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Unexpected Complication

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He was her shelter in a storm of secrets. She was the spark that set his heart on fire.

Cian Cooper is consumed by a mission of vengeance. Nothing will stop him from seeing it through to completion.
Until a homeless woman stumbles into his world and adds an unexpected complication.
She causes something in him to come alive. For the first time in years, he starts to think about more than revenge, feel emotions he has long locked away.
Caught in a world she doesn’t understand and too afraid to trust, will Skylar realize Cian is more than she believed him to be?
Or will his world destroy them both before they find the happiness they deserve?

Author’s Note: If you love suspenseful romance, enemies-to-lovers heat, and a brooding antihero who falls hard for the one woman he can’t protect from himself, Unexpected Complication is your next obsession—grab it now before Skylar disappears again.

374 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2025

66 people are currently reading
140 people want to read

About the author

Melanie Moreland

77 books5,490 followers
Welcome Romance Readers!
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A bit about me:
NYT/WSJ/USAT International bestselling author Melanie Moreland, lives a happy and content life in a quiet area of Ontario with her beloved husband of lots of lovely years and their rescue cat, Amber. Nothing means more to her than her friends and family, and she cherishes every moment spent with them.
While seriously addicted to coffee, and highly challenged with all things computer-related and technical, she relishes baking, cooking, and trying new recipes for people to sample. She loves to throw dinner parties, and also enjoys travelling, but finds coming home is always the best part of any trip.
Melanie loves stories, especially paired with a good wine, and enjoys skydiving (free falling over a fleck of dust) extreme snowboarding (falling down stairs) and piloting her own helicopter (tripping over her own feet.) She's learned happily ever-afters, even bumpy ones, are all in how you tell the story. 

Melanie is represented by Flavia Viotti at Bookcase Literary Agency. For any questions regarding subsidiary or translation rights please contact her at flavia@bookcaseagency.com

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
3,068 reviews25.3k followers
November 6, 2025
Unexpected Complication by Melanie Moreland was first released as a shorter free download. Then later, an expanded version was released in Amazon. I waited for the final version and it was worth the wait. This is a stand alone, romantic suspense with a strong, snarky heroine and a hero that never saw her coming.



Cian Cooper is working undercover to avenge the death of his father and take down a criminal whose spider web of darkness runs deep. On a particular night in a dirty warehouse when everything has to go exactly as planned, he saw her, hiding in a cave of cardboard boxes in the corner, and his world was forever changed.

Skylar has been homeless for about six months. All she wanted was to get warm, have a dry place to try to sleep, when she is awakened by voices. After seeing something she wished she hadn’t, Cian takes her to his home in the country where she is kept against her will. He claims it’s to keep her safe but from what? All she wants is to get as far away from him as possible. Not only for her own safety but also for the safety of her heart. Because the longer she is there, the more she is starting to feel something that scares her more than anything else.



For the first time in a long time, Cian has a new purpose other than revenge, Skylar’s safety. If only he could convince her that he is not the enemy! Does Skylar even dare to hope that Cian is telling the truth and that when this is over, there is hope for them? For a life she never dared to hope for?

First of all, Skylar was feisty! She was constantly thinking and planning! Rather than getting angry, Cian respected her for her ingenuity! Well, he got pretty frustrated too! This all came to a pretty intense head and of course, Melanie Moreland gives us a beautiful look at their lives later in her epilogues. This is a pretty quick read, or maybe I just breezed through it since I didn’t want to put it down.

Profile Image for Claudia, Cmarie927.
2,081 reviews41 followers
July 31, 2025
The pages turned quickly as the drama in this story unfolded.
Skylar was in the wrong place and saw the wrong thing. Her sass and grit were not going to be a help to her now.

Cian is a brooding Alpha guy, who isn't exactly what he seems to be. The chemistry between these two is very addictive. I enjoyed the twists and turns in their relationship journey, and it kept me entertained.

I recommend this read and others in this author's catalog.
I received an ARC (thank you) and voluntarily leave my review.
Profile Image for Books, Booze & Bon Voyage (Krista Webster) .
1,114 reviews35 followers
August 3, 2025
Unexpected Complication by Melanie Moreland was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I loved the enemies to lovers, slow burn relationship between Cian and Skylar. It’s not often the FMC grabs my attention but Skylar was an unexpected delight and stole the show. The story moves at a great pace with so much going on. There’s a good mix of funny and sad, suspense and action.

Skylar might have been in the wrong place at the wrong time but it set off a series of events that has the most wonderful consequences for both of them.

“She was an unexpected complication, but I don’t regret her. “

Cian was offered the opportunity to bring to justice a dangerous and ruthless criminal. He and his partner Sean, have personal reasons for agreeing to go undercover but Cian never expected it to turn out the way it does.

Skylar is just about surviving living on the streets. One night to escape the snow she discovers an abandoned warehouse and hides amongst some boxes to sleep. Angry voices wake her up and she witnesses a terrifying event. Unfortunately the gunman has realised she’s there and grabs her. Positive he’s going to kill her, she reacts by being sassy and sarky to him.

Cian is so captivated by the brave and feisty young woman who talks back to him that he decides to take her with them. He’s amused how defiant she is and is confused by his need to protect her. He is trying to keep her safe from the people who know what she saw but who will keep her safe from him?

She’s mischievous, smart and inventive, so quick with her come backs. She doesn’t trust him and his whispers of being safe don’t convince her. She hates that she’s attracted to him because he’s a criminal and murderer so can’t trust him or fall for him but some of his actions make her question if he really is as bad as he portrays.

Their banter and interactions are hilarious. I loved all her ingenious escape attempts, the name calling and the scene with the sandwiches. They fight all the time and wind each other up to Sean’s amusement. She’s made life interesting for them even if some of her actions give them more problems. She may be the death of him rather than his job !!

The truth is finally revealed when an event back fires on them all. Their backstories are sad, they have both battled with grief and readjusting to the changes in their lives. For Cian it fuelled his vengeance and for Skylar she had to learn to survive.

After two years undercover, Sean loves seeing the change in Cian but worries if his feelings for her are going to get in the way of their mission. What Cian is having to do is really starting to get to him but she’s his light in all the darkness. Will they get the future they have both started dreaming about?

The twists and turns are clever and nothing is as it seems. Interesting revelations as we learn more about all the characters, even the baddies! The ending is fantastic as all their hard work comes to fruition. Not everything goes to plan and you do start to wonder who will survive but help comes in some surprising ways. As usual the author gives us a wonderful epilogue to bring the story to a conclusion. It was lovely seeing everyone concerned happy and safe.
Profile Image for World Of Books 65.
3,269 reviews61 followers
August 4, 2025
If you’re looking for a romance to obsess over—one packed with danger, intensity, and a brooding alpha brought to his knees by one fierce, unexpected woman—then Unexpected Complication is your next must-read.

Melanie Moreland does it again, delivering a masterclass in storytelling with this dark, gripping secret-identity, enemies-to-lovers romance. This is the slow burn you feel in your chest—where every page is laced with tension, danger, and undeniable chemistry.

Cian is a man on a mission—deadly focused and living a life in the shadows. What he didn’t count on was Skylar: a spitfire of a woman, homeless but unbreakable, who crashes into his world and refuses to be ignored. She’s everything he didn’t see coming—and exactly what he needs. Protecting her becomes his priority, but Skylar isn’t a damsel in distress. She’s sharp, fearless, and a perfect match for the powerful force that is Cian.

Their connection doesn’t just simmer—it ignites. Watching them clash, connect, and fight for each other while danger closes in is nothing short of thrilling. Moreland weaves a slow burn with high stakes, raw emotion, and characters who are impossible not to root for.

This book is dark, romantic perfection—and an easy 5-star read. Buckle up. Cian and Skylar’s story is a wild, unforgettable ride.
Profile Image for BookAddict.
2,091 reviews210 followers
July 26, 2025
From the very first page this story latched on to my throat, and then my heart, and didn’t let go. A man consumed by vengeance shouldn’t be appealing, but I couldn’t help but fall for Cian Cooper. Except everything about Cian isn’t as it seems, and we soon find there's far, far more to this man than is evident at first glance.

Skylar's life recently hasn’t been easy, and being on the streets of the big city at night, she's nothing more than prey. Desperate to find a warm place for the night, she stumbles into an abandon warehouse. But while trying to calm her breathing and settle her heart, she realizes she's not alone.

Now that the fragile wisp of a woman has witnessed Cian acting as judge, jury, and executioner, he has a choice to make. He's never taken an innocent life, and he doesn’t plan to start with Skylar. He’ll just have to find a creative way to deal with this unexpected complication.

This story! It's convolute and complicated, and so multilayered I had no idea what to expect as I devoured it quickly. Not only a compelling element of drama and suspense, but the blooming relationship between Cian and Skylar was a thing to behold! So full of rich, ripe emotion, I was spellbound by every word. I couldn’t wait to find out how things would resolve, yet I never wanted it to end.

There's enough wrong about this one that you might feel guilty for feeling that it's perfectly right, which only serves to heighten the emotional impact. Shocking and gritty but tender and beautiful, this epic love story is the kind we all dream of, and it will be one of your very best reads this year!
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,902 reviews213 followers
August 6, 2025


Universal



Cian's on a mission - one he's been intently focused on with no distractions. Then a feisty spitfire of a woman is in the wrong place at the wrong time. Now she's messing with his mind, his focus, and has him distracted. Every time he leaves the house, his mind is split in two directions - with her and with his mission of vengeance. If he's not careful, that distraction just might kill them both.



Skylar's been down on her luck when her life takes an even worse turn. She witnessed something she shouldn't have, and now a man, an intense man has her cooped up in this house, and she's wondering how she'll ever escape. But does she really want to escape? Something about her captor has her seeing beneath his scary facade and into his heart. She just might want that heart, even after everything she's been through with him.



Cian and Skylar are fire together. She's feisty, sassy, and smart. Cian's so taken by her, but is completely confused why he's so attracted by her defiant mouth and the way she keeps talking back to him. His protective instincts flare up at the most inconvenient time and keep him thinking about her even when he's only supposed to be worried about taking down the man who killed his father. Suspense and delicious chemistry weave seamlessly with a couple who shouldn't work on paper, but stood no chance of not falling hard for each other. I'm not sure if there's more to come in this world (Sean!) but I sure hope so.



ARC provided by the author for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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Profile Image for Rebmay.
2,858 reviews52 followers
August 2, 2025
Cian and Skylar are my new favourite fictional couple! Talk about heat and steam….these two could melt a mountain of ice in minutes! It wasn’t that way at first, with her terrified of what he is going to do to her after she witnesses his role in what she thinks is a crime. Even scared spitless, she puts up a fight, sasses him and uses her very ingenious and innovative mind to try to escape Cian and Sean not once, but several times. Skylar has snark down to an art, never gives up or backs down, and always seems to be two steps ahead or plotting something. Like Cian, she has endured so much loss, but even being forced onto the streets, she hasn’t lost her sass or her will to survive. She certainly keeps Cian and his uncle on their toes.

With his late father in mind, Cian has devoted his life to vengeance and has taken on a role in his enemy’s world, a very corrupt and cutthroat world, in order to take him down and shut down his criminal empire. He never expected to meet the petite spitfire that is Skylar, or to feel this primal need to keep her safe and to claim her. The claiming part he buries, refusing to admit the magnetic attraction between him and Skylar, or the possible feelings that simmer inside of him. He admires her spunk, her ingenuity, her strength of will and her even her sass. Her attempts to escape amuse him until they put her in danger, then he finally reveals secrets that show her a different side of him and give her glimpse of what might be between them when he completes his quest for vengeance. Their story is angsty, surprising funny at times, and includes plenty of danger, intrigue and suspense. Neither of Cian nor Skylar are willing to give up on each other or the dream they soon share of a future together, far removed from their current situation. These two are meant to be together, and they are going to fight to achieve it.

I highly recommend this exceptional book.
Profile Image for Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads.
2,299 reviews20 followers
July 24, 2025
The moment I started reading this book, it grabbed me and didn’t let go. “Unexpected Complication” is an action packed, heartfelt and banter filled romantic suspense that was another amazing story from Melanie Moreland.

Skylar had been living on the streets ever since her Dad passed away and she lost her job. She had thought she had found a safe and warm place for night in a warehouse but ended up seeing something she shouldn’t. And that person notices her and takes her with him. Cian Cooper isn’t who he appears to be on the outside because he is looking for vengeance. But Skylar refuses to believe any of it because she’s afraid to trust anyone. But as the two spend time together, it’s clear that there could be something between them.

This story starts off fast and keeps going throughout the whole story. Skylar is someone that I connected with right away and I admitted her independence and her need to survive on the streets. She’s smart, feisty and has a good head on her shoulders. Cian is made to be the bad guy in the beginning but once we get to know him, it’s clear he’s one of the good ones. His past had an unfortunate event and I loved his need for vengeance. He zeroed in on Skylar right away and also broke down the walls she had around herself. Skylar and Cian had fantastic banter which had me laughing more than once as they went at it. The nickname “Kitten” for her and his (which I can’t type out) was hilarious and fit each other well. I was totally onboard with Cian as he worked on his vengeance and couldn’t stop reading because I had to know what was going to happen. The twists and turns were great and had me guessing on what was going to happen. The ending was perfect for them and I loved Skyler and Cian’s story.
Profile Image for lowkeyreader.
5,585 reviews51 followers
August 15, 2025
Unexpected Complication delivers an engrossing blend of suspense, slow-burn romance, and emotional healing. Cian Cooper, driven by vengeance and shaped by a tragic past, is set on a dangerous undercover mission—until Skylar, a quick-witted homeless woman, stumbles into his life and disrupts his cold focus. Their encounter sparks a fierce enemies-to-lovers journey, filled with tension, hilarious banter, and plenty of “touch her and die” protective energy.

Skylar shines as the story’s heart, surprising both Cian and the reader with her resilience, sass, and ingenuity. The banter between these two is both funny and poignant, and Skylar’s escape attempts and clever comebacks keep the pace lively. Cian’s gradual shift from ruthless and detached to deeply protective and caring is satisfying to watch, as is his growth beyond vengeance.

Moreland layers in suspense, action, and twisty reveals, making for a thrilling ride with clever plot turns and moments of genuine vulnerability. Both leads have battle scars to overcome, and their struggle toward trust and hope is moving. The supporting cast—especially Cian’s partner Sean—adds warmth and comic relief.

While some dramatic moments feel a touch over-the-top and the darkness can linger, the story’s ultimate message of love, healing, and redemption is well worth the journey. The final epilogue offers a lovely, hopeful conclusion.

Perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers romance with suspenseful, emotional depth and complex, fiercely loyal characters, Unexpected Complication is an addictive read from start to finish.
Profile Image for PP's Bookshelf.
2,813 reviews401 followers
August 3, 2025
Cian was on revenge mode and then Skylar stumbled into his path during one of his missions. An "Unexpected Complication" became love of their lifetimes. This romantic suspense from Melanie Moreland brings adrenaline filled plot, swoon worthy emotions and complex characters. It will keep you bound to the pages with the twists, the feels and the chemistry.

Cian is a magnetic hero. His life has been a story of loss and grief that transformed into anger and vengeance at any cost. He is on a dangerous path and a complicated mission to take down a very cunning and ruthless criminal. He has to become a part of the dark world as an assassin to uncover the secrets and weaknesses. It has been chipping away at his soul. Skylar was homeless after a cruel series of misfortunes and she accidentally witnessed one of Cian's action and he had to take her with him forcefully to save her. But Skylar doesn't know his truth so she is scared and agitated and she wants to escape.

She is a fierce heroine. I love how sassy and resilient she is under extreme pressure. She keeps on fighting and Cian had to work hard to earn her trust. Their banter was everything. Slowly Cian fell for the woman who changes his way of thinking about life. So did Skylar. She was living on nothing and this gorgeous alpha is trying to save her and give her the warmth. She also fell for him slowly and obviously was afraid of his risky missions. It was full of twists, turns and upsets before they could have their HEA. I loved the suspense part and how Skylar became a part of their success.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Profile Image for Just.agirl.and.herbooks.
169 reviews3 followers
August 1, 2025
Unexpected Complication
Melanie Moreland
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶


This is a slightly darker book by Melanie Moreland, but not to worry, it still has plenty of banter, suspense, all the swoon and devotion, and completely loved filled moments throughout it.

Skylar and Cian are just fantastic couples, and from the very first interaction between them, even though it is VERY tense, the banter is just off the chart!  I absolutely loved these two and didn't want to put the book down.
  
Skylar's is a very strong, independent, and stubborn woman, and she keeps Chian on his toes the whole time they are together. Cian is just as stubborn, but he brings all the swoony and over the top protective vibes, and he makes it his priority to keep skylar safe even if she fights him at every turn while doing it.  He never knows what to expect from her. 

These two go through a very emotional journey and through they don't get along at first (for very good reasons) they grow to understand each other and learn about what the other has gone through that has lead them to this moment and through all that they find a love that has been built on so many things that you just know they were meant to be together.

Melanie Moreland has written another fantastic book. This is a definite must-read, and I can say that with it, you will get plenty of banter, lots of suspense, some very emotional talks , and all the swoony and tension filled moments.
Profile Image for Kelchickbooklover.
2,081 reviews67 followers
August 2, 2025
If I could, I would give this book an infinite number of stars. Ms. Moreland's ability to write a story woven with suspense, danger and romance. Her storylines and characters pull you in, and before you know it, you are so intrigued by what is happening and what is going to happen that you have finished the book in one sitting.
We are given two people who are different yet have similarities in their pasts. Skylar, a woman who had no choice but to live on the streets, and Cian, a man living a life of intrigue and mystery. Skylar is a sassy and feisty woman who holds nothing back. Cian has some secrets that make things complicated; things are not as they seem. His demeanor is that of a man who is possessive and protective. When she was in the wrong place at the wrong time, her life changed, but is it for the better or worse? Being forced to live with Cian causes her to be scared but stubborn and mouthy at the same time. Cian is at his wit's end with her but there is something about her that has him drawn to her. They both fight the attraction that develops and when they decide not to fight it, a full-blown blaze starts.
The banter that flows between them had me laughing and thoroughly enjoying how they put one another in place. Was their banter a form of foreplay or was it fueled by anger?

Profile Image for Cassi B.
312 reviews19 followers
August 10, 2025
“Fuck’s sake, Sean. Can you imagine her with PMS? God, this better be over before we have to deal with that. I’m not sure either of us would survive.”

✨💣✨💣✨💣

💣Enemies to Lovers
✨Touch Her and D!e
💣Secret Identity
✨Forced Proximity
💣Hurt/Comfort
✨Obsessive, Reluctant Hero
💣Dark. Emotional. Addictive.

✨💣✨💣✨💣

This was previously available via Prolific Works, but is available wider now & has so much extra content! Do skip on getting the full version! I read this in a single sitting & could not put it down!!

I can't and won't say too much as it will give away so many things. I'll say that their growth & progression is something to behold. Despite being a scared kitten, as he likes to call her, she is fierce and resourceful...even if her MacGyver tactics don't always pan out. Their snark and banter are well matched, and I loved them sparring. Sean's support was freaking amazing as well. I feel like he needs his own story. :)

Do not expect a meet cute between Skyler & Cian. Their first meeting is anything but as she is a homeless young woman who chose to shelter in the wrong place in winter. Cian is chasing the ghosts that haunt his past, and she's simply fighting to stay alive.
Profile Image for M L.
525 reviews16 followers
August 3, 2025
I absolutely loved this story!! It was very different and I enjoyed the suspense and intrigue. Skylar just needed a break….and somewhere warm. She never expected to end up making her makeshift house at a crime scene. And to make it worse, the killer was not going to let her go. Try as she might, she never understood how he could tell her she was safe with him. For some reason she knew he spoke the truth, but she kept trying to get away from him. One night, after she drugs him and his partner, it doesn’t take long for her to figure out he really did tell her the truth.

Cian was a man on a mission. He wanted to right a wrong and make someone pay for killing his father. So, with his uncle’s help, he became a person he hated so he could take down an evil man. He had nothing to lose, until he stumbled across Skylar one night. She was his one thing in life he quickly realized he had to have.

With Cian living a double life, he realizes he has to come clean to Skylar for her own safety. Will she understand? When both of their lives are on the line, can Cian find a way out from his deception?

Amazing story!!

351 reviews8 followers
August 3, 2025
Overall: 4

First my usual points:

- I do not do spoilers unless warned.
- If you’re looking at books, I assume you can read - read the summary above; it will tell you what the book is about. I will not reiterate.

Book:

POV/narrative: 1st person H viewpoint (with an occasional of the h's viewpoint)
SA/ cliffhanger: standalone (as of now)
Ingredients:

writing quality: 5
ease of reading: 5
plot: 4
steam: 4

Notes / opinion:

Another great visit into the morally grey world. Cian and Skylar are a great pair - one full of secrets; the other a bit of a spitfire, who keeps the secretive one on his toes. Grabs you from the starts and hangs on til the end.

I rate this book as “Adult” to include:– (Note: rating description below borrowed from another site)
• May contain profanity (or words considered crude)
• May contain passionate and extended kissing
• May contain one or more onscreen semi-detailed or detailed love scenes
• May also contain non page but descriptive intimacy scenes
• May contain graphic descriptions of nudity and/or body
• May contain drug, alcohol or tobacco use
Profile Image for Shipra Arora.
205 reviews8 followers
October 18, 2025
Unexpected Complications, is a captivating romance that takes an unconventional turn. The story centers on Cian, a ruthless mafia enforcer, and Skyler, a homeless girl who witnesses one of his murders. In a surprising twist, instead of eliminating the witness, Cian decides to keep her, taking her to his safe house and providing for her. The review highlights the remarkable character development, noting that while Cian initially appears to be a cold-hearted criminal, his true nature is revealed through his caring actions towards Skyler, whom he affectionately calls "Kitten." The reviewer praises the depth of the characters, explaining that Cian's tough exterior is a result of a troubled past and that Skyler becomes his "unexpected complication," inspiring him to create a future for himself, a concept he had previously dismissed. The reviewer highly recommends the book, emphasizing Melanie Moreland's talent for crafting beautiful names and emotionally rich stories that challenge conventional romantic tropes.

Well just can't tell you how much i am head over heels in love with cian ... you can't blame me
.
.
Blame @morelandmelanie mam for writting him in this way
Profile Image for AJ's Book ReMarks.
1,591 reviews41 followers
July 28, 2025
"Unexpected Complication" by Melanie Moreland is a high-stakes suspense novel that will keep you turning the page.

The story follows a young homeless woman named Skylar who becomes an unwitting witness to a murder in an abandoned warehouse. Tony Malone, an enforcer, takes action by eliminating a traitor in Valenti's organization. He quickly removes Skylar from the scene, and a cleanup crew is dispatched to dispose of the body. As the plot unfolds, the stakes rise, creating a sense of urgency for the reader to uncover the truth, while Skylar attempts to escape captivity.

Cian Cooper has grown up consumed by a desire for vengeance to reveal his father's killer. To achieve this, he becomes an undercover detective, infiltrating the organization responsible for his father's death. Cian adopts the persona of Tony Malone, an infamous Irish executioner, in his quest to bring down Orson Valenti and his criminal organization. However, he was expecting to fall for the witness he's trying to protect. " Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when we practice to deceive."



Profile Image for Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan).
1,432 reviews32 followers
July 30, 2025
𝐔𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 by Melanie Moreland is a riveting enemies to lovers, romantic suspense story featuring Cian, an antihero on a revenge mission, and Skylar, the homeless girl in the wrong place at the wrong time! I couldn’t put this one down, as the action unfolded, and I began to realize that maybe everything isn’t as it seems! I loved the twists and turns, the forbidden chemistry, the nicknames, and the underlying emotions! Skylar was fantastic! Her strength and ingenuity had me totally in her fan club, and then her sass and sharp wit made me the President of it!😆 The MacGyver references took me back to one of my favorite shows of my childhood! Cian was so fun to peel back layers on… Criminal? Morally gray? He was a broody and protective enigma that I couldn’t get enough of! I just loved them! The bond between Cian and Sean was priceless, as well. This was such a great story! The epilogue was the perfect icing on a compelling cake as well!

I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for ReadonReader.
2,651 reviews6 followers
August 5, 2025
The title is very fitting for the situation that Cian finds himself in with Skylar, his new captive. After seeing things, she shouldn’t have Skylar is taken by Cian and knows he is the worse kind of person that could ever exist. She wants to escape his clutches and yet at the same time she feels safe with him and after living on the streets for a while that is unusual for her. Cian feels a need to protect her and there’s more to it; there is this feeling he can’t quite describe more than attraction. After all the attempts from Skylar to escape, she truly is like a MacGyver, these two form a bond after the truth is out and now the danger is even more real. I enjoyed this read and even though Skylar's escape attmepts were entertaining, she even said herself she had nothing to live for and if he was going to end her to go ahead and do it, but if that's the case why try to escape to nothing? I don't know it was a tad frustraing at times but for the most part it was funny because of how it entertained Cian.
Profile Image for Nicole.
1,843 reviews38 followers
August 8, 2025
I went into this book blind and by the second chapter I was thoroughly hooked on this story. One of the things I most enjoyed was that while this is a dual POV, there's more from Cian (the MMC's) view than Skylar (our plucky heroine). The chemistry between these two is apparent right from the start, although neither is exactly in a position to explore a relationship, but hey, the heart and soul wants who it wants, obstacles be damned lol. Both Cian's and Skylar's back stories are tragic, and my heart really broke for Skylar's story because I was in a similar position when I was younger. There were a couple of twists that took me by surprise but definitely enhanced the overall story. Having read enough books throughout my life, I was able to predict one aspect of the story, but that didn't detract from my enjoyment, especially when there was one part of what didn't happen was fully explained, and then it made all the sense. Loved the epilogue and how the story wrapped up.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
August 11, 2025
All Skylar wanted was a safe place to spend the night only to find out it was anything but. After seeing something she shouldn’t she finds herself abducted and being held against her will even if the conditions are far more amenable than she is used to. She is determined to escape her captors however she is about to find out that not all is as it seems.

Cian has an assignment to fulfill, and he isn’t about to let anyone, or anything stand in his way and that includes the fiery woman who doesn’t back down. His attempt to protect her by keepings her with him has unexpected consequences when he can’t hold but be intrigued by her ingenuity and the more time he spends with her the more time he wants to spend with her.

The interactions between Cian and Skylar are entertaining as she challenges him at every turn. As the story unfolds the suspense escalates and I enjoyed seeing Cian and Skylar open their hearts to the life they could have together.
Profile Image for Amy Reierson.
1,366 reviews18 followers
August 3, 2025
So good, when the title says unexpected complication it wasn't kidding. That however isn't the only thing you can expect, you can expect:

☠️Danger
🦸🏻‍♂️Strong Hero
🏃🏻‍♀️Stronger Heroine
🔐Secret Identity
⚰️Death/Grieving
👨‍👨‍👧‍👦Found Family
🎲 Learning Trust
😂Humor

Cian is chasing ghosts and Skylar well she is in danger of becoming one.
When they meet under the worst of circumstances everything changes for the right reasons, they just have to be able to make it through this journey to discover what those reasons are.
The growth and change for both characters is also part of their slow burn budding relationship, filled with laughter, banter, broken dishes, board games, candy, and escapes. Even if you read the novella free version you really don't want to miss this extended version, it is wonderful.
I have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog).
2,312 reviews20 followers
August 5, 2025
Okay, let's try this again. A funny thing happened—my review was deleted before I could save it. Have you ever written the perfect review, only for it to disappear? So frustrating. Cian Cooper is working to take out the bad guys, but he's a bad guy himself. Skylar never thought she’d be on the streets trying to survive, but here she is, actually trying. When she chooses to hide and stay warm for the night in a warehouse, she never expected her life to change. After witnessing a murder, she thought nothing else could be that bad, but then the gunman found her. And instead of killing her, he takes her. Cian doesn't know what it is with this woman, but he's in protective mode and will try to prove he will protect her at all costs. What I love about Skylar is that her survival instincts always kick in, and it's a bit hilarious. But when someone comes after them, can he save her?
Profile Image for Donna Smith.
1,275 reviews12 followers
August 2, 2025
Cian and Skylar. Wow! Wow! Wow! I was not expecting this. I fell into this story so fast and didn’t want to climb out. Cian was amazing. His goal at the beginning was very narrow. He had a plan and he was sticking to it. Until Skylar was in the right place at the wrong time. Skylar is a heroine I want to be besties with. She is alone but keeps working toward something better. She’s not sure what but it can’t be any worse.
I loved how this developed. Cian did not anticipate Skylar and that puts a huge kink in his plans. She was the best thing that ever happened to him. He just needs to have a plan for her too. I loved all the characters in this as well. Their story will stick with me for a long time.
Profile Image for Jessi.
773 reviews24 followers
August 2, 2025
This book was so fast paced and completely unputdownable! I was on the edge of my seat from page one. Skylar and Cian may start out in an unconventional way, but they fall so hard for one another. They really saved each other.

There's so much I want to say about these characters, but I dont want to spoil anything! Cian has so many secrets that will keep you reading until you finish. He's intense with an amazing heart. I really loved his uncle, Sean, too! He added a lot to this story. Skylar was just barely surviving living on the streets homeless. I loved her snark and backbone. The banter between her and Cian was perfection!

This story had high stakes, tender moments, lots of action, and a nail biting ending. I loved every minute of it!

ARC review.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,250 reviews219 followers
August 5, 2025
5 Star Review Unexpected Complications by Melanie Moreland

I couldn’t wait to read Cian Cooper and Skylar’s romantic suspense, enemies to lovers story.

Cian is a man set on revenge until Skylar enters his life and he realises that there could be more.

When Skylar inadvertently is in the wrong place at the wrong time Cian has no choice but to take the homeless woman with him to protect her.

There is so much more to Cian than he allows the world and himself to see and I loved how despite her circumstances Skylar is feisty and sassy, determined not to give up.

I really enjoy romantic suspense stories and this is a good example of the genre.

However, will Cian’s life destroy Skylar or can they find lasting happiness?

One click and find out.




Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,580 reviews134 followers
August 2, 2025
Unexpected Complications is Skylar and Cian’s romantic, suspense, enemies to lovers story. It’s a well written, entertaining and engaging story that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Skylar is a homeless woman who finds herself at the wrong place at the wrong time when she comes across Cian who is on a mission for revenge. From the moment they meet sparks fly and not in a good way but as the story unfolds so do Cian’s layers and we get to see the real man…….
This book drew me in and there were plenty of twists and turns I didn’t see coming but it’s was a broody, protective hero that stole my heart. A great read with wonderful characters.
Profile Image for Carol Seymour.
828 reviews5 followers
August 15, 2025
I think my new favorite color is Canadian Morally Gray!
Melanie Moreland brings us two new characters who will take your breath away - literally.
Skylar is on the run. She has lost everything and she now must sleep in cold, abandoned buildings fearful of every sound.
Cian is on a vengeful path that leads him to the very building that Skylar has found shelter in.
What does this mean for the man who wields the proverbial sword? Does she live to see another day or does he snuff her out to cover his trail and exact the revenge he is seeking?
Melanie sure loves to keep us guessing and keep us on the edge of our seats.
Profile Image for FunUndertheCovers.
1,830 reviews44 followers
August 15, 2025
I think my new favorite color is Canadian Morally Gray!
Melanie Moreland brings us two new characters who will take your breath away - literally.
Skylar is on the run. She has lost everything and she now must sleep in cold, abandoned buildings fearful of every sound.
Cian is on a vengeful path that leads him to the very building that Skylar has found shelter in.
What does this mean for the man who wields the proverbial sword? Does she live to see another day or does he snuff her out to cover his trail and exact the revenge he is seeking?
Melanie sure loves to keep us guessing and keep us on the edge of our seats.
Review by C. Seymour - blogger
Profile Image for Quinn Fforde.
3,312 reviews15 followers
July 27, 2025
This story is very intense. The action starts right away, and Skylar is fighting for her life with everything she has. But we get both POVs, so we know a few things that Skylar doesn't. It takes a while for the whole story to come out, and in the meantime Skylar pulls all the surprises she can. It is very funny. But there are dark elements hanging over these characters, and all of that has to be resolved. That resolution is heart-poundingly exciting. Because this is the extended version, we also get a lovely epilogue that warmed my heart.
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