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More Than I Expected
She downloaded an accountability app to get her life together. She didn’t expect to find someone who made her want to start living again.
Sydni Benton isn’t falling apart, she’s just quietly unraveling. After months of hiding in her apartment, drowning in work, and avoiding every emotion that asks too much of her, she decides to try something a goal-setting app called Resolve.
What she doesn’t expect is Elias Monroe, the complete stranger paired with her as her “accountability partner.”
Elias is steady, gentle, annoyingly disciplined… and unexpectedly kind. His encouragement is soft, simple, and exactly the thing Sydni doesn’t know how to accept. She’s not used to anyone noticing her small victories, much less cheering for them.
But just when Sydni starts to feel a spark of hope, she retreats.
What she doesn’t know is that Elias recognizes the silence because he’s lived it himself. He’s spent years retreating from connection, convinced distance keeps him safe. Seeing Sydni vanish hits a little too close—and makes him realize he cares more than he intended to.
When their worlds collide offline, messy, awkward, and a little magical, everything shifts. Their chemistry is undeniable, but both carry wounds that make trust complicated. Between Sydni’s protective walls, Elias’s instinct to withdraw, and Sloan (Sydni’s dramatic, overprotective best friend with abandonment issues of his own), the path to connection is anything but simple.
Yet something gentle keeps pulling them back to each other.
A look.
A conversation.
A moment where Sydni finally breathes without bracing for impact.
A moment where Elias lets himself hope again.
Perfect for readers who
• slow-burn, soft romance
• mental-health-positive storylines
• messy, lovable main characters
• emotional healing arcs
• supportive cinnamon-roll heroes
• chaotic best-friend energy
• cozy, character-driven love stories with heart and humor
More Than I Expected is a tender, funny, deeply human romantic comedy about rebuilding your life one tiny goal at a time—and finding someone who sees you, chooses you, and gently pushes you forward when you’re finally brave enough to try.
Trigger This novel gently explores themes of trauma,past emotional/physical abuse, panic attacks, and grief. While handled with care, these elements may be difficult for some readers. These themes are portrayed thoughtfully and without any graphic descriptions.
Content
This story includes light references to grief, anxiety, and past emotional/physical trauma. Themes are handled with warmth, humor, and healing.
"I’ve read many long books by other authors, and this one stands out as truly exceptional. Well done, Wynn, for crafting a story that kept my attention and exceeded all my expectations. I wholeheartedly recommend it!" -Reader R.J. Greyta
"More Than I Expected is a beautifully tender, slow-burn romance that will charm readers with its emotional depth, lovable characters, and gentle reminder that healing—and love—often begins with the smallest steps." – NewInBooks
"More Than I Expected is a story that begins with the familiar beats of a rom-com but delivers something far more substantial.
Sydni Benton isn’t falling apart, she’s just quietly unraveling. After months of hiding in her apartment, drowning in work, and avoiding every emotion that asks too much of her, she decides to try something a goal-setting app called Resolve.
What she doesn’t expect is Elias Monroe, the complete stranger paired with her as her “accountability partner.”
Elias is steady, gentle, annoyingly disciplined… and unexpectedly kind. His encouragement is soft, simple, and exactly the thing Sydni doesn’t know how to accept. She’s not used to anyone noticing her small victories, much less cheering for them.
But just when Sydni starts to feel a spark of hope, she retreats.
What she doesn’t know is that Elias recognizes the silence because he’s lived it himself. He’s spent years retreating from connection, convinced distance keeps him safe. Seeing Sydni vanish hits a little too close—and makes him realize he cares more than he intended to.
When their worlds collide offline, messy, awkward, and a little magical, everything shifts. Their chemistry is undeniable, but both carry wounds that make trust complicated. Between Sydni’s protective walls, Elias’s instinct to withdraw, and Sloan (Sydni’s dramatic, overprotective best friend with abandonment issues of his own), the path to connection is anything but simple.
Yet something gentle keeps pulling them back to each other.
A look.
A conversation.
A moment where Sydni finally breathes without bracing for impact.
A moment where Elias lets himself hope again.
Perfect for readers who
• slow-burn, soft romance
• mental-health-positive storylines
• messy, lovable main characters
• emotional healing arcs
• supportive cinnamon-roll heroes
• chaotic best-friend energy
• cozy, character-driven love stories with heart and humor
More Than I Expected is a tender, funny, deeply human romantic comedy about rebuilding your life one tiny goal at a time—and finding someone who sees you, chooses you, and gently pushes you forward when you’re finally brave enough to try.
Trigger This novel gently explores themes of trauma,past emotional/physical abuse, panic attacks, and grief. While handled with care, these elements may be difficult for some readers. These themes are portrayed thoughtfully and without any graphic descriptions.
Content
This story includes light references to grief, anxiety, and past emotional/physical trauma. Themes are handled with warmth, humor, and healing.
"I’ve read many long books by other authors, and this one stands out as truly exceptional. Well done, Wynn, for crafting a story that kept my attention and exceeded all my expectations. I wholeheartedly recommend it!" -Reader R.J. Greyta
"More Than I Expected is a beautifully tender, slow-burn romance that will charm readers with its emotional depth, lovable characters, and gentle reminder that healing—and love—often begins with the smallest steps." – NewInBooks
"More Than I Expected is a story that begins with the familiar beats of a rom-com but delivers something far more substantial.
458 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 7, 2026
Have you ever picked up a rom-com expecting something light… and it ends up hitting you right in the heart?
More Than I Expected by Amara Wynn dug up some buried emotions for me and reminded me that I’m exactly where I need to be.
This gentle rom-com follows Sydni, who downloads an accountability app to help get her life back on track—but ends up finding more than she expected along the way.
I loved the way this story explored emotional struggles and the messy process of pulling yourself out of dark places. It also touches on something so important: learning to be vulnerable and accepting help when you need it.
If you struggle with mental health, definitely check the trigger warnings first. That said, I felt like this book handled those topics with so much care and compassion.
Sometimes the books we pick up for a little romance end up giving us exactly the reminder we needed.
More Than I Expected by Amara Wynn dug up some buried emotions for me and reminded me that I’m exactly where I need to be.
This gentle rom-com follows Sydni, who downloads an accountability app to help get her life back on track—but ends up finding more than she expected along the way.
I loved the way this story explored emotional struggles and the messy process of pulling yourself out of dark places. It also touches on something so important: learning to be vulnerable and accepting help when you need it.
If you struggle with mental health, definitely check the trigger warnings first. That said, I felt like this book handled those topics with so much care and compassion.
Sometimes the books we pick up for a little romance end up giving us exactly the reminder we needed.
January 10, 2026
What can I say—what a book! Each chapter drew me in so completely that I thought I might get lost, especially as someone with dyslexia and ADHD. Instead, it awakened my ADHD hyper-focus and kept me completely absorbed from start to finish. The story was far more than I expected—rich, detailed, and full of twists that kept me guessing. I might even suggest that this book could be split into 3 or 4 separate books, as it’s packed with so much content, but don’t let that put you off—it only adds to its depth. I’ve read many long books by other authors, and this one stands out as truly exceptional. Well done, Wynn, for crafting a story that kept my attention and exceeded all my expectations. I wholeheartedly recommend it!
January 6, 2026
Slow-burn & Cozy
Lots of little important special things and moments. I appreciated how it dealt with mental health and healing. As a survivor I really appreciated the attention and pacing. The characters felt very real in their depth. Much of the book reads like a screenplay.
Lots of little important special things and moments. I appreciated how it dealt with mental health and healing. As a survivor I really appreciated the attention and pacing. The characters felt very real in their depth. Much of the book reads like a screenplay.
December 29, 2025
I read this cozy read in a weekend on my kindle ❤️
This was such a sweet, comforting read. It’s very character-driven and really shines in the quiet moments — small conversations, little wins, and the slow build of trust between people who are just trying to figure themselves out.
I especially appreciated how gently it handles mental health and healing without feeling heavy or preachy. The characters feel messy and real, and there’s a lot of warmth and humor woven throughout that makes it easy to settle into. If you like slow-burn romance, cozy vibes, and emotionally kind stories, this one is definitely worth picking up.
This was such a sweet, comforting read. It’s very character-driven and really shines in the quiet moments — small conversations, little wins, and the slow build of trust between people who are just trying to figure themselves out.
I especially appreciated how gently it handles mental health and healing without feeling heavy or preachy. The characters feel messy and real, and there’s a lot of warmth and humor woven throughout that makes it easy to settle into. If you like slow-burn romance, cozy vibes, and emotionally kind stories, this one is definitely worth picking up.
December 30, 2025
Extremely Slow Burn Must Read
If you like slow burn, trauma healing, and a sweet love story then this one is for you. Amara definitely knows how to tell an unforgettable story. The pacing is superb and the characters are great! I think Sloan is my favorite character.
If you like slow burn, trauma healing, and a sweet love story then this one is for you. Amara definitely knows how to tell an unforgettable story. The pacing is superb and the characters are great! I think Sloan is my favorite character.
March 18, 2026
I have to start this review by saying...I need a Sloan in my life. The witty, hilarious banter between Syndi, the main character, and Sloan, her best friend, had me hooked from the very beginning. Any book that makes me laugh out loud is a win, and this one definitely delivered. Actually...Amara, can we be friends? Your humor is so spot-on and genuinely funny!
Beyond the laughs, the story is incredibly uplifting and feels deeply relatable, especially for women who have experienced trauma or are navigating life on their own and coming out stronger on the other side.
If you want a good laugh, a lovable and relatable MC, and a sweet romance, look no further!
Beyond the laughs, the story is incredibly uplifting and feels deeply relatable, especially for women who have experienced trauma or are navigating life on their own and coming out stronger on the other side.
If you want a good laugh, a lovable and relatable MC, and a sweet romance, look no further!
February 1, 2026
I finished this book on Christmas Eve which somehow seems appropriate because in many ways More Than I Expected is a gift: it’s a debut novel by someone unexpected; it’s characters that stay with you even after the book is closed; and it’s an additional adorable dog to add to my Book Pet list. Are you prepared to fall in love? If not, then don’t read this book, because you are going to meet Sydni and Elias and you are going to fall in love. You might also fall in love with Sloan, and you are definitely going to fall in love with Clementine!
Being an Indie author is scary. What it means is you are your own publisher because none of the big guys wanted to take a chance on your work. They have a budget and they want to spend it on authors whose work is proven. As those of us who’ve invested our time, our money, and our hearts in reading work by Indie authors can tell you, you are missing out on some good reading! Occasionally you’ll choose a book that is an eye-roller or a head-shaker, but isn’t that also true with books by best-selling authors who’ve been around for years? I can certainly name a few! So take a chance and read More Than I Expected. It’s delightful and touching and funny and will stay with you long after you read the final page. You’ll meet some people you’d love to hang out with because they are real. Oh, and did I mention, there’s a dog? Five stars to Author Amara Wynn for sharing her gift and for having the strength and courage to join the ranks of Indie Authors! I’m definitely expecting more!
Being an Indie author is scary. What it means is you are your own publisher because none of the big guys wanted to take a chance on your work. They have a budget and they want to spend it on authors whose work is proven. As those of us who’ve invested our time, our money, and our hearts in reading work by Indie authors can tell you, you are missing out on some good reading! Occasionally you’ll choose a book that is an eye-roller or a head-shaker, but isn’t that also true with books by best-selling authors who’ve been around for years? I can certainly name a few! So take a chance and read More Than I Expected. It’s delightful and touching and funny and will stay with you long after you read the final page. You’ll meet some people you’d love to hang out with because they are real. Oh, and did I mention, there’s a dog? Five stars to Author Amara Wynn for sharing her gift and for having the strength and courage to join the ranks of Indie Authors! I’m definitely expecting more!
January 17, 2026
More Than I Expected is an engaging read that drew me in with its emotional honesty and gentle humor. The story unfolds in a way that is both soft and compelling. The pacing supports a slow-burn romance without feeling heavy. It explores meaningful themes of healing, trust, and personal growth.
What truly stands out to me were the relatable characters. Sydni’s tendency to retreat when life feels overwhelming and Elias’s calm, compassionate steadiness mirror real emotional patterns many readers will relate to. Their connection feels earned. This novel offers a comforting, character-driven romance that balances emotional depth with readability, making it a good choice for readers who appreciate realistic heartfelt stories.
What truly stands out to me were the relatable characters. Sydni’s tendency to retreat when life feels overwhelming and Elias’s calm, compassionate steadiness mirror real emotional patterns many readers will relate to. Their connection feels earned. This novel offers a comforting, character-driven romance that balances emotional depth with readability, making it a good choice for readers who appreciate realistic heartfelt stories.
April 11, 2026
More than I expected was exactly that!!!
This is not a genre I normally read, and yet I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The quirky characters, Sloan, I'm looking at you, and delightful banter immediately captured my interest. The dialog alone buoyed the book along, taking us through the meet-cute and the forced proximity.
About a third of the way through the novel, it goes from being cute and enjoyable to something deeper and more profound. As the main character deals with her past, we get a believable and heartfelt struggle that feels real in the best way possible. We never learn the details, but we get enough of them to frame what comes next.
Overall, the story arc is comforting and enjoyable, with great characters and a warmth that lingers.
This is not a genre I normally read, and yet I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The quirky characters, Sloan, I'm looking at you, and delightful banter immediately captured my interest. The dialog alone buoyed the book along, taking us through the meet-cute and the forced proximity.
About a third of the way through the novel, it goes from being cute and enjoyable to something deeper and more profound. As the main character deals with her past, we get a believable and heartfelt struggle that feels real in the best way possible. We never learn the details, but we get enough of them to frame what comes next.
Overall, the story arc is comforting and enjoyable, with great characters and a warmth that lingers.
May 15, 2026
More Than I Expected completely took me by surprise. Amara Wynn's characters are authentic, wonderfully imperfect, and prone to making mistakes. You'll find yourself shouting at the page in frustration one minute, and wishing you could join their friend group the next.
The writing is equal parts heartfelt and hilarious. Sydni is incredibly relatable for any introvert, especially if you have a larger-than-life best friend like Sloan. At times the book feels like a sitcom, and at others, it feels like therapy—just like real life.
Read this book. Amara Wynn is absolutely an author to watch.
The writing is equal parts heartfelt and hilarious. Sydni is incredibly relatable for any introvert, especially if you have a larger-than-life best friend like Sloan. At times the book feels like a sitcom, and at others, it feels like therapy—just like real life.
Read this book. Amara Wynn is absolutely an author to watch.
April 22, 2026
Oh I loved this book so hard! I fell in love with Sydni and Elias, thinking theirs would be a cosy love story. What I got was so much more. It’s a story about overcoming trauma, healing and the power of friendship. I adored the relationship and banter between Sloan and Sydni, as much as the will-they-won’t-they between Sydni and Elias. Do yourself a favour and read this book! It’s heartwarming, lovely and such a great read.
January 11, 2026
More Than I Expected is a story that begins with the familiar beats of a rom-com but delivers something far more substantial. It is a refreshing and deeply resonant debut novel from indie author Amara Wynn. While it wears the vibrant coat of a contemporary romantic comedy, the story possesses a level of emotional maturity and psychological depth that sets it apart from typical beach reads.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews