Unexpectedly Ever After

The Oops Baby Club #1

by Heather Ashley

Clover's Rules for Surviving Your Hot Roommate:
Rule #1: DON'T let the hot firefighter see you in your ratty PJs.
Rule #2: Just because he's staying on your couch does NOT mean he belongs in your bed.
Rule #3: Whatever you do, DON'T fall for your brother's best friend.

It wasn't my idea to let Banks Priestly crash at my place. But when your brother guilt-trips you into housing his best friend after his apartment floods, what can you do? Now I've got six feet of tattooed firefighter invading my space, walking around shirtless, and somehow making the perfect cup of coffee every freaking morning.

It’s horrible.

I need control in my life. It's how I survive. And having Mr. Hero Complex rearranging my kitchen and giving me that knowing smirk is NOT helping me get closer to my five-year plan.

Then the thunderstorm happens. The power outage. And suddenly all those rules I made? They’re out the window faster than you can say "bad decision." One night with him was all it took to turn my color-coded life completely upside down.

Now I'm pregnant with Banks's baby, and he's going all in—buying a house, planning our future, and refusing to let me push him away. The man literally walks through fire for a living, but convincing me I can depend on him might be his toughest challenge yet.

Problem is, I'm starting to think some rules were made to be broken…

Unexpectedly Ever After is a sweet and steamy emotional romance featuring a swoony firefighter hero and a type-A heroine with a plant obsession.

Tropes:
✓ Brother's best friend
✓ Forced proximity/roommates
✓ Surprise pregnancy
✓ Protective alpha firefighter
✓ Small town feels in a big city
✓ No third act breakup

Genres: Romance, Surprise Pregnancy, Friends To Lovers, Firefighters, Forced Proximity, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 2025

About the author

Hi! I’m Heather.

It’s great to meet you! I’m a socially-awkward introvert who loves love stories. I’m not awesome at singing or keeping my house clean, but I somehow find the time to obsessively read romance novels. I consider it one of my many talents.

In my opinion, you can never have too many books (or french fries…), messy buns are a girl’s best friend, and I’d probably die without my laptop. If I wasn’t over-committing myself to future stories or procrastinating to meet my deadlines, I’m not quite sure what I’d do with myself.

Be sure to find all sorts of sneak peeks and my more than likely cuss-word filled rantings over on the blog. Oh, and if you’re a fan of getting in the mood to read and connecting to the characters that way, check out the playlists that accompany each story in the “Playlists” tab.

Peace, love, and abs for days.

Reviews

[Darlene I read WAY to many books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clover and Banks have a love-hate most onside relationship lol. Clover thinks Banks looks down on her and her work. But Banks likes her but won't do anything because he's best friends with Clover's brother. So you get a lot of banter when Clover's brother asks her if Banks can stay with her because his apartment is flooded.
😆 the way these two poked and poked each other they did things the couple would do without knowing. A few times I did get annoyed with Clover when she acted like she didn't need any help. Like girl take it. And it got worse when she got knocked up. Like it annoyed me. Banks that man was so sweet I loved how he acted he never lost his cool he was 100% on point.

No ow/om drama, no cheating, slight secondary character, tiny drama, no virgins

Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶



Slowinsta
Slight push away from h
Pinning
Praise kink
Surprise pregnancy
no condom
Hea
Epilogue

[Ava · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am a sucker for an accidental pregnancy. I know some people hate it (which, also fair), but I eat it uppp. So I went into this ready for some drama and here for some cute content. Sadly, this just did not deliver.

My first issue was with the FMC. Now, I totally get being a hyper independent girl with commitment issues (literally describing myself rn), but if this is how your main character is going to be you need to sell it. Why is she like this? What happened in her past that made her this way? How is she going to overcome this and let someone in? It was very vaguely explained why Clover was so independent. I needed more context, depth, and believability. Related to this - she annoyed tf out of me. She accepted no help at all for ANYTHING. It takes you literally passing out at work to decide that maybe your baby daddy can help you out? Nope.

The MMC however, I was obsessed. Banks can come to my apartment anytime he wants. A hot man who respects my organization system? Hell yeah. I will say, he was slightly insta-lovey but I was okay with it because literally everything else was a raging green flag (except him buying a home without talking to Clover, that gave me major controlling and psycho vibes).

I also didn’t really like the story timeline. There were chapters where there were a few hours in between, then some where there was a month time jump. It wasn’t consistent and it really annoyed me.

The side characters were also extremely meh. Navy was supposed to be Clover’s bestie, yet I felt no connection between them. And I love the overprotective brother thing, but it just wasn’t done well 😩. My favorite was Reed the awkward doctor - he can also come to my apartment anytime.

And finally the absolute bane of my existence - grammatical errors. There were several typo/grammar errors that really pissed me off during the story. Also, there would be a paragraph describing something then two paragraphs later it would describe the exact same thing. This might not make sense so allow me to try to give an example:

Oh Clover looks so pretty. I walk over and put my hand on her face.

“Clover you are so beautiful wow,” I say to her.

I can’t help myself from walking over to her and putting my hand on her cheek.

Like are you kidding me??? Do authors just not believe in proofreading anymore? What about editors? And this exact thing happened at least 3 times!!!

[Bumble Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you receive an email from Heather Ashley stating that there's a surprise inside, you stop everything to open it.
While secretly hoping it's the release of 'Perfect Nightmare from Savage Society of Emerald Hills Series'

As you can see, it was not 😭

So after a minute or two of utter disappointment, I realised the new release is one of my favourite tropes, pregnancy!! Yay!!
And as I adore Heather Ashley and all her books, I downloaded it and I was ten chapters deep before lunch.

Unexpectedly Ever After was just everything I needed, wanted and love in one book.
It wasn't dark, it didn't have major drama. It just had a hot fireman knocking up his best friend's sister (and new roommate) and I was so there for that 😍

Fireman Banks was just a perfect MMC, he said and did all the right things. I had to stop reading several times to "Awwh" and swoon over him. And I even had a little cry around Chapter 20, after he does something truly wonderful for Clover.
And I don't usually cry over books, so dang you Heather Ashley! 😵

I also loved Clover as the FMC. She may have had a moment in the book, where you wanted to give her a little reality slap. But she soon pulled her finger out of her butt and enjoyed the gift that is Banks.
She was feisty, strong and didn't take any crap from Banks or her brother.
And I respected her character for this 😍

Unexpected pregnancy or Oops Babies are my go to books when I am craving a baby hit. As a mum of three boys, I love to read all about pregnancy and babies. Without having to do it again myself (heck to the no!) So this book gave me that and more.

I loved, loved, loved it! ❤️
Perfect for a easy read or a book cleanse after some dark romance. Or if you just need to not think for a bit and enjoy some wholesome goodness.

So yes, I have forgiven Ms Ashley for not delivering me the Perfect Nightmare book that I've been craving.
As I am now obsessed with this crew of manly men 😍

Now when's the next book out, I kinda need it now please 😜❤️

[Felicia · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 60%

I read 60% of this book in one sitting when I couldn't sleep. Once I did put it down, I unfortunately had no desire to pick it back up again. What I did read was fine. I just feel no driving connection with the characters or storyline that gives me the urge to continue and see what happens.

My one issue with the book though, is that I refuse to believe someone as organized and 'I have my life planned out and I'm working myself to death to achieve my goals' as the MFC is just let's the MMC cum in her (twice?) and doesn't have a single thought to the consequences of that for 6 weeks, until she is throwing up and has a positive pregnancy test.

I know this is supposed to be an "oops baby," but it's just not believable with her personality type and the fact that she isn't on any sort of birth control. I get things happening in the heat of the moment and then being too upset about the morning after and not wanting to think about the situation, but really?

I guess having her worry about a possible pregnancy and then doing nothing to prevent it would take away the oops factor. But it really doesn't fit with her character to completely ignore such a possibility that could change her entire planned out life.

[Elodie · Rating 3 out of 5]

You mean to tell me if you stick your cutie patootie, slightly OCD little sister with your hunk of a firefighting hottie best friend... you’re going to be surprised when they accidentally make a baby?! COME ON! 😂🔥

This book was such a fun, quick read. A classic forbidden love setup — “He’s my brother’s best friend!” meets “She’s my best bud’s little sister!” — and you already know it’s going to get deliciously messy.

It took a minute to really ramp up, but once it did? It took off running. The chemistry between the MCs was great, the dynamic was playful with the perfect amount of tension, and the spice was chef’s kiss. 🌶️

The storyline was solid, nothing groundbreaking, but it delivered exactly what I wanted — a steamy, feel-good, slightly chaotic little romance.

[alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★ Unexpectedly Ever After☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★

⁺₊★·.´🎧✩°｡ 0:56 ──♡───── 3:32 ⁺₊🎧★·.·´

🎶 “Miss Independent. Won't you come and spend a little time? She got her own thing” 🎶

Letting Banks Priestly (H) move in was never the plan, but saying no to her brother’s best friend was not an option. The tattooed firefighter turns Clover’s carefully controlled life upside down with his confidence, quiet care, and refusal to be pushed away. One stormy night changes everything, and suddenly she is facing an unexpected pregnancy and a man determined to build a future with her.

🤍•.¸✿¸.•💌•.❀•THOUGHTS •❀.•💌•.¸✿¸.•🤍

“Don’t…” She waves a hand between us. “This. We’re not friends, Banks. You’re crashing here for three months, then you’re gone.”

“I’m aware. Doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate you and what you’re doing for me.”

Clover was frustrating at times, but honestly, it made sense. She’s fiercely independent and has been her entire life, so she genuinely doesn’t know how to accept help from Banks. She keeps rejecting the support she needs because she’s not wired to receive it. She’s always had to do everything on her own, especially after her mom passed and she had to step up for her family. Letting someone else take care of her feels foreign and scary. Her whole struggle is trying to find that balance between letting Banks in while still holding onto her independence. That’s why it felt so rewarding when she finally loosened her grip a little and allowed herself to rely on him. It’s completely understandable that she’s afraid of letting someone in and possibly losing them. She’s never been able to slow down or feel safe enough to rest. Clover is frustrating, yes, but she’s also incredibly real and relatable. Even when she pushes Banks away and shuts down, she’s doing what she thinks is best for herself, even if it comes off as unreasonable. It honestly took Navy calling her out for things to click. Navy helping her realize that Banks wasn’t just stepping up because of the baby, but because he genuinely wanted her, with or without a child, was such an important moment. 💗🤍💖💌🤍💓 Banks wasn’t obligated. He was just a man in love.

"She's not interested. She will never be interested. And the only reason you're still standing right now is because causing a scene in her bar would piss her off. Now get the fuck out before I decide her feelings on that matter less than teaching you some manners."

Banks, on the other hand, was perfect 🥹💓💌✨. Truly a walking green flag. He was attentive, observant, and always tuned into Clover’s needs, even when she didn’t want his help. He loved her loudly and quietly at the same time. He protected her whether she accepted it or fought it, and never once hesitated to be there for her. I adored how all-in he was as a dad. The research, the binder filled with pregnancy details, the way he went overboard in the sweetest way possible. He was full throttle from the start, both for his child and for Clover. He was incredibly patient when she lashed out or pulled away. He respected her boundaries while still showing up consistently. He read her like a book. Buying a home for them before she was even fully all-in just showed how certain he was. There was never another option in his mind. Clover was it for him. Endgame, no hesitation. 💌💘❤️💗 I loved him.

Banks is the first person who's ever looked at my drive as something to admire instead of something to correct, and I didn’t even realize how much I needed to hear that until this very second.

My only real disappointment was that we didn’t get to see how they fell in love. They were already clearly in love when the story starts, even if they don’t say it outright until the end. As readers, we know there are feelings there because of the tension, Banks talking about how he’s loved her since she was seventeen, and how he’s always looked out for her. But I really wish we’d gotten flashbacks. Small moments. Little scenes that showed that buildup. It would’ve made their relationship hit even harder and helped me feel more connected to them emotionally.

🤍•.¸✿¸.•💌•.❀•OVERALL •❀.•💌•.¸✿¸.•🤍

Because of that, this didn’t quite reach five stars for me. I love this trope, and it had the potential to be a solid five, but the lack of shared history on page made it land closer to a three-star read. I still really enjoyed watching them become parents, fall deeper in love, and open up to each other. I just wanted more of the “how” behind it all.

Side note: I also loved Reed. He starts out as their doctor and slowly becomes part of the core friend group, and him being there for the delivery absolutely melted me 🥹 I already know I’m going to love his book when it comes out.

[zoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it, yeah I loved it. Both Banks and Clover were great. Clover was fun, strong, and independent, and Banks was supportive, protective, and a perfect man. Oh Boy, I love firefighters.

[Katy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first part of this and thought, overall, it had some sweet moments. I liked the idea of the book a lot and there were some fun moments, but I struggled with certain aspects of the plot. I was a bit surprised by how she got pregnant obviously not by the mechanics of it, but I was startled by the way they had sex with no protection and only discussed this once she was pregnant - as two adults living in the 2020s I would have thought one of them would have thought of it beforehand!.

It began to hit a sweet spot partway through where I started to really like the book, but then it just petered out from there. The sex scenes were a little clunky, in my opinion, and overall I didn’t really get what was keeping these two characters apart. They clearly loved each other and seemed to know it very early on, so the book felt a little long and overdone to me.

Still – it had some cute moments, but ultimately this just wasn’t the book for me I’m afraid.

Content Notes: Unplanned pregnancy, forced proximity, roommates, brother’s best friend / best friend’s sister, firefighter MMC, one night stand.

Warnings: Death of a parent (in past), cancer (FMC’s mother), fire, vomiting, hyperemesis gravidarum, hospital scenes, pregnancy complications, childbirth (on-page).

Other: On-page sex, unprotected sex No condoms used, FMC not on birth control, no discussion of STIs., unplanned pregnancy..

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clover James (26) is the manager of a trendy bar called Ember in Portland. She’s always loved bartending and in fact, wants to open a bar of her own. That is why she has been putting in so much overtime and is trying to finish up her degree. Navy's her best friend who works with her, wants her to go out with her, but she says, Nope. She’s like the walking dead already, even though she still has homework waiting for her. Navy tells her she needs to get laid before the lady shop closes forever.

Clover said, No what she needs to do is pass Business Analytics, quarterlies are due for her boss the next day, and somewhere in all that her laundry needs to get done to have panties. They bar numbers crushed their previous Friday night record, and despite how exhausted she is, Clover gets a little rush knowing it was the changes she implemented that did it. That quarterly bonus might just be enough to toss some into the "Clover's Bar" fund. Five years of this grind, and she’s still just inching her way to freedom, but goddammit, she will make it happen.

Once again, Navy tries to get her to go. She says, Sorry too much on her plate like adulting. When the bell over the door rings she starts to say they're closed when she sees it’s her older brother, Kasen. His broad frame fills the doorway, his expression tight and unreadable. Her stomach plummets. "Kasen?" Her brother never shows up there at that hour of the night, at least not without them having plans. The look on his face she doesn’t like. That's his "someone's in the hospital" or "the brewery's on fire" look.

"What’s wrong?" "Nothing's wrong." He tugs on his favorite black beanie, a nervous habit he’s had since they were kids. "Can't a guy just drop by to see his favorite sister?" I’m your only sister Kasen, and you're so full of crap your eyes are turning brown." Clover is already bracing for bad news. "You've got that look." “What look?" "The same look you had when you shattered Mom's favorite vase and tried to convince her the house was haunted, and a ghost did it." “Okay, spill” "I need a favor." “Okay...” she draws out the word, shifting her weight onto one hip, her feet still throbbing.

“A friend needs a place to crash for a couple of months.” "A couple of months?" Her eyebrows shoot up. “Three tops.” "That's it? Seriously? I was expecting you to tell me you accidentally stole someone’s baby or something. I can ask around at the bar⁠—" "No, I mean with you. At your place." "My shoebox apartment? The one where I can stand in the middle and almost touch both walls? That place? "It's bigger than those glorified closets they call studios." "And you're never even there anyway, between this place, your classes, and that library you practically live in." "Who is it?" "Please tell me it's not that dude from your softball team.”

Kasen takes another swig of scotch, looking anywhere but at her. "It's Banks." The name hits her like a shot of cheap tequila. “Banks Priestly?” My voice cracks, sounding way more panicked. “The guy with the ego the size of Mount Hood? That Banks?” "The one and only." He tries a weak, hopeful smile that wilts under her death glare. "Absolutely, not." Why can't he just crash at your place?" "My place is still a disaster zone with the renovations, remember? I'm stuck in that tiny Airbnb by the river for the next couple of months.

It’s barely big enough for me, let alone another person." "He's a dang firefighter! He makes decent money. He can afford a freaking hotel." His entire apartment building got flooded. His insurance company is being royal pains. The last time she remembered she laid eyes on Banks Priestly was at Kasen's stupid birthday party three months ago. She’s four vodka sodas in and is feeling too brave, let her guard down for two seconds to stare like an idiot at Banks who laughed with his unfairly hot firefighter buddies.

The memory of that exact moment his eyes had locked onto hers across the backyard, his perfect lips curving into that smug, smirk still sends this unwelcome heat pooling low in her belly. Three months later and she’s still pissed at his low and husky voice, when he caught her staring. The way he’d leaned in close enough that she could feel his breath tickle her ear as he whispered, "Take a picture, Freckles. It'll last longer." The nickname grated on her nerves. But then he brushed her fingers when he took her drink and downed it causing goosebumps.

Then later, when she’d mentioned the business class she was struggling with… "Still playing bartender until you find a real job?" The casual dismissal of everything she’s busted her ass to build at Ember, the assumption that her job is just some temporary pit stop—it had made her want to punch him in the face and then kick him in the balls just for funsies. "No," she tells Kasen firmly, her voice leaving no room for argument. "Find someone else. Anywhere else." She leans forward, narrowing her eyes at him. "He's got nowhere else to go, Clover.”

"Sounds like a 'him' problem, not a 'me' problem." "He'd do it for you." "Banks Priestly wouldn't let me crash on his couch if I were homeless and bleeding in a blizzard with a pack of hungry wolves circling." "That's total bullsh-t, and you know it." Kasen's voice softens, and she hates everything about this. "He's always looked out for you." "No, he's always looked down on me." "There's a major difference." "It's just until his apartment's livable again, I swear."

"My apartment only has one tiny bedroom." "He can crash on the couch. It's surprisingly comfortable for a futon." He works even crazier shifts. We'll be tripping over each other constantly." "So, make some rules. You're practically the queen of rules." He’s got me there. "Consider it a massive favor to me. I'll owe you big time—like, do your laundry for a month big time." "Fine, but I have conditions." "Lay 'em on me." "Three months, and not a day longer. He stays the hell out of my way. Absolutely zero noise when I’m trying to study.

He cleans up every single one of his messes. And absolutely, positively, no bringing random women back to my apartment." "Done and done." Kasen swoops her up in a hug, lifting her off her aching feet despite her undignified squawking. "You are officially the best sister on the planet. I'll text him and tell him it's a done deal. He can move in tomorrow." "Tomorrow?!" I wiggle out of his suffocating grip. "I need at least a week to mentally prepare for this kind of torture⁠—" "He's been living out of a damn duffle bag for two weeks, Clover."

"His shift ends at noon tomorrow. I'll text you when he’s on his way." "Kasen! You seriously owe me so freaking big for this." “I know. And hey, Clover? Try not to stab him in his sleep, okay? It’s hard to make new friends and I like this one.” This is a good enemies-to-lovers on her side but for Banks, it's always been, Love/Love. I have to admit that Banks makes a good book boyfriend overall. Clover is a stubborn one, but Banks loves her for it or despite it.

But when they eventually find themselves in a family way she finds out it’s not just about the baby, but why he wants to be a part of their lives. “Clover. It's about you. It's always been about you."

[Serena Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

’Cada elección, cada camino, siempre iba a llevarme de regreso a ti.’






•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.



Unexpectedly Ever After de Heather Ashley Serie The Oops Baby Club libro 1

Argumento:

Reglas de Clover para sobrevivir a tu ardiente compañero de piso:

Regla n.º 1: NO dejes que el ardiente bombero te vea en pijama raído.
Regla n.º 2: Que se quede en tu sofá NO significa que deba estar en tu cama.
Regla n.º 3: Hagas lo que hagas, NO te enamores del mejor amigo de tu hermano.

No fue mi idea dejar que Banks Priestly se quedara en mi casa. Pero cuando tu hermano te hace sentir culpable para que alojes a su mejor amigo después de que se inunde su apartamento, ¿qué puedes hacer? Ahora tengo un bombero tatuado de dos metros invadiendo mi espacio, caminando sin camiseta y, de alguna manera, preparando la taza de café perfecta cada maldita mañana.

Es horrible.

Necesito control en mi vida. Es como sobrevivo. Y tener al Sr. Complejo de Héroe reorganizando mi cocina y dándome esa sonrisa cómplice NO me está ayudando a acercarme a mi plan de cinco años.

Entonces llega la tormenta. El apagón. ¿Y de repente todas esas reglas que hice? Se van por la ventana más rápido de lo que puedes decir "mala decisión". Una noche con él fue suficiente para poner mi vida completamente patas arriba.

Ahora estoy embarazada del bebé de Banks, y él va con todo: comprando una casa, planeando nuestro futuro y negándose a dejar que lo aleje. El hombre literalmente camina sobre el fuego para ganarse la vida, pero convencerme de que puedo confiar en él podría ser su mayor desafío hasta ahora.

El problema es que empiezo a pensar que algunas reglas se hicieron para romperse...

Unexpected Ever After es un romance dulce y apasionado con un héroe bombero apasionado y una heroína tipo A con una obsesión por las plantas.

Tropos:
✓ El mejor amigo del hermano
✓ Proximidad forzada/compañeros de piso
✓ Embarazo sorpresa
✓ Bombero alfa protector
✓ Sensación de pueblo pequeño en una gran ciudad
✓ Sin ruptura en el tercer acto



Mi humilde opinión:

Romance de enemigos a amantes, mejor amigo del hermano, proximidad forzada, embarazo sorpresa.

Clover tuvo un flechazo por el mejor amigo de su hermano cuando era adolescente, Banks, pero su arrogancia y unos dichos aplastaron lo que sentía y creó un escudo contra la fuerte atracción que sentía por él. Cuando su hermano le pide que deje quedarse a Banks con ella en su casa por unos meses hasta que solucione el problema en su casa, al principio ella se niega pero termina aceptando por su hermano y porque no puede pensar en Banks en la calle.

Disfruté la quemadura lenta, los roces, las insinuaciones, las confesiones y como los dos se van conociendo mas profundamente y la noche de tormenta cuando los dos se rinden a lo que sienten y pasan la noche juntos. Sin embargo, me molestó tanto que Clover le mintiera a la mañana siguiente, que todo fue un error y él lo aceptó, en serio?! Por que?! Me hubiera gustado mas sinceridad entre ellos, si querían estar juntos de verdad, al hermano debería entenderlos. La verdad deteste ese momento en que se lastiman tanto y los únicos que complicaban todo eran ellos al esconder sus verdaderos sentimientos. Un mes viviendo juntos con ella evitándolo en negación y él aceptándolo? Me frustraba esa situación, la falta de comunicación y las suposiciones! Menos mal que Banks se canso y decidió remediar las cosas, él quería a Clover y estaba dispuesto a todo por ella. Me gustaba Banks, era un héroe posesivo que estaba obsesionado por la heroína y respetara su independencia, no se echaba atrás cuando ella se ponía difícil y lo empujaba lejos. Cuando Clover averigua que esta embarazada porque, iba a suceder si ninguno de los dos pensó en protección, ella lógicamente enloquece y tarda en decirle a Banks pero cuando finalmente lo hace fue un momento emocional y lindo. Los dos están juntos en algo tan importante como es un bebé y además están lidiando con su relación que aun no formalizan, ni siquiera le han dicho al hermano. Me divertía mucho lo posesivo y celoso que era Banks, la escena con ginecólogo me hizo reír mucho pero también su emoción al escuchar los latidos de su bebé por primera vez me causó ternura. Sin embargo, entendía a Clover, su novio sobreprotector era DEMASIADO a veces! Pero por primera vez los dos parecían estar en la misma pagina y ella estaba a bordo con él con todo el tema del kink del embarazo y tuvieron muchos momentos picantes. Fue un alivio que Kasen no hiciera un gran drama cuando le dijeron que iba a ser tío, de nuevo me tenia que reír y asombrar por todo el despliegue “alphahole” de Kasen y Banks.
Clover y Banks no la tienen fácil con el embarazo pero él, este increíble hombre OTT siempre esta para apoyarla cuando las cosas se poner difíciles y a pesar de quiero todo con ella la deja ir a su ritmo. Aunque Clover se empieza a dar cuenta de que puede contar con en él y pedir ayuda cuando lo necesita y no hacerlo todo sola sigue dudando que esta comprometido con ella y el bebé. Me sacaba de quicio lo testaruda que era Clover y que siguiera poniendo Peros sobre Banks. Él siempre fue extremadamente paciente con ella y le demostró que quería una familia con ella. La escena cuando le muestra la casa que compro para los dos? DESMAYO TOTAL! solo voy decir que el bombero Banks esta en la lista de mis novios de libros.

Tenia que suceder una situación de peligro para que Clover admitiera lo que sentía abiertamente, dejara sus miedos de lado y por fin le dijera a Banks que lo amaba.

Disfruté toda la historia y el final estuvo lleno de emociones, soy fan de un gran grupo de amigos compartiendo la felicidad del otro. Me gustaría ver mas de los personajes secundarios, Brenna, Navy y el doctor Walker Reed eran increíbles y qué pasa con Kasen y Wren?! Se viene un de enemigos a amantes?

Me gustó conocer también el jardín de coctel de Clover, fue un lindo detalle sobre sus amadas plantas.

[Cloudstanloves2read · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very big letdown 😕

⭐️ ⭐️ 2 stars
🌶️ 1/5 spice

I am a huge Heather Ashely fan and was super excited to see she had a new book out. I however was very disappointed. I absolutely love the Emerald Hills books and Dirty Hit, but this was not the book for me. It was missing that darker undertone that I love so much and we get like zero spice? It’s almost like a different author wrote this and wasn’t something I could connect to. I also found a couple of errors, which is unusual.

Not sure if this is the direction the author is headed, but I unfortunately don’t plan to continue this series.

[Mafia Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

She has had a crush on him for years, he is her brother’s best friend, but all he seems to do is tease her. When her brother comes to her and asks for a favor, to let his friend crash on her couch for the next three months while his apartment is fixed, it is the last thing she wants to do. She knows he’s gonna come in and upset her carefully organized world. He has been in love with her almost since he first saw her. But she has been off-limits so he has just quietly watched over her from the sidelines. Suddenly being up close and personal things change and he can’t avoid the feelings that he’s been trying to hide for years. One dark and stormy night everything comes to ahead and they both give in. Try to put it aside as a one night indulgence, until four weeks later, she can’t keep anything down two lines pop up on a little pregnancy test. Now they are forced to everything they’ve been circling for years. This is a great little read. The character development was good with her being strong and sassy and him being a protector, but also with a sensitive side. They were well written and immediately engaged you making immediately invested in the relationship. These two have been mutually pining for each other for years, it is no surprise that their steam is combustible. They both have issues from their past that they guard to protect themselves, but the story is told in a way that lets you and you feel their turmoil. One of the best things about the story is the author didn’t rely on the third act break up trope. She pulled her heart strings and other ways as these two fought for their own happily ever after.

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

[Kate Laycoax · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Quick, Cute, and Everything I Love About Accidental Pregnancy Romances!

Unexpectedly Ever After was such a delightful surprise; it was sweet, steamy, and so much fun to read. I might be in the minority, but I love a well done accidental pregnancy trope, and this one hit all the right notes for me!

Clover and Banks had incredible chemistry right from the start. I loved Clover’s type A energy, her hilarious rules, and the chaos Banks brings into her perfectly organized world. Their dynamic as roommates was just the right amount of tension and slow burn heat, and once the power goes out... whew, things escalate fast in the best way.

Banks was SUCH a standout book boyfriend to me. He was sweet, steady, and protective without being overbearing. He wasn’t just a hot firefighter (though, let’s be real, that didn’t hurt), but he was truly all in from the moment Clover found out she was pregnant. The way he cared for her, supported her, and dove into planning their future made me swoon. Literal hero energy.

I also really appreciated that there was no third act breakup. The emotional depth and conflict came from a real, relatable place (Clover learning to trust and let someone in) and not from unnecessary drama.

If you're into brother’s best friend + forced proximity + surprise pregnancy with a side of cinnamon roll alpha hero and small town coziness in a big city setting, then Unexpectedly Ever After should absolutely be on your TBR!

[Readerofbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another great trope ruined because the author - who can actually write well - is in a rush. She doesn’t give the characters any time to sit with their emotions and insecurities before resolving them. To the point that it’s as good as not writing the scene for how rushed it is. Clover tells Banks she’s pregnant and he doesn’t need to be there. That’s her insecurity making her say something first before being rejected. Great - hit banks in his insecurity - the feeling of not being enough for her. Let him feel the pain, let him internalise it for a bit but stick to his want to do right by her and the child before they have it out and figure out it was an unsaid words misunderstanding. But no - he literally just gets on his knees and says he loves her pretty much not even a second after she tells him he can leave. Where is the angst? Where is the build up? Where is the pain and where are the feels?!! Already she’s made clover a sort of man hating shrew, but fine - maybe that’s just her external persona due to insecurities and trauma - so shouldn’t she show that Clover can be soft too? She can love banks and apologise for being a cow. Alas it’s none of this. Again, there’s nothing fundamentally wrong with the writing per se - it’s the world and emotion building that massively fails.

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Banks and Clover!!!! Banks was so sweet, supportive and protective. Always proving to Clover that she didn’t have to carry the weight of her responsibilities alone anymore. Not to mention the nickname “Freckles.” Like swoon!!!! Clover was smart, independent, and hardworking. Can’t wait for Wren and Kason story!!! Will definitely be reading again.

A little about the story:
Banks is a Protective Alpha Firefighter that has to temporarily move in with his best friend little sister Clover since his apartment got flooded. Clover is a Type-A heroine with a 5 year plan who bartends to save up so she can open her up her own bar. Banks has been in the her for years but has never crossed the line until a thunderstorm hits one night, the power goes out and they get hot and steamy. A few weeks later, those two pink lines appear. Bank then spends the time supporting and proving to her that she’s not an obligation and not he only loves just the baby but her too and wants to be together, while Clover tries to keep him at a distance due to her fears.

Tropes:
🤰 Accidental Pregnancy
✨Brother’s Best Friend
✨Forced Proximity/Roommates
✨No Third Act Break Up

[Leslee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore the brother's best friend trope and Banks and Clover were so sweet! Clover is prickly, all about control and focused on ignoring how Banks makes her feel. He is a player, he would never stick around and he thinks she is just his best friend's annoying little sister. Or is that just the mask he wears around the one woman he wants desperately and cannot have. Clover's brother Kasen asks her for a favor, let Banks sleep on her futon for a few months while his apartment is cleared of mold. Surely, she can put up with him for that long? As soon as he arrives, the walls she had built so long ago start to crack. I don't want to give away anymore, it was just an absolutely lovely, swoon-worthy read! Full disclosure, while this was not as dark as this author's other books but Banks was no less intense when it came to Clover, so hot! Highly recommend you get your hands on the bar manager and the firefighter!

[Sunstarandsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a cute and entertaining read - and my favorite trope - accidental pregnancy!

The biggest draw for me - the MCs were really well crafted. Clover and Banks. She is fiercely independent, capable, a total fighter. He is strong, protective, caring. Of course, there is tension as she bats away his attempts to connect & watch out for her - but there's only so much a girl can hold out with a hot firefighter. I really did enjoy reading his attempts to keep breaking down her walls.

This was a really smooth, easy read - so if you're in the mood for something deeper, more complex - this wouldn't be it. There isn't a ton of emotional drama. They are both feeling their way through it & of course, the unexpected pregnancy speeds things along. Still, they're pretty healthy in their communication so it sort of figures itself out.

Yes, if you're in the mood for a palette cleanser that's pretty straightforward.

[anna-lena · Rating 4 out of 5]

really cute and wholesome! loved this book, just like any heather ashley novels :)
when i got the surprise- email from her, i was so excited hoping it would finally be the news of the release of perfect nightmare- and while i was disappointed that it was not, it was still a great great turn of my day.
imo you can notice some small things- especially in a chapter near the end i was temporarily pretty confused- that indicate she did it all on herself without a lector or anything (which is a great accomplishment!), but that were really minor things and did not take away anything at all from the amazing awesome fantastic very enjoyable read!!!!
i recommend it with my whole heart :))
also the tropes are just damnnnn like daddy who? 🤭
the timeline and everything is very realistic and it's so cute how they manage problems and stuff 🪽🪽

[delusioanal | emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Banks apartment is flooded and his best friend offers up his sister’s apartment. Her agrees knowing that he has been down bad for her since forever. She agrees knowing that his chaotic nature is about to disrupt her very organized life. They live together, fighting the urges to cross any boundaries until one night there’s a storm. A few weeks later she wakes up not feeling too well and a positive pregnancy test.

I am a sucker for an accidental pregnancy book so I was very excited for this book, throughly enjoyed it. Fire fighter hero, brother’s best friend, and forced proximity. The spice was soft good!! Loved the way our man was willing and serious and down-bad from the moment we meet him. While she was the one trying hard to avoid the inevitable. Loved when there was no third act breakup.

Def gonna read the next book soon!! I need her brothers book RN

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was less dark than I'm used to from this author. But the afterword clued me in about the strain she's going through over the state affairs (gurl, right there with you). I've also been having trouble reading my beloved dark books and have been finding solace in low-angst stuff. Banks and Clover were so adorable together and their scenes were scorching hot. Once Clover stopped being stubborn over her independence, everything worked out. I'll admit I was nervous over them telling Kasen about their relationship. Although the story was mostly low drama, I found myself on pins and needles during the ending scene with Banks at the fire scene. Saw the next book being set up for Kasen but I'm most curious about awkward cutie Dr. Reed. Looking forward to his book.

[Lindseyrenee · Rating 3 out of 5]

a quick, good read.

I enjoyed this little accidental pregnancy book. It was fast-paced with characters I ended up really enjoying. Not too much angst to drag things out, some good caretaking with the pregnancy (hg).

Two things to count against it:

1. The MMC starts out as a “I’m rude to her because I enjoy making her mad” guy, which is a GIANT red flag imo. He gets over it pretty quickly, but it was a close call on an early DNF.

2. There is literally ZERO birth control discussion. No testing/STI convo, not even a MENTION of condoms or the pill. Idk how they weren’t TRYING to get pregnant like that. Also no discussion of health insurance, but maybe bar owners in the PNW are especially generous with hourly staff benefits?

[Kristi Lange · Rating 4 out of 5]

more of a 3.5 for me but rounding up!

I’m a sucker for surprise pregnancy, throw in a tattooed firefighter who’s her brother’s best friend and i’m sold. Clover was a bit annoying at times though..she was super independent which isn’t necessarily a bad thing but it took her passing out at work while pregnant to accept help. LOVEDDDD Banks though. That man did anything he could to show Clover that he was in it for the long haul even without a baby on board

-roommates
-brothers best friend
-surprise pregnancy
-firefighter x bartender
-no third act breakup
-he falls first

This could’ve used another round editing. there were paragraphs that repeated them selves almost word for word multiple times.

[lu_betweenthecovers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so glad this was my first book by this author—it was an absolutely delightful debut. I’m a huge fan of stories where characters actually talk to each other and listen to their friends, and this book delivered on that perfectly. There was no frustrating third-act breakup, just two people working through their issues with a little help from their friends.

And a firefighter hero? Yes, please! Banks was the perfect combination of protective and caring, and his chemistry with the strong and resilient Clover was undeniable. The whole "brother's best friend" trope was so much fun, especially with the added layer of them being forced to live together. The way the pregnancy was handled was also a highlight, with Banks being fully on board from day one. I truly loved this book.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is guilted into allowing Banks stay in her apartment after his floods. It starts the path between them one that Clover tries very hard to stay the course of her rules but when mother nature comes calling and throws her well laid plans into chaos, the encounter that ensues results in two pink lines and Clover having to rethink her options. Will Banks convince Clover that he is for real and wants a family with her. Clover and Banks story sizzles and had me all caught up in the narrative.

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

[Kit Wyatt Writes and Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lightning Strikes

Though lighter than her usual fare, this book had everything about a Heather Ashley book that I’ve come to adore: a male main character that’s completely gone on the female main character and not ashamed to admit it and a storyline complete with characters that draw me in and keep me reading page after page. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this one up and it turned out to be a quick, engaging read. Like the author's not at the end of the book, it wasn't dark, had little anxiety inducing scenes and was just a fun, loveable read. Serious, driven bartended allows hot, tattooed, brother's best friend to move in while his apartment is being fixed. The attraction is painfully hard for both to avoid and of course you know where that leads - an oops pregnancy and so much more. Feel good HEA 3.5 to 4 star read.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather had me hooked at the cover and title of this romance book, but OMG the storyline about Banks and Clover has some of the spiciest, hot romance that will have you turning the a/c on high and grabbing a cold glass of ice water to help cool your body temperature down. This is my very first book I have devoured by Heather and man I have been missing out on reading some amazing romance books. Watch out because this is the start of a new series that I am sure is going to be FANTASTIC.

[Ash Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a cute read that brought out all the feels and had a great epilogue! I really liked the overall story, characters, and plot! The timeline was a little weird at times, but it still worked just fine.

It did however have more than a few editing mishaps where an entire sentence was repeated either the exact same way or in a different variation. The first couple times it sorta threw me off, but by the third I just sorta ignored it and kept reading.

[Marcie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was right book/right time for me lol. It hit all the right notes for me and I loved it. Firefighter, brother’s best friend, forced proximity, accidental pregnancy. Yes please. Banks was so absolutely infatuated with her and was all in from the beginning. I felt like her extreme need for order and independence was explained well and I could relate to her. Looking forward to reading more in this series! (The unexpected friendship between the MMC and her doc was fun!)

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75/5
This book was alright. It was a vibe and while I overall enjoyed it I wanted more. There was a lot of backstory that was left out. It almost felt like this was the middle of a series and I hadn’t read the previous books because it would often refer to events or actions people had taken without us having any information about what happened. There is a huge lack of backstory story. It’s more implied than shown that the FMC and MMC care about each other. The big romantic gesture was buying a house without telling his girlfriend???? I liked the idea behind the book but the execution was a mess.