Slightly Unexpected

by Niomie Roland

She’s the mother of the bride. He’s the father of the groom. And their summer fling just turned into forever.

Deanna White doesn’t do impulsive. But for one Greek summer, she let herself break the rules with a man who was never supposed to mean anything.

Now she’s back home. Focused on her business. And pregnant.

Aristides Christakis is a widowed billionaire with a sharp mind and a guarded heart. When he discovers Deanna is carrying his children, everything changes. He wants to be involved. He wants to protect her. He wants to make her his wife.

But there are two their children have no idea about their relationship, and Deanna refuses his marriage offer.

Now Aris must navigate scandal, family secrets, and rising emotions while trying to convince the one woman who shattered his walls to give him a chance at forever.

346 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 20, 2026

About the author

When Niomie Roland isn't dreaming up sexy heroes and feisty heroines, she can be found in her kitchen cooking a concoction for her husband (that she won't eat herself), shopping online or watching YouTube videos.

Reviews

[Dols Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phew! What a ride this was. I wanna start by saying I love that this was a “ mature”😏 couple. The chemistry between the leads was fire. The way Aris showed out for Deanna - (swoon).

The book’s flow and cadence made it an easy read. I read it in one day because I was so engrossed in the story.

SPOILERS…I gotta say I was not impressed, alright I was down right pissed at Tia’s reaction when she found out. The way she treated her mother, nope! And Dee was tooo much of a martyr taking that ish from the kid. But the tension created the drama which turns pages so l’ll allow it.☺️😇.

So the part I didn’t care for, Ari’s’ accent, well not accent per se but he’s speech patterns/ cadence whatever. I understand he’s Greek and he’s English would be accented at best but he was the only one from all three books that sounded like that and I found it distracting after a while. However I will give Ms Niomie kudos for the consistency keeping it up throughout the book.

Highly recommend. READ THIS BOOK.

Arc review

[SteFaNe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book that displayed romance in one's 40s - beautifully. Ms. Roland has the right formula for my reading itch. No excessive inner thoughts by the MMC and FMC. Instead, there was a village that kept it real with solid feedback whether they liked it or not. Absolutely loved that!! I’m one that rather not have an in-depth description down to the smallest details, she shared enough for me to picture it. She kept me engaged in the storyline. I like page-count books no more than 200 pages that can be read in 1 day or no more than two, but this book did not feel like nearly double my page-count and I was able to finish it in 2 days.

Minimum drama, heart-touching situations when characters grow on you, and some good reveals. I'm glad they got their HEA. I cannot wait until the next book in this series.

The couple pics – WOW. ABSOLUTELY loved them. I wish other authors would give us a visual like Ms. Roland did.

*****SPOILER ALERT*************



Dede thought of her current situation as strange/weird. I thought of her first husband's situation as weird. Lived in the same household (though shortly) versus strangers meeting. Further, close to ex-MIL. I could only smh/laugh when hearing her categorize her current situation as such and having fear about others finding out.

[Fern · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really good! I read the prior books (book one about Santo and Tia; book two about Konstantin and Kayla) and I cannot wait for the fourth book which is about Dimitrios and his love. I am a big fan of Greek characters especially Mafia but this one did not show much of that strength and what the family is about. Anyway, Aristides (Aris) and Deanna (Dede) had such a special relationship and there was a bit of comedy in this story (especially when Dede) when to the doctor and was told that she was pregnant and with twins! Her reaction was comical. I was not very fond of the way she behaved towards Aris and I was a little frustrated with her but of course she came around and they became the parents and married couple that they are supposed to be! This was a very good story! I am becoming a big fan of Niomie Roland! Excellent writer!

[LaShunda West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

Enjoyed the novel. Characters were well developed and I loved that the main characters were unapologetically in their 40s. Can’t wait until the next book in the series (I’ve read them all ☺️)

[Victoria Ziglor-smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, truly this story released the memories.

Find this when I was looking for a short story to read. To me short it’s not, but that did not stop me from just waiting to read it. When I started I couldn’t put it down, love the beginning it made me think of myself but especially my older sister. Someone tried to rob my sister when she was in her early twenties, not only did she not cuss the person out, but she told him just stay right there because I have something in my purse that will take care of this shi+. Deanna reminds me of my sister, except my sister is more crazier. I’ve seen a girl come to our house to fight my sister, my sister beat her so bad she wore sunglasses to school the next day. Another person pull a gun on my sister in front of her children, needless to say, my sister snatched the gun from her then beat the girl with it. She was abused as a child as well as following into adulthood. Deanna had 1 parent that she tried to rely on, I don’t know what’s worse, her situation or mine & my sister. We had 2 parent, then they divorce with my dad getting custody a stepmother that made Cinderella stepmother look and act like a nun. Deanna found love through Mama Nettie and later through Aries who was her 2nd marriage. Were in our 60’s finally realizing how broken we are my sister finally found that one true mate after looking 57 yrs and 4 divorced married to a great man for 12 yrs. Myself nothing yet divorced 11 yrs.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought the characters were thought out well and loved the drama that came with them trying to have a relationship and coming out together ,it was really good,fun,interesting read. Loved the whole series.

[Raq Eddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read and story. Love is beautiful and sexy even later in life. Although today being in your forties is still young, thrilling and thriving! Most ladies are having children later in life so this book suits the current climate perfectly.

[Sav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this is my type of story..older folks lol. Deanna and Aristides met and had the time of their lives before learning their kids were engaged. A medical procedure causes the beginning of secrets to be kept. When the secret is revealed..the games really begin. I love how DeDe held her own with her company and Aristides. She didn't back down for NOTHING. Aristides had to realize his manly ways aren't always whats best. Kandi is a friend to have..always. Phoibe and Kevin got what they deserved. The family bonds were EVERYTHING!! Can't wait to see what's next. *this is an ARC Review*

[Evelyn Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advanced Readers Copy

The stories of the Christakis family keep getting better and better. Unbeknownst to Dede and Aris they are the parents of Tia and Chrysantos who are engaged to be married. Dede wasn’t supposed to be in Greece because Tia asked her not to go. However, as a mother bear she couldn’t stay away. Aris saves Dede from a mugging and the romance begins. The story keeps you interested until the very end. Looking forward to reading the final brother’s story.

[Mil P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this couple

I was so excited for this story and it did not disappoint. Aris is a great character. Dede is a great but, at times, frustrating, I wish she would have communicated her feelings more. Tia, on the other hand, was so selfish & bratty- she truly annoyed me in this book.

[Keya · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC Reviewer*
Slightly Unexpected as amazing story of Aris and Dee they were first introduced in Slightly Reckless as the parents of Tia and Santos. I loved slightly unexpected because it’s the best take of an unexpected pregnancy trope and the characters are in their 40s. I feel like we don’t get enough books and romance stories about 40-year-olds. This book is well written, it contains the most beautiful artwork and the spicy scenes are absolutely on point. I love that Dee it’s such a strong woman that isn’t afraid to be vulnerable and concerned about how her adult daughter would react to her, not only being pregnant but being in a relationship. I love Aris he’s so confident, protective and he’s also petty, and I love that he doesn’t play about his woman or his family. As always Niomie has a character that I just want to pack up with Phoibe. As soon as that character was introduced, I didn’t like her and for great reason. Slightly Unexpected it’s such a great read and a fabulous addition to the series and I cannot wait for Dimi’s

[Dominique Barriere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Realistic love

I think of the trilogy I've read so far, I enjoyed Dee and Aris the most. I am an older woman and their story was relatable.