Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Unexpected Change

Rate this book
How do you let go of pain when you have experienced the worst? Emelyn Pier thought the worst happened on that fateful day. Unable to stay where her memories haunt her, she moves in with her aunt in Carlsbad, California. Her only hope was to start over somewhere new where she can raise her son and get her college degree. What Emelyn didn’t expect was to meet the one person who may be able to help her heal. Just when she thinks she's ready to take a chance on love, her past collides with her hopeful future.

What happens when tragedy strikes again?

Will Emelyn be able to cope this time, or will she run again?

Alex Montgomery didn’t know buying an old Bar and Grill would lead him to the person he is meant to spend forever with nor did he plan on her being so emotionally unavailable. Will Alex stick around when things get too rough and be the one person she can count on, or will he let her pain and fear drive him away.

Can love alone heal a broken heart when it feels it's shattered beyond repair? Or can the unexpected change everything?

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 9, 2015

13 people are currently reading
172 people want to read

About the author

K.D. Sarks

3 books21 followers
Born and raised in the capitol of Nevada, K.D. Sarks lives with her husband, Ryan, who also happens to be her high school sweetheart. Together they have two amazing and rambunctious little ones keeping her on her toes throughout the day while she tries to write and corral them! Her guilty pleasure is watching trash reality TV and indulging in amazing reads while sipping hot tea!

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
60 (38%)
4 stars
58 (37%)
3 stars
34 (21%)
2 stars
2 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Ashley Jasper.
1,849 reviews24 followers
March 16, 2015
I am always excited to try out a new author and this was no exception. K.D. Sarks was recommended to me by more than one of my book loving friends so I gave it a whirl. This book was heavy on the heartache. I wasn't expecting to become so invested in the story but I was hooked from page one. It is told in a dual POV of the main characters. I liked being able to get inside both of their heads and hearts.

Unexpected Change follows the story of Emelyn, Em. She was an interesting character; equal parts strong and vulnerable. She has managed to find a decent balance in her life between work, school and motherhood. There were a few flashback scenes thrown in and they only added to the story. Life happened to her, as it does everyone but she has had more than her fair share of suffering. She has a great support system around her in her aunt Darla and her best friend Lane. I really liked Lane. She brought humor and was the outgoing personality in the duo. When a night out brings her face to face with Alex, both their worlds are about to change.

Alex is a touch older, broody, sexy, successful and inexplicably drawn to Em from the moment he hears her laugh. After spending a little time with her, he knows that he wants so much more. I liked how ready to jump in he was. He fell for her despite her faults and fears, because of her faults and fears. He knew most of her ugly truth and was ready to go all in. Things were going well until life once again got in the way. This tragedy causes Em to spiral out of control and sets off quite the chain of events. My heart broke for her and for her friends. It took an unexpected someone stepping up to start to bring Em out of her funk. Which in turn started to bring Alex out of his.

There is a great cast of secondary characters in this book. Em has her sidekick Lane. That girl is something else and I know there is a story there (it was hinted at). Alex has his gang of friends, Ben and Matt. They're all good guys deep down and know when to be an ear and when to provide a distraction. Micah is also a great guy. Seeing him with Corbin was sweet and showed how much he had changed since Em had seen him last. Or just how little she really knew him to begin with.

While I enjoyed all the twists that this book took there were a few holes. There was a big opportunity to get some more depth into the relationship between Emelyn and Alex, since they were so in love but I didn't get that much of their story. They didn't even really seem to spend a lot of time together besides talking on the phone here and there. That being said, their relationship was deep and meaningful. They were able to become better versions of themselves with and for the other. There were also a few editing errors. They in no way detract from the story or make it harder to grasp what is being said/conveyed. I will say that for a debut, K.D. Sarks did a good job. She was able to deliver characters that were easy to relate to, root for and like. Oh and that little tease at the end from a different characters perspective, has me itching to get their story!
Profile Image for Mignon Mykel.
Author 87 books686 followers
February 26, 2015
3.5 / 5 stars
Received arc through Love Affair with Fiction in exchange for an honest review; original post with excerpt/playlist/etc can be found at:
http://mnonmklreviews.blogspot.com/20...

The bones of this story -- the plot, the idea, those things -- were done well.

But for me personally, there were a few things that could have been better. While the ages of the characters called for a new adult/contemporary romance, a lot of the dialogue and thought processes were more along the lines of a middle school/young adult story. I didn't feel that all the thoughts were written out to their entirety.

That said...

It was still an enjoyable read. It was quick, easy, and mindless. There wasn't any trying to keep up with the bad guy, or trying to stay in tune with the deception... it was just there and what was meant to be read was right on the pages for you to read.

Emelyn hasn't had the easiest start to adulthood. A summer fling where last names or numbers were not exchanged, led to an unexpected pregnancy. When she loses one of the babies, she harbors an immense amount of guilt -- as many of these mothers do.

She's done with dating. Her sole focus, besides getting ahead in life by going to school and holding a job, is her son, Corbin. What scenes we do see her with her son, she's a good mother. She's attentive and loves him to pieces.

I think it was a bit funny, cute even, that when she first started talking to Alex, she told him to call her 'Em' because everyone else does; he pretty much just does his own thing and only ever calls her Emelyn.


The few times, though, that he does call her Em, she misses his using her full first name. It's like a nickname that's not really a nickname.

When it came to Micah, however... I, personally, would not have felt comfortable leaving my child with him for a weekend. There should have been a few more supervised visits. I get that he's the kid's dad and everything but... Micah is essentially a stranger and regardless of the DNA shared between him and Corbin, there are still too many unknowns.

Alex was a very strong lead. Of the two main characters in this story, I felt Alex was better written. There was some immaturity to his thoughts, but I felt that he was more adult in this new adult story. He doesn't hold Emelyn's past against her; he wants to meet her son but doesn't pressure her into it; when he learns his cousin is Corbin's father, it doesn't change his opinion... he still wants Corbin and Emelyn in his life. When she pushes him away, he tries hard to keep her close until finally she pushes one too many times.

Like I said, I enjoyed the story on some levels... just not all. Regardless, I do hope to see other books in this series. I'm curious about Micah's story when it comes to be.
152 reviews4 followers
March 1, 2015
I received this book from the author, K.D. Sparks, and from Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock. This story is about Alex and Emelyn. The book starts out with Emelyn getting ready to celebrate her 21st birthday. Her friend Lane wants to take her out for a night on the town but Emelyn is reluctant to go and leave her two year old son. But Emelyn’s aunt is ready and willing to babysit Corbin so that Emelyn can go out and have some fun for a change. While Emelyn is out she meets Alex and everything changes for them both. Alex is just planning on a quiet night out checking out a new property that his family purchased, Wicked Nights. Alex is there to see how the bar runs without anyone realizing that he is the owner so he brings a couple of his friends with him and they act like they are just three guys out for a night on the town. Alex sees Emelyn and realizes this is the woman of his dreams. This is the story of the problems that Emelyn and Alex have in trying to see if they truly are meant to be together forever.

This book was a very good read. WARNING: This book does have some adult content and adult language. This book really flowed well. The characters seemed to come alive and just draw the reader in. There is a follow up book about Micah and Melissa and I am looking forward to reading about how their story unfolds.

I’m giving this book 4 fangs.
Profile Image for Books Laid Bare.
2,275 reviews38 followers
February 26, 2015
Emelyn and Alex are about to take you on an emotional roller coaster, so be ready people!
Emelyn is beautiful but has suffered much in her twenty one years and is reluctant to let anyone in. Her bolshie exterior is her own way of protecting herself and her heart from ever having to go through the pain that she has experienced again and I have to say that I fully understood why she was the way she was.
But she hadn’t come up against anyone like Alex before and this handsome man, just oozed charisma, he was so self-assured and dominant that he smouldered across the page.
He has his eyes set on Emelyn and is determined that nothing is going to get in his way- including the little lady in question herself.
Emelyn on the other hand is absolutely not on board and is keeping her feeling completely under lock and key – setting herself up for yet more heart ache is just not on the agenda.
The whole story is a fairly emotional read, not sad all the way through if you get my drift (although the start is an OMG moment, it will leave you aghast) but intense.
It was a fixer upper of sorts, one that wounds you deeply with its content but them slowly but surely lets you see that through the characters and their experiences that sometimes you have to have the bad in order to appreciate the good.
As an emotional tale this is a corker- congratulations to KD Sarks!
Profile Image for Jennifer Wyk.
Author 28 books1,426 followers
February 24, 2015
New author KD Sarks totally hit the ball out of the park with her debut novel, Unexpected Change. I absolutely love it when I get to experience a new author, and find that they have found something that is just meant for them. KD Sarks is one to watch, for sure. She created a story I felt invested in and found myself emotionally attached to the characters, both main and secondary.

Emelyn is a feisty, beautiful young woman. But Emelyn is broken hearted - but not for typical reasons a 21 year old would be broken hearted. She's guarding her heart, having experienced the kind of tragedy no one should experience. Ever.

Alex is a strong and confident... and totally gorgeous. He knows what he wants - and that happens to be Emelyn. But Em isn't quite positive she's ready to risk her heart again.

What KD Sarks has here is an emotional roller coaster of a story. She created a story that was completely unique and showed how a person can gain strength from completely allowing their hearts to open up, no matter how broken it is.

Congratulations, KD Sarks, for opening my heart and mind to a new kind of story. I loved it and can't wait to read more from you!
Profile Image for Sanne Heremans.
369 reviews54 followers
February 13, 2015
***ARC provided in exchange for an honest review - Sanne / Scandalous Book Blog***

Make sure you take your time for this one because it'll be a rough ride and a very heart wrenching story that'll you'll need every second for and it'll be best you are home.

The story about Emelyn and Alex was a hard story and was most certainly not light hearted, not meaning that it didn't had it's funny moments but above all it's a very emotional story.

The moment the event from the prologue occured in the actual book I was like OFMG! That is NOT happening...

Things go rather downhill from here on and only really get better until the very end of the book.

It was a real push and pull relationship between Em and Alex; it's like they never had been given the opportunity to catch a break and enjoy each other with everything happening.

Will they get their HEA or will it all end in disaster and heartbreak after all? Who knows?! ;-)

That all being said I do enjoy myself these kind of stories from time to time and i'd be happy to recommend this one to whoever loves a truly emotional story.
21 reviews3 followers
February 26, 2015
Unexpected Change gave me the FEELS!! All of them - laughter, sadness, anger, pain, frustration, anticipation, love, compassion.

Emelyn's character captures a true woman in her experiences. The loss, love, and unexpected changes she endures are handled in a realistic nature. MESSY because life isn't perfect and you don't always receive a fairytale.

Alex, well he's a man that knows what he wants but struggles to get it and keep it. He's persistent in a respectful yet domineering way with all intentions to break down the barriers that are being built time and time again.

The bonds of friendship are true and tested yet when it all comes down to it, we're reminded that friends aren't just friends. They are family.

The characters in the story both primary and secondary are developed throughout the pages which left me wanting more from page one.

I CANNOT wait for more of these characters! The sneak peek of Micah has me more than itching in anticipation!! When the first standalone novel has you craving page after page... you just know there's more amazingness to come!
Profile Image for Riza.
403 reviews11 followers
February 26, 2015
5 Moving Stars

Wow! What a way to debut a novel! K.D.Sarks nailed it!
Emelyn has been through a lot in life and it hits so close to home—the pain is just too much that I am a bawling mess during those certain chapter from the book.
Alex, he's rich, hot and he fall in love with Emelyn hard. I admire his patience, his love for Emelyn and they are really meant for eavh other.
If there's one thing in life that is constant, I believe it is change. ALEX is "the unexpected change" in Emelyn's life and I believe every woman in this world deserves to have that one "change"—a second chance in life or love.
I am so looking forward for the next book from this author.
Profile Image for Linda Cotter.
662 reviews20 followers
March 16, 2015
This novel had me hooked from the word go.
KD Sarks in a new author to me, and from what I understand, this is her debut novel. Reading about a young mother finding her future, and her past, was wonderful. Seeing Emelyn's walls being built, and being discovered and pushed through by Alex was perfect. Watching her turmoil develope over the feelings she has and what she has to overcome through her personal trials was perfect. I cannot wait for more from KD, and hope for more from these characters as well!!
Profile Image for Michelle Rene.
240 reviews4 followers
February 11, 2015
Say hello to debut author K.D. Sarks! Unexpected Change is beautifully written novel, with characters that will draw you in.

Life hasn't been easy for Emelyn, but she has adjusted and is doing the best she can. Then one night she meets Alex Montgomery and it seems things are starting to look up, until she comes face to face with her past.

Unexpected Change is a definite must read, and I can't wait to read more from this author!
1 review
February 18, 2015
Hold on… This one will take you for a ride, through all of your emotions! With a plot that never ends and stellar character development I couldn't put the book down. K.D. Sarks really has a talent for drawing you in and leaving you yearning for more. Emelyn's story is anything but ordinary. The twists and the turns, the love and the heartache, keep you connected throughout the entire book. I cannot wait for Micah’s side of the story!
671 reviews6 followers
March 27, 2015
Good Read!!!
I enjoyed this book and give it a solid 4.5 stars!! Alex is so swoon worthy and has the patience of a saint. Emelyn was not really my favorite heroine. Her indecisiveness annoyed me a lot. Here she had a hot, compassionate, loving guy who accepted her and her son. All she did was keep pushing him away. It got tiredsome. But all in all it was a great read I wasn't disappointed. I would definitely recommend it to others. Let's see if Micah (baby daddy) gets his own story!
Profile Image for Jennifer Sporer.
86 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2015
This was an amazing book!!!! I am in love with all the characters!! Great job!!
Profile Image for Teresa.
686 reviews2 followers
November 20, 2017
4 stars. This was an emotional read of love loss and learning how to live with the past. For 21 year old Em life has certainly dealt her blows no-one should have to live with. A single mom she is providing for her son and being the best she can be while still trying to keep herself together emotionally. While out celebrating her 21st birthday she meets Alex and their growing relationship is sweet but shows how much Em needs to learn to live and emotionally accept her past. When she meets Alex's cousin everything she felt she was building with him comes crashing down around her. Alex has to fight to hold on to her and just when you think maybe they can make it life again rains down on them and sends Em spiralling. A very emotional story told from both POV. A really heartfelt read that leaves you wanting more from this author and she created so many good characters in this book that you want to to read Lane, Micah, Matt and Ben's stories. Recommended read.
Profile Image for Danna Iuliana.
1,100 reviews2 followers
April 9, 2015
I didn't like it. Alex was a great character but he faded away being just too darn good and forgiving. I didn't like the Heroine, she was so annoying. I didn't get why she pushed Alex away after they found out ab Micah, it felt like a stupid plot. I didn't care ab Micah so all his bonding with his son while Alex hadn't even met him, annoyed me and took away from this great love that Alex and Em supposedly felt for eachother. I could have understood her depression after the death of her aunt but I felt nothing for her because she had been a bitch to Alex up until that point so her depression left me cold. I could have liked Em in the end if she would have groveled some more for Alex forgiveness but he took her back in a second. After the way she treated him, she should have had to work harder. That took away from Alex as a character as well bc he came off as weak to me, always running after her and waiting for her and taking her back without complaint.
I don t care ab a Micah book, Matt and Ben are the only other characters that felt interesting to me but I doubt I'll be reading this author again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Misty Simmons.
126 reviews4 followers
July 22, 2015
Wow!! What an incredible first novel by this Author! Emelyn story will touch your heart and the love in this book will own you! I felt the characters story! Emelyn and Alex story was written very well and will show a reader(s) that love and determination is the key to your heart and relationship! I can not recommend this story enough! This is a Must Read and I expect to see this as an Amazons Best Seller! Congratulations to this Author on what I would call Grand Slam! 5 beautiful golden stars well deserved!
Profile Image for Butterfly&AngelsBookObsession.
14 reviews2 followers
July 7, 2015
**Michelle's Review**
Say hello to debut author K.D. Sarks! Unexpected Change is beautifully written novel, with characters that will draw you in.

Life hasn't been easy for Emelyn, but she has adjusted and is doing the best she can. Then one night she meets Alex Montgomery and it seems things are starting to look up, until she comes face to face with her past.

Unexpected Change is a definite must read, and I can't wait to read more from this author!
Profile Image for Lynda Newsome crouse.
54 reviews
May 14, 2015
Amazing love story.

I love this story. It was sweet, funny, and sad all one. Very emotional and the characters make you want to read and hear both sides of the story. Hope everything there is more from these characters.
Profile Image for Tabitha Bangert.
166 reviews
June 28, 2015
Great book

I like this book. I think the story does happen more then people know. It is hard to be a single parent and try to find yourself in the mix. I like this couple, can't wait to read the next story.b
Profile Image for benx.
104 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2016
first time reading from this author I loved this book I read it one day I felt so sad for Emelyn glad she got her happily ever after now I cant wait to read about Micah and Melanie and I hope to hear more about the remaining characters !!
Profile Image for Stacy Jo.
794 reviews1 follower
May 4, 2016
Beautifully written first book for KD Sarks. Have tissues ready as there is love, heartache, and lots of needed understanding...
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.