What do you think?
Rate this book
The Hamiltons #0.5
The Unwilling Love
He’s my best friend’s brother.
Off-limits. Emotionally unavailable. Out of bounds.
James Hamilton makes my heart stutter.
He’s six feet three inches of muscle. A decorated Royal Marine. with a jagged scar that hints at a troubled past, and glacial blue eyes that see right through my defenses.
I’m the aspiring chef who spends my days drowning in dishwater and hiding my curves under an oversized apron while I strive for my big break.
James is also the definition of off-limits.
My best friend’s overprotective older brother and a man who has seen too much of the world’s darkness to ever notice someone like me.
Or so I thought...
Because lately, those ‘protective’ glances feel like so much more.
The air crackles when we're alone, and the way he tensed when a stranger approaches me at the bar? That was more than brotherly instinct.
I’ve spent years watching him from afar, but I’m ready to show him I no longer a girl who needs saving.
James, thinks he’s an antihero who can’t be tamed. I’m about to prove that even a guarded billionaire marine has a breaking point...
The Unwilling Love is James & Harper’s story. The emotionally charged prequel to The Unwilling Bride , featuring a forbidden love, a fiercely protective hero, a heroine finding her confidence, slow-burn tension, found family, and all the delicious tension of falling for the one man you shouldn't want.
Tropes
Tropes
Best Friend’s brother
Grumpy x Sunshine
Opposites attract
OTT possessive hero
Curvy FMC
Delicious angst of a secret crush
High-tension
Found family romance
Off-limits. Emotionally unavailable. Out of bounds.
James Hamilton makes my heart stutter.
He’s six feet three inches of muscle. A decorated Royal Marine. with a jagged scar that hints at a troubled past, and glacial blue eyes that see right through my defenses.
I’m the aspiring chef who spends my days drowning in dishwater and hiding my curves under an oversized apron while I strive for my big break.
James is also the definition of off-limits.
My best friend’s overprotective older brother and a man who has seen too much of the world’s darkness to ever notice someone like me.
Or so I thought...
Because lately, those ‘protective’ glances feel like so much more.
The air crackles when we're alone, and the way he tensed when a stranger approaches me at the bar? That was more than brotherly instinct.
I’ve spent years watching him from afar, but I’m ready to show him I no longer a girl who needs saving.
James, thinks he’s an antihero who can’t be tamed. I’m about to prove that even a guarded billionaire marine has a breaking point...
The Unwilling Love is James & Harper’s story. The emotionally charged prequel to The Unwilling Bride , featuring a forbidden love, a fiercely protective hero, a heroine finding her confidence, slow-burn tension, found family, and all the delicious tension of falling for the one man you shouldn't want.
Tropes
Tropes
Best Friend’s brother
Grumpy x Sunshine
Opposites attract
OTT possessive hero
Curvy FMC
Delicious angst of a secret crush
High-tension
Found family romance
92 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2026
About the author
L. Steele
63 books2,689 followersAmazon top 4 bestselling author L. Steele is best known for her marriage of convenience, billionaire romance novels.
She writes about powerful men with ice in their veins who are brought to their knees by the curvy, strong women they never saw coming.
She lives for the heart-aching angst, the sharp banter, and the kind of raw, soul-deep connection that makes readers stay up until 4:00 AM because they cannot bear to leave her characters behind.
She strives to create stories that breathe. The kind of magic that imprints on your heart and stays with you long after you have read the final page.
Did she succeed? Message her and let her know. She loves hearing from her readers.
When she is not dreaming up her next OTT possessive MC, she can be found trading trivia with her husband, watching movies, or walking nature trails with a dirty chai latte in hand.
She writes about powerful men with ice in their veins who are brought to their knees by the curvy, strong women they never saw coming.
She lives for the heart-aching angst, the sharp banter, and the kind of raw, soul-deep connection that makes readers stay up until 4:00 AM because they cannot bear to leave her characters behind.
She strives to create stories that breathe. The kind of magic that imprints on your heart and stays with you long after you have read the final page.
Did she succeed? Message her and let her know. She loves hearing from her readers.
When she is not dreaming up her next OTT possessive MC, she can be found trading trivia with her husband, watching movies, or walking nature trails with a dirty chai latte in hand.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 369 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Got this one as an ARC read and what a lovely surprise it was! 🥰
It has all the tropes I enjoy: opposites attract, grumpy x sunshine, slow burn tension... but what really won me over was Harper. A confident, forthcoming FMC who loves cooking? Hi, that's me. 🙋♀️ And when it turns out James shares that passion too... yeah, I was sold. A short but emotionally satisfying read that left me genuinely excited for book one. July 2nd cannot come soon enough! 🤍
It has all the tropes I enjoy: opposites attract, grumpy x sunshine, slow burn tension... but what really won me over was Harper. A confident, forthcoming FMC who loves cooking? Hi, that's me. 🙋♀️ And when it turns out James shares that passion too... yeah, I was sold. A short but emotionally satisfying read that left me genuinely excited for book one. July 2nd cannot come soon enough! 🤍
April 17, 2026
2.5 ⭐️🎧
This book had big feelings and very little time to justify them.
Fun in the moment, questionable in hindsight.
As a novella the pacing makes sens but it also shows.
What worked for me
(aka: the vibes were trying their best)
There is something here.
This setup should’ve been elite.
Best friend’s brother. Off-limits. Broody Royal Marine with trauma and a scar.
I was ready to spiral.
The dynamic had moments where it almost clicked especially when it leaned into that awkward, slightly unhinged energy. The contrast between Harper being chatty and a little chaotic and James being all grunts, silence and emotional repression? That had potential. When their interactions felt natural (read: not just internal lust spirals), I could actually see the chemistry.
And I won’t lie, the protective streak? It hit.
The whole “dangerous man who barely speaks but acts when it matters” trope is doing a lot of heavy lifting here and I’m not immune to that.
Where it lost me
(aka: the math wasn’t mathing)
Insta-attraction but make it a full-body crisis
We are in Chapter 1 and people are already having spiritual awakenings via eye contact.
There's no build. No curiosity. No gradual tension. Just immediate "my bloodstream is reacting, my soul has shifted, this is unlike anything I’ve ever felt."
And I’m sitting here like…you just met???
One night = entire life transformation
This man really said "I’ve spent years in the Royal Marines…but meeting you for a few hours has changed the trajectory of my life."
I’m sorry???
Big emotional decisions: career, identity, purpose, are being made off the back of one interaction. It’s giving life-changing connection…with absolutely no foundation.
Timeline inconsistencies that kept pulling me out
At times it reads like he doesn’t really know her then suddenly she’s always been around, THEN she’s apparently had some kind of impact on him before.
Pick a lane please.
It felt like the story was trying to have both first-meeting intensity and long-standing connection depth… without properly establishing either.
Harper doing ALL the heavy lifting
I need a wellness check on this dynamic. Harper is out here initiating conversations, pushing every interaction forward and actively creating opportunities for connection while James is…brooding, staring and occasionally contributing an “eh?” like it’s a full sentence.
Like sir… participate???
It started to feel like she was building the romance while he just stood there being tall and traumatised.
All build-up, no payoff. Sequel bait.
Multiple moments of tension.
Several near-kisses.
A whole night of “we shouldn’t…” and then we land on one kiss, followed by emotional retreat and a goodbye.
This isn’t slow burn, it’s delayed gratification with no reward. By the end, it’s very clear this is setup, not a complete story. We get the full “I can’t be with you,” “I need to leave,” “I’ll come back for you” speech… after ONE night??? It doesn’t feel like a heartbreaking separation. It feels like a "to be continued… please buy the next book situation."
Final Thoughts / Final Verdict
This checked all my boxes - off-limits tension, broody MMC, protective energy but everything was too fast, too easy, and not earned enough to hit the way it should.
The intensity was there. The foundation...was not. It just feels like a highlight reel of a romance instead of the full experience
2.5 ⭐️ - one night, one kiss and a whole lot of “we’ll circle back to this later.”
Tropes and Vibes:
• Best friend’s brother
• Broody, emotionally unavailable MMC
• Protective / possessive energy
• Chatty FMC x silent MMC
• Insta-attraction / insta-lust
• One night timeline
• “I’m not good enough for you”
• Sequel bait / unresolved ending
This book had big feelings and very little time to justify them.
Fun in the moment, questionable in hindsight.
As a novella the pacing makes sens but it also shows.
What worked for me
(aka: the vibes were trying their best)
There is something here.
This setup should’ve been elite.
Best friend’s brother. Off-limits. Broody Royal Marine with trauma and a scar.
I was ready to spiral.
The dynamic had moments where it almost clicked especially when it leaned into that awkward, slightly unhinged energy. The contrast between Harper being chatty and a little chaotic and James being all grunts, silence and emotional repression? That had potential. When their interactions felt natural (read: not just internal lust spirals), I could actually see the chemistry.
And I won’t lie, the protective streak? It hit.
The whole “dangerous man who barely speaks but acts when it matters” trope is doing a lot of heavy lifting here and I’m not immune to that.
Where it lost me
(aka: the math wasn’t mathing)
Insta-attraction but make it a full-body crisis
We are in Chapter 1 and people are already having spiritual awakenings via eye contact.
There's no build. No curiosity. No gradual tension. Just immediate "my bloodstream is reacting, my soul has shifted, this is unlike anything I’ve ever felt."
And I’m sitting here like…you just met???
One night = entire life transformation
This man really said "I’ve spent years in the Royal Marines…but meeting you for a few hours has changed the trajectory of my life."
I’m sorry???
Big emotional decisions: career, identity, purpose, are being made off the back of one interaction. It’s giving life-changing connection…with absolutely no foundation.
Timeline inconsistencies that kept pulling me out
At times it reads like he doesn’t really know her then suddenly she’s always been around, THEN she’s apparently had some kind of impact on him before.
Pick a lane please.
It felt like the story was trying to have both first-meeting intensity and long-standing connection depth… without properly establishing either.
Harper doing ALL the heavy lifting
I need a wellness check on this dynamic. Harper is out here initiating conversations, pushing every interaction forward and actively creating opportunities for connection while James is…brooding, staring and occasionally contributing an “eh?” like it’s a full sentence.
Like sir… participate???
It started to feel like she was building the romance while he just stood there being tall and traumatised.
All build-up, no payoff. Sequel bait.
Multiple moments of tension.
Several near-kisses.
A whole night of “we shouldn’t…” and then we land on one kiss, followed by emotional retreat and a goodbye.
This isn’t slow burn, it’s delayed gratification with no reward. By the end, it’s very clear this is setup, not a complete story. We get the full “I can’t be with you,” “I need to leave,” “I’ll come back for you” speech… after ONE night??? It doesn’t feel like a heartbreaking separation. It feels like a "to be continued… please buy the next book situation."
Final Thoughts / Final Verdict
This checked all my boxes - off-limits tension, broody MMC, protective energy but everything was too fast, too easy, and not earned enough to hit the way it should.
The intensity was there. The foundation...was not. It just feels like a highlight reel of a romance instead of the full experience
2.5 ⭐️ - one night, one kiss and a whole lot of “we’ll circle back to this later.”
Tropes and Vibes:
• Best friend’s brother
• Broody, emotionally unavailable MMC
• Protective / possessive energy
• Chatty FMC x silent MMC
• Insta-attraction / insta-lust
• One night timeline
• “I’m not good enough for you”
• Sequel bait / unresolved ending
June 1, 2026
the setup…
Harper Richie is an aspiring chef living in London who is toiling away as a dishwasher while waiting for her break. She and her best friend Phoenix Hamilton are out on the dance floor at a nightclub when James Hamilton shows up. He’s Phoenix’s oldest over protective brother (she has five). He’s not liking the attention they’re getting and decides it’s time for them to go home. There’s no mistaking the pull between him and Harper and after dropping Phoenix at home, James decides to spend more time with her, all the while trying to resist the attraction. He’s a decade older and currently still serving as a Marine.
the heart of the story…
It comes down to Harper trying to convince James that their age difference shouldn’t matter and they should explore a relationship. James is having none of it no matter how difficult it is to keep her at arms length when deep down, he’s equally drawn to her.
the narration…
Give Shane East & Evelyn Rose all the stars for a great performance! I could listen to him all day and she was Harper inside and out. They were wonderful storytellers.
the bottom line…
This is the prequel to the series and it accomplished its mission in setting up whatever comes next for Harper and James. I am sufficiently intrigued to explore their futures as they both were well crafted enough in this short story to make me care. 3.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Harper Richie is an aspiring chef living in London who is toiling away as a dishwasher while waiting for her break. She and her best friend Phoenix Hamilton are out on the dance floor at a nightclub when James Hamilton shows up. He’s Phoenix’s oldest over protective brother (she has five). He’s not liking the attention they’re getting and decides it’s time for them to go home. There’s no mistaking the pull between him and Harper and after dropping Phoenix at home, James decides to spend more time with her, all the while trying to resist the attraction. He’s a decade older and currently still serving as a Marine.
the heart of the story…
It comes down to Harper trying to convince James that their age difference shouldn’t matter and they should explore a relationship. James is having none of it no matter how difficult it is to keep her at arms length when deep down, he’s equally drawn to her.
the narration…
Give Shane East & Evelyn Rose all the stars for a great performance! I could listen to him all day and she was Harper inside and out. They were wonderful storytellers.
the bottom line…
This is the prequel to the series and it accomplished its mission in setting up whatever comes next for Harper and James. I am sufficiently intrigued to explore their futures as they both were well crafted enough in this short story to make me care. 3.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
March 31, 2026
4.5⭐️
1🌶️
🔥Best Friend’s brother
🔥Grumpy x Sunshine
🔥Opposites Attract
🔥OTT Possessive MMC
🔥Curvy FMC
🔥High-tension
🔥Dual First Person POV
The Unwilling Love is a fast paced prequel novella for L. Steele’s upcoming series, The Hamiltons. An amuse bouche if you will. I love how all her characters live in the same world and even the same neighborhood of Primrose Hill in London. The sparks fly immediately between James and Harper at first sight. James is closed off, a bit jaded, and grumpy. He’s on leave from the Royal Marines and is struggling with his demons from the things he’s seen. Harper is confident and not afriad to speak her mind. She’s out dancing with her best friend when she bumps in to the most atttractibve man she’s ever seen. James saw Harper across the dance floor, but when he finds out she’s his little sister’s best friend he tries to shut down those thoughts. Instead of taking her straight home, they end up spending the night together exploring the city. She challenges him, daring him to admit to the their connection and mutual attraction. James doesn’t want to risk hurting Harper or put her relationship with his sister at risk. But when he can’t fight the palpable tension any longer they share an intense kiss, but he won’t cross that final line. He ultimately takes her home, leaving her feeling confused. I cannot wait for The Unwilling Bride to come out in July. The only reason I rated the plot a 4 is because it was a little too reminiscent of her other prequel The Unwanted Love.
Plot: 4
Engaging: 5
Character: 5
Thank you L. Steele for the gifted advanced copy.
📚All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads🐦🔥
A Few Favorite Quotes:
“I take Harper’s much smaller palm in mine. A current of electricity zips up my arm. The hair on the nape of my neck rises. Holy hell. What kind of a crazy response am I having to this woman?”
“I’d totally climb this hunk of a man like a tree and cling to him like a koala bear.”
1🌶️
🔥Best Friend’s brother
🔥Grumpy x Sunshine
🔥Opposites Attract
🔥OTT Possessive MMC
🔥Curvy FMC
🔥High-tension
🔥Dual First Person POV
The Unwilling Love is a fast paced prequel novella for L. Steele’s upcoming series, The Hamiltons. An amuse bouche if you will. I love how all her characters live in the same world and even the same neighborhood of Primrose Hill in London. The sparks fly immediately between James and Harper at first sight. James is closed off, a bit jaded, and grumpy. He’s on leave from the Royal Marines and is struggling with his demons from the things he’s seen. Harper is confident and not afriad to speak her mind. She’s out dancing with her best friend when she bumps in to the most atttractibve man she’s ever seen. James saw Harper across the dance floor, but when he finds out she’s his little sister’s best friend he tries to shut down those thoughts. Instead of taking her straight home, they end up spending the night together exploring the city. She challenges him, daring him to admit to the their connection and mutual attraction. James doesn’t want to risk hurting Harper or put her relationship with his sister at risk. But when he can’t fight the palpable tension any longer they share an intense kiss, but he won’t cross that final line. He ultimately takes her home, leaving her feeling confused. I cannot wait for The Unwilling Bride to come out in July. The only reason I rated the plot a 4 is because it was a little too reminiscent of her other prequel The Unwanted Love.
Plot: 4
Engaging: 5
Character: 5
Thank you L. Steele for the gifted advanced copy.
📚All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads🐦🔥
A Few Favorite Quotes:
“I take Harper’s much smaller palm in mine. A current of electricity zips up my arm. The hair on the nape of my neck rises. Holy hell. What kind of a crazy response am I having to this woman?”
“I’d totally climb this hunk of a man like a tree and cling to him like a koala bear.”
April 5, 2026
Received as an advanced reader copy.
This is a prequel to the Unwilling Wife , and I have not read those books so this was a great place for me to start.
It was a quick fast paced novella and straight to the point. I wanted just a bit more , but it was enough to peek my interest to read the series
This is a prequel to the Unwilling Wife , and I have not read those books so this was a great place for me to start.
It was a quick fast paced novella and straight to the point. I wanted just a bit more , but it was enough to peek my interest to read the series
April 2, 2026
Thank you Hambright and L. Steele for the eARC!
-
The Unwilling Love is a novella and prequel to the Unwilling Bride. It is about James, a Royal Marine, and Harper, an aspiring chef.
I would rate this novella 5 stars. It is short, but it is still truly a good story. It has the tropes best friend’s brother, grumpy x sunshine, and slow burn. It made me really excited for Harper and James’ story. I can’t wait to learn about James’ past and see Harper and James’ relationship develop.
I also listened to the ALC. I love dual narration so much and it worked perfectly. I thought both narrators did a great job.
Book - 5 stars
Audiobook - 5 stars
-
The Unwilling Love is a novella and prequel to the Unwilling Bride. It is about James, a Royal Marine, and Harper, an aspiring chef.
I would rate this novella 5 stars. It is short, but it is still truly a good story. It has the tropes best friend’s brother, grumpy x sunshine, and slow burn. It made me really excited for Harper and James’ story. I can’t wait to learn about James’ past and see Harper and James’ relationship develop.
I also listened to the ALC. I love dual narration so much and it worked perfectly. I thought both narrators did a great job.
Book - 5 stars
Audiobook - 5 stars
March 23, 2026
ARC review!
The Unwilling Love is a prequel to The Hamiltons series.
Tropes:
- grumpy x sunshine
- sister's best friend
- age gap
- opposites attract
- slow burn
This was a cute and quick read! Harper is out with her best friend and her best friend's brother just happens to be at the same place, planning to meet up with a friend. James is very protective of his sister and now by default, her friend Harper as well. James and Harper have this mutual chemistry but this kind of relationship is off-limits.
I'm looking forward to seeing if this relationship flourishes or fizzles out! This novella ends on a bit of a cliffhanger.
Thank you to the author and Hambright PR for the opportunity to read this before release day!
The Unwilling Love is a prequel to The Hamiltons series.
Tropes:
- grumpy x sunshine
- sister's best friend
- age gap
- opposites attract
- slow burn
This was a cute and quick read! Harper is out with her best friend and her best friend's brother just happens to be at the same place, planning to meet up with a friend. James is very protective of his sister and now by default, her friend Harper as well. James and Harper have this mutual chemistry but this kind of relationship is off-limits.
I'm looking forward to seeing if this relationship flourishes or fizzles out! This novella ends on a bit of a cliffhanger.
Thank you to the author and Hambright PR for the opportunity to read this before release day!
March 19, 2026
this book is a short novella and prequel to the upcoming novel The Unwilling Bride by L. Steele. And never has a prequel had be rushing so hard to read the book, and gosh it’s not out yet so I’m just counting down the days there’s no smut, no nothing, just pure undiluted feelings and it was top tier. I had so much fun reading this, and I also cried a little because that’s how badly these 100 pages moved my soul. It’s so angsty, he’s a marine fighting demons from his placements, and I loved him gosh he’s a sweetheart! She’s an aspiring chef who wants to have some fun with her best friends hot older brother, but also sort of has this “I can fix him” complex which was adorable. This book was such a fun start to this series and I can’t wait for the next book to come out!
April 21, 2026
He’s my best friend’s brother. Off-limits. Emotionally unavailable. Out of bounds.
This novella is short and fast paced, so I was able to listen to it in one sitting. The duet narration was fantastic, it keeps the tension high, and does a great job setting up the story for The Unwilling Bride. The cliffhanger had me immediately wanting the next book! 💕 (Summer 2026)
Thank you to Hambright PR for the eARC and ALC before release day!
This novella is short and fast paced, so I was able to listen to it in one sitting. The duet narration was fantastic, it keeps the tension high, and does a great job setting up the story for The Unwilling Bride. The cliffhanger had me immediately wanting the next book! 💕 (Summer 2026)
Thank you to Hambright PR for the eARC and ALC before release day!
April 7, 2026
I picked this book up because of a Booktok recommendation. I wanted a quick read to hold
me over, while I was waiting for my next read to be released. This was not for me. The only reason I didn’t DNF is because it was so short.
It was repetitive and a lot of the story made 0 sense. One thing that really stood out to me was this quote from the MMC, “The faster I get home, the quicker I can forget the girl who’s haunted my dreams is all grown up, and is now a seductive siren, and move on”. He literally just met the FMC THAT NIGHT. This was a complete continuity error.
Another issue I had is that the MMC is a marine, but he referred to himself as a soldier. A marine would never call
themselves a soldier. A soldier is in the army.
I find it very hard to believe these 4 & 5 star reviews are being honest.
me over, while I was waiting for my next read to be released. This was not for me. The only reason I didn’t DNF is because it was so short.
It was repetitive and a lot of the story made 0 sense. One thing that really stood out to me was this quote from the MMC, “The faster I get home, the quicker I can forget the girl who’s haunted my dreams is all grown up, and is now a seductive siren, and move on”. He literally just met the FMC THAT NIGHT. This was a complete continuity error.
Another issue I had is that the MMC is a marine, but he referred to himself as a soldier. A marine would never call
themselves a soldier. A soldier is in the army.
I find it very hard to believe these 4 & 5 star reviews are being honest.
March 23, 2026
A little prequel to The Unwilling Bride and what a prequel it is! L Steele….. you are a little tease!!!!!! 5 stars mainly due to the chemistry between Harper and James!!
Harper is on the dance floor at a club and at one with the music whilst having fun with her best friend Phoenix when suddenly in front of her is a gorgeous god like man, who she feels an instant attraction to. However, the man in question is Phoenix’s older brother, James Hamilton, and despite Phoenix’s attempted matchmaking on the drive home from the club, James makes sure Harper knows he's off limits despite admitting to the same attraction she feels for him. They spontaneously decide to spend the rest of the night together whilst James tries to talk himself out of the attraction and Harper tries to talk him into it! After only one red hot kiss, James drops Harper back home in the early morning and breaks the spell of attraction between them. Harper is left frustrated by James’ restraint, but James is sure he has made the right decision. Although it is likely their paths will cross again given that they both have Phoenix in common and what will happen then?!
Oh, L Steele how could you dangle James Hamilton in front of me like a fish on a rod and then tell me I need to wait until JULY to read more of the story?!!!!!! This was a truly brilliant prequel and the chemistry between Harper and James was off the scale…. I absolutely loved them together, the flirting, the banter, the attraction, it was all just so perfect, and I admit has made me frustrated (but very excited) to have to wait until July to read more. I can’t wait to get my hands on The Unwilling Bride!!! 5 stars for a great prequel with brilliant characters and sizzling chemistry!!!
Thank you to L Steele, Hambright PR and BookFunnel for my advanced reading copy. Out 2nd April 2026.
Harper is on the dance floor at a club and at one with the music whilst having fun with her best friend Phoenix when suddenly in front of her is a gorgeous god like man, who she feels an instant attraction to. However, the man in question is Phoenix’s older brother, James Hamilton, and despite Phoenix’s attempted matchmaking on the drive home from the club, James makes sure Harper knows he's off limits despite admitting to the same attraction she feels for him. They spontaneously decide to spend the rest of the night together whilst James tries to talk himself out of the attraction and Harper tries to talk him into it! After only one red hot kiss, James drops Harper back home in the early morning and breaks the spell of attraction between them. Harper is left frustrated by James’ restraint, but James is sure he has made the right decision. Although it is likely their paths will cross again given that they both have Phoenix in common and what will happen then?!
Oh, L Steele how could you dangle James Hamilton in front of me like a fish on a rod and then tell me I need to wait until JULY to read more of the story?!!!!!! This was a truly brilliant prequel and the chemistry between Harper and James was off the scale…. I absolutely loved them together, the flirting, the banter, the attraction, it was all just so perfect, and I admit has made me frustrated (but very excited) to have to wait until July to read more. I can’t wait to get my hands on The Unwilling Bride!!! 5 stars for a great prequel with brilliant characters and sizzling chemistry!!!
Thank you to L Steele, Hambright PR and BookFunnel for my advanced reading copy. Out 2nd April 2026.
April 3, 2026
*ALC
Thanks to Hambright PR and L. Steele for my gifted copy of this ALC.
Tropes…
❤️Best Friend’s Brother
🖤Age Gap
❤️Grumpy Sunshine
🖤Ex Military
❤️Insta Love
This book is the prequel to The Unwilling Bride, which comes out on 07/02/2026.
James is the MMC and he’s as broody as you’d expect for a military guy (a Royal Marine) with some trauma…he’s also hot, an he’s totally into his sister’s bestie, Harper. He tries his hardest to exercise restraint…but will it be enough?
Harper isn’t worried about a thing, other than making a go of it with her bestie’s much older brother. Their age gap of 10 years is no deal breaker for her. She’s a total ray of sunshine. Will James be able to keep her at bey or will he give into the temptation?
This one was a quick read but not one that I felt all that connected too. The characters felt a little flat to me…. HOWEVER…this was intended to be a quick little peek into James & Harper’s story. So if you look at this one like a trailer to a movie or show, the author did what she set out to do…give you a glimpse into James & Harper until you can get your hands on The Unwilling Bride and do a deep dive into their story.
Thanks to Hambright PR and L. Steele for my gifted copy of this ALC.
Tropes…
❤️Best Friend’s Brother
🖤Age Gap
❤️Grumpy Sunshine
🖤Ex Military
❤️Insta Love
This book is the prequel to The Unwilling Bride, which comes out on 07/02/2026.
James is the MMC and he’s as broody as you’d expect for a military guy (a Royal Marine) with some trauma…he’s also hot, an he’s totally into his sister’s bestie, Harper. He tries his hardest to exercise restraint…but will it be enough?
Harper isn’t worried about a thing, other than making a go of it with her bestie’s much older brother. Their age gap of 10 years is no deal breaker for her. She’s a total ray of sunshine. Will James be able to keep her at bey or will he give into the temptation?
This one was a quick read but not one that I felt all that connected too. The characters felt a little flat to me…. HOWEVER…this was intended to be a quick little peek into James & Harper’s story. So if you look at this one like a trailer to a movie or show, the author did what she set out to do…give you a glimpse into James & Harper until you can get your hands on The Unwilling Bride and do a deep dive into their story.
April 8, 2026
This is such a good short story. The characters are introduced well and they are very likeable. There’s a sweetness that’s soft and steamy. A brilliant performance.
April 2, 2026
This was such a strong little introduction to the series. I went into this knowing it was a prequel, and it did exactly what I wanted it to. It pulled me in, set the tone, and made me curious for what’s coming next. There’s already that tension and underlying drama building, and you can tell this story is only just getting started.
What I liked most is how it sets up the dynamic and gives you just enough to get invested without giving everything away. It has that slightly intense, emotional edge to it, and I could feel myself getting pulled into the world more with each chapter.
It’s a quick read, but it doesn’t feel empty. It gives you a solid glimpse into what’s ahead and leaves you wanting more, which for a prequel is exactly what you want. I’m definitely intrigued now and really looking forward to The Unwilling Bride after this.
Thank you to the author and Hambright PR for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What I liked most is how it sets up the dynamic and gives you just enough to get invested without giving everything away. It has that slightly intense, emotional edge to it, and I could feel myself getting pulled into the world more with each chapter.
It’s a quick read, but it doesn’t feel empty. It gives you a solid glimpse into what’s ahead and leaves you wanting more, which for a prequel is exactly what you want. I’m definitely intrigued now and really looking forward to The Unwilling Bride after this.
Thank you to the author and Hambright PR for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 4, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ a deeply emotional prequel that whetted my appetite
A promising start to a new series, L. Steele wrote a beautiful romance with this prequel. Hidden feelings coupled with a marriage of convenience with a protective MMC will forever be my favorite slow burn romance.
TROPES ✨
🧲 Opposites Attract
🚫 Best Friend's Brother
💍 Marriage of Convenience
👨👩👧👦 Found Family
🤫 Secret Crush
🎖 Former Military MMC
My gifted ALC was narrated by Shane East and Evelyn Rose, who performed the duet narration impeccably. Thank you Hambright PR and L. Steele for the gifted ALC!
A promising start to a new series, L. Steele wrote a beautiful romance with this prequel. Hidden feelings coupled with a marriage of convenience with a protective MMC will forever be my favorite slow burn romance.
TROPES ✨
🧲 Opposites Attract
🚫 Best Friend's Brother
💍 Marriage of Convenience
👨👩👧👦 Found Family
🤫 Secret Crush
🎖 Former Military MMC
My gifted ALC was narrated by Shane East and Evelyn Rose, who performed the duet narration impeccably. Thank you Hambright PR and L. Steele for the gifted ALC!
April 2, 2026
✨ALC Book Review✨
The Unwilling Love - L. Steele
Release Date: April 2nd, 2026
This prequel novella was a fun taste of what’s to come! I love a brother’s best friend romance and I’m excited for the next book to dive into more of James and Harper’s story.
🎧 Shane East & Evelyn Rose did a great job bringing these characters to life!
#HambrightPR #HPRUnwillingLove
🏷️ Book Review | Audiobook | Bookstagram |The Unwilling Love | The Hamilton | L. Steele
The Unwilling Love - L. Steele
Release Date: April 2nd, 2026
This prequel novella was a fun taste of what’s to come! I love a brother’s best friend romance and I’m excited for the next book to dive into more of James and Harper’s story.
🎧 Shane East & Evelyn Rose did a great job bringing these characters to life!
#HambrightPR #HPRUnwillingLove
🏷️ Book Review | Audiobook | Bookstagram |The Unwilling Love | The Hamilton | L. Steele
April 11, 2026
This is a prequel novella for an upcoming series that packed a big punch…👀
How am I supposed to wait until July for this book?
Ahhh I just know it’s going to be so good!! This little teaser has me so intrigued on what’s to come. 😍
🩵Opposites Attract
🔒Best Friend's Brother
🩵Marriage of Convenience
🔒Found Family
🩵Secret Crush
🔒Former Military MMC
Thank you so much to the author and Hambright PR for the ALC 🫶🏻
How am I supposed to wait until July for this book?
Ahhh I just know it’s going to be so good!! This little teaser has me so intrigued on what’s to come. 😍
🩵Opposites Attract
🔒Best Friend's Brother
🩵Marriage of Convenience
🔒Found Family
🩵Secret Crush
🔒Former Military MMC
Thank you so much to the author and Hambright PR for the ALC 🫶🏻
April 1, 2026
ARC Review
This was a short prequel novella - Just enough to introduce the characters for the first book. It was a quick and fast read. Easy to follow, but a bit too superficial for my taste. Lots of spicy talk, but would have loved to get to know the characters on a mature and deeper level.
If you like:
Age Gap
Best Friends Brother
Free Spirited x Military
Opposites Attract
This will be perfect for you!
Thank you HambrightPR!
This was a short prequel novella - Just enough to introduce the characters for the first book. It was a quick and fast read. Easy to follow, but a bit too superficial for my taste. Lots of spicy talk, but would have loved to get to know the characters on a mature and deeper level.
If you like:
Age Gap
Best Friends Brother
Free Spirited x Military
Opposites Attract
This will be perfect for you!
Thank you HambrightPR!
April 2, 2026
This was the quickest of quick reads and it gave us a sneak peak into how our two characters met each other. Their connection was felt on both sides and it was instant...and forbidden. He is her best friends boyfriend. He is military with some baggage I can't wait to see!
April 1, 2026
cute short novella! looking forward to reading their entire story. thanks hambright for the ALC!
April 2, 2026
This book was a prequel, i enjoyed it. I read it in a couple days. I 10/10 recommend this book.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
April 17, 2026
Ahh! It needs to be June to get the full story. I love following every single one of these stories and this one did not disappoint. Oh poor broken James! I need more and fast!
May 17, 2026
This was a cute prequel story. Nice palate cleanser and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
May 24, 2026
Short but sweet little prelude. ❤️❤️❤️
March 23, 2026
Hello, people!
First of all, let me mention that this book is book #0.5 of The Hamiltons series. That is, it is a prequel.
To tell the truth, I would have liked more. I think that the characters were not fully developed, due to the pages.
Nevertheless, I really liked it. The way she places her heroes, the dialogues, the plot and her writing are so unique, special... She is undoubtedly a charismatic writer with passion and love for what she does and this is evident in every work of hers, on every page of her books.
I can't wait for the continuation of this series!
Thank you very much to the author and Hambright PR for the eARC!
This is my honest review!
First of all, let me mention that this book is book #0.5 of The Hamiltons series. That is, it is a prequel.
To tell the truth, I would have liked more. I think that the characters were not fully developed, due to the pages.
Nevertheless, I really liked it. The way she places her heroes, the dialogues, the plot and her writing are so unique, special... She is undoubtedly a charismatic writer with passion and love for what she does and this is evident in every work of hers, on every page of her books.
I can't wait for the continuation of this series!
Thank you very much to the author and Hambright PR for the eARC!
This is my honest review!
April 9, 2026
I have been itching for James Hamilton’s story and this little tease just whet my appetite. A brief introduction to James and Harper that teases all the senses and leaves you longing for more. This gentle edging was a terrific brief encounter and I can’t wait to see these sparks light up.
Shane East and Evelyn Rose are the perfect British sultriness. They both have such a high class tone that portrays these characters beautifully. A great audio treat.
Shane East and Evelyn Rose are the perfect British sultriness. They both have such a high class tone that portrays these characters beautifully. A great audio treat.
April 25, 2026
I was pleasantly surprised by this novella. I liked Harper right away and I find James intriguing. I like that this prequel gives us a taste of their first meeting and definitely builds us up for their book.
Thank you L, for my copy of this story.
Thank you L, for my copy of this story.
April 26, 2026
I received an ARC copy of The Unwilling Love by L. Steele, and I really enjoyed this short prequel.
Even though it’s a quick read, the story does a great job of drawing you in right from the start. The characters were intriguing, and it gave just enough background to make me excited to continue with the series. L. Steele has a way of creating chemistry and tension that keeps the pages turning, even in a shorter format.
My only reason for giving this 4 stars instead of 5 is that I truly wished it had been a little longer. I found myself wanting more time with the characters and more development because the story was so engaging. That said, it was a great introduction and left me eager to read what comes next.
Overall, a strong and enjoyable prequel that definitely made me want more!
Even though it’s a quick read, the story does a great job of drawing you in right from the start. The characters were intriguing, and it gave just enough background to make me excited to continue with the series. L. Steele has a way of creating chemistry and tension that keeps the pages turning, even in a shorter format.
My only reason for giving this 4 stars instead of 5 is that I truly wished it had been a little longer. I found myself wanting more time with the characters and more development because the story was so engaging. That said, it was a great introduction and left me eager to read what comes next.
Overall, a strong and enjoyable prequel that definitely made me want more!
June 15, 2026
3.25 Stars
Okay, perhaps I should be generous with my rating on this one since it’s a novella and my expectations should be a little lower. I picked this book up to fulfill a spot on a monthly challenge and I’ve never read anything by this particular author before. So, maybe that was already two strikes against the book before I even started reading. Let‘s be honest here, age gap is fine but maybe not my speed? He’s the older one in this book and her best friend’s brother, which is totally fine, but the FMC was so immature. Age gap works if the gap isn’t glaringly obvious or the two characters make sense... or the chemistry is popping off the page. Yeah, none of that was happening here. Again, it’s a novella, setting up a new series... maybe I’d have to continue the series to be a better judge.
Okay, perhaps I should be generous with my rating on this one since it’s a novella and my expectations should be a little lower. I picked this book up to fulfill a spot on a monthly challenge and I’ve never read anything by this particular author before. So, maybe that was already two strikes against the book before I even started reading. Let‘s be honest here, age gap is fine but maybe not my speed? He’s the older one in this book and her best friend’s brother, which is totally fine, but the FMC was so immature. Age gap works if the gap isn’t glaringly obvious or the two characters make sense... or the chemistry is popping off the page. Yeah, none of that was happening here. Again, it’s a novella, setting up a new series... maybe I’d have to continue the series to be a better judge.
April 10, 2026
I have been waiting for James Hamilton’s story for what feels like years… and finally getting Harper Ritchie & James felt like such a full circle moment for me.
If you’ve read the Davenport series, you already know James — he’s always been there in the background, and there was just something about him… so going into this, my expectations were already high.
And this delivered.
From the very beginning, the tension between Harper and James is immediate. It’s not over the top, it’s just… there. Constant. That kind of pull that neither of them can really ignore, no matter how much James tries to convince himself otherwise.
And he really does try.
Between Harper being his sister’s best friend, the age gap, and everything going on in his life, he’s fully in that “this is a bad idea” mindset. But at the same time… he’s not exactly unaffected either.
Harper was such a standout for me. She’s not loud or overly dramatic, but she knows what she wants and she’s not backing down. There’s a quiet confidence to her that made her feel really real — like she’s grounded, but still strong enough to challenge him in a way that actually matters.
Their time together (especially when they’re out in London) is where everything really comes to life. It’s not rushed, it just builds naturally… and you can feel that shift happening between them.
And then the audio…
Having this performed in duet by Shane East and Evelyn Rose was honestly perfect casting. They are one of my all time favourite duos and I will never get enough of them.
Shane brings that signature broody, controlled, slightly possessive energy that he just does so well — but what really got me was the vulnerability underneath it. You can feel the internal conflict, the restraint, the way he’s trying to hold the line… and failing.
And Evelyn… she was so good as Harper. There’s a warmth to her performance, but it’s not overdone or overly sweet — it’s grounded, natural, and you can really feel Harper’s quiet determination and confidence coming through.
Together, they completely own these characters.
And the ending…
I won’t spoil anything, but it honestly left me feeling so conflicted. It’s one of those moments where everything shifts slightly, and you just know what’s coming next is going to hurt.
In the best way.
This was such a strong prequel, and it has definitely made me even more excited (and slightly nervous) for The Unwilling Bride.
Safe to say… I’m not ready.
Thank you L, Shane and Evelyn - you deserve all the stars!
10/10 highly recommend
If you’ve read the Davenport series, you already know James — he’s always been there in the background, and there was just something about him… so going into this, my expectations were already high.
And this delivered.
From the very beginning, the tension between Harper and James is immediate. It’s not over the top, it’s just… there. Constant. That kind of pull that neither of them can really ignore, no matter how much James tries to convince himself otherwise.
And he really does try.
Between Harper being his sister’s best friend, the age gap, and everything going on in his life, he’s fully in that “this is a bad idea” mindset. But at the same time… he’s not exactly unaffected either.
Harper was such a standout for me. She’s not loud or overly dramatic, but she knows what she wants and she’s not backing down. There’s a quiet confidence to her that made her feel really real — like she’s grounded, but still strong enough to challenge him in a way that actually matters.
Their time together (especially when they’re out in London) is where everything really comes to life. It’s not rushed, it just builds naturally… and you can feel that shift happening between them.
And then the audio…
Having this performed in duet by Shane East and Evelyn Rose was honestly perfect casting. They are one of my all time favourite duos and I will never get enough of them.
Shane brings that signature broody, controlled, slightly possessive energy that he just does so well — but what really got me was the vulnerability underneath it. You can feel the internal conflict, the restraint, the way he’s trying to hold the line… and failing.
And Evelyn… she was so good as Harper. There’s a warmth to her performance, but it’s not overdone or overly sweet — it’s grounded, natural, and you can really feel Harper’s quiet determination and confidence coming through.
Together, they completely own these characters.
And the ending…
I won’t spoil anything, but it honestly left me feeling so conflicted. It’s one of those moments where everything shifts slightly, and you just know what’s coming next is going to hurt.
In the best way.
This was such a strong prequel, and it has definitely made me even more excited (and slightly nervous) for The Unwilling Bride.
Safe to say… I’m not ready.
Thank you L, Shane and Evelyn - you deserve all the stars!
10/10 highly recommend
Displaying 1 - 30 of 369 reviews