiright?) He’s also incredibly sweet and thoughtful and apparently quite protective of me. He may even be a bit possessive…
But best of all, he genuinely seems to like and accept me just as I am.
The only problem is, Dean is straight. And living with my very hot, very straight boss just might be the thing that kills me.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2025
305 people are currently reading
877 people want to read
About the author
Cora Rose
42 books2,642 followersCora Rose loves any kind of romance and consumes way too many books each year. She currently lives in the U.S. and spends her days daydreaming about the characters inside her head.
You can email her at CoraRoseRomance@gmail.com or visit her website at www.coraroseromance.com
You can email her at CoraRoseRomance@gmail.com or visit her website at www.coraroseromance.com
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May 27, 2025DNF, not rating. I think I've outgrown this author, or just am not vibing with what she likes to focus on these days in her books. I absolutely loved Whit and Emery, and a bit less Sem and Colin. And other earlier books were good, but, now the focus seems to be mainly on sex, a hyper-focus, sexualizing the other hero, thinking about sex all the time...it's just not that interesting.
I miss the chemistry, the friendships, the funny shenanigans and genuine interests and plot events in the early books.
I do think this one is safe for me! But it isn't singing to me, so...moving on.
I miss the chemistry, the friendships, the funny shenanigans and genuine interests and plot events in the early books.
I do think this one is safe for me! But it isn't singing to me, so...moving on.
May 1, 2025
It's just the same at this point 😬
August 28, 2025
2 ⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
format: ebook
i wanted to dnf this so bad but it would’ve felt like letting cora win.
look, this book was basically a plug for every. single. one. of cora rose’s other books. every goddamn character was in here. it was exhausting. and most of the interactions with those characters were so absurd it kept taking me out of the story. the last like 10 chapters were actually physically painful to read.
avery and dean were cute and had all the potential to be a five star read if none of the ridiculousness made it in. also there were so many scenes pulled right from ben that we had to reread. ugh. just painful.
thank god this is the last book. bye.
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
format: ebook
i wanted to dnf this so bad but it would’ve felt like letting cora win.
look, this book was basically a plug for every. single. one. of cora rose’s other books. every goddamn character was in here. it was exhausting. and most of the interactions with those characters were so absurd it kept taking me out of the story. the last like 10 chapters were actually physically painful to read.
avery and dean were cute and had all the potential to be a five star read if none of the ridiculousness made it in. also there were so many scenes pulled right from ben that we had to reread. ugh. just painful.
thank god this is the last book. bye.
November 22, 2025
Okay, honestly, I loved Dean more than his son 🫣 Everything about Dean and Avery just did it for me. The caretaking, the tension, the hot sex along with a sexy DILF and a pretty femme boy? Sign me tf up!
Queen Rose’s 🌹 books can always pluck me out of a reading slump and this book was no diff! It was sexy, hot and silly, and my deranged bby Bane made an appearance so I left satisfied 🥰
Queen Rose’s 🌹 books can always pluck me out of a reading slump and this book was no diff! It was sexy, hot and silly, and my deranged bby Bane made an appearance so I left satisfied 🥰
April 16, 2025
Dean is an entertaining forbidden romance. Avery and Dean's relationship is built on years of loyalty and trust, so when Avery needs a place to live, Dean provides the ultimate home for him to feel safe and comfortable.
I loved watching these two dance around their growing feelings for one another. There is attraction, but due to their boss/employee dynamic, Avery does not want to risk his financial security and the friendship he has built with Dean over the years. At the same time, Dean is a bit unsure about their age difference.
Overall, this is a great addition to the Unexpected series. The many cameos from other characters made me so happy to see, and the little tidbits about Bane and his likely suitor were more than perfect. Bane is the perfect blend of crazy and adorable. I cannot wait to see these characters again and return to this fantastic universe.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
I loved watching these two dance around their growing feelings for one another. There is attraction, but due to their boss/employee dynamic, Avery does not want to risk his financial security and the friendship he has built with Dean over the years. At the same time, Dean is a bit unsure about their age difference.
Overall, this is a great addition to the Unexpected series. The many cameos from other characters made me so happy to see, and the little tidbits about Bane and his likely suitor were more than perfect. Bane is the perfect blend of crazy and adorable. I cannot wait to see these characters again and return to this fantastic universe.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
April 17, 2025
Oh, hell. This is becoming a serious problem. I cannot like my straight, older boss. That’s not a thing.
After being kicked out by his roommates for liking to wear skirts and heels, Avery moves in with his boss and best-friend's-dad, Dean. Dean is straight but has had an unrecognized, simmering attraction for Avery ever since they met. As Dean watches Avery find the courage to embrace who he is and how he wants to dress, Dean finally realizes that Avery is a perfect fit for him.Dean is an age gap, coworkers, best friend's dad, forced proximity MM romance.
Maybe just the tip. The tip won’t count. It never counts.
I enjoyed this book, especially the beginning when Avery was crushing and obsessing over Dean. The book is primarily character driven (although the main character development centres around Dean's biawakening and Avery feeling comfortable dressing femme. Both of these things happen with pretty limited difficulty/angst). Some plot elements seemed a bit extraneous to me, such as all the brief appearances of characters from previous books- I could take or leave those personally because they felt a bit like filler. And all 3-4 references to whistling noses.😆 The book is a quick, easy read about accepting yourself and finding happiness, even if it takes awhile to get there. The romance between Avery and Dean was cute, and Avery can come cook for me any day! I liked the part where Dean admits he hired Avery because he smelled nice and he knew he could stand up to his coworkers when they got mouthy 😆.
this is Dean. I never know what he’s going to think. He was straight a few days ago and now he’s here, about to rim the life out of me.
Dean could be read as a standalone but with so many of Cora's past characters making cameos, I think the book is best enjoyed in series order.
Rating: 4
Angst: 1/5
Steam: 3/5
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review
May 6, 2025
-2
It's very hard to write a long series well. To do that, you have to have an idea for the whole thing from the beginning, and try not to write more books to make your friend happy...
There's no plot in Dean's story at all. To paraphrase, this book could be an email, because you won't get anything out of it.
And that's an honest opinion from someone who adores Cora Rose writing.
It's very hard to write a long series well. To do that, you have to have an idea for the whole thing from the beginning, and try not to write more books to make your friend happy...
There's no plot in Dean's story at all. To paraphrase, this book could be an email, because you won't get anything out of it.
And that's an honest opinion from someone who adores Cora Rose writing.
August 10, 2025
First of all, this cover is fucking delicious. This book was tropey but written in such exciting and enjoyable way. Funny, swoony, and the sexual tension are all top tier. I will devour anything that involves age gap. The best trope for me lmao.
April 14, 2025
I first read about Dean and Avery in a short story from an anthology, and I’ve been hooked on them ever since. So when Cora announced she was giving them a full-length novel, I was beyond excited—and she absolutely delivered. This story has everything: sizzling chemistry, sharp banter, and Dean being an absolute sweetheart, which had me swooning more than once.
After an incident with his awful roommates, Avery finds himself homeless. When Dean, his boss, finds out, he offers Avery a place to stay in his guest room—and just like that, they become roommates. But Avery is already insanely attracted to Dean, and living together only amplifies those feelings. Dean, on the other hand, is effortlessly charming and kind, and their chemistry is undeniable from the start. Their witty banter and tender moments made me smile and blush in equal measure. Once Dean finally gives in to his attraction, sparks fly—every scene between them is both intensely hot and deeply emotional.
Dean’s protective, possessive nature toward Avery had me completely captivated. Their happily ever after felt so earned and satisfying—I loved every bit of their journey.
The background plot was well-woven, adding depth without overshadowing the romance. I also adored the cameos from *Unexpected* characters, and a surprise appearance from a *Twisted* favorite *cough* Bane *cough* was a treat. Ben was another great addition to the story, and his relationship with Avery brought an extra layer of warmth. There’s also a new character introduced here—I really hope he gets his own story soon.
Overall, this was a phenomenal read, and I highly recommend checking it out. I can’t wait to see what Cora writes next!
* I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest review *
After an incident with his awful roommates, Avery finds himself homeless. When Dean, his boss, finds out, he offers Avery a place to stay in his guest room—and just like that, they become roommates. But Avery is already insanely attracted to Dean, and living together only amplifies those feelings. Dean, on the other hand, is effortlessly charming and kind, and their chemistry is undeniable from the start. Their witty banter and tender moments made me smile and blush in equal measure. Once Dean finally gives in to his attraction, sparks fly—every scene between them is both intensely hot and deeply emotional.
Dean’s protective, possessive nature toward Avery had me completely captivated. Their happily ever after felt so earned and satisfying—I loved every bit of their journey.
The background plot was well-woven, adding depth without overshadowing the romance. I also adored the cameos from *Unexpected* characters, and a surprise appearance from a *Twisted* favorite *cough* Bane *cough* was a treat. Ben was another great addition to the story, and his relationship with Avery brought an extra layer of warmth. There’s also a new character introduced here—I really hope he gets his own story soon.
Overall, this was a phenomenal read, and I highly recommend checking it out. I can’t wait to see what Cora writes next!
* I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest review *
April 27, 2025
Tropes: age gap, workplace romance, hurt/comfort, forced proximity
Feels: 2.5/5
Steam*: 2/5
Kinks: mild toys
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: homophobia, assault, shitty parents tried to send Avery to conversion therapy in past, connections to Mafia so some side characters are murderers
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: neither have any interest in other people in this book. Before they get together they both think they should hook up with someone else to shake the weirdness there feeling, but neither does. Dean actually hasn't had sex in 10 years, he's had some dates but they haven't gone far. Dean thinks about his dead wife a fair bit, but she's been dead for 20 years, I wasn't bothered.
3.75 stars
Avery is 22 years old. He left home when he turned 18, because his parents are s***** and wanted to send him to conversion therapy for being gay. He's been on his own since. It sounds like he managed to put himself through college, because he's in debt from school. He works as an administrative assistant at a car shop. He's been crushing on his boss dean, who he has been working for for a year. He is a bit of a fem boy, he likes to wear skirts, heels and makeup. One of his roommates was bigoted and homophobic when he found out about Avery's interests and he punched him and kicked him out of the apartment. Dean realizes right away from the bruise on Avery's face, and gets the story out of him. He offers Avery a room at his place.
Dean is in his 40s. He's been a widower for 20 years, and he has a son Avery's age named Ben, who is secretly in a throuple with two of Dean's best friends. Dean has never been with a guy before, but he finds himself protective of Avery and attracted to him. After some hesitation they get together. They struggle a little bit with a threat from Avery's ex roommate and a bit of a trust issue. But they fall deep pretty fast. Dean is very sweet in welcoming Avery into his life, going out of his way to let Avery turn his house into a home for himself.
This book was pretty good. I liked how they glomped onto each other and were all starry eyed over each other and committed. They were so into each other. They wanted to lock each other down. Dean was a really good guy. Avery was a little immature during the first 40%, it's like he had one brain cell and that brain cell was horny. But he was a good friend and a good brother.
There were so many appearances by characters from the author's other books, not going to name them all. I wasn't terribly enthusiastic about Ben and his boyfriends, just because when I read their book all three of them were horny for each other but with no development of deeper feelings. I liked seeing Whit being protective of Caleb and worrying over him. They are one of my favorite couples. I liked Luke and Eli. I'm intrigued by Kit! And Bane is unhinged fun. His story is going to be wild. I was cheering him on when he just took Nick, and it was hilarious that Dean just helped load him in the trunk, no questions asked. Anthony and Tatum are a favourite couple of mine.
I kind of hope we see less age gap books from this author for a while. A ton of her recent books have been 20-year age gaps, and that's just too big of an age gap for me. Ben, Avery, Tatum, Angel... It's too short of a happily ever after and I hate thinking about how one of them is going to get left behind.
Some notable moments:
"Bane’s bottom lip juts out. “Right, well I was thinking a vehicle I can put…people in. And I’d like it blood red. Made entirely of bones…” “And where would we get these bones?” Ford asks. “Oh, I have…lots of props. They’re not real at all. Very fake. But it might take a while to find the exact ones I want.” He waggles his eyebrows at us, and I can’t help but chuckle at how silly all of this is. When he walked in, I had no idea what he’d request. “Right. Bones. And this is what you want your car built out of?” “Yes, I was thinking kind of like a buggy, something compact but with a trunk…for…things that aren’t dead bodies.” He shifts on his feet and grins. “I totally don’t kill people in my free time. That would be crazy. And very illegal.”"
This is refreshingly realistic vulnerability "A shiver runs up my spine, anticipation and anxiety mixing together. I don’t want to fuck this up. I want this to be perfect. But how can it be perfect when I’ve never done it? How can it be when I’m so out of practice? But Avery doesn’t seem to care. He’s grabbing on to the sheets, his fingers curled tightly near his sides as he holds his breath. Without saying a word, he’s telling me he wants this. I hope I don’t fuck this up. Don’t fuck this up, Dean."
Kit totally was going to murder Avery! But instead they became besties. "“I mean, you don’t have to. But really, we should apprehend him and bury him in the backyard.” “Oh my god. No. We aren’t doing that.” I eye Kit as he peers through the blinds again. “I mean, have you murdered someone before? I think it’s easier said than done.” He peers back at me. “Sadly, I suck at murder.” I stare at him. “Wait, you’ve tried to murder someone? Is that what all those weird jokes were about?” “I mean, yes? Ugh, I want to be good at it, but I’m not. I feel too much. I’m too much of a softie.” “Jesus, Kit, you realize that’s like creepy, right? And you’re in my home right now.” “Yeah, but we’re friends, right? Besties?” “I mean, I think so. Can you tell me how you got caught up in trying to murder someone?” “Well, it was, you know…an ad. On Craigslist. And I answered it and then of course, I failed because they were so nice.”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 2.5/5
Steam*: 2/5
Kinks: mild toys
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: homophobia, assault, shitty parents tried to send Avery to conversion therapy in past, connections to Mafia so some side characters are murderers
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: neither have any interest in other people in this book. Before they get together they both think they should hook up with someone else to shake the weirdness there feeling, but neither does. Dean actually hasn't had sex in 10 years, he's had some dates but they haven't gone far. Dean thinks about his dead wife a fair bit, but she's been dead for 20 years, I wasn't bothered.
3.75 stars
Avery is 22 years old. He left home when he turned 18, because his parents are s***** and wanted to send him to conversion therapy for being gay. He's been on his own since. It sounds like he managed to put himself through college, because he's in debt from school. He works as an administrative assistant at a car shop. He's been crushing on his boss dean, who he has been working for for a year. He is a bit of a fem boy, he likes to wear skirts, heels and makeup. One of his roommates was bigoted and homophobic when he found out about Avery's interests and he punched him and kicked him out of the apartment. Dean realizes right away from the bruise on Avery's face, and gets the story out of him. He offers Avery a room at his place.
Dean is in his 40s. He's been a widower for 20 years, and he has a son Avery's age named Ben, who is secretly in a throuple with two of Dean's best friends. Dean has never been with a guy before, but he finds himself protective of Avery and attracted to him. After some hesitation they get together. They struggle a little bit with a threat from Avery's ex roommate and a bit of a trust issue. But they fall deep pretty fast. Dean is very sweet in welcoming Avery into his life, going out of his way to let Avery turn his house into a home for himself.
This book was pretty good. I liked how they glomped onto each other and were all starry eyed over each other and committed. They were so into each other. They wanted to lock each other down. Dean was a really good guy. Avery was a little immature during the first 40%, it's like he had one brain cell and that brain cell was horny. But he was a good friend and a good brother.
There were so many appearances by characters from the author's other books, not going to name them all. I wasn't terribly enthusiastic about Ben and his boyfriends, just because when I read their book all three of them were horny for each other but with no development of deeper feelings. I liked seeing Whit being protective of Caleb and worrying over him. They are one of my favorite couples. I liked Luke and Eli. I'm intrigued by Kit! And Bane is unhinged fun. His story is going to be wild. I was cheering him on when he just took Nick, and it was hilarious that Dean just helped load him in the trunk, no questions asked. Anthony and Tatum are a favourite couple of mine.
I kind of hope we see less age gap books from this author for a while. A ton of her recent books have been 20-year age gaps, and that's just too big of an age gap for me. Ben, Avery, Tatum, Angel... It's too short of a happily ever after and I hate thinking about how one of them is going to get left behind.
Some notable moments:
"Bane’s bottom lip juts out. “Right, well I was thinking a vehicle I can put…people in. And I’d like it blood red. Made entirely of bones…” “And where would we get these bones?” Ford asks. “Oh, I have…lots of props. They’re not real at all. Very fake. But it might take a while to find the exact ones I want.” He waggles his eyebrows at us, and I can’t help but chuckle at how silly all of this is. When he walked in, I had no idea what he’d request. “Right. Bones. And this is what you want your car built out of?” “Yes, I was thinking kind of like a buggy, something compact but with a trunk…for…things that aren’t dead bodies.” He shifts on his feet and grins. “I totally don’t kill people in my free time. That would be crazy. And very illegal.”"
This is refreshingly realistic vulnerability "A shiver runs up my spine, anticipation and anxiety mixing together. I don’t want to fuck this up. I want this to be perfect. But how can it be perfect when I’ve never done it? How can it be when I’m so out of practice? But Avery doesn’t seem to care. He’s grabbing on to the sheets, his fingers curled tightly near his sides as he holds his breath. Without saying a word, he’s telling me he wants this. I hope I don’t fuck this up. Don’t fuck this up, Dean."
Kit totally was going to murder Avery! But instead they became besties. "“I mean, you don’t have to. But really, we should apprehend him and bury him in the backyard.” “Oh my god. No. We aren’t doing that.” I eye Kit as he peers through the blinds again. “I mean, have you murdered someone before? I think it’s easier said than done.” He peers back at me. “Sadly, I suck at murder.” I stare at him. “Wait, you’ve tried to murder someone? Is that what all those weird jokes were about?” “I mean, yes? Ugh, I want to be good at it, but I’m not. I feel too much. I’m too much of a softie.” “Jesus, Kit, you realize that’s like creepy, right? And you’re in my home right now.” “Yeah, but we’re friends, right? Besties?” “I mean, I think so. Can you tell me how you got caught up in trying to murder someone?” “Well, it was, you know…an ad. On Craigslist. And I answered it and then of course, I failed because they were so nice.”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2025
Absolutely loved it!! I have been waiting for Dean and Avery’s story and holy wow it’s so freaking good!!! I’m completely obsessed with this series, after finishing this I feel like I need to go back and reread every single book. If you’re looking for a book with boss/employee, best friend’s dad and age gap, with lots of laughs and plenty of spice, I definitely recommend this one!
May 25, 2025
I'm giving it 3.75 - 4⭐.
The story starts out pretty much the same as the last installment - and it worked for Ben, not so much here - but it tones down and focuses more on the actual relationship development after that, so that pretty much saved it.
The final chapters with the whole useless plot of Avery being threatened just to bring some side characters in was pointless, but I did like the main love story.
🔵 Ben's dad / his employee
🟡 Age gap 22/42
🟣 Size difference
🟠 Gay/GFY
🟢 Femme MMC (heels, skirts, make up, crop tops, panties, knee high socks)
🔵 Dead wife trope - she could've been mentioned just a little bit and not in the context she was, I didn't appreciate it
🌶️ Really good sex scenes, well described, but gets repetitive by the end; oral, rimming, penetrative; excl t/b
Avery moves in with Dean, his boss of one year at his car repair shop while being thrown out of his apartment by his roommates for being gay and caught dressing up in female clothes.
Avery has a crush on Dean, but Dean's not only straight, he also doesn't hook-up with anyone, he's been celibate for a past decade, so when he hires Avery, he really likes the guy but doesn't get that what he feels means liking him, because he's never thought of himself being with a man.
"Maybe the mental breakdown will come later, but I realize this has been slowly building for months. I have wanted Avery since he first walked into my office. I just didn’t realize it at the time."
"Although, I guess I’ve always looked at him a little too long. That first day when he showed up to interview, his cheeks pink and his lips slightly wet, I remember feeling a little zing in my groin. I thought it was penile cancer."
So their firsts were a little frustrating, since this guy only put in the tip, while Avery was right there, naked, prepped and willing and Dean was asking himself if he should really do this, because Avery is so young and he's got so much life ahead of him and I'm like bitch, what?? You're naked together in a shower, he's literally yelling for you to fuck him and you put it in a little bit and then you're like no, I really should think about this, better luck next time, byeee
but after that it was great, they were hot together, I loved it, so the sex part was definitely working for me. They lived together, Avery bringing in a much needed fresh start for Dean and not only that, but Dean was loyal, intense and really serious about Avery, so they started talking about getting married soon enough which made sense, because they were falling in love at a rapid pace.
It was believable and they're a really good couple, one of the best in the series.
It's a light, sexy, good story, don't expect your world being altered or anything like that, but just a nice age gap story with great sex.
What I didn't like much was the dead wife thing.
"Never looked at someone so much in my entire life. Not even Elaine. Fuck."
"He stands up, his skirt falling back in place, and I just stare at him. He’s so damn tempting. I haven’t been this obsessed with someone since my late wife. And even then, it wasn’t to this level.
So this is what I mean fir it not working for me. It should've stayed with that right there - he's someone I want more than I wanted my ex-wife and that's it,
not
"I love the way Dean is looking at her on their wedding day. I found the photograph in a box in his closet and insisted it be hung up. He cried a little when he saw it. I want him to remember her, to think of her often. I think this is why I’m here— to love him the way she would have."
I also wouldn't mind there being less side characters, I'd have liked the focus to be on Avery and Dean alone, but the whole series is over the top, so I guess I can't expect a book with a little more emotional depth, even though they did have a bit of it, yeah.
I'm not particularly interested in Kit and Bane whose books are coming, so I guess if not reading about Lexi and Ryder, the side characters from another author, I'll move on to The Silencer.
• I really like the edit for Dean from @readbookswithcats on Instagram, it's just how I imagined it in my mind 👌
The story starts out pretty much the same as the last installment - and it worked for Ben, not so much here - but it tones down and focuses more on the actual relationship development after that, so that pretty much saved it.
The final chapters with the whole useless plot of Avery being threatened just to bring some side characters in was pointless, but I did like the main love story.
🔵 Ben's dad / his employee
🟡 Age gap 22/42
🟣 Size difference
🟠 Gay/GFY
🟢 Femme MMC (heels, skirts, make up, crop tops, panties, knee high socks)
🔵 Dead wife trope - she could've been mentioned just a little bit and not in the context she was, I didn't appreciate it
🌶️ Really good sex scenes, well described, but gets repetitive by the end; oral, rimming, penetrative; excl t/b
Avery moves in with Dean, his boss of one year at his car repair shop while being thrown out of his apartment by his roommates for being gay and caught dressing up in female clothes.
Avery has a crush on Dean, but Dean's not only straight, he also doesn't hook-up with anyone, he's been celibate for a past decade, so when he hires Avery, he really likes the guy but doesn't get that what he feels means liking him, because he's never thought of himself being with a man.
"Maybe the mental breakdown will come later, but I realize this has been slowly building for months. I have wanted Avery since he first walked into my office. I just didn’t realize it at the time."
"Although, I guess I’ve always looked at him a little too long. That first day when he showed up to interview, his cheeks pink and his lips slightly wet, I remember feeling a little zing in my groin. I thought it was penile cancer."
So their firsts were a little frustrating, since this guy only put in the tip, while Avery was right there, naked, prepped and willing and Dean was asking himself if he should really do this, because Avery is so young and he's got so much life ahead of him and I'm like bitch, what?? You're naked together in a shower, he's literally yelling for you to fuck him and you put it in a little bit and then you're like no, I really should think about this, better luck next time, byeee
but after that it was great, they were hot together, I loved it, so the sex part was definitely working for me. They lived together, Avery bringing in a much needed fresh start for Dean and not only that, but Dean was loyal, intense and really serious about Avery, so they started talking about getting married soon enough which made sense, because they were falling in love at a rapid pace.
It was believable and they're a really good couple, one of the best in the series.
It's a light, sexy, good story, don't expect your world being altered or anything like that, but just a nice age gap story with great sex.
What I didn't like much was the dead wife thing.
"Never looked at someone so much in my entire life. Not even Elaine. Fuck."
"He stands up, his skirt falling back in place, and I just stare at him. He’s so damn tempting. I haven’t been this obsessed with someone since my late wife. And even then, it wasn’t to this level.
So this is what I mean fir it not working for me. It should've stayed with that right there - he's someone I want more than I wanted my ex-wife and that's it,
not
"I love the way Dean is looking at her on their wedding day. I found the photograph in a box in his closet and insisted it be hung up. He cried a little when he saw it. I want him to remember her, to think of her often. I think this is why I’m here— to love him the way she would have."
I also wouldn't mind there being less side characters, I'd have liked the focus to be on Avery and Dean alone, but the whole series is over the top, so I guess I can't expect a book with a little more emotional depth, even though they did have a bit of it, yeah.
I'm not particularly interested in Kit and Bane whose books are coming, so I guess if not reading about Lexi and Ryder, the side characters from another author, I'll move on to The Silencer.
• I really like the edit for Dean from @readbookswithcats on Instagram, it's just how I imagined it in my mind 👌
August 20, 2025
Dean is so evolved! I love it!
KU Read
267 Pages
I'M Romance
Workplace
Roommates
Age Gap
Feminine Boy
Bi-Awakening
This book runs along the same timeline as Ben almost exactly and some of the scenes double up but with the POV of the other side. Dean is Ben's father and of course his story is about him and Avery.
Avery works admin in Deans garage and when he is thrown out by his roomates, Dean gives him a home... Why wouldn't he? He's clearly obsessed with him.
This story has some touching moments cos Dean up until meeting Avery has identified as straight and was widowed when his so he Ben was a child. He has not had another serious relationship since and now his whole world is in colour again because of Avery and the joy he is bringing into his life.
The finale to the Unexpected series have me all the happy feels with some new characters that are in soon off series's so they are now in my TBR and being bumped up urgently Cosmo am loving being immersed in this interconnected world.
KU Read
267 Pages
I'M Romance
Workplace
Roommates
Age Gap
Feminine Boy
Bi-Awakening
This book runs along the same timeline as Ben almost exactly and some of the scenes double up but with the POV of the other side. Dean is Ben's father and of course his story is about him and Avery.
Avery works admin in Deans garage and when he is thrown out by his roomates, Dean gives him a home... Why wouldn't he? He's clearly obsessed with him.
This story has some touching moments cos Dean up until meeting Avery has identified as straight and was widowed when his so he Ben was a child. He has not had another serious relationship since and now his whole world is in colour again because of Avery and the joy he is bringing into his life.
The finale to the Unexpected series have me all the happy feels with some new characters that are in soon off series's so they are now in my TBR and being bumped up urgently Cosmo am loving being immersed in this interconnected world.
December 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Tropes:
MM
Boss x employee
Age gap
Hyper masculine MMC x Hyper feminine MM
Single dad
Late in life Bi-awakening
He makes him move in after finding out he had a fight with his roommates
Tropes:
MM
Boss x employee
Age gap
Hyper masculine MMC x Hyper feminine MM
Single dad
Late in life Bi-awakening
He makes him move in after finding out he had a fight with his roommates
October 6, 2025
This has been on my “graveyard” of audiobooks for almost two months but I finally finished it. Nothing exciting
April 15, 2025
Age gap ✅
Boss/Employee ✅
Rom com vibes ✅
Character cameos from other books ✅
Sexy motorbike rides ✅
BANE 😍✅
No cheating ✅
Dean is Avery’s much older and straight boss. Avery has it BAD for Dean .
“Shit, Avery. Where does it hurt?” he asks. My dick. That’s where it hurts, Dean.’ 🤣
Avery’s room mate attacks him and kicks him out. Dean brings Avery home to stay . In the guest bedroom.
Omg horny Avery and his naughty Dean thoughts are hilarious.
Avery doesn’t realise it yet but Dean is attracted to him too.
‘At that moment, I forget how to move, how to walk. I stumble forward, and Ford huffs in amusement. “Avery’s here.” Dean stands up so fast, he almost clips his head on the hood of the car.’
Bane has a very Bane like cameo. O M G 🤣 There are other character cameos, it’s awesome. I love it.
This story is the same timeline of Cora’s book Ben, Dean’s son.
Avery’s ex roommate Nick is causing trouble .
Avery finds comfort in wearing Deans old jersey.
“Like I said, I don’t mind you wearing it and you look good in it,” he says lowly, and oh fuck, there goes my dick. It’s getting all excited that he noticed me. It’s in a perpetual state of arousal.’
These two are killing me. It feels like a slow burn to me.
Avery opens up that he likes feminine things. Skirts, dresses, high heels, lipstick etc
Dean is an open minded guy but seeing Avery in a skirt is turning him on. Although anything Avery does turns him on.
‘Well, Ford. I’m just distracted by my employee who lives with me…and wears my jersey to bed.’
17 mentions of Avery wearing this jersey 🤣
There’s a bathroom scene with a vibrating butt plug 🤣
Just the tip 🤣 omg Dean , you tease.
The sexy times are hot 🔥 and they fall in love.
Bane pops by again to problem solve.
Does Kit get a book?
I love this book, love watching Avery and Dean fall in love.
Avery - ‘I’m so in love with this man. If I thought I was when I first moved in, the goalposts have moved now. I am head over heels. Like there’s no coming back from this now. Not at all. He will have to pry me away with a crowbar if he wants me to leave. I will cling. “I’m obsessed,” I add.’
Dean - ‘Since Avery’s my forever now, I plan on making sure he has everything he wants. Safety, love, and more importantly, a home. With me. “Come sit next to me, Dean,” Avery says, and I do. Our legs touch, his hand slipping into mine, and I feel it. Whole. After twenty years, I feel complete. With him.’
Boss/Employee ✅
Rom com vibes ✅
Character cameos from other books ✅
Sexy motorbike rides ✅
BANE 😍✅
No cheating ✅
Dean is Avery’s much older and straight boss. Avery has it BAD for Dean .
“Shit, Avery. Where does it hurt?” he asks. My dick. That’s where it hurts, Dean.’ 🤣
Avery’s room mate attacks him and kicks him out. Dean brings Avery home to stay . In the guest bedroom.
Omg horny Avery and his naughty Dean thoughts are hilarious.
Avery doesn’t realise it yet but Dean is attracted to him too.
‘At that moment, I forget how to move, how to walk. I stumble forward, and Ford huffs in amusement. “Avery’s here.” Dean stands up so fast, he almost clips his head on the hood of the car.’
Bane has a very Bane like cameo. O M G 🤣 There are other character cameos, it’s awesome. I love it.
This story is the same timeline of Cora’s book Ben, Dean’s son.
Avery’s ex roommate Nick is causing trouble .
Avery finds comfort in wearing Deans old jersey.
“Like I said, I don’t mind you wearing it and you look good in it,” he says lowly, and oh fuck, there goes my dick. It’s getting all excited that he noticed me. It’s in a perpetual state of arousal.’
These two are killing me. It feels like a slow burn to me.
Avery opens up that he likes feminine things. Skirts, dresses, high heels, lipstick etc
Dean is an open minded guy but seeing Avery in a skirt is turning him on. Although anything Avery does turns him on.
‘Well, Ford. I’m just distracted by my employee who lives with me…and wears my jersey to bed.’
17 mentions of Avery wearing this jersey 🤣
There’s a bathroom scene with a vibrating butt plug 🤣
Just the tip 🤣 omg Dean , you tease.
The sexy times are hot 🔥 and they fall in love.
Bane pops by again to problem solve.
Does Kit get a book?
I love this book, love watching Avery and Dean fall in love.
Avery - ‘I’m so in love with this man. If I thought I was when I first moved in, the goalposts have moved now. I am head over heels. Like there’s no coming back from this now. Not at all. He will have to pry me away with a crowbar if he wants me to leave. I will cling. “I’m obsessed,” I add.’
Dean - ‘Since Avery’s my forever now, I plan on making sure he has everything he wants. Safety, love, and more importantly, a home. With me. “Come sit next to me, Dean,” Avery says, and I do. Our legs touch, his hand slipping into mine, and I feel it. Whole. After twenty years, I feel complete. With him.’
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2025
Dean is book nine in the Unexpected series. This age gap, boss/employee/roommates MM romance story is about Dean and Avery.
Poor Avery finds himself homeless when an incident occurs with his awful roommate. His boss Dean offers his guest room for Avery to stay in. Avery has been crushing on Dean, and I couldn’t get enough of his inner monologue. He definitely had me laughing and smiling. My heart did go out to him and what he went through growing up. Avery’s parents were terrible people, and I wanted him to find love and acceptance.
Dean was married and after his wife passed away, he focused on raising his son Ben. He never was attracted to guys before, but he did find himself interested in Avery when he first met him. Now the more time they spend together, the more his feelings start to grow. Dean encourages Avery to be himself and wear the clothes/skirts he wants to. Soon Dean realizes his attraction to Avery. He was hesitant to give in since Avery is around the same age as his son, but thank goodness he didn’t let that stop him. Dean and Avery were so hot together.
Avery did have to deal with his former roommate harassing and threatening him. I enjoyed the suspense of it, but I have to say in the end it was a bit anticlimactic for me. I did like how Dean was very protective of Avery and wanted to keep him safe.
It was great to get Dean’s POV when it came to his son Ben and his best friends Cash and Ford. I also loved all the cameos we got which made me want to go back and reread their stories again!
Dean and Avery were perfect together. They were just what each other needed. Avery made Dean feel alive and Dean made Avery feel safe and accepted. They both were amazing and deserved all the love and happiness. This book was another great addition to this amazing series.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
Poor Avery finds himself homeless when an incident occurs with his awful roommate. His boss Dean offers his guest room for Avery to stay in. Avery has been crushing on Dean, and I couldn’t get enough of his inner monologue. He definitely had me laughing and smiling. My heart did go out to him and what he went through growing up. Avery’s parents were terrible people, and I wanted him to find love and acceptance.
Dean was married and after his wife passed away, he focused on raising his son Ben. He never was attracted to guys before, but he did find himself interested in Avery when he first met him. Now the more time they spend together, the more his feelings start to grow. Dean encourages Avery to be himself and wear the clothes/skirts he wants to. Soon Dean realizes his attraction to Avery. He was hesitant to give in since Avery is around the same age as his son, but thank goodness he didn’t let that stop him. Dean and Avery were so hot together.
Avery did have to deal with his former roommate harassing and threatening him. I enjoyed the suspense of it, but I have to say in the end it was a bit anticlimactic for me. I did like how Dean was very protective of Avery and wanted to keep him safe.
It was great to get Dean’s POV when it came to his son Ben and his best friends Cash and Ford. I also loved all the cameos we got which made me want to go back and reread their stories again!
Dean and Avery were perfect together. They were just what each other needed. Avery made Dean feel alive and Dean made Avery feel safe and accepted. They both were amazing and deserved all the love and happiness. This book was another great addition to this amazing series.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
April 19, 2025
I was soooooo excited for this book and couldn’t wait to read it!! I loved Dean and Avery so much in the previous book but I’m so glad she gave them a whole book! Their love story is just beautiful and I loved every page! Dean is just swoon worthy and I love Avery’s inner monologue, it had me laughing so much! I love all the different characters from other series dropping in and Ben with his beautiful men in it too! I definitely recommend this book and any other book written by Cora Rose!
April 20, 2025
I fell in love with Dean and Avery in short story that I read in some anthology, and am so happy that these two finally got a completed story. This was everything I had hoped it would be and I absolutely adored all the cameos we got! Makes me want to go back and binge the series from the beginning.
What to expect:
- boss + employee turned roomies
- best friend's dad
- age gap (20+ years)
- opposites attract
- bi awakening
- fem MMC
- Unexpected cameos 😏
What to expect:
- boss + employee turned roomies
- best friend's dad
- age gap (20+ years)
- opposites attract
- bi awakening
- fem MMC
- Unexpected cameos 😏
September 28, 2025
⭐⭐⭐
Success!! I did it,I finally finished the Unexpected series!
After being pretty let down by Ben, I'm happy to report that Dean at least gave the series a respectable sendoff. Was it as good as the earlier books? Not really, but hey, at least the plot made a little comeback.
Avery was such a sweetheart,he's got a few issues, but nothing too dramatic, and I loved seeing him find someone who truly accepts him and lets him be himself.
Dean’s a solid guy too, he was open to new experiences and totally head over heels for Avery.
I still can’t get over the way he handled things between his son and his two friends, but whatever, it didn’t ruin the story for me.
The cameos were awesome! Whit and Luke, my babies. I only wish we could’ve actually seen Caleb’s reaction to Whit’s surprise. And getting glimpses of Beau and Coop before their own books was such a treat, especially knowing where their stories go later on.
Now I guess I’ll have to dive into the Unexpectedly Twisted series to find out what’s in store for Angel, Tatum, and the rest.
Overall, I still love this series. It didn’t end as strongly as it started, but honestly, I’m not ready to say goodbye to this universe yet.
Success!! I did it,I finally finished the Unexpected series!
After being pretty let down by Ben, I'm happy to report that Dean at least gave the series a respectable sendoff. Was it as good as the earlier books? Not really, but hey, at least the plot made a little comeback.
Avery was such a sweetheart,he's got a few issues, but nothing too dramatic, and I loved seeing him find someone who truly accepts him and lets him be himself.
Dean’s a solid guy too, he was open to new experiences and totally head over heels for Avery.
I still can’t get over the way he handled things between his son and his two friends, but whatever, it didn’t ruin the story for me.
The cameos were awesome! Whit and Luke, my babies. I only wish we could’ve actually seen Caleb’s reaction to Whit’s surprise. And getting glimpses of Beau and Coop before their own books was such a treat, especially knowing where their stories go later on.
Now I guess I’ll have to dive into the Unexpectedly Twisted series to find out what’s in store for Angel, Tatum, and the rest.
Overall, I still love this series. It didn’t end as strongly as it started, but honestly, I’m not ready to say goodbye to this universe yet.
April 23, 2025
It was a fun and light read.
Are gap, femme boy, Ben’s dad was cute.
Same timeline as the previous book of the serie, and a couple of characters are coming as guest like Kit, Whit, even Bane.
Are gap, femme boy, Ben’s dad was cute.
Same timeline as the previous book of the serie, and a couple of characters are coming as guest like Kit, Whit, even Bane.
April 28, 2025
(2.5/5) I don't think I minded the first half of the book. The second, however, didn't do much for me. The plot wasn't particularly exciting, the relationship felt a bit awkward to me and there was so much sex that I didn't know what to do with myself. It just wasn't for me.
April 22, 2025
The few days leading up to this read have been nothing but Cora Rose, making her one of my most read authors. Each book in this series has hit for me in every way.
Dean and Avery had me from beginning to end. The slow burn of their relationship, the tension both before and while they’re together, and the care they have for each other. I adored the way Dean encouraged Avery and the way he supported him. And I loved the way Avery brightened up Dean’s life, both with color and energy. These two fit each other so well. Through banter, motorcycle rides, amazing dinners, filthy bedroom talk, a few bouts of internal jealousy, and close proximity, we follow these two on their wonderful journey to each other.
As usual, the cameos were amazing, and led to a few hilarious encounters. It’s always such a highlight to see them. And new characters have me excited for more.
I received an advanced copy and this is my voluntary review.
Dean and Avery had me from beginning to end. The slow burn of their relationship, the tension both before and while they’re together, and the care they have for each other. I adored the way Dean encouraged Avery and the way he supported him. And I loved the way Avery brightened up Dean’s life, both with color and energy. These two fit each other so well. Through banter, motorcycle rides, amazing dinners, filthy bedroom talk, a few bouts of internal jealousy, and close proximity, we follow these two on their wonderful journey to each other.
As usual, the cameos were amazing, and led to a few hilarious encounters. It’s always such a highlight to see them. And new characters have me excited for more.
I received an advanced copy and this is my voluntary review.
Read
December 24, 2025This was my first by this author and in this series. I'm rather curious to read Ben's story now. We'll see if I get to it. It's about 3.7 for me. I liked both the characters, mostly, even though there wasn't much to either of them. There was not substantial character development. I don't even mean in terms of character *growth* I mean the characters themselves were pretty basic. They were nice to each other except for some silly parts to add drama. Their relationship was soothing and nice to read. It went on a little longer than their characters or conflicts seemed to require. It was a pleasant read.
November 27, 2025
This was such an entertaining read. I haven't laughed this much in a long time. Avery was hilarious-his inner monologue had me in stitches.
I loved Dean-he was such a supportive father,friend and partner. It was a nice suprise to get cameos from other characters from the series.Let me just say, I screamed when Bane made an appearance- I just love that man.
The whole Unexpected series is so entertaining,with lovable & memorable characters.
I loved Dean-he was such a supportive father,friend and partner. It was a nice suprise to get cameos from other characters from the series.Let me just say, I screamed when Bane made an appearance- I just love that man.
The whole Unexpected series is so entertaining,with lovable & memorable characters.
dnf
April 28, 2025DNF at like 76% although I had been skimming for a while before that
Idk. I was enjoying it, and then it just got boring for me. Way too silly and the characters started getting really annoying. But this is usually my problem with Cora. I’m going to take a break from her. I’ll come back to her whenever she writes omegaverse again.
Idk. I was enjoying it, and then it just got boring for me. Way too silly and the characters started getting really annoying. But this is usually my problem with Cora. I’m going to take a break from her. I’ll come back to her whenever she writes omegaverse again.
April 27, 2025
Very sweet and sexy book with little angst. Definitely a feel-good story with two likable men.
I liked it. A lot.
4.5 rounded up
I liked it. A lot.
4.5 rounded up
April 25, 2025
very good start but after 50% it’s sex sex sex sex sex give me a fucking break. literally.
November 2, 2025
This whole series is fantastic, I think I mentioned that before but it needs to be said again 😅
Dean and Avery work together. In fact, Dean is Avery's boss, which makes everything more complicated for them both, since they really like each other a lot 😏
We know Dean from Ben, since that's his dad and more characters made a cameo from the previous books, even Whit, who I missed so much, so that truly was amazing 🥰
The way Dean was looking out for Avery and helping him? I melted. Boy, what a man Dean is. Avery is such a cutie, he is a great friend and is such a strong character. Both of them together? Chefs kiss 💖
Oh, and I cannot wait for Bane to get his own book, he is everything 🤣
Dean and Avery work together. In fact, Dean is Avery's boss, which makes everything more complicated for them both, since they really like each other a lot 😏
We know Dean from Ben, since that's his dad and more characters made a cameo from the previous books, even Whit, who I missed so much, so that truly was amazing 🥰
The way Dean was looking out for Avery and helping him? I melted. Boy, what a man Dean is. Avery is such a cutie, he is a great friend and is such a strong character. Both of them together? Chefs kiss 💖
Oh, and I cannot wait for Bane to get his own book, he is everything 🤣
March 22, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
may contain minor spoilers. SERIOUSLY. DON'T READ THIS REVIEW IF YOU WANT TO GO INTO DEAN BLIND.
I just finished DEAN, book nine in Cora Rose's Unexpected series. It was great. Good storytelling, great characters, and spicy sex scenes about halfway through the story.
🩷 age gap stories 22/40s
🩷 boss/employee stories (not a lot of work related content though, more that work is how they know each other - so no creepy power plays or sexy power exchanges)
🩷 straight now- not-so-straight happenings
🩷 mcs who love femme fashion & makeup
🩷 older gruffy mechanics
🩷 🍑🍑🍑 <- That's all I'll say
Lots of characters make an appearance... even some fan favorites wink wink
After something happens, Avery is houseless. When his hunky older boss finds out, Dean insists Avery stay with him. Avery has always been into Dean, but Dean is "straight." Some forced proximity and some crossed boundaries prove that to be false.
Lots of time together leads to some spicy first-time sex, and Dean learns QUICKLY how to make Avery fly.
They're in the shower, over the kitchen table, they are face-sitting, "just the tip," and a situation with _____ 🔥🔥🔥🔥 it just keeps going with the hotness.
The sex is peppered through the danger pkot line and Dean's son & partners and a character that will definitely probably end up with their own book.
Dean was great and my favorite kind of Cora Rose story. It's out on 04/25.
may contain minor spoilers. SERIOUSLY. DON'T READ THIS REVIEW IF YOU WANT TO GO INTO DEAN BLIND.
I just finished DEAN, book nine in Cora Rose's Unexpected series. It was great. Good storytelling, great characters, and spicy sex scenes about halfway through the story.
🩷 age gap stories 22/40s
🩷 boss/employee stories (not a lot of work related content though, more that work is how they know each other - so no creepy power plays or sexy power exchanges)
🩷 straight now- not-so-straight happenings
🩷 mcs who love femme fashion & makeup
🩷 older gruffy mechanics
🩷 🍑🍑🍑 <- That's all I'll say
Lots of characters make an appearance... even some fan favorites wink wink
After something happens, Avery is houseless. When his hunky older boss finds out, Dean insists Avery stay with him. Avery has always been into Dean, but Dean is "straight." Some forced proximity and some crossed boundaries prove that to be false.
Lots of time together leads to some spicy first-time sex, and Dean learns QUICKLY how to make Avery fly.
They're in the shower, over the kitchen table, they are face-sitting, "just the tip," and a situation with _____ 🔥🔥🔥🔥 it just keeps going with the hotness.
The sex is peppered through the danger pkot line and Dean's son & partners and a character that will definitely probably end up with their own book.
Dean was great and my favorite kind of Cora Rose story. It's out on 04/25.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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