The One I Didn't See Coming

Plain Daisy Ranch #3

by Piper Rayne

Briar Adams’ Herz ist gebrochen. Der Mann, den sie liebte und glaubte zu kennen, hat sie hintergangen und ihr bleibt nur eine Option: die Rückkehr in ihre Heimatstadt Willowbrook. Dort verschafft ihr ihre ältere Schwester einen Job als Yogalehrerin auf der Familienranch ihres Verlobten – dessen Bruder ausgerechnet Emmett Noughton ist. Und zwar der Emmett, dessen Namen Briar in ihrer Highschoolzeit in ihre Notizbücher gekritzelt hat, während sie für ihn scheinbar unsichtbar war. Und nur weil er jetzt auf einmal Interesse zeigt, ändert das nichts an der Wut, die sich seither in Briar aufgestaut hat. Zumindest solange, bis das Haus, in dem sie wohnt, verkauft wird und sie nirgendwo anders hinkann als zu ihm. Denn damit wird es nun nicht nur schwierig, sondern nahezu unmöglich, ihm zu widerstehen ...

Eine aufregende Enemies-to-Lovers-Romance für Fans von Elsie Silver, Hannah Grace und Lucy Score

Genres: Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Audiobook, Forced Proximity, Small Town Romance, Westerns, Contemporary

320 pages, Paperback

First published September 10, 2024

About the author

Piper Rayne is a USA Today Bestselling author duo. Our goal is to bring you romance stories that have "Heartwarming Humor With a Side of Sizzle" (okay...you caught us, that's our tagline). A little about us... We both have kindle’s full of one-clickable books. We're both married to husbands who drive us to drink. We're both chauffeurs to our kids. Most of all, we love hot heroes and quirky heroines that make us laugh, and we hope you do, too.

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Our Books: We do things in 3’s. Three best friends. Three hot heroes. Three HEA’s.

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Reviews

[Hope · Rating 1 out of 5]

H is a manwhore and a manchild. h is pregnant with om's baby and is desperate✨


She sleeps with the same man who called her a pathetic lay and a dead fish 💀💀


Every single character sucked in this book including the kids

[Kealyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The One I Didn't See Coming by Piper Rayne

5/5 stars

This is the third book in the Plain Daisy Ranch series and like the other two it is utterly addictive. And I completely and madly fell in love with the last Noughton brother Emmett. 

Emmett is a great lead. I love how optimistic he is. He has such a feel good vibe about him. And I adore his smile and his cocky- and flirtiness. I love how he tries to find his own place on the ranch. And how he wants to expand the Noughton empire with his own ideas. 

But things change when Gillian's little sister Briar moves back into town. Gillian's old house sold unexpectedly fast and now Briar needs to find another place to live. Bruce Noughton suggests Briar stays with his son Emmett. And that is what kickstarts this story. 

Gillian and her husband Ben are completely against it. They warn Emmett away from her. Don't sleep with her. Leave her alone. Ben even tries to blackmail his own brother.

But the more they warn them against it. The more Emmett and Briar grow closer. 

I love how funky Briar is. She is fierce, knows exactly what to say and when to say it and I love how she stands up to Emmett. They both can't resist flirting and I was grinning so many times throughout this book. 

But Briar is carrying a secret with her. And when Emmett figures out what it is the story exellarates. 

This book is just so fun, it has so much heart and I just adore the entire Noughton family dynamic. Little Wren stole my heart. She is such an awesome kid. 

If you love small town romances with a great heart at its centre then definitely pick this wonderful series up.

5 huge stars from me for Emmett, Briar and the Noughton family! 

[Piper Rayne]

Available now!

Grab your copy on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, and Kobo!
https://books2read.com/toidsc

[BOOKLOVER_81 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved all of these characters, but my heart was stolen by Emmett! Bless him. He just wanted his family to take them seriously, and he tried so hard.

Briar is back in town, so she can be closer to her sister after she has a bad breakup. Unfortunately, every place that she tries to stay has something to go wrong. After Emmett figures out Briar's secret, he makes her stay with him in his extra room. Briar used to have a crush on Emmett in high school until she overhears him say something terrible about her. Now she's forced to stay in her enemy's house. But her crush on Emmett isn't over.


Fun read!

**Close proximity
**Secret childhood crush
**Pregnancy (last relationship)
**Brother bathers

Hoopla listen 🎶

[Hind · Rating 4 out of 5]

finished yesterday my Arc The One I Didn't See Coming is the third book in the Plain Daisy Ranch series by @authorpiperrayne I enjoyed this one sooo much was an easy, quick read with a cute plot
Their interactions are laced with humor, Briar and Emmett's story was so sweet 🧡🧡🧡The Noughton boys are all awesome, but Emmett’s story was my favorite 🙊
And the epilogue came with the best which means we aren't leaving Plain Daisy Ranch just yet!

.
.
read if you like 🧡
🍂cowboy romance
🍂small-town
🍂 enemies-to-lovers/forced proximity romance

Thank you, Piper Rayne and Valentine PR, for providing me with an ARC! @valentine_pr_

[Syndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The One I Didn't See Coming is funny. More laid back compares to the other book in the series. I like Emmet. Fun, playful, flirty and hilarious. He is so loveable.

The story is not something new. But the characters make it fun.

4 stars

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another lovely, funny, quick read in the Plain Daisy Ranch series. This time about Emmett Noughton and Briar (Gillian's younger sister).

When Briar comes back to town with a heavy burden (see TWs for a hint), she doesn't expect to be stuck with her nemesis, nor living in his house no less. She is so prickly with him and I couldn't understand why and neither does Emmett. All the charm and sweetness he oozes doesn't seem to effect her.

Yet, once he finds out her secret, like day one, and everyone else is oblivious to it... he becomes the person she leans on and her biggest supporter in town. It was really touching to see all the things he did for her.

There also was some tension we really needed to see get resolved between Emmett and his brothers. That led to some tense moments and reminded me why Jude annoyed me in the past. But it had a wholesome ending and I'm happy I got to spend some more time with this family. I'm intrigued to see the books expand to some other family members as hinted at in the end of this book.

Narrated by Jason Clarke & Ava Erickson in duet narration. These books always just fly by when I listen to them. Easily gotten through in an afternoon. I love that.

4 stars
3 on the spice scale

CW: pregnancy and things that go along with that

*Thank you to Valentine PR and the authors for an ALC and ARC of this title.*

[Dom Reeves · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Piper Rayne's "The One I Didn't See Coming" is a quick and easy read, with it definitely being a page turner. It delves into the complexities of family, love, and personal growth. 

Our MMC is the perfect Emmett; he’s light-hearted and carefree. However, he suffers a depth of emotion that his sunny smile hides, and it is extremely relatable. Briar, our FMC is like fire—passionate and intense. She’s the perfect balance for Emmett's easygoing nature. Their chemistry is clearly off the charts, and it’s entertaining and heartwarming. However, as the story unfolds, reading their challenges and navigating the complexities of their relationship is frustrating at times.

What I wasn’t a huge fan of was the family dynamic, for it’s portrayed that this family is so close and tight knit; however, this is the farthest from the truth. Theres extreme overprotectiveness of Briar and the doubt Emmett faces from those around him create a sense of tension and frustration. The resolution at the family meeting is satisfying, providing a much-needed sense of closure and healing. It's a testament to the power of open communication and understanding.

"The One I Didn't See Coming" is overall a nice read. There’s tropes that I’ve not read before in a romance.

I want to thank Valentine PR and the author, for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are honest and my own, of course!

[Anca A · Rating 5 out of 5]

#Review: *The one I didn't see coming* - ARC - Piper Rayne [18+]
4.9/5✨
3/5🌶️

Of course I needed to continue this "Plain Daisy Ranch" series, so it was time to read this super funny and relaxing book. Thank you so, so much Piper Rayne and Valentine Pr for this e-ARC.

After I finished reading the previous book of this series, I remember that I was thinking that Emmett will have his hands full in this book and indeed he had. He is the youngest from the three Noughton brothers and it was his turn to shine. I can say that he totally stole my heart and made me change my perception of him.

Briar is the little sister of Gillian, the main female character from the first book. She returned to town after her life took an hurtful and unexpected turn and she needed her family close.

OMG! I had a blast reading this book!! Emmett's personality was the best and made me fall for him. He was funny, sarcastic, a fighter, super protective and had a big heart. He suffered a lot because no one believed in him but he was determined to prove them wrong.

Briar needed to fix her life and coming back to hometown was the best decision she'd ever made! She still holds that grudge on Emmett from before she left the town, but the enemies will soon become lovers, because feelings, deep inside, are still there.

Of course, the same as in the previous book, we had the appearances of other characters from the first and second books, which I really loved. I enjoyed seeing them again in the story and find out how their are in their relationships. As I said a couple of times, I just love when a big gang is involved in stories🤭. Makes things so much interesting and fun.

I think this one was my favorite book of this series so far and I cannot wait to read the next one! I'm super curious after reading the last chapter of this book.

✨Tropes:
#EnemiesToLovers
#RoommatesToLovers
#SecretRomance
#ForbiddenRomance
#BadBoyGoodGirl
#Playboy
#SmallTown
#FirstLove

[Lara Josephine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still cute, still fluffy, still very “small town romance comfort snack.”
Was it Jude & Sadi level? No.
Did I enjoy it? Yes.
Was there a missed emotional-depth opportunity? Big yes.

The MMC spent years being doubted by literally everyone he loved — there was so much room for a juicy, meaningful comeback arc. Instead we got quick-sorries and a neat wrap-up bow. I still had a nice time, but it could’ve hit harder.

[Katie Thayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

this series just keeps getting better!!

The One I Didn’t See Coming
By: Piper Rayne

“I do. I need to prove to you that I’m not that guy. That I’m not who everyone else thinks I am. That you’re my game-changer. My anomaly. My person.”

“Whether you meant to or not, you’ve shown me how I should be treated. As if I’m a prize. You’ve stood by my side, supported me, haven’t pushed me. I never saw you coming, Emmett. You bulldozed into my life at the worst possible time, flipping it on its axis. As scared as I am, I’m going to trust that you’ll catch me if I fall.”

Emmett and Briar knocked book 3 out of the park. I don’t know what’s in these books but each one I love more than the last!
Emmett comes off as the playboy who just jokes through life, but really he just wants to be seen and taken seriously. Briar comes home after a disastrous relationship, trying to
start over but has a secret, that Emmett guesses! He then steps up to help take care of Briar and her unborn baby and from there they fall hard for each other.
These Noughton boys are so addicting and down bad for their women, I loved this whole first half of the series and cannot wait for the start of the second part of the series!

Tropes:
Enemies to Lovers
Small Town
Roommates
Surprise Pregnancy
Forced Proximity

Spice starts at: 66%🔥

Spice: 2/5🌶️
Stars: 5/5⭐️♾️

Available on Kindle Unlimited

[Julie Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Emmett, I did not see you coming at all! Wow! I love a good surprise and a good swoon, and I received both. He is deep, thoughtful, and beyond all my expectations. Briar is perfect for him; she is what he needs.

Without giving too much away, read the book; it is a fantastic read.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Katie Beasley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to this one, but unfortunately it fell a little short for me. I am going to give it a solid 3.5 stars. The story felt a little off pace for me. I had a harder time believing the shift that happened to these characters than in the others. Like there was chemistry but it happened the wrong way maybe? I didn't understand why all of a sudden Emmett was not being a playboy even before Briar was in the picture. I had a hard time connecting with Briar as well. Though I understood her a little more when her "secret" was revealed, she came off as a little more than b**chy to Emmett. And Gillian was acting like a crazed mother hen guarding her sister. Where was the respect for Emmett? It seemed like everyone was selling him short except his cousins. With all that being said, I did like when the corner was turned and I started seeing the sweeter side of Briar. I liked watching her realize how wrong she was about Emmett and how much people had the wrong idea about him. Emmett was a SWEETHEART all along. He had great ideas. Was sweet to everyone. Went above and beyond. He just knew his part. I found myself loving how much he was supportive of Briar even though she was mean to him from the jump.

Briar's life has changed in the craziest way. She went from being in a relationship with someone she loved to finding out he was not what he seemed at all and having to leave town with her tail between her legs. She now finds herself back in her hometown with her half sister and her husband's fam. She finds herself around Emmett. The boy/man she had a crush on in high school until he crushed her heart in the worst way. She has to keep her distance because he looks sexier than ever. But when her living situation changes again she finds herself accepting his invitation to move in with him. She finds herself liking coming home to him. She finds herself cooking for him and taking care of him and opening up to him. She can't reconcile this man with the man who said all of those hurtful things in high school. But maybe they were said out of context? Because this man is quickly becoming her everything. He knows everything that she is going through and is still accepting her. He wants to shout it from the mountains that they are together but she wants to wait to tell her sister. She wants to sit in this bubble that they have built for themselves a little while longer before she has to face reality. But of course things don't go as planned. Will everyone be able to accept and understand the decisions she has made that led her here?

Emmett is frustrated. His family doesn't take him seriously. He has ideas. He has thoughts that will help propel their ranch beyond what they could dream of. But no one listens to him. And now she is back. She being Briar. His sister in law's little sister. Who he has been told numerous time to stay away from. She is fragile. She went through something and no one knows what. She is straight up mean to Emmett and he wants to know why. What could he have done to make someone treat him this way? But he puts on his charm and tries to get her to open up. He convinces her to move in with him when her situation changes. He is on his best behavior all the time around her. And then he figures it out. Why she ran and instead of judging her as she thought he would he keeps the secret with her. He has decided he wants more. He doesn't want to be the playboy who wakes up to someone new all the time. He wants someone invested in him. He wants Briar and all that comes with her. But will his family see that he really cares about her? Will they finally realize what he can bring to the table?

Overall this was a pretty quick read. These kind of read like longer novellas which I don't mind. We get hot cowboys in a small town with nice spice. This one was just ever so slightly off for me. I am however looking forward to Brooks and Lottie. They have all kinds of juicy things going on and I can't wait to read about it!

Thank you Valentine PR and Piper Rayne for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[zsyree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out of all the Noughton Brother's books, this one has got to be my favorite! I was surprised about this because I didn't think I would enjoy it. I was just okay with Emmett's character int he first two books, but I love how Piper Rayne delved deeper into his character in here. We get to find out who Emmett really is behind his happy go lucky playboy persona and he showed who really was to Briar.

In the beginning of the story, Briar was very guarded thanks to her past but slowly, people in the Daisy Plain Ranch had wormed her way into her heart like Wren. I love the relationship between the two of them and how they bonded over the loss of their mothers. Briar's support for Emmett's dude ranch was very endearing.

What sets this book apart from the first two are the flawed characters, witty banter, sizzling tension and chemistry, and laugh out loud scenes with interesting secondary characters like Darla, Bennett, and Wren.

I am so glad I gave this book I chance. I skipped this one and dove straight to book 4 after reading the first two books but I have fallen in love with this series after reading Chasing Forever, so I told myself I'll finish all the books. This book ending up being my favorite in the Noughton brothers' books.

[Charley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️

Emmett is such a sweetheart, I loved that he proved how much he had grown and changed from being the childish man-whore he used to be. Briar was sweet, though she seemed naive at times. I thought the relationship was cute and it felt like it evolved naturally. Not sure why everyone else was in such terrible moods during the whole book, like they hated Emmett for just being himself.

Jason Clarke and Ava Erickson were great on the duet audiobook. The banter came through perfectly.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is just adorable and has the perfect balance between cute moments and all the small town vibes and some heat to keep things spicy. Briar & Emmett were made for each other and their love story was tender, sweet and so fun to witness. You can’t ever go wrong with a Jason Clarke & Ava Erickson duo as narrators, they’re both so good

[María · Rating 1 out of 5]

Me siento completamente INDIFERENTE respecto a este libro.

[Hannah Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

The One I Didn’t See Coming

Cowboy Romance
Enemies to Lovers
Reformed Playboy
Small Town
Forbidden
Roommates

The One I Didn’t See Coming came right out of the gate with hilarious digs and snarky comments. The dislike and tension between Emmett and Briar pulled me in immediately. Out of options, Briar reluctantly agrees to move into Emmett’s house and it was in that moment Emmett captured my heart.

Emmett is one of my favorite MMC I’ve read in a long time. His caring, attentive, and protective side melted my heart. The way he supported Briar was literally everything. The plot twist, so freaking good!

These two together, my gosh. She changes him in the best ways and he fast so hard to her. Their chemistry was electric and I could not get enough.

If you are looking for a book that will have you laughing on minute, giddy the next, awing in between, and fanning yourself by the end pick this one up immediately.

[Chloe Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Piper Rayne is the most underrated author in romance. This book is the third book in the Plain Daisy Ranch series. It features tropes like small-town, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, found family, farm, and does have a pregnancy. I like that the books show characters who really understand and experience daily grief as well. This book kept me smiling. And trust me, the spice is hot as well. This book was more of a slow-burn and I really enjoyed that as well.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. I wasn’t sure how I felt about Briar in the beginning of the book because she was a little standoffish but she wasn’t so bad, I liked her and Emmett. I think everything just seemed to play out faster than I thought they would. That twist with the baby daddy was pretty predictable.

If you’re put off because of reviews about him calling her a dead fish, whatever, he only said bad things about her to keep his friend from pursuing her, his friend just wanted to take her virginity. The air was cleared, he had good intentions it was just shitty how he went about it. Don’t have your fucking panties in a twist over it..unless you’re triggered..🤷🏻‍♀️🙄

[Anais Rosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’m going to kiss you now, Mrs. Emmett Noughton.”

The One I Didn’t See Coming is book 3 in the Plain Daisy Ranch series by Piper Rayne and tells the story of Emmett Naughton and Briar. Though it's part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.

Read if you love:
🏡 Small-town romance
🔥 Enemies to lovers
🐴 Ranch settings
🤠 Cowboys
💕 Opposites attract
🏠 Forced proximity
❤️‍🔥 Roommates to lovers

4.5 ⭐️ | 2 🌶️

“I’m lost in the world of Briar, and I don’t want to be found.”

After returning to her hometown of Willowbrook, Briar is forced to live with her high school crush, Emmett, who she now despises. Following a painful breakup in Chicago, her sister helps her secure a job as a yoga instructor on her fiancé's family ranch. Despite her grudge against Emmett—who once ignored her—the growing tension between them is undeniable. When the house Briar is staying in sells, she's left with no choice but to move in with Emmett, making it nearly impossible to resist their chemistry.

Emmett, the youngest Naughton brother, is known for his humor, though few realize it’s his way of coping. Briar, meanwhile, is adjusting to life in Willowbrook, keeping the true reason for her return a secret. Despite her initial dislike of Emmett, living together gives them the chance to connect. She eventually confides in him, and their bond deepens.

“I need to prove to you that I’m not that guy. That I’m not who everyone else thinks I am. That you’re my game-changer. My anomaly. My person.”

However, Briar’s sister Gillian and her fiancé, Ben (who is also Emmett’s brother), don’t want her involved with Emmett due to his reputation as a playboy. The banter and tension between Briar and Emmett are fantastic. I loved seeing Emmett’s true self, but Gillian’s overprotectiveness was frustrating at times. Watching their emotional walls come down and seeing how they complement and support one another was so satisfying. Emmett's gratitude for Briar's trust and the blossoming of their relationship was heartwarming.

“You’re in the equation, Emmett.”

If you enjoy these tropes, I highly recommend this book! It’s a quick, enjoyable read, and you won’t be disappointed. I’m already excited for the next one—I’m still in shock!

This review is not as detailed as I’d like, because I don't want to spoil anything. Thank you to Valentine PR and Piper Rayne for the advance copy. This review was left voluntarily.

[Marrissa Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I keep loving the return to Plain Daisy Ranch! The Noughton Boys and their dad are always so entertaining and comedic. But Emmett really brought out the laughs, he is so much fun. Briar’s sister and Emmett’s brother are together, and through this connection (though against both of their siblings wishes), she ends up staying with him when she moves back to town after a rough break up. To complicate things more, Briar isn’t a fan of Emmett, but he has no idea why and it doesn’t stop him from making his attraction to her blatantly obvious. I really loved Briar - she is smart, strong, and sassy - my favorite qualities in a FMC.
Their story is full of laughs, emotion, banter, tension, and there were even a couple of surprises I did not see coming (no pun intended)! I can’t wait to see what’s next in this series 🩵

The audiobook is narrated by Jason Clarke and Ava Erickson, and it’s in DUET, which is my favorite. And so are Jason and Ava, their performances were perfect, and they made the best Emmett and Briar 👏🏼👏🏼

Read/listen if you like ⇣
🤍Small Town
🌼Enemies to Lovers
🤍Roommates to Lovers
🌼Forced Proximity
🤍Forbidden Love
🌼Boy Obsessed
🤍Cowboy/Ranch Romance
🌼Slow Burn
🤍Dual POV
🌼Spice

[Abby (booksinthefreetime) · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

5/5 ⭐️ 2/5🌶️

This was such a quick and fun read!!!

The youngest brother Emmet is a wild golden retriever! I am a huge fan of reformed playboy and loved reading how much growth he has throughout the book. The banter between him and Briar was so much fun to read! They’re complete opposites but fit together so well. Their story was definitely my favorite out of the series so far! Can’t wait for the next book 🤍

Also huge fun of slow burn, piper outdid herself 🔥🥵

If you love…

-Reformed Playboy
-Forced Proximity
-Enemies To Lovers
-Small Town

READ THIS BOOK!!!

Thank you piper for the ARC 🤍

[Kaity · Rating 2 out of 5]

Audio:
5 stars for Jason Clarke
5 stars for Ava Erickson
Audio can be found on Everand.

Book: 2.5-3 stars

Ehh it was alright, I loved the narration, but the book itself wasn’t great. The writing hooked me even if the characters were annoying and I wasn’t really rooting for them.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
3 🌶️

[Mellovesaudiobooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook Review
Listened on hoopla
Narrated in duet by Ava Erickson and Jason Clarke

Super cute small town romance with Emmett a playboy and the youngest brother in the family, he’s funny, sexy, hardworking and underneath all the layers has a heart of gold. When Briar comes back to her hometown to stay with her sister, whom happens to be with Emmett’s older brother she has strict instructions to stay away from the playboy cowboy and stick to the reason she’s home, a healthy change away from drama.
Briar is back and with a major secret, when Emmett finds out what she’s holding onto all alone he opens up to her, giving her a safe place to stay and the comfort to open up to him when she’s ready. The banter these to have together is adorable, they hate to love each other and build a true friendship and deep connection and I was here for it.
Jason Clarke and Ava Erickson narrating in duet was a power move on Piper Rayne’s bingo card because these two nailed the performance, they both gave us the flirty emotions and smiles behind their words, the serious tones when hard topics were discussed and the comforting narration for Emmett and Briar to build a friendship.

Overall I’m loving this small town family and the series at which we get to know everyone.

[Noëmie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. Emmett is the perfect book boyfriend, so funny, full of surprises, and so swoony. Oh boy, did I root for him. I also adored Briar, her characters was really great.

This story was so amazingly beautiful. I loved everything about it. The Noughton family and their cousins, the Small Town vibe.

The audiobook with Jason Clarke and Ava Erickson was so so good. I'm so happy. I felt all the emotions the whole time and it was so good. I felt my tears start to fall with the emotions. I have to say that Bruce Noughton was also a surprise and man, it was wonderful.

Thank you so much for this beautiful story, and the epilogue... Haha, I'm ready for the next book already.

[Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readers fond of heartwarming stories about second chances and unexpected love will adore "The One I Didn't See Coming." Featuring a spirited heroine and a swoon worthy hero, "The One I Didn't See Coming" offers a delightful mix of romance, humor, and emotional depth.

"The One I Didn't See Coming" is the third installment in the Plain Daisy Ranch series. It will delight fans of the series to learn that this book focuses on Emmett's journey. As the youngest Noughton brother, he's often overlooked and not taken seriously, using humor to cope with his emotional pain. His true potential went unrecognized, even by his brothers, who dismissed his lucrative business proposal for the ranch as another one of his antics. However, it was the woman he never anticipated falling for who saw the value in his plans for the ranch. She saw past his antics, recognizing a man with a vision who was worthy of love.

Briar, the protagonist's sister from the first book, came home to heal from heartbreak and straighten out her life. She's not in the market for a new relationship; her life is already complex enough, and a new man would only complicate things further. Top of her to-do list is steering clear of her high school crush, which shouldn't be hard since she despises him. But destiny had different ideas, that resulted in them becoming roommates, much to her sister's chagrin. As they spent more time together, they formed a connection that evolved from mere cohabitation to a romantic partnership.

They made an adorable couple. Emmett became the person Briar could rely on; he had her back. He supported her in every way, through simple and complex situations alike. He stood by her, even keeping her secret about the real reason she returned to Willow Creek. She believed in him, even when his own brothers did not. She worked with him, helping him to create the foundation for making his dreams a reality.

I enjoyed "The One I Didn't See Coming" as it struck the perfect balance between romance, humor, and heartfelt moments. Overall, it's a compelling read that culminates in a satisfying happily-ever-after, sure to delight enthusiasts of small-town romance.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading

[Jasmine | Filthylittlereader · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You hold my heart in your hands. You own it already. And I promise to keep yours safe in return. I want everything a life with you will bring.”

The One I Didn’t See Coming was the perfect title because Emmett was the Noughton brother that unexpectedly knocked me on my feet. There were also surprises Piper Rayne threw my way that I definitely didn’t see coming.

From the moment he stepped on the scene, Emmett was the funny, go with the flow, never takes himself or anything too serious baby brother. But, there are so many layers to Emmett that he keeps hidden. His dreams, his fears, his pain, his vulnerability. We see it all in this book. Seeing this side of him made my heart crack wide open swelling with so much love. The way he stepped up to be there for Briar without hesitation. Gaah. He stole my heart instantly. So sweet and swoony in ways I didn’t expect. Briar was that feistiness and fire Emmett needed in his life. She challenged him. She could give it right back to him just as good as she got. Loved their banter.

This read produced an array of emotions for me. I hated the immediate doubt and low expectations that Emmett experienced from so many loved ones. And the overprotection of Briar from Emmett by Ben and Gillian had me in somewhat of a mama bear mode. It really hurt my heart to read and had me screaming give this poor guy a break please!
But, as the older sibling, I could also see the other side of thinking it’s my responsibility to do everything and shelter my younger siblings. #teamEmmett forever though!

One of the things that made me so happy was the family meeting where everything was laid out and my Emmett got the apologies and understanding he so well deserved. I loved getting that resolution that helped the bonds of brotherhood, sisterhood and family get even stronger.

Emmett and Briar both had their worlds completely flipped on their axis. I watched as these two navigate the changes and challenges that made them stronger individually and as a couple. Watching them fall was sweet, and I enjoyed being there in their journey of truly getting to know each other outside of the facades and opinions of others. I love a good character growth and there’s a lot of that in this book and not just with Emmett and Briar.

It’s safe to say this visit back to Plain Daisy Ranch brought on all the feels while still keeping the trademark Piper Rayne charm and heart I’ve come to know and love. Along with family and small town shenanigans that provided many moments of fun and humor.

In typical Piper Rayne fashion, a delightfully delicious nugget was dropped for the next book and I cannot waaait!

[Karina (shedreamsinwords) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book of the 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝗶𝘀𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵 series following the youngest Noughton brother, Emmett, & Gillian’s younger sister, Briar. The will they - won’t they, angsty tension is delectable.

When Briar returns to town after a messy break up, she doesn’t expect to be moving in with her high school crush- whom she has held a grudge against for years. Emmett is a lovable goof that doesn’t understand why his charm isn’t affecting Briar, until he learns of the secret she’s keeping. From then on Emmett becomes the only person Briar can lean on and thus begins the start of a friendship, which blossoms into something more.

I knew I loved Emmett after seeing his silliness in the first two books of the series and I’m so happy to say that he shined even brighter as the leading man! He is such a complex man that doesn’t allow people to fully see him, only the front he puts up for others. That is, until Briar swoops in and knocks those walls down. The banter between these two will have you eating the story up. I really adored their relationship progression and think they suit each other perfectly.

I was lucky enough to listen to an ALC courtesy of ValentinePR. The audiobook features a duet narration style with Jason Clarke & Ava Erickson doing a fantastic job bringing these characters to life. I dare you not to fall in love with Emmett & Briar!

✨𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀✨
small town
forced proximity
enemies to friends to lovers
opposites attract
mutual pining
protective mmc