Unexpectedly You

by JoJo Stone

It was supposed to be temporary… until it felt like home
Haden

I like my life exactly as it is. No mess, no attachments, and no complications. Solitude means control… and control means no one gets hurt.

But when my sister passes away unexpectedly, I become the reluctant guardian of her daughter.

Then, on the day of her funeral, I end up saving a stranger, and I bring him home.

His quiet presence and kind nature somehow make everything better…

Can I learn how to trust and believe that I’m capable of building a future worth staying for?

Jay

I’m forced to pay off a debt that was never mine, but my trust in those I love is my curse. I live buried in desperation and a past that clings to me like a shadow.

When I’m saved by a stranger and brought to his home, I experience again what being a family is supposed to feel like. Safe, warm, and real.

When trouble knocks, will I have the courage to fight for the life I want and for a chance to stay?

Genres: M M Romance, Romance

337 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 24, 2025

About the author

JoJo Stone is a writer from the U.K. She fell in love with words young, starting with poetry. Life took her on a few detours, but now she's back, ready to share her stories.

JoJo's Italian roots fuel her love for cooking traditional recipes, and when she’s not writing, you’ll find her snapping photos or running through the scenic streets of the U.K. and Italy.

For JoJo, every passion tells a story, and she's excited to share hers with readers.

Reviews

[Carol (§CoverLoverGirl§) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This story has everything to keep you turning the pages to see else can happen in the lives of Jay and Jeremy two boys who are being traded by Dave, an unscrupulous older man, in order to regain the money that Jay’s ex stole from him. Luckily for Jay, a knight in shining armour, Haden Taylor, saves him one night when he is being abused in a dark alleyway by a ‘client’. Haden takes him to his home leaving Jeremy to deal with their horrible captor alone when Jay isn’t there to help ‘earn’ the money owed.

Haden has had an equally horrendous history, mainly at the hands of his hideously homophobic parents, especially his mother. The memories haunt him constantly and when his dear sister dies and leaves him the guardianship of her 4 month old daughter he just doesn’t know if he is capable of such a responsibility.

With and Jay plus baby Arianna now under his roof Haden feels like he is at last making a happy family. But his parents haven’t given up making his life a misery, they now have more ammunition to use against him.

I loved the way Haden came to realise he really did have a ‘family’ around him when he needed it most, Kai, his neighbour who is also a doctor who treated Jay’s injuries, Adam and Shine, a lawyer and detective, respectively.

All is not sunshine in Haden’s story, he has to fight the good fight to the end until he has all he wants under his own roof.

I received an ARC copy via author and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

I was hoping to see Kai find his person, and I thought Jeremy might be the one, but that Detective Shine is sticking around still in the last chapter, so I’m left wondering and wishing to see if 2026 might bring a follow up from author JoJo Stone.

[Marthea · Rating 2 out of 5]

2+
Niezbyt szczęśliwe czytelnicze rozpoczęcie roku 👀
Na początku myślałam, po jakiś 10%, że ta książka mnie po prostu zdołuje - początek to sam smutek, beznadzieja i ani jednej pozytywnej myśli. Skupiłam się na samych wydarzeniach i zgarniałam informacje o bohaterach oraz ich historii, którą autorka nam przedstawiała - i to nie było nic dobrego.

Ale potem? Potem też nie było wiele dobrego, ale już w innym kontekście.

Przede wszystkim totalnie nie podobał mi się styl pisania - nie znoszę, kiedy autor/autorka opisuje emocje w taki sposób, że nie jestem w stanie ich odczuć. Naprawdę, nawet trudne emocjonalne sytuacje w sumie to mało mnie obchodziły, bo nie byłam w stanie emocjonalnie połączyć się ani z nimi, ani z bohaterami. Ot, kolejne wersy do przeczytania. I wiem, że początek wskazywał na coś innego, ale może po prostu w tych pierwszych 10% nie zwróciłam jeszcze na to uwagi, bo NAPRAWDĘ chciałam, żeby to było dobre czytanie, ponieważ w grudniu robiłam same reready i to pierwsza nowa książka, którą przeczytałam od ponad miesiąca 👀

Wkurza mnie niemożebnie, kiedy autor nie potrafi trzymać się linii czasowej, którą sam wymyśli - upływające lata i wiek bohaterów traktuje swobodnie i choćbym nie wiem, jak liczyła, to za diabła to się nie spina (to mój cholerny konik, sorki 🤷‍♀️)

Sami bohaterowie - jak Haden miał lepszy background, było trochę więcej informacji co i dlaczego mu się przytrafiło, tak nie wystarczyło mi właściwie jedno zdanie, dlaczego Jay znalazł się w tak parszywej sytuacji życiowej - bo jego ex miał dług i ktoś go musiał spłacić. Potem wypływa jeszcze jedno ważne wydarzenie z jego przeszłości, trochę lepiej opisane, ale to absolutnie nie jest wystarczające.

Było trochę dziur w fabule. Trochę miejsc, gdzie przewracałam oczami.
Cóż mogę napisać - sporej ilości osób ta książka się podobała, ale dla mnie to pierwsze czytanie w tym roku i pierwsze rozczarowanie 🫤

[Wicked River Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boy was this a ride! Both Haden and Jay had gone through some tragic experiences before they met which were extremely heartbreaking and while grieving life still saw fit to continue to give them more. Haden was grieving his sister and learning how to become a father to his niece while Jay was put into a life he didn’t want or deserve due to someone in his past. Neither man trusted easily but seemed to be drawn to each other and eventually found a safe space in one another. Watching Haden give it his all to be the best father he could be was sweet and Jay fit in perfectly as he helped where Haden struggled. Neither man deserved what the went through before meeting (and a little after) but it was nice to see that their roads in life brought them together. This was a great read.

💙ARC REVIEW🩵

☑️ Trigger Warnings

[Caroline Forrester · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Chasary Mendez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haden,Jay & Arianna

This book was so beautiful. Yes alot of heartache but so my h live and healing in the process. Jay the guilt and trauma he went through is heartbreaking, Haden oh my heart nobody should ever feel the way they made him feel. I'm so happy they have each other and princess Arianna a blessing. JoJo stone truly wrote a beautiful book. About healing trust loving flaws and all.

[Cinthya · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️, right in the middle.

This one was a 50/50 for me. As an established couple, they had some really good moments, and seeing them take care of the baby was adorable. I just felt like it lacked the foundation needed to make those moments truly believable.

It started off strong, showing the complicated state of the main characters’ lives, and I was instantly hooked. But once the instant attraction kicked in, it became a little cheesy. From there, things turned too ideal and stayed that way for most of the book. Haden trusted a stranger far too easily, not only allowing him into his home, but also leaving him alone with the baby. And it was all conveniently justified because the stranger’s former career made him knowledgeable and meant he “knew exactly what to do.” Plus, he already had strong feelings for said stranger.

Everything was perfect! They were trusting, genuine, and immediately in love. The bad guys basically disappeared. Jeremy was… God knows where, showing up occasionally, but never really mentioning problems. Jay and Haden were able to enjoy their new family in peace. It was just… too ideal. Too convenient. Too easy. Especially considering Jay was supposedly coming from an extremely controlling and dangerous environment, which ended up posing no real threat once he started living with Haden.

I really wish it had felt more like a lurking danger, something that kept us on edge and made us worry about the fragile comfort bubble Jay and Haden were living in. But no, everything was fine. Even at the end, when something finally happened, it was resolved so quickly, basically within a single chapter.

I live for cute stories, but when the backstory is this dark and complicated, yet everything suddenly becomes perfect and problems are solved effortlessly, I find it hard to root for the couple. If everything is always fine, there’s nothing to worry about, right? Because they’ll be fine… again. It just made it difficult for me to feel emotionally invested in their story.

[Ana Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

JoJo Stone is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Her stories are always deep and full of heart and leave you with a full heart.

Haden and Jay were two broken souls in need of mending that found each at the right place and time.

Haden never expected that saving Jay would inadvertently save him as well. Jay’s presence in Haden’s life allowed him the chance to see himself as a family man.

Being named guardian of his niece wasn’t exactly in his plans but he knew he would try to be the best dad he could be for baby Arianna.

My heart hurt for Jay and Jeremy. They went through so much pain but at least they had each other. They didn’t deserve all the mistreatment and abuse they lived through.

I’m so glad Jay was able to allow himself some forgiveness for what happened. Letting go of his past wouldn’t be easy but at least he was on the right path to make it better.

Baby Arianna, Haden and Jay are the cutest family ever. Jay and Haden are already the best dads in the world 🥰

I hope we get Jeremy’s story soon because I’m super curious to know about him.

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpectedly You by JoJo Sones delivers an emotional journey anchored by two men who have endured more than their fair share of heartbreak. Haden is grieving the loss of his sister while trying to step into the unexpected role of father to his niece. Jay, meanwhile, is trapped in circumstances he never asked for, shaped by the damage someone from his past left behind. Both men carry deep wounds, and neither trusts easily, yet they’re undeniably drawn to each other. Watching them slowly find safety in one another is one of the most rewarding parts of the book. Haden’s determination to be the best father he can be is touching, and Jay slips into their lives with a gentleness that complements Haden’s struggles beautifully. Neither man deserved the pain they endured—before meeting and even a bit after—but the way their paths eventually converge feels both healing and hopeful. Their connection grows not out of convenience, but out of shared resilience, compassion, and the quiet understanding that comes from surviving hardship. It’s a heartfelt, satisfying read that leaves you rooting for both of them to finally find the peace and love they deserve.

[Akknieszka · Rating 2 out of 5]

Totalne rozczarowanie.

[Georgia · Rating 1 out of 5]

So comically bad that I couldn’t even make it through two chapters before I DNFd. Like, objectively terrible writing.

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haden & Jay… where shall I begin?

In true hurt/ comfort style the book starts sad… tissue needing sad… I cried for each of them right after getting to know them in their first chapters.

My heart even broke a little bit… how is it possible that these two cute amazing guys had such a hard life… I was angry and sad and needed more of these damn tissues.

Jojo really knows how to wringe all that tears out of us and how to make us feel everything… each teeny tiny feeling on the scale. The good ones and the bad ones…. The tears where totally worth it… cause afterwards I got to experience the lovely way they interact, their attraction and intense chemistry… and the love Haden & Jay have for one another!

Oh my poor heart!

I really don’t want to give too much away of their story so I just say a few things quickly.

Haden is a big, muscled, tattooed and grumpy but sweet caretaker who rescues Jay, after their first meeting in a bar, and takes him home - carrying him princess style of course😍🫠

Jay feels instantly safe and he craves someone who sees him and treats him with respect - he lets himself feel comfortable and shut the real world out for a while.

They are stuck together and they begin to really get to know each other - learn about their past and discover that they want a future together. Oh of course there are some obstacles along their way - and you might need those tissues again.

They encourage each other to be strong and not to recoil from their past.

It’s really heartwarming to see Haden & Jay together… a united front… two people immensely in love. A few weeks is all it takes them to build a solid relationship… A family.

Haden becoming a dad to his niece and both of them interacting and caring for Arianna is another thing that made me all happy, content and warm inside.

This book … it’s all me and my heart needed! The romance, the desire, the endearments, their hot gazes and electrical touches! Certainly there‘s lots of making out too along the way to their HEA - oh 😉 all the good stuff - there might be even some tattoo licking involved! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received an early ARC copy by the author. Thank you so much

[Amanda Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an emotional ride from start to finish.

Both Haden and Jay carry deep trauma long before they meet, and life doesn’t give either of them a break once they do. Haden is grieving the loss of his sister while suddenly learning how to become a father to his baby niece, Arianna. Jay, meanwhile, is trapped in a horrific situation caused by someone from his past, forced into a life he never wanted or deserved.

Neither man trusts easily, but there’s an undeniable pull between them. What starts as protection slowly becomes a safe space, and watching that trust build was both heartbreaking and beautiful. Haden giving everything he has to be the best father he can be was incredibly touching, and Jay fitting so naturally into their little family just felt right.

The story doesn’t shy away from darker themes; abuse, grief, guilt, and the lasting scars of homophobia, particularly through Haden’s painful history with his parents and Jay’s overwhelming trauma. But alongside the hurt is so much healing. The found family around Haden, from his neighbour Kai to Adam and Shine, added warmth and strength to the story and showed that support can come from unexpected places.

There’s a lot of heartache here, but there’s also hope, love, and healing woven through every page. Jay’s guilt and trauma are devastating, Haden’s past broke my heart, and baby Arianna truly felt like a blessing tying everything together.

JoJo Stone wrote a truly beautiful story about healing, trust, love, and finding family...flaws and all.

[J. Falen Gregory · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unexpectedly You is a hurt/comfort story of two men who meet under tragic circumstances and (perhaps unbelievably quickly) help each other learn to love again and heal from their pasts.

Okay, positives first. I loved both Haden and Jay as the two MCs. Their histories made my heart hurt from them both, and I just wanted to give each of them a huge hug. They're both a bit broken by different circumstances, but they're also both fiercely loyal to and protective of those they love. The moments with the two of them and Haden's daughter Arianna were so sweet and cute, adding touches of realism to the story.

However, much of the rest of the story came across as a bit too unrealistic. Everything started out believable enough, but it turned into something of a soap opera with predictable storylines. Then, after building the drama so much, those storylines were resolved pretty abruptly for instant happy endings. Better communication between the MCs during the first 75% of the book could've prevented a lot of these issues. I also have questions about Jeremy and his part in the last quarter or so of the book and can only guess (and maybe hope) that he might be getting his own story to answer them.

3.25/5 stars.

[Happei]

I received an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review. Prior to commencing reading I had no clue what this book was about.

I easily fell into the first couple of chapters of this book. The initial backstory of the two MC's were heartbreaking. Unfortunately I am not a fan of insta connection so I really struggled to connect when Haden takes Jay (a prostitute that he didn't know) into his house after Jay was assaulted.



Jay and his bestie Jeremy are tangled up in some sort of money owed thingy, were they are both selling their bodies in order to raise a large sum of money owed to some bad dude. Details regarding the how and why of this were not explained by the time I opted out of this book.

Haden offers to pay off the debt for the two J's. I just don't buy that anyone would offer to pay that sum of money for two dudes he doesn't really know.

I got the impression that Jay had broken ribs (even bruised ribs hurt for weeks) but about a week after the assault the two MC's are engaging in a robust sex romp.

I kept reading for a bit longer but the story just didn't gel for me.

[Kristy Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpectedly You is the story of two men who have been handed some heavy trials to walk through finding each other.

Haden is the grumpy older man with lots of love to give. He becomes the parent of his niece rather suddenly and while he didn’t really have kids on his radar he loves her with his whole heart.

Jay is the heartbroken young man that was kicked out young and set on a path not his making. He unfortunately trusted the wrong person and now he is forced to repay a debt that is not his in a very degrading way.

Haden finds Jay and helps him, leading to the two of them living together in Haden’s house. Jay is a natural with Haden’s daughter so Haden asks him to stay and help while he goes to work.

These two find their way out of their trials and find love and healing in each other.

Dual 1st POV, stand alone. I do recommend this story

I received this story as an arc from the author

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haden and Jay enter each other's lives when they needed it the most. When Jay is physically assaulted, Haden is his knight in shining armour. When Haden is giving custody of Arianna, Jay is his Mary Poppins.
As soon as I started this book, I had to read it from cover to cover, as I wanted to know what was going to happen with them. Haden had is walls up so high, a bit grumpy and a man of few words, but having Jay and Arianna in his life, they bought the smile to his face. Jay whilst knowing it was a temporary arrangement, stepped into help Haden, he was such a sweet.
Hearing their backstories, Haden with his horrendous parents and Jay trusting the wrong people, my heart went out to both.
At times a lot was going on and I wished they would just get a break from all real world. There are some great secondary characters and I hope we get a HEA for Jeremy. I also want to know more about Kai and I am sure he has some stories to tell, especially when Shine appeared on the scene.
Also the cover is perfect and depicts Haden and Jay perfectly.
Looking forward to more

[Mellow Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpectedly You by Jojo Stone is a heartfelt character-driven story ⭐️4 🌶️3

The main characters are both beautifully crafted - Jay is incredibly likeable and such a gentle soul. Haden’s love for those around him is deep despite his tough exterior.

While there’s a moderate level of spice it’s well placed and complements the emotional development between the two characters.

I’m genuinely hoping for a second book, especially one that dives deeper into the stories of Kai and Jerr.

It’s important to note some trigger warnings: themes of family abandonment, homophobia, violent assault, and references to coercive sex (not between the main characters).

It’s a solid 4⭐️ from me.
@JoJo Stone
#MMRomance #GayRomanceBooks #BookReview #RomanceReaders #LGBTQBooks

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two very lost souls in their own ways.. meet when their lives are at their saddest and together, they end up healing each other with patience, kindness, tenderness, and love.

Haden has just lost his sister and ends up in a harsh battle with his homophobic parents about the custody of his niece and who will raise her now that his sister is gone.

Jay has ended up indebted to the wrong people - thanks to his ex.. and has to figure out a different way to sort out the situation before he ends up dead in an alley.. or worse.

Haden's gruff demeanor and Jay's sweetness blend together so sweetly!

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to what's next (which I hope is Jerr's story *fingers crossed!*

[Danni Crass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy.

I really felt for Jay. He got trapped into a situation because he trusted the wrong person. The way he feels about himself after every thing he has been through, my heart breaks for him. The way he thinks is exactly how people like him really feel. The shame of what was done to him. Haden, oh my grumpy sweetheart. He was an absolute awesome man for doing the things he did for Jay, making him feel like he was a true treasure. They were both good for each other. They balanced each other out and gave each other what each needed. Truly beautiful read.

[Siân PJsAndBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, JoJo, for my copy of Unexpectedly You. This MM Hurt/Comfort Romance is a standalone that I hope becomes a series. JoJo's books often hurt right in the heart & Unexpectedly You was no exception. Opening at a funeral was just the start of the pain. I adored Haden & Jay and was rooting for their HEA & the demise of some other characters. I would particularly like Mr & Mrs Taylor to fall down a well! Unexpectedly You deals with some heavy themes but ultimately is a story of people finding love & family despite it all.

🩶 MM Romance
🩶 Strangers
🩶 Single Day
🩶 Found Family
🩶 Age Gap
🩶 Hurt/Comfort
🩶 Opposites Attract
🩶 Tattoos
🩶 Dual POV
🩶 Epilogue

[2am_book_readers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately there were quite a few editing errors in this book - missing words etc. It does always disappoint me and distracts me from the story.
That being said, there were things I enjoyed about by this book.
I liked the base of the story, Haden being a solitary man grieving his sister, and Jay having a life he dreams of escaping. The side characters interested me, and have left me wondering if they wil get their own books.
Sadly, I didn't quite get engrossed in their journeys as much as I normally do with characters.
I was able to get to the end, and was so happy with the outcome for Haden, Jay and Arianna.

[M.E. Samm]

It’s a joy to watch stoic, isolated Haden and guilt-ridden, protective Jay overcome devastating pasts and fight for a future together. As Jay says “We both have broken parts, but they fit perfectly together.” Haden’s vile parents are a sad reminder that such people really exist, and seeing Haden fully banish them from his life was so satisfying. I loved watching Jay transform from fearful and traumatized hustler to nurturing father-figure and partner. The action-packed final chapters are a wild ride that lead to an exhilarating conclusion. A delicious read!

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what an emotional rollercoaster! I was pulled in to Haden and Jays story from the start and JoJo's word building and character development really made me feel an emotional connection with them. So much past trauma and angsty moments but Hayden and Jay were simply perfect together and I was overjoyed they managed to overcome everything. Some great secondary characters too.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review

[stardragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haden is a grump, he prefers solitude where he feels he is in control. When his sister suddenly dies, he is now the guardian of his little niece Arianna. On the way back from the funeral he ends up rescuing Jay and bringing him home also. So much for control. Jay is full of grief and trauma experienced in his life. He trusted the wrong people and is broken. This book is beautiful, it’s full of heartache and healing love to become a loving family.

[Julia Shah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new to me author who didn't disappoint

A new to me author so I had no idea what to expect other than I liked the sound of the story.

I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised. JoJo Stone is a great writer and storyteller. Unexpectedly You is a lovely feel good books that was a joy to read and addictive as well. I shall be looking at more books by this author.

Highly recommended.

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful

Haden is grieving his sister and trying his best to be a father to his niece.
Jay is living a horrific life after trusting the wrong person.
Their lives collide and Haden offers Jay refuge.
Jay is a natural with Arianna so he assumes that role.
Together they work towards healing, redemption, and a well deserved life full of love.

[Erin Midgett · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn’t finish this book. The premise sounded ok, but I could not get past the structure of how it was written. Each thought doesn’t need to be a separate paragraph, especially when it is a single sentence. It doesn’t add dramatic flair when it is every 2 or three sentences. Book was choppy and poorly edited.

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpectedly You is such a heartbreaking standalone story. This is a hurt/comfort, opposites attract, age gap, found family read about Haden and Jay. I really enjoyed this emotional roller coaster of a read.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please mind the trigger warnings. This was such a fantastic story with some amazing characters. These guys went through so much that it was heartbreaking to read but the author handled it beautifully. They deserved their HEA and I loved watching them fight for it. I absolutely loved this story.

[Paola Sanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was given this book by a friend and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story is incredible and the characters felt real. I am going to buy the other books from this author as I need something else to read as I read this in a couple of days. Can’t wait for the next book from this Author.