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Not What They Were Expecting
A maybe-gay dad, a sacked husband, and an oversharing mother-in-law. Rebecca has more on her mind than having a baby.
When Rebecca and James announced their baby news, they thought the next nine months would be the beginning of a great adventure. But then James loses his job, and he can't find another and can't tell his wife why. Meanwhile Rebecca's own family has picked the worst possible time to start to fall apart, with her strait-laced dad arrested for soliciting a cop, and relying on lawyer Rebecca to convince the courts it wasn't a major fall out of the closet.
As secrets begin to permeate their lives, Rebecca and James end up wondering are they really ready to be parents after all.
But it's too late now - and the expectant couple are about to learn that life doesn't always turn out quite as you expect it.
Praise for Neal Doran
When Rebecca and James announced their baby news, they thought the next nine months would be the beginning of a great adventure. But then James loses his job, and he can't find another and can't tell his wife why. Meanwhile Rebecca's own family has picked the worst possible time to start to fall apart, with her strait-laced dad arrested for soliciting a cop, and relying on lawyer Rebecca to convince the courts it wasn't a major fall out of the closet.
As secrets begin to permeate their lives, Rebecca and James end up wondering are they really ready to be parents after all.
But it's too late now - and the expectant couple are about to learn that life doesn't always turn out quite as you expect it.
Praise for Neal Doran
'Neal Doran takes us in a rollercoster of emotions: happiness, joy, drama, betrayal, disapointment and secrets, lots of secrets. He keeps the reader totally hooked from the first page with his witty sense of humour and all the unexpected twists (there were some that I didn't see coming at all).' - Lost in Chick Lit
'...you would be mad not to pick up this book as it was a wonderful read.' - Reviewed the Book
'Neal Doran is funny, brilliant and heart-achingly real. Wickedly insightful with a real heart, he offers a fresh take on modern day relationships and real life. Neal is a rising star in contemporary comedic fiction!' – Miranda Dickinson, bestselling author of Take a Look at Me Now and When I Fall in Love
'Full of witty one-liners, Dan Taylor Is Giving Up On Women is a hilarious examination of the morals of modern-day dating." - Matt Dunn, bestselling author of The Ex-Boyfriends' Handbook and A Day at the Office.
'Neal Doran is a very funny writer' John O'Farrell, author of The Man Who Forgot His Wife
'A big-hearted breath of hilarious fresh-air, Dan Taylor Is Giving Up On Women is a tender, touching and terrifically funny debut. The crises, the crushes and the cringes of an honest and sharp look at a very modern romance, treat yourself.' - Richard Asplin, author of T-shirt and Genes
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 14, 2014
I devoured Dan Taylor Is Giving Up On Women, Neal's first book in a matter of hours. I had a pretty good idea of what I thought was going to happen and I wanted to see if I was right. I was!
This time around with Not What They Were Expecting, I took my time. This wasn't because I liked it any less, I loved it more in fact than Dan Taylor. There was so much going on in James and Bec's life, I wanted to process it all.
This book made me feel every emotion going I could give a name to and several emotions I couldn't describe. I smiled for their joy at the beginning, worried for them when things started going wrong, gasped out loud at things I wasn't expecting never mind James, Rebecca and their families and finally I sobbed at the end.
I loved how this book altered between James and Rebecca's perspectives. I loved learning about James' day in one chapter and Rebecca's in the next. The inner workings of James' head were some of my favourite parts.
The parts that resounded with me the most were the tender, unexpected moments between James and Maggie, his rather unconventional mother. There were several moments like this that made me wish Not What They Were Expecting was a physical book because I wanted to close it for a moment and hug it to my chest. This isn't the same when you're reading on a Kindle. I hope this is something Carina will consider?
Expecting their first child wasn't the only life changing event that happened to James and Bec during the course of this book. A rather fraught trip to Ikea took place and while I've never shopped in one I feel I know the experience first hand now after such a thorough description.
While writing this I've remembered things that happened in the book and I've laughed out loud again. If that's not the mark of a great book I don't know what is. Not What They Were Expecting came to a gentle and natural end but I feel so attached to James and Bec's family and friends that I'd love to be able to check in with them again (especially Kam, Kate and THOSE kids) in a few years' time. But please only book years, I don't think I could wait actual years to read about this dysfunctional but wonderful in their own way family again. What do you say Neal?
This time around with Not What They Were Expecting, I took my time. This wasn't because I liked it any less, I loved it more in fact than Dan Taylor. There was so much going on in James and Bec's life, I wanted to process it all.
This book made me feel every emotion going I could give a name to and several emotions I couldn't describe. I smiled for their joy at the beginning, worried for them when things started going wrong, gasped out loud at things I wasn't expecting never mind James, Rebecca and their families and finally I sobbed at the end.
I loved how this book altered between James and Rebecca's perspectives. I loved learning about James' day in one chapter and Rebecca's in the next. The inner workings of James' head were some of my favourite parts.
The parts that resounded with me the most were the tender, unexpected moments between James and Maggie, his rather unconventional mother. There were several moments like this that made me wish Not What They Were Expecting was a physical book because I wanted to close it for a moment and hug it to my chest. This isn't the same when you're reading on a Kindle. I hope this is something Carina will consider?
Expecting their first child wasn't the only life changing event that happened to James and Bec during the course of this book. A rather fraught trip to Ikea took place and while I've never shopped in one I feel I know the experience first hand now after such a thorough description.
While writing this I've remembered things that happened in the book and I've laughed out loud again. If that's not the mark of a great book I don't know what is. Not What They Were Expecting came to a gentle and natural end but I feel so attached to James and Bec's family and friends that I'd love to be able to check in with them again (especially Kam, Kate and THOSE kids) in a few years' time. But please only book years, I don't think I could wait actual years to read about this dysfunctional but wonderful in their own way family again. What do you say Neal?
August 20, 2015
It was an ok read, but it did take me a little while before I warmed up to the characters.
May 1, 2014
First of all I would like to thank GG Book Tours for providing me with an e copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When I was asked if I would like to be involved in the blog tour for this book, I jumped at the chance. Having read Neal's debut novel Dan Taylor is Giving Up on Women last year and loving it, I had been eagerly awaiting Neal's next novel.
Not What They Were Expecting is the story of Rebecca and James. Life seems pretty perfect when they discover they are expecting their first child. But then James looses his job and things seem to go down hill from there. The secrets begin to build up and what with the dramas surrounding their parents, their relationship is pushed to the limits. They learn the hard way, that life doesn't always go the way we plan it to.
I loved the sound of this book, the premise really appealed to me as a mother to two young children. It is incredible how much your life changes when you welcome that little bundle of joy into the world and things definitely don't always go to plan, something I learnt early on in each of my pregnancies. Neal managed to capture the emotions of expectant parents with such realistic clarity, that I could not help but be taken on an emotional rollercoaster along with Rebecca and James. Also throw in the wittiness and humour expected from Neal and you know you are in for a brilliant read.
The plot flows nicely from the discovery of the pregnancy to the birth of the baby , following the journey and all the ups and downs along the way. NWTWE is brilliantly paced and well written and is certain to have you doubled over with laughter. Neal has managed to weave magic with his characters once again. They are each brilliantly quirky and full to the brim with characteristics which make them appear so real and alive, it is almost as though I knew them personally. I certainly could relate to their predicaments and the ups and downs they were experiencing (albeit not the cottaging) and could not help but feel emotionally attached to each of them. But saying that each characters did have certain traits that did irritate me slightly, but hey I'm sure its no different from real life ;) But saying that, I was desperate for their fortunes to change and I was happy with how the book finished. I felt it was the perfect ending for Rebecca and James.
Neal has done a brilliant job with this novel. Its witty, humorous and emotionally charged; drawing the reader in and keeping them hooked from start to finish. There were a number of unexpected twists which kept the plot fresh and exciting. Neal really does have a way with words and I am firmly a fan of his writing. I just hope we don't have to wait too long for book 3.
This is a book which does not disappoint and truly delivers as it promises. I recommend this book to anyone wanting a book in which to get lost. You'll only be sorry if you don't read this book!
When I was asked if I would like to be involved in the blog tour for this book, I jumped at the chance. Having read Neal's debut novel Dan Taylor is Giving Up on Women last year and loving it, I had been eagerly awaiting Neal's next novel.
Not What They Were Expecting is the story of Rebecca and James. Life seems pretty perfect when they discover they are expecting their first child. But then James looses his job and things seem to go down hill from there. The secrets begin to build up and what with the dramas surrounding their parents, their relationship is pushed to the limits. They learn the hard way, that life doesn't always go the way we plan it to.
I loved the sound of this book, the premise really appealed to me as a mother to two young children. It is incredible how much your life changes when you welcome that little bundle of joy into the world and things definitely don't always go to plan, something I learnt early on in each of my pregnancies. Neal managed to capture the emotions of expectant parents with such realistic clarity, that I could not help but be taken on an emotional rollercoaster along with Rebecca and James. Also throw in the wittiness and humour expected from Neal and you know you are in for a brilliant read.
The plot flows nicely from the discovery of the pregnancy to the birth of the baby , following the journey and all the ups and downs along the way. NWTWE is brilliantly paced and well written and is certain to have you doubled over with laughter. Neal has managed to weave magic with his characters once again. They are each brilliantly quirky and full to the brim with characteristics which make them appear so real and alive, it is almost as though I knew them personally. I certainly could relate to their predicaments and the ups and downs they were experiencing (albeit not the cottaging) and could not help but feel emotionally attached to each of them. But saying that each characters did have certain traits that did irritate me slightly, but hey I'm sure its no different from real life ;) But saying that, I was desperate for their fortunes to change and I was happy with how the book finished. I felt it was the perfect ending for Rebecca and James.
Neal has done a brilliant job with this novel. Its witty, humorous and emotionally charged; drawing the reader in and keeping them hooked from start to finish. There were a number of unexpected twists which kept the plot fresh and exciting. Neal really does have a way with words and I am firmly a fan of his writing. I just hope we don't have to wait too long for book 3.
This is a book which does not disappoint and truly delivers as it promises. I recommend this book to anyone wanting a book in which to get lost. You'll only be sorry if you don't read this book!
May 2, 2014
I’ve always been a huge fan of male authors who choose to write romantic comedy fiction – mainly because the genre is dominated by female authors and a lot of the time we see things from a female viewpoint. I love seeing a man write in this genre and it’s such an interesting way to see a male take on life situations.
NWTWE follows the story of Rebecca and James as they find out they are expecting a child. This time of life is stressful for any new parent to be but when James loses his job and Rebecca’s family start to fall apart, they both wonder if they are truly ready to be parents. However, life doesn’t wait around for them and soon they are thrust into a brand new world and realise that nothing can ever really be what they expected.
I love Neal’s writing and his incredibly witty sense of humour. I’m not always a lover of humour in books – often it feels too false and scripted and too ‘thought out’. But Neal is not like that at all. The humour feels so organic and natural and as the characters strike up conversation between each other and insert witty remarks, I find myself genuinely smiling as I read. I would definitely consider this to be one of Neal’s strongest assets as a writer but he also has many others.
The plot and pacing are just perfect – the story progresses so seamlessly and there’s not one point where you get bored of the narrative. Neal has really perfected the art of storytelling and keeping an audience hooked on every word and as you come to the end of a chapter, you just HAVE to read the next one. Neal also writes with a very experienced and skilled hand – it feels like he’s been writing for decades and knows all the tricks of the trade and that makes him immediately stand out from others around him.
The characters in this novel are spot on and although they sometimes feel as though they live up to stereotypes, the way they interact with each other was just perfect. Neal’s observations of family life and being in a relationship are so relatable and funny that one can’t help but wonder if it is slightly auto-biographical…!
I really enjoy Neal’s writing and predict that everyone else will too. There is sass, sarcasm and superb wit and I recommend this book highly!
NWTWE follows the story of Rebecca and James as they find out they are expecting a child. This time of life is stressful for any new parent to be but when James loses his job and Rebecca’s family start to fall apart, they both wonder if they are truly ready to be parents. However, life doesn’t wait around for them and soon they are thrust into a brand new world and realise that nothing can ever really be what they expected.
I love Neal’s writing and his incredibly witty sense of humour. I’m not always a lover of humour in books – often it feels too false and scripted and too ‘thought out’. But Neal is not like that at all. The humour feels so organic and natural and as the characters strike up conversation between each other and insert witty remarks, I find myself genuinely smiling as I read. I would definitely consider this to be one of Neal’s strongest assets as a writer but he also has many others.
The plot and pacing are just perfect – the story progresses so seamlessly and there’s not one point where you get bored of the narrative. Neal has really perfected the art of storytelling and keeping an audience hooked on every word and as you come to the end of a chapter, you just HAVE to read the next one. Neal also writes with a very experienced and skilled hand – it feels like he’s been writing for decades and knows all the tricks of the trade and that makes him immediately stand out from others around him.
The characters in this novel are spot on and although they sometimes feel as though they live up to stereotypes, the way they interact with each other was just perfect. Neal’s observations of family life and being in a relationship are so relatable and funny that one can’t help but wonder if it is slightly auto-biographical…!
I really enjoy Neal’s writing and predict that everyone else will too. There is sass, sarcasm and superb wit and I recommend this book highly!
May 5, 2014
Review originally posted on: http://addictivechicklit.blogspot.com...
Today I am taking part on the Blog Tour of Not What They Were Expectig by Neal Doran. First of all I would like to thank GG Book Tours for providing me with an e copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Not What They Were Expecting tells the story of Rebecca and James, a happy couple who decides to have a child. They have been together for a while now, they love each other, they have good jobs and their friends already have two wonderful kids so why not try for one themselves? Put it that way it seems quite an easy decision but what they were not expecting is that the day of the first scan James would be made redundant in his well-paid job or that Rebecca's dad would get arrested in a public toilet (you can imagine why...) and start a media campaing to defend his rights against police abuse...
But this is only the begining of the pregnancy! Neal Doran takes us in a rollercoster of emotions: happiness, joy, drama, betrayal, disapointment and secrets, lots of secrets. He keeps the reader totally hooked from the first page with his witty sense of humour and all the unexpected twists (there were some that I didn't see coming at all).
But what makes this book special are the main characters, Rebecca and James feel so real. It is clear that they love each other but they argue and swear (a lot) and drive each other crazy. They also have some problems really talking to each other but I wonder which couple doesn't? And a pregnancy is a really stressfull time, it can become a test for a couple (that I wasn't sure they would pass...)
Some of the side characters were a bit too much for me. A bit too stereotyped even. Especially the in-laws. I didn't like Howards and I didn't really get him. And sometimes the situations were so absurd that I wasn't sure if laughing or crying. I mean they were really unlucky poor guys! But all in all, I enjoyed this book, I laughed out loud and warmed to the main characters. It is refreshing to read a romcom written by a man and get his point of view. Some of his considerations about the family and having kids left me thinking a lot! Oh man, I bet Neal Doran knows what he is talking about!
Today I am taking part on the Blog Tour of Not What They Were Expectig by Neal Doran. First of all I would like to thank GG Book Tours for providing me with an e copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Not What They Were Expecting tells the story of Rebecca and James, a happy couple who decides to have a child. They have been together for a while now, they love each other, they have good jobs and their friends already have two wonderful kids so why not try for one themselves? Put it that way it seems quite an easy decision but what they were not expecting is that the day of the first scan James would be made redundant in his well-paid job or that Rebecca's dad would get arrested in a public toilet (you can imagine why...) and start a media campaing to defend his rights against police abuse...
But this is only the begining of the pregnancy! Neal Doran takes us in a rollercoster of emotions: happiness, joy, drama, betrayal, disapointment and secrets, lots of secrets. He keeps the reader totally hooked from the first page with his witty sense of humour and all the unexpected twists (there were some that I didn't see coming at all).
But what makes this book special are the main characters, Rebecca and James feel so real. It is clear that they love each other but they argue and swear (a lot) and drive each other crazy. They also have some problems really talking to each other but I wonder which couple doesn't? And a pregnancy is a really stressfull time, it can become a test for a couple (that I wasn't sure they would pass...)
Some of the side characters were a bit too much for me. A bit too stereotyped even. Especially the in-laws. I didn't like Howards and I didn't really get him. And sometimes the situations were so absurd that I wasn't sure if laughing or crying. I mean they were really unlucky poor guys! But all in all, I enjoyed this book, I laughed out loud and warmed to the main characters. It is refreshing to read a romcom written by a man and get his point of view. Some of his considerations about the family and having kids left me thinking a lot! Oh man, I bet Neal Doran knows what he is talking about!
May 7, 2014
Having just recently read Neal Doran's first book, Dan Taylor Is Giving Up on Women, I preordered this one. It's a romantic comedy with plenty of conflict and drama propeling the story along. This one is told mostly from the perspectives of James and Rebecca, a married London couple expecting their first child. As with Doran's first book, it should appeal to both male and female readers (though from the reviews already posted, it seems to be more popular with women).
While James and Rebecca are ecstatic about their pending arrival, they are hardly immune to the stresses that most expectant parents face. And then some. Rebecca is worried about her Dad's arrest for indecency at a public restroom; James is even more stressed by losing his job as an accountant when his company makes him redundant. Both men have secrets that come out eventually. Both make decisions that make things worse before they get better.
There was a lot more to 'Not What They Were Expecting' than I expected. For a while I was wondering why Rebecca's father's issues were so prominent, though eventually they became a central enough component to the plot that it became obvious. Both sets of parents are very different, with Rebecca's conservative mum and dad set off against James' militantly liberal ones. Maggie may seem a bit over the top at first, but the more I read, the more I recognized her in people I know who need to spend a little less time trying to save the planet and a little more time having fun.
Having a relatively young son myself, it's not so long since we went through the childbirth experience: the highs and lows of doctor appointments and mood fluctuations, all of which are well captured here. Fortunately I didn't have to deal with many of the other obstacles thrown at James and Rebecca. It's more fun to read about someone else going through all that.
Having gone with 4 stars on 'Dan Taylor,' I'll round up to a 5 this time around. The story is slightly meatier and it really moved along, especially over the second half of the book.
While James and Rebecca are ecstatic about their pending arrival, they are hardly immune to the stresses that most expectant parents face. And then some. Rebecca is worried about her Dad's arrest for indecency at a public restroom; James is even more stressed by losing his job as an accountant when his company makes him redundant. Both men have secrets that come out eventually. Both make decisions that make things worse before they get better.
There was a lot more to 'Not What They Were Expecting' than I expected. For a while I was wondering why Rebecca's father's issues were so prominent, though eventually they became a central enough component to the plot that it became obvious. Both sets of parents are very different, with Rebecca's conservative mum and dad set off against James' militantly liberal ones. Maggie may seem a bit over the top at first, but the more I read, the more I recognized her in people I know who need to spend a little less time trying to save the planet and a little more time having fun.
Having a relatively young son myself, it's not so long since we went through the childbirth experience: the highs and lows of doctor appointments and mood fluctuations, all of which are well captured here. Fortunately I didn't have to deal with many of the other obstacles thrown at James and Rebecca. It's more fun to read about someone else going through all that.
Having gone with 4 stars on 'Dan Taylor,' I'll round up to a 5 this time around. The story is slightly meatier and it really moved along, especially over the second half of the book.
October 25, 2014
Originally posted on http://beccasbooooks.blogspot.co.uk/
If ever someone was to write down the truths about a newly expecting couple then this is what it would be like. Neal has expertly created an image of 'perfect coupledom' being thrown over backwards by not only a positive pregnancy test but by a million others things that are thrown into the mix too. It was entertaining in parts, humorous and absolutely brilliant.
The plot for Not What They Were Expecting is built around Rebecca and James, the two main characters in Neal's stories. When the story begins, Rebecca has already taken a pregnancy test, but Neal does take the reader back in time to the moment Rebecca found out for sure, so that we can experience it alongside her. The author uses this technique a lot during the book and I absolutely love it. There's nothing like being given a glimpse into a character's past and knowing what happened before you began to read the book!
In the first chapter, Rebecca and James are preparing to announce the pregnancy to Rebecca's parents, and I felt like that was when the story really began. From that moment on, crazy scenarios are flung at the couple and I almost felt as if someone was testing the strength of their relationship beneath the rubble. Rebecca is put under a lot of stress throughout the story but I though she handled it decidedly well, considering her pregnant state! Her family decided to test and try her with a number of outrageous dilemmas and I have to say that I laughed quite a lot throughout the book. Rebecca's partner, James, was an alright guy. I didn't really find anything too special about him, although there was one part in the plot where I felt like shoving my fist through his face! Typical guy are the words I was thinking at certain points.
Overall, Not What They Were Expecting was a great read and I really enjoyed it. Becca's Books is giving Not What They Were Expecting a rating of 4 golden stars!
If ever someone was to write down the truths about a newly expecting couple then this is what it would be like. Neal has expertly created an image of 'perfect coupledom' being thrown over backwards by not only a positive pregnancy test but by a million others things that are thrown into the mix too. It was entertaining in parts, humorous and absolutely brilliant.
The plot for Not What They Were Expecting is built around Rebecca and James, the two main characters in Neal's stories. When the story begins, Rebecca has already taken a pregnancy test, but Neal does take the reader back in time to the moment Rebecca found out for sure, so that we can experience it alongside her. The author uses this technique a lot during the book and I absolutely love it. There's nothing like being given a glimpse into a character's past and knowing what happened before you began to read the book!
In the first chapter, Rebecca and James are preparing to announce the pregnancy to Rebecca's parents, and I felt like that was when the story really began. From that moment on, crazy scenarios are flung at the couple and I almost felt as if someone was testing the strength of their relationship beneath the rubble. Rebecca is put under a lot of stress throughout the story but I though she handled it decidedly well, considering her pregnant state! Her family decided to test and try her with a number of outrageous dilemmas and I have to say that I laughed quite a lot throughout the book. Rebecca's partner, James, was an alright guy. I didn't really find anything too special about him, although there was one part in the plot where I felt like shoving my fist through his face! Typical guy are the words I was thinking at certain points.
Overall, Not What They Were Expecting was a great read and I really enjoyed it. Becca's Books is giving Not What They Were Expecting a rating of 4 golden stars!
May 9, 2014
http://guninactone.wordpress.com/2014...
I am always impressed by male authors who write women really well, but then to find a male author who wrote a pregnant woman so well was a surprise! We meet Rebecca and James just as they find out she’s pregnant and they are expecting to be in a blissful balloon for 9 months while waiting for their baby “Bomp” to arrive. I was expecting this to be a silly, chick lit kind of book and I found it to be more serious than I anticipated. This was still a funny book for sure, but it made me think more than I was expecting to --which was good!
Rebecca and James come to realize the world does not stop when you’re expecting, much as you’d like for it to. They deal with job loss, family drama and grief all while trying to prepare for parenthood. Having a young child myself I enjoyed the excitement that Doran brought to life for me with Rebecca and James going through midwife visits, ultrasounds and nesting. I enjoyed this book because as ridiculous as Rebecca’s family problems were, they addressed real questions about families and about marriage. I was not sure how I wanted this book to end once all the secrets had come out, but I liked the resolution among all of the family members. This was an entertaining read that made me feel really involved and eager for baby Bomp to arrive.
It seems as though maybe at one point Rebecca was supposed to be having twins because the baby is referred to as “they” several times. That was kind of annoying because I was both expecting a big reveal of two babies and then confused that I had missed something. Just something that threw me off while reading.
3 Stars
This ebook is only 99 cents on amazon right now! Worth a dollar to read for sure!
Thank you NetGalley and Carina for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
I am always impressed by male authors who write women really well, but then to find a male author who wrote a pregnant woman so well was a surprise! We meet Rebecca and James just as they find out she’s pregnant and they are expecting to be in a blissful balloon for 9 months while waiting for their baby “Bomp” to arrive. I was expecting this to be a silly, chick lit kind of book and I found it to be more serious than I anticipated. This was still a funny book for sure, but it made me think more than I was expecting to --which was good!
Rebecca and James come to realize the world does not stop when you’re expecting, much as you’d like for it to. They deal with job loss, family drama and grief all while trying to prepare for parenthood. Having a young child myself I enjoyed the excitement that Doran brought to life for me with Rebecca and James going through midwife visits, ultrasounds and nesting. I enjoyed this book because as ridiculous as Rebecca’s family problems were, they addressed real questions about families and about marriage. I was not sure how I wanted this book to end once all the secrets had come out, but I liked the resolution among all of the family members. This was an entertaining read that made me feel really involved and eager for baby Bomp to arrive.
It seems as though maybe at one point Rebecca was supposed to be having twins because the baby is referred to as “they” several times. That was kind of annoying because I was both expecting a big reveal of two babies and then confused that I had missed something. Just something that threw me off while reading.
3 Stars
This ebook is only 99 cents on amazon right now! Worth a dollar to read for sure!
Thank you NetGalley and Carina for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2014
I found this book was a real joy to read. Rebecca and James are expecting their first baby and are over the moon, really looking forward to the next few months of pregnancy and a beautiful baby at the end of it. However, when they announce their news to Rebecca’s parents, it is overshadowed by some shocking news that her parents in turn give them. This news will really throw a downer on their lives for the next few months and test their relationships with each other and their parents, especially when James’ parents get involved. And this is only the start of their troubles over the next few months.
Rebecca and James come from widely differing backgrounds, her parents are true blue conservatives, whilst his are hippyish left wingers, and I really love that difference and how it came out in the book. The writing is very witty, with a lot of one liners and I particularly adored the banter between Rebecca and James. It was incredibly funny at times and just felt so natural and normal.
There is quite a lot of use of the F word, and I know that a lot of people really don’t like it being used in books, but it does fit within the context in this case. If I had just received the news Rebecca had, I would have used that word as well.
There were a few minor editing errors, mainly missing words, but I am not sure if at some point the author was planning on Rebecca having twins, because a few times the baby was referred to in the plural, like “let’s get them out” for instance. However, it didn’t spoil the read at all, which was great fun to read.
Rebecca and James come from widely differing backgrounds, her parents are true blue conservatives, whilst his are hippyish left wingers, and I really love that difference and how it came out in the book. The writing is very witty, with a lot of one liners and I particularly adored the banter between Rebecca and James. It was incredibly funny at times and just felt so natural and normal.
There is quite a lot of use of the F word, and I know that a lot of people really don’t like it being used in books, but it does fit within the context in this case. If I had just received the news Rebecca had, I would have used that word as well.
There were a few minor editing errors, mainly missing words, but I am not sure if at some point the author was planning on Rebecca having twins, because a few times the baby was referred to in the plural, like “let’s get them out” for instance. However, it didn’t spoil the read at all, which was great fun to read.
September 23, 2014
First posted on Dreaming With Open Eyes
I kindly received Not What They Were Expecting in exchange of an honest review by the publisher via Netgalley.
That's the book which has been the longest on my Netgalley shelf. The Netgalley month was the perfect opportunity for me to finally come around to read this novel. I heard a lot of great things about this book and Neal Doran in genereal so I was very looking forward to it.
Not What They Were Expecting tells the story of Rebecca and James. They've been married happily for a while and decided to go one step further. Having a child. The journey of Rebeccas pregnancy is turning out quite different as they were expecting and is overshadowed of events they have not seen coming. James is losing his good paid job, Rebeccas father gets arrested in a public toilet, but this is just the beginning. Rebecca and James are going through a whole range of emotions. Excitement, happiness, drama, grief, and also secrets. James is hiding something that happened in the past. When she finds out, their having a huge row just a few weeks the baby is about to due. It seems like their entire little perfect world is falling apart...
Neal Dorans Not What They Were Expecting was an entertaining read. I did giggle more than few times. I didn't know what to expect of this book either because it's the first time I've read a book by him. I actually expected a lighthearted rom-com read like the blurb promised. To be totally honest that's not what I got. I expected it to be a lot more funnier but it was quite serious at times. I'm not saying it's not a good book because it is, it just wasn't my thing exactly. The plot is a great idea, most of the characters are likeable too. I had some issuses with a few secondary character like Receccas farther. He was very absurd to me and I didn't get him. What I enjoyed nonetheless was that the story had its twist and turns that I didn't see coming at all. That's always a good thing in a book. Unfortnately the story dragged an awful lot for me. Although I would consider giving Neal Dorans books another go, becase the the writing was good. This one had might not been exactly my thing but maybe his debut novel Dan Taylor Is Giving Up On Women? I'll keep you up to date.
I kindly received Not What They Were Expecting in exchange of an honest review by the publisher via Netgalley.
That's the book which has been the longest on my Netgalley shelf. The Netgalley month was the perfect opportunity for me to finally come around to read this novel. I heard a lot of great things about this book and Neal Doran in genereal so I was very looking forward to it.
Not What They Were Expecting tells the story of Rebecca and James. They've been married happily for a while and decided to go one step further. Having a child. The journey of Rebeccas pregnancy is turning out quite different as they were expecting and is overshadowed of events they have not seen coming. James is losing his good paid job, Rebeccas father gets arrested in a public toilet, but this is just the beginning. Rebecca and James are going through a whole range of emotions. Excitement, happiness, drama, grief, and also secrets. James is hiding something that happened in the past. When she finds out, their having a huge row just a few weeks the baby is about to due. It seems like their entire little perfect world is falling apart...
Neal Dorans Not What They Were Expecting was an entertaining read. I did giggle more than few times. I didn't know what to expect of this book either because it's the first time I've read a book by him. I actually expected a lighthearted rom-com read like the blurb promised. To be totally honest that's not what I got. I expected it to be a lot more funnier but it was quite serious at times. I'm not saying it's not a good book because it is, it just wasn't my thing exactly. The plot is a great idea, most of the characters are likeable too. I had some issuses with a few secondary character like Receccas farther. He was very absurd to me and I didn't get him. What I enjoyed nonetheless was that the story had its twist and turns that I didn't see coming at all. That's always a good thing in a book. Unfortnately the story dragged an awful lot for me. Although I would consider giving Neal Dorans books another go, becase the the writing was good. This one had might not been exactly my thing but maybe his debut novel Dan Taylor Is Giving Up On Women? I'll keep you up to date.
June 16, 2014
Thank you to Carina & Net Galley for providing me with a copy
I finished reading this late last night, which are words my husband will be glad to read as I woke him up with my laughter just after midnight. This was my first Neal Doran book and you know what I might just read his other book!
Not What They Were Expecting is a brilliant look at the months leading up to impending parenthood, our parents Rebecca and James are young with successful jobs and are of course both over the moon with the news that they are going to be parents, that feeling does not last for long.
Rebecca's parents are overjoyed with the news but have some news of their own, now I feel very unworldly to have not heard of the term "cottaging" (look it up I did!!) but her father has been caught allegedly doing this something he vehemently denies and he goes all out to proves his innocence swept along by his publicity hungry wife.
James parents have lived an extremely alternative lifestyle, art and all manner of hippie stuff, something that James has gotten away from as fast as possible.
The good thing about this book is that its normal life now with the exception of bonkers parents, I can relate to a lot of this book, I have two young kids, that first impending baby is a shock to the system, the second well its a shock to the body! James is made redundant during the book and I was also made redundant 18 months ago, his visits to the job centre and getting turned down for the most crap of jobs is also something I can relate to.
James and Rebecca's life as the baby gets bigger starts spiralling a little, Rebecca's parents become more and more outrageous with their publicity stunts and James experiences the lure of new work colleagues and what happens when his past comes back to haunt him. He also suffers a loss, now just to be totally inappropriate the funeral scene was what caused my earlier mentioned late night laughter, it reminded me of Father Ted when an inappropriate comment was shouted as the coffin was lifted, it was just brilliant!
I really did enjoy this book, it was funny, it was sad and the ending with the birth of their baby brought tears to my eyes.
This book reminded me of male Marian Keyes and I mean that as a compliment.
Not What They Were Expecting is awarded 4 out of 5
I finished reading this late last night, which are words my husband will be glad to read as I woke him up with my laughter just after midnight. This was my first Neal Doran book and you know what I might just read his other book!
Not What They Were Expecting is a brilliant look at the months leading up to impending parenthood, our parents Rebecca and James are young with successful jobs and are of course both over the moon with the news that they are going to be parents, that feeling does not last for long.
Rebecca's parents are overjoyed with the news but have some news of their own, now I feel very unworldly to have not heard of the term "cottaging" (look it up I did!!) but her father has been caught allegedly doing this something he vehemently denies and he goes all out to proves his innocence swept along by his publicity hungry wife.
James parents have lived an extremely alternative lifestyle, art and all manner of hippie stuff, something that James has gotten away from as fast as possible.
The good thing about this book is that its normal life now with the exception of bonkers parents, I can relate to a lot of this book, I have two young kids, that first impending baby is a shock to the system, the second well its a shock to the body! James is made redundant during the book and I was also made redundant 18 months ago, his visits to the job centre and getting turned down for the most crap of jobs is also something I can relate to.
James and Rebecca's life as the baby gets bigger starts spiralling a little, Rebecca's parents become more and more outrageous with their publicity stunts and James experiences the lure of new work colleagues and what happens when his past comes back to haunt him. He also suffers a loss, now just to be totally inappropriate the funeral scene was what caused my earlier mentioned late night laughter, it reminded me of Father Ted when an inappropriate comment was shouted as the coffin was lifted, it was just brilliant!
I really did enjoy this book, it was funny, it was sad and the ending with the birth of their baby brought tears to my eyes.
This book reminded me of male Marian Keyes and I mean that as a compliment.
Not What They Were Expecting is awarded 4 out of 5
August 1, 2014
After hearing an awful lot about this book, I was eager to read it. It promised me a lighthearted rom-com read. To be totally honest with you that's not what I got. I'm not saying it's not a good book because it is, it just wasn't my thing exactly. Plot and characters were great and yes I did giggle more than few times, but I just felt it dragged. I was only a quarter of the way into it and already felt like I needed a break from it. It did get better during the end though and I enjoyed the ending a lot.
May 3, 2014
Another fantastic comedy from Neal Doran, hot on the heels of Dan Taylor is Giving up on Women. Funny and insightful, this makes a refreshing change from the well-worn Mummy Lit on pregnancy. A great talent.
August 24, 2015
I found this book a bit hard to get into and as a result I ended up leaving it unread for a few months but then when I did go back to finish it I thought it was easier going, so the second half is better in my opinion. I think the first half focused too much on Rebecca's dad instead of her.
February 8, 2015
bit slow to begin with but did pick up halfway through the book
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