Single Again

Unexpected Love #3

by Stephanie Riley

Chelsi’s dating life is the story of legends. She’s a magnet for every walking red flag, the men who seem great at first and turn out to be real duds—each one worse than the previous. After her most recent dumpster fire of a relationship, she swears off dating for good and decides to rely on her trusty collection of toys to get her through the lonely nights.

Until the quiet and broody Alex walks into her life.

Alex is everything Chelsi’s not. He’s highly structured, methodical, and keeps everything close to the vest, letting few people get to know the real him. The last thing he’s looking for is to fall in love, but all that changes when he sees Chelsi for the first time. Now, he’s dreaming about what life would look like with her by his side and being hopeful for the first time in almost two decades.

Sparks will fly, but the real test is whether these opposites can truly put their hearts on the line for a chance at love and be able to weather the storm when the past comes calling.

Genres: Romance

Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 25, 2026

About the author

Born and raised in the Midwest, Stephanie's love for reading began in elementary school thanks to BOOK IT and free pizza (IYKYK). She grew up reading everything from The Baby-Sitters Club to Shakespeare, and majored in English in college (plus two other majors because she's an overachiever).

After spending 20 years as a marketing leader and CEO, she decided to pursue her true passion: writing. Her debut romance novel, Practically Perfect, was released in March 2026.

She's happily married to her husband of 20+ years and a mom to four kids and three dogs.

Reviews

[Breanna]

I truly loved every single thing about this book(aside from the very short lived breakup). These 2 were absolutely perfect for each other and Chelsi deserved such a good man after all the deadbeats she had dealt with in the past. Alex was the perfect man even though he kept a huge thing from Chelsi but at the end of the day the way his heart is makes so much sense why he did what he did.

[Misty (Red's Romance Reviews)]

Chelsi has been unlucky in love more times than she cares to count, when it comes to men she is just a magnet for the bad ones. Her last boyfriend was a real piece of work, he hurt her in ways she is still recovering from, and it has inspired her to take a hiatus from men. Then she meets him...

Single Again is a wonderfully penned opposites attract romance that is destined to have you smiling the whole way through! Chelsi has had her troubles in the love department and it's made her hesitant to put herself out there again, she feels like she just isn't meant to find the "right" one. Every time she puts herself out there and thinks she is on the right track it ends in heartbreak instead of walking down the aisle. She is so tired of dating, maybe she just needs to take a break from it all... But then Alex walks into her life and she takes notice, but also quickly realizes that they share a lot of differences. But are they enough to keep them apart?

This book was amazing... it has spice, banter, tender moments, and moments that had me laughing out loud! I loved this pairing, you always know when it's an opposites attract love story that there is going to be some push and pull to it. The doubts that their right for one another, but then there's also the curiosity and intensity, and these two had it all. They danced around one another for a bit, but once they got over their little hang-ups about being too different, all bets were off and the fireworks happened! I loved what I found between the pages here and I know if you give it a chance you will love it too!! Highly recommend!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Jen Lindsey]

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy of Single Again! I was pleasantly surprised by this past paced, fun, spicey, and low angst read! 5 Stars!

Chelsi is unabashedly herself and I am here for it! Open and forthcoming about literally anything and everything, she has been heartbroken time and time again. Her last relationship hurts just a bit more as Chelsi may be ready to find love and settle down. After also losing her job, she moves to live with her best friend and husband and things get good!

Alex has always longed for a family. He never had one growing up, he sought one in the Marines and now with Jake's band. When he meets Chelsi, he knows she could be his soulmate and he would take the best care of her. He keeps his attraction a secret or so he thinks. After some set-up and mutual attraction between Alex and Chelsi, their love story is fast and strong.

I loved this found family and the dynamics they have. The support they have for each other and the banter between them all! I love how Chelsi made Alex sweat for a bit and then the easy communication. The heat between these two plus the sweet moments! Alex, a man who cooks and is also so down bad for his girl with a dirty mouth?! Yes, please! Such a fun read!

[Nicole]

*Review from Content Team / ARC*
*May contain spoilers*

"Over the years, I’ve been made well aware that my personality isn’t for everyone. I’m too loud. Too outspoken. Too brash. Too sexually forward. Too sarcastic. Too bitchy. You name it, I’ve been called it." This may have made me cry a little bit because I've been told and made to feel this way my entire life. Even reading the dedication page felt personally written for me, but I know many women experience this to some degree! We're not too much, people just aren't equipped to handle us 👏🏽

I enjoyed reading Alex and Chelsi's story because it was about time Chelsi moved on from "boy toys." I pictured Chelsi as Bonnie from TVD and I can't see her any other way!

The book was the best pace and I was sincerely satisfied by the end of the book. And now I'm curious about Anna and Jason...

Also, who breaks up with someone directly after doing the deed?! Mind blown! Worst than Brian!

[Tasha Thrall]

Chelsi, an energetic single woman, experiences an unexpected turn in her life, leading her to rebuild amidst the lively atmosphere of her newly married best friend's home in Nashville. Having a history of choosing the wrong partners, Chelsi, weary of past errors, has decided to impose a dating ban on herself. Surrounded by a variety of toys for her amusement, she contemplates why she would even need a man. Meanwhile, Alex, who thrives on structure and organization, finds it difficult to take his gaze off Chelsi.

This is the third installment of the series, and I highly recommend reading the first two books to gain a deeper understanding of Kate's romantic journey and the circumstances under which Chelsi first encountered Alex.

Thank you for this amazing opportunity to read the eARC, and I am happy to provide my honest review in return.

[Katina Sites]

4.25

This book is s romantic comedy with an abundance of spice and witty banter. 🔥 It follows Chelsi and Alex as their relationship progresses and they work though their doubts and insecurities.  The tension is real and Chelsi's personality is simply awesome. Both have secrets but can they work through the turmoil and come out stronger?   Loved the cast of characters and their interactions with each other. I think everyone needs a "Fu*king Jimmy" friend in their life to keep things fun and interesting. 😏

I was happy to see more of Kate and Jake and look forward to the story of Anna and Jason.  Another very enjoyable read. ❤️

[Sarah Katie]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶🌶🌶

Was so excited when Stephanie reached out and asked if I'd like to read Chelsi's story "Single again" i jumped at the chance read it the day in landed in my inbox.

If you haven't read the first two go read them now! You could read this one but it links to previous things with Jake and Kate relationship.

Loved everything about this book Alex is such a sweetie, yes he should of gone all out with "the truth" but Chelsi and her list of red flagged Ex’s didn't help.

Thank you again Stephanie for the advanced copy can't wait for everyone to get to read Chelsi's story and cant wait for Anna's story

[Kaitlin Johnston]

Easy to enjoy, spicy, fast paced read! Chelsi and Alex’s story is really cute, sometimes downright cheesy, but that’s what makes it so enjoyable. After chasing red flags she gives up dating altogether. He’s not dated in FOREVER. But they both seem to be what the other needs to crumble the walls they’ve built to keep people out. Lots of super slow burn yearning and tension through a lot of the story, but with the help of meddling friends they end up giving it a try. It’s an interconnected stand alone, you don’t need the prior book to read this one, but it would probably help with the building of characters.

[Emily Johnston (Booked.Up.With.Emily)]

Chelsi has always dated the red flags, and after this last one did her so dirty, she has decided to take a break from men. Which is the most imperfect timing for Alex. Who has had a thing for our girl Chelsi for awhile now.

Friends to lovers
Sassy FMC
Broody MMC

Alex has things in his past holding him back. But the way he feels for Chelsi and the chance he's being given may outweigh all of that.

Chelsi was an absolute blast in this book; she says what she means at all times! Alex was a great character with a lot of depth.

This is a fun, low angst read!

[Danielle🌶️📚]

Thank you Stephanie for the early ARC!!!

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ dayum this was spicy!

loved chelsi, our fmc, being strong, sassy and flirty!
loved Alex, our mmc, who was coy, a dirty talker and down bad for chelsi since meeting her!

I did feel like everything was incredibly rushed, and because of that I did ultimately decide on a 3 star rating. but if you go into this only for a down bad man in the marines who takes care of his woman, I think you’ll love this!

[Alicia Bradley]

Very enjoyable fast paced read. The witty banter, tension, chemistry and hot spice do not disappoint!

Both main characters are easy to love! Alex is a walking green flag and he’s all in! Chelsi is flirty, fun and extra sassy! Her flirty personality and Alex’s dirty mouth went really well together! Definitely added to the spice!

Over all a really enjoyable read! Will definitely recommend.

[Deani Inkdrinker8962]

Alex and Chelsi are friends to lovers with fun banter and alpha spice. I highly recommend you read the first two books in this series as 'Kate and Jake' are mentioned alot throughout the book.
Alex is a walking green flag. Perfect match for Chelsi.

[Emily Dubois]

I love the happy endings. Chelsi's story was just a bit less exciting for me than Kate's personally, just due to the less time for character development between her and Alex. I am excited to hear what Anna has in store for the final book in the series!

[whatinthehea]

Awwww such a good book!!!

She’s a red flag magnet
He’s a green flag
She goes for bad boys
He wants to change that bad habit
She’s scared to fall
He has a secret

Ooohhh, so good