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Unlikely Dilemmas #2
Una Pareja Improbable (Dilemas Improbables nº 2)
¿Qué sucede cuando te quedas en medio de la nada junto a tu enemigo político?
Lo de acabar perdido en un sitio gélido y desolado con mi archienemigo no entraba en mi lista de tareas del día y, sin embargo, es precisamente lo que ha sucedido.
Harry Matheson, mi rival político, siempre ha sido zalamero, arrogante y presuntuoso. Ni siquiera me extraña que tras sufrir un accidente aéreo no se le haya movido ni uno solo de esos pelos que lleva tan impecables.
Pero que no cunda el pánico. El piloto ya ha ido a pedir ayuda; nuestro rescate es inminente.
Unas cuantas horas glaciales después…
Mmm… Quizás esto no vaya tan bien como creía. Al parecer, el piloto forma parte de un grupo terrorista internacional cuyo objetivo es secuestrarnos.
A Harry y a mí no nos queda más remedio que escapar adentrándonos en el bosque… ¡juntos!
Por desgracia, ser expertos en debates políticos y procedimientos parlamentarios no nos ha preparado para otras cuestiones esenciales como encontrar comida, conservar el calor corporal y evitar la fauna local. Todo ello mientras jugamos al escondite con terroristas armados.
La única forma de sobrevivir es uniendo fuerzas.
El problema está en que la línea que divide el odio del amor empieza a difuminarse, y lo último que necesito es acabar enamorándome de mi enemigo.
Un romance de enemies to lovers donde dos rivales deberán explorar tanto la selva de la política como la de sus propios corazones.
Lo de acabar perdido en un sitio gélido y desolado con mi archienemigo no entraba en mi lista de tareas del día y, sin embargo, es precisamente lo que ha sucedido.
Harry Matheson, mi rival político, siempre ha sido zalamero, arrogante y presuntuoso. Ni siquiera me extraña que tras sufrir un accidente aéreo no se le haya movido ni uno solo de esos pelos que lleva tan impecables.
Pero que no cunda el pánico. El piloto ya ha ido a pedir ayuda; nuestro rescate es inminente.
Unas cuantas horas glaciales después…
Mmm… Quizás esto no vaya tan bien como creía. Al parecer, el piloto forma parte de un grupo terrorista internacional cuyo objetivo es secuestrarnos.
A Harry y a mí no nos queda más remedio que escapar adentrándonos en el bosque… ¡juntos!
Por desgracia, ser expertos en debates políticos y procedimientos parlamentarios no nos ha preparado para otras cuestiones esenciales como encontrar comida, conservar el calor corporal y evitar la fauna local. Todo ello mientras jugamos al escondite con terroristas armados.
La única forma de sobrevivir es uniendo fuerzas.
El problema está en que la línea que divide el odio del amor empieza a difuminarse, y lo último que necesito es acabar enamorándome de mi enemigo.
Un romance de enemies to lovers donde dos rivales deberán explorar tanto la selva de la política como la de sus propios corazones.
487 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 7, 2024
571 people are currently reading
4099 people want to read
About the author
Jax Calder
29 books1,072 followersJax's stories are all about light-hearted conversations and deeply-felt connections. She loves exploring exactly why two characters are the only ones who’ll make the other truly happy, and the journey they take to reach their happily-ever-after.
Jax lives in New Zealand and is a rabid sports fan, a hiking enthusiast and has a slightly unhealthy addiction to nature documentaries. As an extrovert who spends way too much time in her own head, she loves to connect with readers. To read her exclusive novella Being Set Up, sign up to her newsletter: https://jaxcalder.com/newsletter-sign.... You can also join her Facebook group Jax's Crew (www.facebook.com/groups/jaxcaldercrew) for bonus stories plus exclusive excerpts from her upcoming books.
Jax lives in New Zealand and is a rabid sports fan, a hiking enthusiast and has a slightly unhealthy addiction to nature documentaries. As an extrovert who spends way too much time in her own head, she loves to connect with readers. To read her exclusive novella Being Set Up, sign up to her newsletter: https://jaxcalder.com/newsletter-sign.... You can also join her Facebook group Jax's Crew (www.facebook.com/groups/jaxcaldercrew) for bonus stories plus exclusive excerpts from her upcoming books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 647 reviews
December 24, 2025
As with the first book in the series, I didn't expect to enjoy this as much as I did. I didn't even plan to read it, because I'm not into survival and/or terrorist stories. They just stress me out. But I met the MCs in the previous book and I was curious.
Many things that happen in this story are completely unrealistic and convenient, which actually totally worked for me and I had so much fun reading about Toby and Harry. I loved their initial animosity, the banter, and how slowly it changed to mutual respect and then something more. I loved them both, especially Harry after learning more about him. And the way he talks? Love it. 🥰 The romance part was wonderful and so swoony at times, if we ignore the hygiene situation in the wilderness. 😅
The only thing I wasn't happy about is the ending, or rather how the things were resolved. I wasn't a fan of that in the first book, either.
******
Re-read 12/2025 via audiobook. Another great narration by Gary Furlong.
Many things that happen in this story are completely unrealistic and convenient, which actually totally worked for me and I had so much fun reading about Toby and Harry. I loved their initial animosity, the banter, and how slowly it changed to mutual respect and then something more. I loved them both, especially Harry after learning more about him. And the way he talks? Love it. 🥰 The romance part was wonderful and so swoony at times, if we ignore the hygiene situation in the wilderness. 😅
The only thing I wasn't happy about is the ending, or rather how the things were resolved. I wasn't a fan of that in the first book, either.
******
Re-read 12/2025 via audiobook. Another great narration by Gary Furlong.
August 11, 2024
~4.5~
Just as good as the first book, The Unlikely Pair is all that and a bag of chips:
- Enemies-to-lover
- Opposites attract
- Political intrigue
- Danger, survival, and the call of the wild
- Cozy Finnish cabin
- Witty banter
- Slow burn, followed by fiery passion
- HEA for Toby and Harry, but the "mystery" aspect of the plot (who was behind the men's kidnapping?) won't be resolved until book 3 (can't wait!)
What I loved most about this book is the complex and believable way Harry and Toby move from pure animosity to tolerance to grudging respect to lovers to a necessity as essential as breathing.
One of the story's takeaways is that while we can agree to disagree about the tax code or infrastructure funding or the best way to cook an egg, there should be no disagreements about the fundamental right of all people to be their true selves, live free from oppression, and love whom they choose to love.
That's not politics. That's morals. Someone's very existence should never be up for debate.
But big spoon vs. little spoon? Now, that's debatable.
Just as good as the first book, The Unlikely Pair is all that and a bag of chips:
- Enemies-to-lover
- Opposites attract
- Political intrigue
- Danger, survival, and the call of the wild
- Cozy Finnish cabin
- Witty banter
- Slow burn, followed by fiery passion
- HEA for Toby and Harry, but the "mystery" aspect of the plot (who was behind the men's kidnapping?) won't be resolved until book 3 (can't wait!)
What I loved most about this book is the complex and believable way Harry and Toby move from pure animosity to tolerance to grudging respect to lovers to a necessity as essential as breathing.
One of the story's takeaways is that while we can agree to disagree about the tax code or infrastructure funding or the best way to cook an egg, there should be no disagreements about the fundamental right of all people to be their true selves, live free from oppression, and love whom they choose to love.
That's not politics. That's morals. Someone's very existence should never be up for debate.
But big spoon vs. little spoon? Now, that's debatable.
"I am decidedly a big spoon," Harry says firmly.
"Well then, I'm an ice cream scoop."
"You're a what?"
"An ice cream scoop. Big enough to envelop all spoons of any size."
"I'm an inch taller than you, Toby."
"Ah, but my ice cream scoop persona is more about my personality than my size."
"Fine, if you're an ice cream scoop, I'm a soup ladle."
"Actually, I think you're more of a salad fork."
"Exactly how am I a salad fork?"
"Formal, rarely needed, and incredibly pretentious."
August 5, 2024
⭐️ 5 stars ⭐️
𖠰 What could be worse than being hunted by terrorists in the wilderness with your annoying rival? Falling in love with him. 𖠰
I think I loved Toby and Harry’s story more than book one.
The lines between love and hate getting blurred, anger turning into passion, living each moment as if it’s your last. And snuggling to conserve body warmth? Yes please, to all of the above.
Jax Calder turned up the heat in this installment, and I for one am loving it. [Even though I am definitely not experiencing a Scandinavian winter at the moment, but rather a melting Italian summer, give me all the heat. Burn me up, baby.]
Their story was not only filled with heat and banter, but also some heart-clenching action moments. And each life-risking moment just brought them closer together.
I loved the little acts of care between them, how even if they ‘hated’ each other, they still trusted each other, protected each other, saved each other.
And the love declaration was low key epic. Not gonna lie, I got emotional there for a sec.
I can’t wait for the next installment, because I’m a sucker for a good bodyguard romance.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Enemies/political rivals to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Homophobia (off page)
- Mentions of past physical abuse
- Mentions of parental death/grief (off page)
- Snuggling to keep warm
- Adultery (not between MCs)
- Vers MCs
« Instead of fuck buddies, do fuck enemies exist? »
𖠰 What could be worse than being hunted by terrorists in the wilderness with your annoying rival? Falling in love with him. 𖠰
I think I loved Toby and Harry’s story more than book one.
The lines between love and hate getting blurred, anger turning into passion, living each moment as if it’s your last. And snuggling to conserve body warmth? Yes please, to all of the above.
Jax Calder turned up the heat in this installment, and I for one am loving it. [Even though I am definitely not experiencing a Scandinavian winter at the moment, but rather a melting Italian summer, give me all the heat. Burn me up, baby.]
|| Toby and I didn’t merely fall in love. We fell into a profound, unfathomable love, the kind of love where your souls mesh together and trying to separate them will permanently wound you. ||
Their story was not only filled with heat and banter, but also some heart-clenching action moments. And each life-risking moment just brought them closer together.
I loved the little acts of care between them, how even if they ‘hated’ each other, they still trusted each other, protected each other, saved each other.
And the love declaration was low key epic. Not gonna lie, I got emotional there for a sec.
I can’t wait for the next installment, because I’m a sucker for a good bodyguard romance.
“We handled a sprint through the Scandinavian wilderness. I’m fairly certain we can handle anything together.”
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Enemies/political rivals to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Homophobia (off page)
- Mentions of past physical abuse
- Mentions of parental death/grief (off page)
- Snuggling to keep warm
- Adultery (not between MCs)
- Vers MCs
August 10, 2024
2,75 stars.
2 stars for the first part in the wilderness and some overall-issues I had, and 4 stars for the last part.
A few thoughts...
Both MCs were in their late thirties, but they acted/talked like twenty-somethings.
Harry's wife being aromantic and asexual didn't feel like genuine ace-rep, more like a convenient prop for 95% of the book. Not good.
I guess the first book in the series maxed out my ability to switch my brain off, when faced with OTT/impossible plot decisions.. You'd think an author who writes a novel about 2 men surviving in the scandinavian wilderness would do some basic research, or think things through, because:
-soaked-through trousers can't dry in a few hours simply because they are put near a self build fire, when the sun alone is too weak to dry them, and it's chilly outside. Twice a day no less. Even the heavy coat was nearly dry!
-the first 3-4 days they ate each one granola bar a day, then the following days they started fishing, and between them they ate for several days 3 fish a day.. and had "their stomachs full"... grown man, walking all day long, several days in a row, in the woods. Yeah, no way.
-bleeding blisters can't heal over night so you can put on shoes and walk for hours the next day, just because they're left for a few hours to dry.. unless you're a wolf shifter, but the MCs in this book weren't wolf shifters (might have solved them some problems, though, lol).
Talk about OTT:
-a 15 year old animosity because of legitimate contradictory political believes just melts away.
-while hiding from helicopters/men with machine guns hunting them, the MCs get aroused because they're forced in close proximity for the first time?
-the survival kit held miraculosly everything they needed at the moment. I was waiting for the moment they would find condoms and lube in there..
-when they started quoting holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel and Martin Luther King while building a fire, I may have damaged my eyes rolling them..
It's a shame, really.. had the author not decided to take at every plot-decision-point the most exagerated turn, this would have been better in my opinion.
I DID enjoy the last 25% a lot, though. That part was lovely.
(but.. why didn't we get any satisfactory explanation who had been behind the assassination attempt?)
2 stars for the first part in the wilderness and some overall-issues I had, and 4 stars for the last part.
A few thoughts...
Both MCs were in their late thirties, but they acted/talked like twenty-somethings.
Harry's wife being aromantic and asexual didn't feel like genuine ace-rep, more like a convenient prop for 95% of the book. Not good.
I guess the first book in the series maxed out my ability to switch my brain off, when faced with OTT/impossible plot decisions.. You'd think an author who writes a novel about 2 men surviving in the scandinavian wilderness would do some basic research, or think things through, because:
-soaked-through trousers can't dry in a few hours simply because they are put near a self build fire, when the sun alone is too weak to dry them, and it's chilly outside. Twice a day no less. Even the heavy coat was nearly dry!
-the first 3-4 days they ate each one granola bar a day, then the following days they started fishing, and between them they ate for several days 3 fish a day.. and had "their stomachs full"... grown man, walking all day long, several days in a row, in the woods. Yeah, no way.
-bleeding blisters can't heal over night so you can put on shoes and walk for hours the next day, just because they're left for a few hours to dry.. unless you're a wolf shifter, but the MCs in this book weren't wolf shifters (might have solved them some problems, though, lol).
Talk about OTT:
-a 15 year old animosity because of legitimate contradictory political believes just melts away.
-while hiding from helicopters/men with machine guns hunting them, the MCs get aroused because they're forced in close proximity for the first time?
-the survival kit held miraculosly everything they needed at the moment. I was waiting for the moment they would find condoms and lube in there..
-when they started quoting holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel and Martin Luther King while building a fire, I may have damaged my eyes rolling them..
It's a shame, really.. had the author not decided to take at every plot-decision-point the most exagerated turn, this would have been better in my opinion.
I DID enjoy the last 25% a lot, though. That part was lovely.
(but.. why didn't we get any satisfactory explanation who had been behind the assassination attempt?)
August 7, 2024
I absolutely adored this! After reading The Royal Heir I think this setting, mostly in the Scandinavian wilderness, was a nice change. Most of the book is Toby and Harry trying to survive and having to rely on each other when they are political enemies and certainly not fond of each other. Their relationship grows out of necessity but their feelings grow from so much more. It was so sweet watching these two stripped down so that they couldn’t hide from each other.
There is so much pining in this too and it stressed me out! I really appreciate the way the author writes a complete story and doesn’t rush anything. We need to see these men after their rescue to understand what is on the line. I was very invested in the political conundrum which really surprised me since I hate politics in my books.
I loved the way Toby and Harry argued, it was done with respect and didn’t stop even after they fell for each other. These are two nature men who are professionals but also understand that they will not see eye to eye on everything. I wish more people were like this in real life.
I am super excited that we get Nicholas next year! I really was hoping he’d get a story plus we get a continuation of a part of this book that isn’t finished yet.
**I received an ARC for review
*All thoughts and opinions are my own
There is so much pining in this too and it stressed me out! I really appreciate the way the author writes a complete story and doesn’t rush anything. We need to see these men after their rescue to understand what is on the line. I was very invested in the political conundrum which really surprised me since I hate politics in my books.
I loved the way Toby and Harry argued, it was done with respect and didn’t stop even after they fell for each other. These are two nature men who are professionals but also understand that they will not see eye to eye on everything. I wish more people were like this in real life.
I am super excited that we get Nicholas next year! I really was hoping he’d get a story plus we get a continuation of a part of this book that isn’t finished yet.
**I received an ARC for review
*All thoughts and opinions are my own
September 22, 2025
NGL, the first time I read this book, I thought they spent a lot of time stranded in the Scandinavian wilderness, and I couldn’t see how they were going to escape/ be rescued. But this time around, I didn’t feel that way and really liked their survival adventures.
Then I figured that their being in this forced proximity situation actually made for good character development, as we were able to get to know who the real Toby and Harry were besides their political personas. While being forced to rely on each other for literal life-or-death situations, this stubborn pair managed to pass from determined antagonistic rivals to wholesome lovers slowly.
Honestly, the little acts of service they did for each other all the time were so thoughtful and a delight to read, I could have read a hundred pages more of them just playing house.
After they were inevitably brought back to civilization, I was as afraid and sad as Toby, as I couldn’t see a way forward for them. I was glad when Harry decided not to make the same mistake as his dad and brought their HEA to life.
So yeah, I enjoyed this book and it made me miss The Unlikely Heir and now I can’t wait to read the next one and finally find out the reason behind the conspiracy of the kidnapping.
Then I figured that their being in this forced proximity situation actually made for good character development, as we were able to get to know who the real Toby and Harry were besides their political personas. While being forced to rely on each other for literal life-or-death situations, this stubborn pair managed to pass from determined antagonistic rivals to wholesome lovers slowly.
Honestly, the little acts of service they did for each other all the time were so thoughtful and a delight to read, I could have read a hundred pages more of them just playing house.
After they were inevitably brought back to civilization, I was as afraid and sad as Toby, as I couldn’t see a way forward for them. I was glad when Harry decided not to make the same mistake as his dad and brought their HEA to life.
So yeah, I enjoyed this book and it made me miss The Unlikely Heir and now I can’t wait to read the next one and finally find out the reason behind the conspiracy of the kidnapping.
August 7, 2024
Absolutely wonderful!
I freaking loved this.
I've been excited for Harry and Toby's book since the first time I read the blurb of this: enemies-to-lovers, opposites-attract, forced-proximity? THAT'S MY JAM. And after finishing this, I can wholeheartedly say that it didn't disappoint; at all.
This second book in Jax Calder's "Unlikely Dilemmas" series was a fantastic, heart-stopping romp of a book: it had all my favourite tropes, the two protagonists had an unbelievably scorching chemistry (and their banter was damn entertaining! That slow build-up from hate to reluctant allies to soulmates was FIRE), and the setting was damned fabulous. I love a good ol' "stranded in the wilderness together" trope (ft. "I hate you so much, but I also need you like air"), and this book was absolutely packed with all the delicious moments you'd expect from that kind of setting: huddling for warmth, saving each other's lives, us-against-the-world (PLUS: now-I-can't-be-without-you), all the action you can wish for, plus a whole lot of hate sex that slowly morphs into love and pining? UGH, I was hooked.
Both MCs are lovely protagonists. I admit, I had to suspend by disbelief for the duration of the book (I wouldn't trust a politician with a cactus, especially considering the absolute shameful political landscape of the world at the moment), plus the patriotic drivel and the "you can love someone despite their beliefs" were a smidge too much for me (hence, my suspended disbelief), but yeah, once I re-framed this universe as a sort of utopia Great Britain, I managed to love them both to bits. Harry (the Tory, HA!) was my favourite out of the two, because I found him more interesting in the sense that he's full of contradictions, and I love a messy, closeted disaster gay with a complex past and a truckload of ambitions. Toby was lovely as well, and I loved their dynamic to bits. Their romance was fantastic, packed with tension, hate-to-love, pining, and the forbidden aspect was the cherry on the top of an already delicious cake.
I also LOVED how slow-burn their dynamic felt: I loved seeing them slowly trust each other and I loved seeing them open up about their past and their families. Each of them becoming the most important person for the other was absolutely priceless: it's one of the reasons why I love forced-proximity romances so much, and I can only thank Jax Calder for delivering.
I loved the ending SO SO MUCH. It was iconic and I was damn proud of these two complicated, lovable, bickering men. I loved this book, and I can't wait for book three.
Thank you GRR for the ARC.
I freaking loved this.
I've been excited for Harry and Toby's book since the first time I read the blurb of this: enemies-to-lovers, opposites-attract, forced-proximity? THAT'S MY JAM. And after finishing this, I can wholeheartedly say that it didn't disappoint; at all.
This second book in Jax Calder's "Unlikely Dilemmas" series was a fantastic, heart-stopping romp of a book: it had all my favourite tropes, the two protagonists had an unbelievably scorching chemistry (and their banter was damn entertaining! That slow build-up from hate to reluctant allies to soulmates was FIRE), and the setting was damned fabulous. I love a good ol' "stranded in the wilderness together" trope (ft. "I hate you so much, but I also need you like air"), and this book was absolutely packed with all the delicious moments you'd expect from that kind of setting: huddling for warmth, saving each other's lives, us-against-the-world (PLUS: now-I-can't-be-without-you), all the action you can wish for, plus a whole lot of hate sex that slowly morphs into love and pining? UGH, I was hooked.
Both MCs are lovely protagonists. I admit, I had to suspend by disbelief for the duration of the book (I wouldn't trust a politician with a cactus, especially considering the absolute shameful political landscape of the world at the moment), plus the patriotic drivel and the "you can love someone despite their beliefs" were a smidge too much for me (hence, my suspended disbelief), but yeah, once I re-framed this universe as a sort of utopia Great Britain, I managed to love them both to bits. Harry (the Tory, HA!) was my favourite out of the two, because I found him more interesting in the sense that he's full of contradictions, and I love a messy, closeted disaster gay with a complex past and a truckload of ambitions. Toby was lovely as well, and I loved their dynamic to bits. Their romance was fantastic, packed with tension, hate-to-love, pining, and the forbidden aspect was the cherry on the top of an already delicious cake.
I also LOVED how slow-burn their dynamic felt: I loved seeing them slowly trust each other and I loved seeing them open up about their past and their families. Each of them becoming the most important person for the other was absolutely priceless: it's one of the reasons why I love forced-proximity romances so much, and I can only thank Jax Calder for delivering.
I loved the ending SO SO MUCH. It was iconic and I was damn proud of these two complicated, lovable, bickering men. I loved this book, and I can't wait for book three.
Thank you GRR for the ARC.
August 18, 2024
So much fun, despite the sometimes ridiculous and unrealistic plot!
The book is all over my goodreads feed right now, so I’ll keep it short.
Synopsis: 2 political rivals crash with their plane somewhere in the Finnish wilderness, only to discover that they’re being hunted by some mysterious terrorists who want to kill them. It’s a bit like Castaway or Seven Days, Seven Nights, only that it’s a lot colder.
To start with the ridiculous parts: yes, I agree with those of you who pointed out the inconsistencies in their outdoor survival woes, but I decided to ignore them and enjoy the ride. I’d never start questioning Indiana Jones either, and that’s the frame of mind you need to be into to fully enjoy it.
I loved the banter, and all the Britishness when it comes to politics. And I cheered when Harry gave THE SPEECH at the parliament.
Side note: isn’t it lovely when a book gets you so invested that you get involved as if it’s real life?
The story around Harry’s marriage was awfully convenient though, so I can’t make myself rate it with more than 4 stars - still, it’s a lot of fun. Escapism at its best, and I really wish we have more politicians like these two, because a lot of the scheming around them hits close to home (how it doesn’t matter what policies or principles you have, as long as you feed the social media outrage to stay relevant).
Absolutely recommend it - can be read as standalone, but I’d recommend reading The Unlikely Heir first.
The book is all over my goodreads feed right now, so I’ll keep it short.
Synopsis: 2 political rivals crash with their plane somewhere in the Finnish wilderness, only to discover that they’re being hunted by some mysterious terrorists who want to kill them. It’s a bit like Castaway or Seven Days, Seven Nights, only that it’s a lot colder.
To start with the ridiculous parts: yes, I agree with those of you who pointed out the inconsistencies in their outdoor survival woes, but I decided to ignore them and enjoy the ride. I’d never start questioning Indiana Jones either, and that’s the frame of mind you need to be into to fully enjoy it.
I loved the banter, and all the Britishness when it comes to politics. And I cheered when Harry gave THE SPEECH at the parliament.
Side note: isn’t it lovely when a book gets you so invested that you get involved as if it’s real life?
The story around Harry’s marriage was awfully convenient though, so I can’t make myself rate it with more than 4 stars - still, it’s a lot of fun. Escapism at its best, and I really wish we have more politicians like these two, because a lot of the scheming around them hits close to home (how it doesn’t matter what policies or principles you have, as long as you feed the social media outrage to stay relevant).
Absolutely recommend it - can be read as standalone, but I’d recommend reading The Unlikely Heir first.
August 2, 2024
The Unlikely Pair is a fun enemies-to-lovers stranded romance between political opposites Harry and Toby. These two are put in a challenging situation when their plane crashes and they both realize they are stuck with their enemies. This story is a thrilling ride that left me surprised, concerned, and curious about how these two would work together and try to survive when they both cannot stand one another.
I was pleasantly surprised at the direction of the story and its intensity. Toby and Harry go on a complicated journey that is filled with heartwarming and nerve-racking moments. Their electric chemistry and ability to protect one another at all costs is the driving force of this fantastic story that I could not get enough of.
I look forward to reading the next entry in this series.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
I was pleasantly surprised at the direction of the story and its intensity. Toby and Harry go on a complicated journey that is filled with heartwarming and nerve-racking moments. Their electric chemistry and ability to protect one another at all costs is the driving force of this fantastic story that I could not get enough of.
I look forward to reading the next entry in this series.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
August 19, 2024
Oh what fun this was!
Did you have to suspend your belief in reality a bit? Well yeah sure, I mean, who would have some kind of sex drive when you’re hungry, cold and petrified? Who would want to go near tongues or genitalia after not showering or brushing your teeth for days on end? Not me, that’s for damn sure 😂
But I also didn’t care one bit about some of the unrealistic elements of the story, I just had too much fun reading. The snaaaaark, my friends, that was some top tier SNARK AND BANTER that had me giggling out loud throughout the book. I simply adored the two MCs and their endless bickering and political discourse, as well as their tender, soft, understanding words and touches.
I was thoroughly invested in their adventure in the Scandinavian wilderness and their slowly and convincingly developing feelings for each other. And the ending was just… *chefs kiss*. So wholesome, full of all the big feels and some plot twists I didn’t see coming at all.
This whole story just goes to show, that we are much more than our differences, that we’re all just humans, who’re trying to survive in this complicated world, who want to love and be loved. And who deserve the room, respect and rights to do just that. That if we could see the human and humanity in our opponent, the world would be a better place. And that kind of is a beautiful message (obvs there are a few exceptions of humans who are LITERAL EVIL PSYCHOPATHS especially in politics 🙄).
4,5⭐️ and I CAN’T WAIT for the next instalment of the series - seriously who was behind the kidnapping?! I need to know!
Did you have to suspend your belief in reality a bit? Well yeah sure, I mean, who would have some kind of sex drive when you’re hungry, cold and petrified? Who would want to go near tongues or genitalia after not showering or brushing your teeth for days on end? Not me, that’s for damn sure 😂
But I also didn’t care one bit about some of the unrealistic elements of the story, I just had too much fun reading. The snaaaaark, my friends, that was some top tier SNARK AND BANTER that had me giggling out loud throughout the book. I simply adored the two MCs and their endless bickering and political discourse, as well as their tender, soft, understanding words and touches.
I was thoroughly invested in their adventure in the Scandinavian wilderness and their slowly and convincingly developing feelings for each other. And the ending was just… *chefs kiss*. So wholesome, full of all the big feels and some plot twists I didn’t see coming at all.
This whole story just goes to show, that we are much more than our differences, that we’re all just humans, who’re trying to survive in this complicated world, who want to love and be loved. And who deserve the room, respect and rights to do just that. That if we could see the human and humanity in our opponent, the world would be a better place. And that kind of is a beautiful message (obvs there are a few exceptions of humans who are LITERAL EVIL PSYCHOPATHS especially in politics 🙄).
4,5⭐️ and I CAN’T WAIT for the next instalment of the series - seriously who was behind the kidnapping?! I need to know!
October 19, 2024
4.5 Stars
It’s been awhile since I’ve found a decent contender in my favourite survival trope, but the fact that it was enemies to lovers too. Well, suffice to say, I loved it and will definitely be re-reading. I especially loved Harry!!! His declaration at the end had me all misty eyed. The epilogue hilarious!
Because I am in love with a man. And my love for him will never be wrong
It’s been awhile since I’ve found a decent contender in my favourite survival trope, but the fact that it was enemies to lovers too. Well, suffice to say, I loved it and will definitely be re-reading. I especially loved Harry!!! His declaration at the end had me all misty eyed. The epilogue hilarious!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2024
✰ 2.5 stars ✰
“It doesn’t have to be perfect, Harry,” he whispers.
It’s already perfect because it’s with you.”
One would argue that my low rating is simply for the sake of being contrary. I assure you, it's not. It's perhaps the execution not meeting my expectations that left me - not with a disappointed feeling, but a disgruntled one. 😕 As in, the enemies to lovers vibe lasted only a few moments into the unfortunate circumstances in which they found themselves suddenly forced into, when out of the necessity of proximity has them forget their nearly fifteen years of enmity to feed off their desires for each other.
“Is my survival instinct stronger than my hatred of Harry? It’s going to be a difficult test.”
For when Harry and Toby do find themselves in this state of crisis, I did not expect them to so quickly forgo all the ill will harbored over so much of their expansive years of their careers - over their difference of opinions and principles, parties' proposals of oppositions, etc, only to set sight on their lingering attraction for each other to make the best of what they had. Even if setting aside their differences in order to survive is the mature thing to do, I wanted more of the enmity to play out BEFORE they leapt into the friendzone and then into bed with each other. 😒 Burying the hatchet because of romantic inclinations for each other did not really work well for me, let alone that the terrorist plot really played a very little plot in the overall danger.
There's only so much suspension of disbelief I can allow myself to excuse the fact of how convenient most of their time in the wilderness was. I think I was prepared for more action - hiding for their lives - outsmarting the enemies that had forced them into this position, rather than them cozying up in a cabin that provided them with all the comforts that made them NOT want to leave! 🙄 That easy way out makes the suspense and need for survival outweigh the slight moments when they were able to protect and care for each other. I wanted more of them overcoming their animosity to work together to find a way out; not just settle down and not even attempt a rescue.
“We need this to ground us, to anchor us in the present moment, to keep the fear and uncertainty at bay, even if only for a little while.”
The writing - ah, I feel really bad saying this - but it was really bland and kinda boring. The beginning was so slow, the middle felt a bit like it dragged, and the ending brought a little life to it, but it was a struggle. I'm not gonna lie, it was not as engaging, rather it felt a bit predictable and stale and ... There was a certain detached feeling to the writing that I had. 🙍🏻♀️ I could see that it was working really hard to convince me of their attraction, working to tell me about their chemistry rather than show it to me.
I felt zero chemistry or spark of intensity between the two that could even wager the abrupt shift of desire that spun between them. Even the steam lacked heat! Politics and I also don't get along, so details into the English parliament would have my eyes glazing over, which they were. Their banter lacked energy; I was told the air was crackling with tension, numerous times, but I never felt that zing light up. 🫤
But, was the need to stress so much on how they only were in it for sex during their time away was only to assert that when they were rescued, it would not be the only basis of their relationship? That their attraction was steeped with more feelings beyond that of physical intimacy, simply that of necessity. And did it have to be centered so much on it? 🥺
“I realize it’s not the natural disasters I’m most worried about surviving this winter. It’s the disaster that is potentially going to happen to my heart.”
If that was the case, I wish I could have believed in those fleeting glimpses of when they were just themselves. I wish I could have their relationship develop into a more intimate and personal one that did not rely on just the physical connection. I mean, I would have liked to have more insight into Harry's feelings about how he was suddenly with a man like Toby. We never really got to see thoughts fleshed out. 😕
And the lack of conversation of what if they were lost forever was never touched upon, never attempted once to even try to attempt a rescue on their own, never once a discussion to set up safety parameter even if it was to make it through the winter - just felt so light-hearted, despite the circumstances in which they were in. just too many sensible incongruities that made me harder to sit back and be content with them playing house. 😮💨
A few positives I'd like to mention to save me from feeling like a Grinch; but it feels like the more I read, the more critical and attentive I get to what makes sense and what works.
The angsty ending upon their return - the sway of emotion that reality was sinking its claws into how they truly felt. The revelation to hatred was purposeful - and well-played out, despite me feeling that forgiveness was granted too easily. The fear of judgment for one's feelings for the other - the war of want existing between them was palpable. 👌🏻 There were a few moments of endearments that were sweet. It's not like Harry and Toby were bad characters either; they both had lived their share of traumatic pasts of parental impact that shaped their personalities and lifestyles. ❤️🩹 I liked seeing Oliver and Callum again and enjoying their marital bliss, an enviable happiness that both Harry and Toby yearned for. Oliver was a steadfast and loyal friend; it's a shame not ever their royal connections were enough to send out a rescue mission.
I have enjoyed Jax Calder's books in the past, but it pains me to say that The Unlikely Pair has to be the least appealing one for me. 😞 Why I felt so troubled by the way it played out is confusing, but the fact that I was unable to feel much for their relationship also means that some vital part was missing to make it truly worth my while. 💔💔
“It doesn’t have to be perfect, Harry,” he whispers.
It’s already perfect because it’s with you.”
One would argue that my low rating is simply for the sake of being contrary. I assure you, it's not. It's perhaps the execution not meeting my expectations that left me - not with a disappointed feeling, but a disgruntled one. 😕 As in, the enemies to lovers vibe lasted only a few moments into the unfortunate circumstances in which they found themselves suddenly forced into, when out of the necessity of proximity has them forget their nearly fifteen years of enmity to feed off their desires for each other.
“Is my survival instinct stronger than my hatred of Harry? It’s going to be a difficult test.”
For when Harry and Toby do find themselves in this state of crisis, I did not expect them to so quickly forgo all the ill will harbored over so much of their expansive years of their careers - over their difference of opinions and principles, parties' proposals of oppositions, etc, only to set sight on their lingering attraction for each other to make the best of what they had. Even if setting aside their differences in order to survive is the mature thing to do, I wanted more of the enmity to play out BEFORE they leapt into the friendzone and then into bed with each other. 😒 Burying the hatchet because of romantic inclinations for each other did not really work well for me, let alone that the terrorist plot really played a very little plot in the overall danger.
There's only so much suspension of disbelief I can allow myself to excuse the fact of how convenient most of their time in the wilderness was. I think I was prepared for more action - hiding for their lives - outsmarting the enemies that had forced them into this position, rather than them cozying up in a cabin that provided them with all the comforts that made them NOT want to leave! 🙄 That easy way out makes the suspense and need for survival outweigh the slight moments when they were able to protect and care for each other. I wanted more of them overcoming their animosity to work together to find a way out; not just settle down and not even attempt a rescue.
“We need this to ground us, to anchor us in the present moment, to keep the fear and uncertainty at bay, even if only for a little while.”
The writing - ah, I feel really bad saying this - but it was really bland and kinda boring. The beginning was so slow, the middle felt a bit like it dragged, and the ending brought a little life to it, but it was a struggle. I'm not gonna lie, it was not as engaging, rather it felt a bit predictable and stale and ... There was a certain detached feeling to the writing that I had. 🙍🏻♀️ I could see that it was working really hard to convince me of their attraction, working to tell me about their chemistry rather than show it to me.
I felt zero chemistry or spark of intensity between the two that could even wager the abrupt shift of desire that spun between them. Even the steam lacked heat! Politics and I also don't get along, so details into the English parliament would have my eyes glazing over, which they were. Their banter lacked energy; I was told the air was crackling with tension, numerous times, but I never felt that zing light up. 🫤
But, was the need to stress so much on how they only were in it for sex during their time away was only to assert that when they were rescued, it would not be the only basis of their relationship? That their attraction was steeped with more feelings beyond that of physical intimacy, simply that of necessity. And did it have to be centered so much on it? 🥺
“I realize it’s not the natural disasters I’m most worried about surviving this winter. It’s the disaster that is potentially going to happen to my heart.”
If that was the case, I wish I could have believed in those fleeting glimpses of when they were just themselves. I wish I could have their relationship develop into a more intimate and personal one that did not rely on just the physical connection. I mean, I would have liked to have more insight into Harry's feelings about how he was suddenly with a man like Toby. We never really got to see thoughts fleshed out. 😕
And the lack of conversation of what if they were lost forever was never touched upon, never attempted once to even try to attempt a rescue on their own, never once a discussion to set up safety parameter even if it was to make it through the winter - just felt so light-hearted, despite the circumstances in which they were in. just too many sensible incongruities that made me harder to sit back and be content with them playing house. 😮💨
A few positives I'd like to mention to save me from feeling like a Grinch; but it feels like the more I read, the more critical and attentive I get to what makes sense and what works.
The angsty ending upon their return - the sway of emotion that reality was sinking its claws into how they truly felt. The revelation to hatred was purposeful - and well-played out, despite me feeling that forgiveness was granted too easily. The fear of judgment for one's feelings for the other - the war of want existing between them was palpable. 👌🏻 There were a few moments of endearments that were sweet. It's not like Harry and Toby were bad characters either; they both had lived their share of traumatic pasts of parental impact that shaped their personalities and lifestyles. ❤️🩹 I liked seeing Oliver and Callum again and enjoying their marital bliss, an enviable happiness that both Harry and Toby yearned for. Oliver was a steadfast and loyal friend; it's a shame not ever their royal connections were enough to send out a rescue mission.
I have enjoyed Jax Calder's books in the past, but it pains me to say that The Unlikely Pair has to be the least appealing one for me. 😞 Why I felt so troubled by the way it played out is confusing, but the fact that I was unable to feel much for their relationship also means that some vital part was missing to make it truly worth my while. 💔💔
August 12, 2024
4.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s been so long since I’ve read a book where immediately after finishing, I want to pick it up and read it all over again. To say I loved this would be an understatement. This executed two of my favorite tropes so very well: enemies-to-lovers and close proximity.
The story follows 39 yr old Labour MP, Toby, who is stuck in the wilderness trying to survive with someone he absolutely loathes. 39 yr old Harry, who is leader of the Conservative party (aka the Tories), is thrust into a life threatening, and life altering, experience trying to stay alive with Toby, a man who frustrates him beyond belief. DISCLAIMER: Look I’m just a greasy American who does not have a strong grasp on UK politics, but I feel like a lot of liberties were taken to make this story believable 😆 Honestly my ignorance of the UK political system allowed me to fully suspend belief and enjoy this story. Had this been set in America I probably wouldn’t have touched this book with a 10 foot pole because there is no scenario in which I’d buy a romance between a democrat and republican, but I digress… 😌
I’m going to get into MAJOR spoilers, so if you don’t want to be spoiled I’d stop reading now if I were you ✋🏼
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⛔️‼️⛔️‼️ SPOILERS ⛔️‼️⛔️‼️
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The chemistry between Toby and Harry was palpable. Both men couldn’t have been more different. Toby comes from a working class, single parent background where he’s had to work his way up into the political system. He keeps people at arms length because he learned at a young age love and relationships can ruin you. Harry is upperclass and posh, descending from a long line of Conservatives, and desperately trying to achieve being elected Prime Minister to make his father, and familial legacy, proud. Harry who is so committed to familial duty has been living deep in the closet for 15 yrs while in a marriage of convenience. Watching them both slowly learn to not only trust, but depend on each other was so beautifully done.
I absolutely loved the progression of their relationship. From adversaries, to tentative allies, to friends, to completely in love was 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼 Their time in the wildness was equal parts nerve-racking and wonderful. I loved watching them learn to depend on each other, especially when each had to work to keep the other alive at some point. Their sexual relationship was tantalizing and intimate, and encompassed much more than just the physical aspects. I adored the portion of the book when they were in the cabin. It was sweet and romantic , and cemented how much Toby and Harry loved each other despite neither being ready to admit it yet. The scene in the sauna HELLO. The scene after the northern lights!!! I was SWOONING. When the cabin burned down my heart broke with theirs.
The after portion when they returned to their lives hit every emotional cord. The yearning, the pining, the sadness, the heartbreak UGH 😩 I was eating up every bit of it. Similar to book 1, I believed their circumstances and how unless Harry truly accepted himself there was no path forward for the two of them. I appreciated how in both books something real had to be sacrificed to choose love instead of everything ✨magically ✨ working out. I normally cringe big time at public declarations and grand gestures, but this one at the end had me swooning.
The bit with Harry’s father being the big bad that broke Toby’s mother’s heart was a bit much so I’m deducting 0.25 ⭐️, but it did tie into why Toby detested Harry so much off the jump.
I loved the conclusion and how even though they loved each other they still bickered, debated, and bantered. Y’all this might be a contender for my favorite of the year 👀❤️
It’s been so long since I’ve read a book where immediately after finishing, I want to pick it up and read it all over again. To say I loved this would be an understatement. This executed two of my favorite tropes so very well: enemies-to-lovers and close proximity.
The story follows 39 yr old Labour MP, Toby, who is stuck in the wilderness trying to survive with someone he absolutely loathes. 39 yr old Harry, who is leader of the Conservative party (aka the Tories), is thrust into a life threatening, and life altering, experience trying to stay alive with Toby, a man who frustrates him beyond belief. DISCLAIMER: Look I’m just a greasy American who does not have a strong grasp on UK politics, but I feel like a lot of liberties were taken to make this story believable 😆 Honestly my ignorance of the UK political system allowed me to fully suspend belief and enjoy this story. Had this been set in America I probably wouldn’t have touched this book with a 10 foot pole because there is no scenario in which I’d buy a romance between a democrat and republican, but I digress… 😌
I’m going to get into MAJOR spoilers, so if you don’t want to be spoiled I’d stop reading now if I were you ✋🏼
🛑
⚠️
🛑
⚠️
🛑
⛔️‼️⛔️‼️ SPOILERS ⛔️‼️⛔️‼️
🛑
⚠️
🛑
⚠️
🛑
The chemistry between Toby and Harry was palpable. Both men couldn’t have been more different. Toby comes from a working class, single parent background where he’s had to work his way up into the political system. He keeps people at arms length because he learned at a young age love and relationships can ruin you. Harry is upperclass and posh, descending from a long line of Conservatives, and desperately trying to achieve being elected Prime Minister to make his father, and familial legacy, proud. Harry who is so committed to familial duty has been living deep in the closet for 15 yrs while in a marriage of convenience. Watching them both slowly learn to not only trust, but depend on each other was so beautifully done.
I absolutely loved the progression of their relationship. From adversaries, to tentative allies, to friends, to completely in love was 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼 Their time in the wildness was equal parts nerve-racking and wonderful. I loved watching them learn to depend on each other, especially when each had to work to keep the other alive at some point. Their sexual relationship was tantalizing and intimate, and encompassed much more than just the physical aspects. I adored the portion of the book when they were in the cabin. It was sweet and romantic , and cemented how much Toby and Harry loved each other despite neither being ready to admit it yet. The scene in the sauna HELLO. The scene after the northern lights!!! I was SWOONING. When the cabin burned down my heart broke with theirs.
The after portion when they returned to their lives hit every emotional cord. The yearning, the pining, the sadness, the heartbreak UGH 😩 I was eating up every bit of it. Similar to book 1, I believed their circumstances and how unless Harry truly accepted himself there was no path forward for the two of them. I appreciated how in both books something real had to be sacrificed to choose love instead of everything ✨magically ✨ working out. I normally cringe big time at public declarations and grand gestures, but this one at the end had me swooning.
The bit with Harry’s father being the big bad that broke Toby’s mother’s heart was a bit much so I’m deducting 0.25 ⭐️, but it did tie into why Toby detested Harry so much off the jump.
I loved the conclusion and how even though they loved each other they still bickered, debated, and bantered. Y’all this might be a contender for my favorite of the year 👀❤️
December 26, 2024
5 stars!! Enjoyed a m/m romance after a long time.. ❤️❤️
August 13, 2024
This did not at all turn out like I expected but it was a fun read and I enjoyed the ending the most. I recommend not taking any of it too seriously, maybe go in thinking romantic comedy, tv drama sort of style and try not to get too nit picky about anything. There was a lot more that could have been explored on almost all plot points but overall it was fun and I liked some of Toby’s snarky one-liners, they made me giggle. Book 3 sounds like it could be brilliant or super cheesy - I’m eager to find out.
August 13, 2024
Overall I really enjoyed this! It was such a fun read!
You do have to suspend a lot of disbelief during their wilderness adventure, that didn’t bother me at all though I was having fun reading it so I was willing to overlook a lot.
A lot of things get wrapped up too quickly in the epilogue- although I think there is some overlap with book 3 so maybe we will get a bit more.
Also, this book had a lot of politics. I know, it’s a book about two politicians so some politics is too be expected- but this was a lot, I didn’t expect that much. Tons of page time devoted to the two of them arguing and debating policies. If you’re burned out on hearing about politics you may want to hold off on reading this lol. It was more than I was expecting- but like I said I overall had a fun time reading this.
You do have to suspend a lot of disbelief during their wilderness adventure, that didn’t bother me at all though I was having fun reading it so I was willing to overlook a lot.
A lot of things get wrapped up too quickly in the epilogue- although I think there is some overlap with book 3 so maybe we will get a bit more.
Also, this book had a lot of politics. I know, it’s a book about two politicians so some politics is too be expected- but this was a lot, I didn’t expect that much. Tons of page time devoted to the two of them arguing and debating policies. If you’re burned out on hearing about politics you may want to hold off on reading this lol. It was more than I was expecting- but like I said I overall had a fun time reading this.
August 9, 2024
4,5 stars
I really loved the first book and could not imagine whatsoever how Harry and Toby would become a ‘pair’.
Jax Calder has done a fantastic job here, writing a totally believable arch-enemies to lovers romance.
Tbh, the thing I enjoyed most is the absolutely fabulous, very clever and entertaining ‘political’ banter. It’s sarcastic, acerbic, sharp and utterly hilarious. I salute the author for her research into how British MPs talk in the House of Commons and making those verbal battles so delightfully humorous and compelling.
I think knowing a little bit about the British Parliament might help to understand the vibe, but a lot of explanation is given for those who have not come across it.
I also loved how the animosity between Harry and Toby gradually melts away, as they get to know each other better and then more intimately. So well done!
And all the dilemmas these two have to face!
You should know though, and the author acknowledged this in her recent newsletter, that you can’t take the plot too seriously. This is NOT a bible for ‘How to Survive in the Wild” but a romantic comedy, and it should be read as such, refraining from nit-picking the ‘reality’ aspect.
And, not to forget, I was totally thrown by two major plot twists, the punchier one happening in the last ten percent. No way, could I have foreseen that!
If I wanted to note one niggle it was the ‘grand gesture’ towards the end of the book. Like all of them (not a fan!), it made me clench my teeth a little, simply because out of all unlikely things that are plot-related, this was the most unlikely, imo.
Saying that – this is a fabulous, funny and lovely romance I thoroughly enjoyed.
I really loved the first book and could not imagine whatsoever how Harry and Toby would become a ‘pair’.
Jax Calder has done a fantastic job here, writing a totally believable arch-enemies to lovers romance.
Tbh, the thing I enjoyed most is the absolutely fabulous, very clever and entertaining ‘political’ banter. It’s sarcastic, acerbic, sharp and utterly hilarious. I salute the author for her research into how British MPs talk in the House of Commons and making those verbal battles so delightfully humorous and compelling.
I think knowing a little bit about the British Parliament might help to understand the vibe, but a lot of explanation is given for those who have not come across it.
I also loved how the animosity between Harry and Toby gradually melts away, as they get to know each other better and then more intimately. So well done!
And all the dilemmas these two have to face!
You should know though, and the author acknowledged this in her recent newsletter, that you can’t take the plot too seriously. This is NOT a bible for ‘How to Survive in the Wild” but a romantic comedy, and it should be read as such, refraining from nit-picking the ‘reality’ aspect.
And, not to forget, I was totally thrown by two major plot twists, the punchier one happening in the last ten percent. No way, could I have foreseen that!
If I wanted to note one niggle it was the ‘grand gesture’ towards the end of the book. Like all of them (not a fan!), it made me clench my teeth a little, simply because out of all unlikely things that are plot-related, this was the most unlikely, imo.
Saying that – this is a fabulous, funny and lovely romance I thoroughly enjoyed.
August 12, 2024
This was such a blast!!!
”Harry and I are kissing. Again. I don’t like to give the Conservatives credit for anything, but it appears they really know how to kiss. It must be something to do with the fact their tongues get so much exercise twisting words all the time, which makes them extremely dexterous for kissing.”
”Somehow, despite the precariousness of so much out here, Harry’s making me feel the one thing I haven’t truly felt since my mother died.
Safe.”
”When I remember this night in the future, I know it won’t be the northern lights I remember. It’ll be Toby‘s face. His beautiful face turned up towards the sky, the lights reflected in his eyes.”
”He knows me better than anyone has ever known me.
I stumble when I realize this, and Harry’s hand immediately reaches out to stabilize me.
All my deep, dark crevasses no one has ever seen, Harry has seen them all. He’s seen me hungry, he’s seen me tired, he’s seen me scared, he’s seen me hurt.
And I know Harry back the same way.”
✔️Aristocrat vs commoner
✔️Political opponents
✔️Hate to love
✔️Rom-com suspense
✔️Forced proximity
✔️Trapped in the Scandinavian wilderness
✔️British humor and witty banter
”Harry and I are kissing. Again. I don’t like to give the Conservatives credit for anything, but it appears they really know how to kiss. It must be something to do with the fact their tongues get so much exercise twisting words all the time, which makes them extremely dexterous for kissing.”
”Somehow, despite the precariousness of so much out here, Harry’s making me feel the one thing I haven’t truly felt since my mother died.
Safe.”
”When I remember this night in the future, I know it won’t be the northern lights I remember. It’ll be Toby‘s face. His beautiful face turned up towards the sky, the lights reflected in his eyes.”
”He knows me better than anyone has ever known me.
I stumble when I realize this, and Harry’s hand immediately reaches out to stabilize me.
All my deep, dark crevasses no one has ever seen, Harry has seen them all. He’s seen me hungry, he’s seen me tired, he’s seen me scared, he’s seen me hurt.
And I know Harry back the same way.”
✔️Aristocrat vs commoner
✔️Political opponents
✔️Hate to love
✔️Rom-com suspense
✔️Forced proximity
✔️Trapped in the Scandinavian wilderness
✔️British humor and witty banter
August 13, 2024
Oh my god I loved this so much. So, so, so much!
It’s so lovely, emotional, heartwarming, entertaining, and reasonable! I’m tearing up writing this. I loved it so much. I loved the ending. I loved it all.
It’s so lovely, emotional, heartwarming, entertaining, and reasonable! I’m tearing up writing this. I loved it so much. I loved the ending. I loved it all.
October 24, 2024
Such a cute story.
August 30, 2024
~4.5
Loved both MCs, though Harry a bit more than Toby. From genyine animosity to slow building respect to relying on each other to friendship and trust to passion and love - the relationship development was a chef's kiss. Special kudos to the banter and Harry's manner of speech.
The book was a true joy to read.
Loved both MCs, though Harry a bit more than Toby. From genyine animosity to slow building respect to relying on each other to friendship and trust to passion and love - the relationship development was a chef's kiss. Special kudos to the banter and Harry's manner of speech.
The book was a true joy to read.
December 7, 2025
All the stars!
November 28, 2025
Safety info, content warnings and tropes down below.
I must admit I was kinda skeptical about this book simply because of the tropes/blurb, but I really adored the first audiobook, so I wanted to give it a try. Unfortunately it ended up disappointing me. I assumed the political rivals aspect would be a challenge to pull off, but it was worse than I feared. You can write political rivals without one of them being a conservative poltician, and there was never any real or satisfying resolution to this in my opinion. The author avoids bringing up politics you would associate with a conservative, instead focusing on only the financial aspect. I think you need almost a whole-ass redemption arc to pull off something like this. (Spoiler: he does leave that party at the end of the book, and while that helped it wasn't enough for me personally). In today's political climate I can't get behind that choice for a main character in a romance book.
Now for the part I was most excited about (and why I signed up for an audio ARC): the narration by Gary Furlong. His work on The Unlikely Heir was fantastic and made it an easy 5 stars. It felt like he put his all into those characters and accents, but that wasn’t the case in The Unlikely Pair, sadly. The characters’ voices were painfully similar. One MC has a bit more of a posh British accent than the other, but not by much, and if you take the accents out of it they had the *exact* same tone of voice, making them really difficult to differentiate. I got lost while listening so many times, not knowing whose chapter I was listening to, as I couldn’t tell them apart half the time. I’m really sad about that.
Side note to the author: Finland is not a part of Scandinavia.
Thank you to Neon Rainbow for the ALC.
Another side note and minor spoiler, if you hook up with someone you know is married, you have no right to be upset about that fact after said hookup, and really told me all I needed to know about that character for doing so in the first place, even tho the marriage is -- unbeknownst to him -- not a real one.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Enemies to lovers
Stranded in the wilderness
Political rivals
Pansexual rep
Forced proximity
Mortal peril
Cuddling for survival
Closeted MC
Recovering aristocrat
First times
⚠️ Spice menu ⚠️
Wilderness handie
First times
Sauna sex
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
On-page plane crash
Parent death (past, cancer)
Gun violence
MCs kidnapped
Explicit sexual content
On-page killing of fish for food
Details of past abuse at school
Sexual contact with bad hygiene (on the run)
MCs attacked by terrorists
Alcohol consumption
Brief mention of parent cheating
Homophobic/bigoted right wing rhetoric (SCs)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: Not technically, but one of the MCs is not aware the other MC’s marriage isn’t ‘real’, so he believes they’ve just cheated for a moment.
Other person drama: One MC is married, but it’s a lavender marriage, meaning the couple is married for appearances only. They are not involved beyond friendship.
Breakup: Yes
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 39 and not specified
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 466
Happy ending: Yes
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
I must admit I was kinda skeptical about this book simply because of the tropes/blurb, but I really adored the first audiobook, so I wanted to give it a try. Unfortunately it ended up disappointing me. I assumed the political rivals aspect would be a challenge to pull off, but it was worse than I feared. You can write political rivals without one of them being a conservative poltician, and there was never any real or satisfying resolution to this in my opinion. The author avoids bringing up politics you would associate with a conservative, instead focusing on only the financial aspect. I think you need almost a whole-ass redemption arc to pull off something like this. (Spoiler: he does leave that party at the end of the book, and while that helped it wasn't enough for me personally). In today's political climate I can't get behind that choice for a main character in a romance book.
Now for the part I was most excited about (and why I signed up for an audio ARC): the narration by Gary Furlong. His work on The Unlikely Heir was fantastic and made it an easy 5 stars. It felt like he put his all into those characters and accents, but that wasn’t the case in The Unlikely Pair, sadly. The characters’ voices were painfully similar. One MC has a bit more of a posh British accent than the other, but not by much, and if you take the accents out of it they had the *exact* same tone of voice, making them really difficult to differentiate. I got lost while listening so many times, not knowing whose chapter I was listening to, as I couldn’t tell them apart half the time. I’m really sad about that.
Side note to the author: Finland is not a part of Scandinavia.
Thank you to Neon Rainbow for the ALC.
Another side note and minor spoiler, if you hook up with someone you know is married, you have no right to be upset about that fact after said hookup, and really told me all I needed to know about that character for doing so in the first place, even tho the marriage is -- unbeknownst to him -- not a real one.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Enemies to lovers
Stranded in the wilderness
Political rivals
Pansexual rep
Forced proximity
Mortal peril
Cuddling for survival
Closeted MC
Recovering aristocrat
First times
⚠️ Spice menu ⚠️
Wilderness handie
First times
Sauna sex
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
On-page plane crash
Parent death (past, cancer)
Gun violence
MCs kidnapped
Explicit sexual content
On-page killing of fish for food
Details of past abuse at school
Sexual contact with bad hygiene (on the run)
MCs attacked by terrorists
Alcohol consumption
Brief mention of parent cheating
Homophobic/bigoted right wing rhetoric (SCs)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: Not technically, but one of the MCs is not aware the other MC’s marriage isn’t ‘real’, so he believes they’ve just cheated for a moment.
Other person drama: One MC is married, but it’s a lavender marriage, meaning the couple is married for appearances only. They are not involved beyond friendship.
Breakup: Yes
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 39 and not specified
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 466
Happy ending: Yes
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2024
not only this is amazing but you’re telling me the next one is prince x bodyguard??!!!
write fast my queen 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
write fast my queen 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
August 10, 2024
When we finally break apart, our chests are heaving as we struggle to catch our breath. Harry rests his forehead against mine, his eyes closed, his fingers still tangled in my hair. He finally withdraws. He opens his eyes and his blue gaze pierces mine. “It appears you are still a necessity,” he says.
I totally loved this! Toby and Harry are divine. The Unlikely Pair is such a feel-good read and I highly commend a read of the first book in the Unlikely Dilemmas series by the wonderful Jax Calder - The Unlikely Heir - too.
What To Expect:
❥ rivals to friends to lovers
❥ politicians
❥ opposites attract
❥ forced proximity
❥ first times
❥ LOL moments
❥ HEA
5 stars!
I totally loved this! Toby and Harry are divine. The Unlikely Pair is such a feel-good read and I highly commend a read of the first book in the Unlikely Dilemmas series by the wonderful Jax Calder - The Unlikely Heir - too.
What To Expect:
❥ rivals to friends to lovers
❥ politicians
❥ opposites attract
❥ forced proximity
❥ first times
❥ LOL moments
❥ HEA
5 stars!
July 29, 2024
Loved it 😍
If you enjoy a romance with plenty of snark, stubbornness, banter, bickering, the creation of ridiculous idioms and kitchen utensils being aligned with personality traits, then this is for you. The cherry on the top is two wonderful characters who are poles apart with some things but they are perfect for each other when it comes to what really matters.
When circumstances have rivals Toby and Harvey fighting for their survival in an unknown hostile environment, their true selves come to the surface. They challenge and infuriate each other as these façade’s are breached and they morph from enemies to eventual lovers. All whilst trying to survive not only the harsh conditions but also the villains of the piece.
I loved every moment of this book which had me hooked from the very beginning. The intriguing plot is perfectly balanced with the romance element and the mixture of sweet and steam is perfect. There’s some angst but nothing that can’t be overcome as Toby and Harry get their well deserved and hard earned HEA.
We are also left with a peek at the characters in the next instalment. This is where we also learn who is responsible for all that happened to Toby and Harry.
If you enjoy a romance with plenty of snark, stubbornness, banter, bickering, the creation of ridiculous idioms and kitchen utensils being aligned with personality traits, then this is for you. The cherry on the top is two wonderful characters who are poles apart with some things but they are perfect for each other when it comes to what really matters.
When circumstances have rivals Toby and Harvey fighting for their survival in an unknown hostile environment, their true selves come to the surface. They challenge and infuriate each other as these façade’s are breached and they morph from enemies to eventual lovers. All whilst trying to survive not only the harsh conditions but also the villains of the piece.
I loved every moment of this book which had me hooked from the very beginning. The intriguing plot is perfectly balanced with the romance element and the mixture of sweet and steam is perfect. There’s some angst but nothing that can’t be overcome as Toby and Harry get their well deserved and hard earned HEA.
We are also left with a peek at the characters in the next instalment. This is where we also learn who is responsible for all that happened to Toby and Harry.
August 8, 2024
I'm a sucker for Harry. Even just the way he thinks.....'Because if I’m not going to get emotional about this, then what is the point of having emotions?'
I get why Toby's got this(daily, btw)-
Things To Do Today:
~Go fishing
~Check snares
~Chop firewood
~Wash clothes
~Harry
RIP to Harry's a**. Toby's on him like white on rice. No rest for the wicked.
But I get it, tbh. It would be every day for this man. He's such a provider, sheesh! There's just something about reading how the icy MC just melts for the other. These two are just ridiculously sweet for each other, you'd have trouble believing they disagree on the specifics of almost everything known to man.
The fish? The fires? The survival blanket? Man had Toby discovering a competence kink he never knew he had.
Don't even get me started on the grand gestures between these two. I love impossible love that finds a way. Romeo and Juliet minus the stupidity.
This book has very different vibes from the usual Jax Calder (minus the ever present humor) but I have to say I'm VERY pleasantly surprised.
I get why Toby's got this(daily, btw)-
Things To Do Today:
~Go fishing
~Check snares
~Chop firewood
~Wash clothes
~Harry
RIP to Harry's a**. Toby's on him like white on rice. No rest for the wicked.
But I get it, tbh. It would be every day for this man. He's such a provider, sheesh! There's just something about reading how the icy MC just melts for the other. These two are just ridiculously sweet for each other, you'd have trouble believing they disagree on the specifics of almost everything known to man.
The fish? The fires? The survival blanket? Man had Toby discovering a competence kink he never knew he had.
Don't even get me started on the grand gestures between these two. I love impossible love that finds a way. Romeo and Juliet minus the stupidity.
This book has very different vibes from the usual Jax Calder (minus the ever present humor) but I have to say I'm VERY pleasantly surprised.
August 9, 2024
I couldn't get enough of Harry and Toby! The snark is real, my reader friends. These two were constantly sniping at one another. They disagree on basically everything in the realm of politics. But what they don't disagree on is that being with each other is what makes them feel alive...and sadly, it's also impossible.
"It's a dangerous thing, this hope fluttering in my chest. I know better than to let it take root, but sometimes, in moments like these, I find myself wishing for unattainable things."
I really enjoyed Harry and Tobys adrenaline fueled descent into love. What they went through. It was essential to be able to rely on the other to survive. It forces you to become intimately aquainted with another person. That type of experience changes you.
"It's Toby's genuine, real smile, the one with dimples, the one that is so full of true happiness it looks like he could ignite.
He's aiming it straight at me for the first time.
And I know right then, with more certainty than I know my own name, that there is no going back from this."
Some of my favorite moments between these two were when they were lost in the wilderness. The first time they kissed without it being a preclude to sex. Just a quick press of the lips, but such a monumental moment.
"Toby and I didn't merely fall in love. We fell into a profound, unfathomable love, the kind of love where your souls mesh together and trying to separate them will permanently wound you."
I liked this book just as much as the first, and I have grabby hands for the next one so we can finally get answers as to whoever was behind the kidnapping plot!
"It's a dangerous thing, this hope fluttering in my chest. I know better than to let it take root, but sometimes, in moments like these, I find myself wishing for unattainable things."
I really enjoyed Harry and Tobys adrenaline fueled descent into love. What they went through. It was essential to be able to rely on the other to survive. It forces you to become intimately aquainted with another person. That type of experience changes you.
"It's Toby's genuine, real smile, the one with dimples, the one that is so full of true happiness it looks like he could ignite.
He's aiming it straight at me for the first time.
And I know right then, with more certainty than I know my own name, that there is no going back from this."
Some of my favorite moments between these two were when they were lost in the wilderness. The first time they kissed without it being a preclude to sex. Just a quick press of the lips, but such a monumental moment.
"Toby and I didn't merely fall in love. We fell into a profound, unfathomable love, the kind of love where your souls mesh together and trying to separate them will permanently wound you."
I liked this book just as much as the first, and I have grabby hands for the next one so we can finally get answers as to whoever was behind the kidnapping plot!
January 1, 2026
Audio:
5 stars for Gary Furlong
Audio on Everand
Book: 4-4.5 stars
This one was longer than the first but I enjoyed it just as much. I don’t think the reason for the kidnapping/plane crash were explained…? But that didn’t stop me from enjoying this story!
5 stars for Gary Furlong
Audio on Everand
Book: 4-4.5 stars
This one was longer than the first but I enjoyed it just as much. I don’t think the reason for the kidnapping/plane crash were explained…? But that didn’t stop me from enjoying this story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2024
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this, as I do most of Calder's romances it turns out. Of course the realism factor was a bit off, but the chemistry between them was hot enough for me to overlook it. However, Oliver and Callum remain my favorite duo.
I really enjoyed this, as I do most of Calder's romances it turns out. Of course the realism factor was a bit off, but the chemistry between them was hot enough for me to overlook it. However, Oliver and Callum remain my favorite duo.
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