Foolish Expectations

The Sutherlands: One Family #4

by Alison Bliss

Forever is the last thing they expected…

Lawyer Nash Sutherland encounters a spirited young woman with an untrusting nature in a Texas roadside bar. She’s as sexy as she is surly, and their undeniable attraction leads them to one night of pleasure…and a fateful condom mishap. By morning, the striking beauty has disappeared, but he can’t get her out of his head. She’s everything he wasn’t looking for, but now must find.

After one night of passion, Bailey Hobbs finds herself in an unexpected predicament. And the cause of it happens to be the persistent man standing in her living room, proposing a solution: marriage. She may be pregnant with Nash’s child, but after her past with a cheating ex, she refuses to put her faith in another man. But try telling that to a guy who argues for a living.

The only thing bigger than his…Stetson…is his ego, and Bailey knows firsthand how hard it is to resist Nash when he wants something. But she’s determined to keep him at an emotionally safe distance…one he refuses to allow. Because if Nash can’t get her to risk her heart once more, it will cost them the one thing that matters most.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Marriage, New Adult

186 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 12, 2016

About the author

Alison Bliss is a best-selling, award-winning author of humorous, contemporary romances. A born and raised Texan, she currently resides in the Midwest with her husband and her two kids. The youngest of five girls, she has never turned down a challenge or been called by the right name. Alison believes the best way to know if someone is your soul mate is by canoeing with them because if you both make it back alive, it's obviously meant to be. She enjoys writing fun, steamy love stories with heart, heat, and laughter. Something she calls, "Romance...with a sense of humor."

Reviews

[Viviana · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars!


Not realistic. This was soap opera style. Unexpected things happening. Was not a fan of the ending.

[Red Cheeks Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Only moments ago, she had been untouched, but now . . . He’d somehow branded her, searing her with his mark. Mine.’

I really feel like Alison Bliss just gets me and what I want in a book. Foolish Expectations is a fast and fun read that is a bit over the top and yet surprisingly endearing all in one. Nash and Bailey’s relationship does not have an easy start. It is full of lies, deception and a surprise pregnancy. And yet neither can deny the uncontrollable chemistry they have, even if Bailey constantly tries to run from it.

‘One taste will never be enough.’

Nash is all alpha and all kinds of wonderful. He can be controlling and argumentative (but really he is a lawyer so that is not a surprise) but everything he does in his mind is for what is best for them. The constant bickering that these two engage in is the best kind of foreplay and helps to build up their combustible chemistry. While their situation is not ideal I loved watching them attempt to make the best of it. And I for one can honestly say that the last 25% really surprised me. I loved how Alison gave us some new twist on the storyline.

“Sweetheart, I’ve ridden bulls tamer than you. You should just be glad I like feisty women.”

Foolish Expectations is a fresh take on a surprise pregnancy. The book was supremely sexy and laugh out loud funny and yet still sweet and endearing too. Written in third person which is usually my least favorite style I was still completely able to get lost in the characters and the crazy mess they made. I love the way Alison crafts a story and I hope to get more from her very soon!

4.5 Smooches
~miranda

[Aarati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Foolish Expectations is fun, engaging and has such feisty, amazing characters. I loved both Bailey Hobbs and Nash Sutherland. Both of them had trust issues and learn to trust each other.

Foolish Expectations is literally a whirlwind romance. Things move so fast in this novel. Both Bailey and Nash meet at a bar, exchange a few words, some witty banter and the rest as they say is history. Fast forward a couple months, they are married and figuring out how to live together. It takes some time, but Bailey learns to trust Nash. I loved their relationship. Nash tried his best to be the best man possible for Bailey. He tried to earn her trust and her love.

But you can't have a romance, where the hero isn't an asshole at least once. Even though Nash does everything to get Bailey to trust her. he doesn't put the same faith in her. But he learns his lesson thanks to a very unexpected person. after all all's well that ends well.

Foolish Expectations is a very well-written book with engaging and developed characters. You have a lot of fun going with them on their ride. Bailey has the best comebacks to Nash and their banter is so fun. Overall a great read by Alison Bliss.

[Marie Brown (Marie's Tempting Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marie's Tempting Reads Review:

SOOOOOO GOOD! Foolish Expectations was WONDERFUL. I LOVED Nash and Bailey's story. Sexy, sizzling, sigh-worthy, and laugh-out loud fun, this book HAD IT ALL! I didn't think this book could top Playing With Fire and sexy Cowboy, but I should of learned. I fell for Nash the moment he turned on the charm to Bailey. Even when she is in full prickly, bitchy mode, he clashes through her walls and their chemistry was OFF THE CHARTS HOT!

This story had me turning page after page. I found myself putting the book down and taking a break, even though I DID NOT WANT TO just to make it last a bit longer. I am officially HOOKED on Alison Bliss's stories and I am truly excited and anticipating her newest book, Size Matters.

Foolish Expectations is fun, super sexy, with wonderful characters and sizzling romance. I give this book a GLORIOUS FIVE SHOOTING STARS! I. FREAKING. LOVED. THIS. BOOK. Keep them coming Miss Bliss...PLEASE!

[A K · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Ehhhh Stars

I think my main issue with this book is..

Inconsistency.

The heroine flip-flopped the whole time.
Like: No I hate you, Yes I like you, No I don't want to marry you, Wait I'm already married , Yes I'll marry you.

In 166 pages?
It's feels...
Exhausting.
Irrelevant.
Unauthentic.
And inconsistent.

The plot was super fast moving, and I genuinely felt lost.. Idk. I expected more, but maybe that was foolish.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 RATING- This had the potential to be a cute yet cliche romance with a likable hero and a surprise pregnancy. Unfortunately, I disliked the heroine for the majority of the book and I just never really warmed up to her. Just an okay read.

[Miranda Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Smooches review at Red Cheeks Reads

[Janja · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny story but Bailey was one big pain in the a....!

[Len · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

This my first book from the author and i like it. Her writing style and the story works for me. It was light and enjoyable read.

[Megan ~The Never Ending Book Basket · Rating 5 out of 5]

Foolish Expectations was another charming, perfectly heated, and completely enjoyable read by Alison Bliss. From the very first word until the very last, I was wowed once again by this author’s undeniable talent for creating such a distinct level of humor and charm, for crafting dynamic characters that jumped rooted themselves right into my heart, and her ability to create an authentic connection that just doesn’t quit. Her writing wholly submerged me into this book, heart first, and I could not stop reading it to save my life, and better yet, I didn’t want to stop because it was just that good.

This book was lively, had the best kind of vibrancy and charm with two unforgettable characters, and it gave me a story with the best level of feels, emotion, and fierce chemistry laced all the way through. Foolish Expectations had it all, and I loved every bit of everything that it was giving me because when you read a book as good as this one, there isn’t anything not to love.

Now it’s no secret that I am a huge fan of Alison Bliss. I have read each and every one of this author’s books, and they just keep getting better and better. Her writing is so fluid and easy to sink right into, and the stories she creates are so thoughtfully crafted that they completely take you over when you’re reading them. She always gives me a story that fantastically blends the right amount of everything into a book that is sure to give you one fulfilling reading experience.

Looking for a book with fierce characters that have a dynamic that will have you equally laughing and smirking and blushing through every page? Then this is the book and author for you. Looking for a story that will completely melt your heart from start to finish, and pull at your emotions in the best and most all-feeling way? Then run yourself, don’t walk yourself, to Foolish Expectations. (Or any of Alison’s other phenomenal books.) Looking for an enrapturing book that packs the most superb level of heat and story and fun and meaning into one fantastic package? Well then you guessed it, Foolish Expectations is for you, and I truly can’t say that enough.

I loved this book, and everything within it. Bailey and Nash’s story was full of their sparkling personalities, their unadulterated chemistry, and more humor, heat, and heart than you can shake a stick at. It had it all, and as I sit here writing this review, I just can’t help wanting and feeling like I need to read their story all over again to experience the literal amazingness that is them.

Bailey was a character that I completely loved from the start. The fire shot out of that girl like fireworks on the Fourth of July, and I loved that she wasn’t afraid to tell it like it is no matter what. She was spunky and real and that fire that emanated from her made her so easy to love because it showed the fighting spirit she had. What I also loved about that fire was that with it, I also got to see a more vulnerable side to her too. I got to see what happened when that fire went away, and when those doubts and fears came in and how that affected her. Alison Bliss created her character in such a way that she let me understand and get every part of Bailey. She let me understand her fears and trust issues and where they came from, she let me get why she was scared and why she shielded her heart, and she let me get where that fire came from and why Bailey needed it, and that just had me loving her character to pieces. Bailey was strong yet soft, sassy yet guarded in ways too, and a firecracker to say the least, and that is just part of why I loved her so much.

Now Nash Sutherland just about had me from the moment he locked eyes with Bailey in Foolish Expectations, even if she was bound and determined to give that man a run for his money. That man is a charmer, and I truly mean that, as he will have you eating out of the palm of his hand in no time flat because that’s the presence he has. He is charming and sweet and will just about melt your heart every chance he gets, but more than that, he is just an honest to goodness good guy. That’s what shined through the most about him, and that was probably my favorite thing about him. (You know besides the fact that he could melt me with just one look and smile!) He was real and honest and true with his feelings for Bailey, and he was determined to show her that what they were sharing was real and meant something. I loved that that goodness shined through every page of this book, and even when he had those moments of doubts or questions, he was still that good guy I knew him to be, and that just made him golden in my eyes.

Bailey and Nash’s connection hits the ground running from the moment they lock eyes in Foolish Expectations, and it doesn’t stop for a second. Not for one single second. Their connection is full of heat and passion and need, and it’s something that neither of them can deny. As much as they might fight it from time to time, and as much as it might make them a bit unsure of what’s happening between them, it’s there, it’s real, and it’s practically palpable. Alison Bliss creates and evolves that connection in a way that is perfect for what Bailey and Nash are sharing. Though their connection never wavers, she couples that fierce connection with the ups and downs they face in a way that works so well and makes sense for them. It also makes the love story they share that more real, undeniable, and full of heartfelt feeling that you won’t soon forget because of the tangible connection Bailey and Nash share.

Both Nash and Bailey have things from their past that come into this story and threaten the connection that they can’t escape. She’s guarded and has trust issues from the last time she opened her heart, and he’s got some family drama that tends to cloud his thinking and reasoning from time to time. They both have pasts and they both have ramifications from those pasts that work their way into this story, and Alison Bliss weaves it all together in a way that fits their characters and everything that they’re sharing in Foolish Expectations. As much as I hated that they had to experience the pain and doubts that their pasts brought them both, I got it, and I completely understood why they felt the things they did because of their pasts. Understanding their pasts made me love them all the more, and it allowed me to understand them both on such a deeper and meaningful level.

Now like any of Alison’s books, these characters and the world they’re in have the best, and I mean best, southern charm that is sure to have you feeling the southern love in no time. That charm is so distinctive, so vibrant, and so fun, and Alison Bliss weaved it all into Foolish Expectations in the best and most memorable ways. She makes the world of this book come to life with all of that charm and sass, and it makes everything you read in this book that more meaningful, that more fun, and that more undeniably southern in the most fantastic way. I loved that charm and everything it allowed me to feel with Bailey and Nash something fierce, and I truly couldn’t get enough of the vibrancy and effervescent spark that charm gave off through every page.

Foolish Expectations is a story about what happens when life throws you a couple of curve balls you never quite expected. It’s about what happens when you end up down a road you never thought you’d be on, a road full of twists and turns, and a bump or two. It’s about taking risks with your heart, letting go of the past even though it’s hard, and seeing where that new road, that new journey, and all that it has to offer can take you, as long as you give it all a chance and get in the damn car. Let me tell you, you need to get in the damn car and take that chance with Nash and Bailey.

This book was fantastic in every single way. It had dynamic characters that were vibrant, real, and so easy to love and root for. It had a sparkling story that was completely captivating from start to finish, and burst with the best level of connection, charm, and feeling that is sure to melt your heart in more ways than one. It also had Alison Bliss’s phenomenal writing that brought it all to life in the most all-feeling and memorable way that will seriously have you loving this book, these characters, and everything they have to offer in no time flat.

Simply put, Foolish Expectations is a must read book that gives you everything that makes a book exceptional. If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would, because it was that undeniably good, that undeniably fun and heated and wonderful, and that undeniably memorable all the way through. Alison Bliss rocked every single aspect of this book and its characters. She let me be there with them through it all. She let me feel everything they were, she let me understand them in the most authentic of ways, and she invested me whole heartedly in everything that Bailey and Nash were sharing, and it truly doesn’t get better than that.

This is the perfect addition to The Sutherlands Anthology, and I for one can’t wait to experience and get more of this author’s utterly fantastic books, stories, and characters real soon!

[Stacy J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is not enough word to say how much I loved this book. This book has everything that I have come to expect when I read a book from Mrs. Bliss.

I really enjoyed the way that Nash pursued Bailey. Most books I have read, the alpha male tells the woman what to do or how it will go and she blindly follows. Or male tells female, female is snarky back which just upsets male further. Nash was not like this at all. He was most definitely alpha but he found Bailey's comments and snarkiness almost comical. There were times she tested his patience but in the end, he liked when he had to work at things a little bit.

Another part of the book that I really enjoyed was when I could completely understand both points of view. Usually in books, you tend to lean one way and side with one character, not in this book. You can understand why Nash is asking Bailey to marry him. You can see/understand his fears but also his long-term interest in Bailey. However, you can also understand Bailey's reluctance to jump into anything so fast. You can understand her hesitation and her need to just have a minute, breath and think things through.

This is a must read book!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

A girl stepped into a bar

I was either laughing or crying. A one nightstand gets really complicated with a pregnancy. It's even more complicated when you find out a little detail in the courtroom. And just when you thought your relationship couldn't take another blow, it does. In spite of it all, do these two have a chance? Very, very entertaining.😊

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A guilty pleasure expertly written. Bliss captures raw desire and mixes it with flesh and bone characters struggling to do the right thing, for themselves, sure, but also for us, the reader. We go along with them as they try to figure things out, making us want to root for the home team. A great read, loved every minute of it.

[Twinsie Talk Angie J · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 but rounded up

Check out this review and others at
www.Twinsietalk.com
www.Facebook.com/Twinsietalk
www.Twitter.com/Twinsietalk
www.Tsu.co/Twinsietalk
Newsletter : http://eepurl.com/brwkPv
Foolish Expectations by Alison Bliss
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
This book was everything you want in a book…alpha male, alpha male and alpha male….Snickers….do you get the kinda guy Nash is? He is also sweet, caring, romantic and super loyal…..but he is also arrogant, cocky, annnd a little….. scratch that…A LOT mistrustful…well ok he has his reasons for the mistrust of her.
Bailey has had the worst day of her life. The day she should have been over joyed for turned out to be the worst day ever….annnd then she meets Mr. Nash. WELLLLL, they have a night of amazing “talking” and then Bailey sneaks out. I mean that is what you do after a one night stand right???
Fast forward 6 weeks later when Nash finds her and her many secrets…omg he nearly loses it. However Nash can’t stop thinking about our girl and pushes….well actually bullies his way into her life and being her HUSBAND!! LOL Oh Nash!!!
The couple has a lot going on but both agree to commit 110%. Well as in all romance novels, the conflicts start to arise. Are they really meant to be together or were they brought together for the wrong reasons????
I loved Nash and his dominant persona. Bailey, I GOT her but at times I got annoyed with her. I mean stop pushing Nash away already……When she finally was all in, I was glad. Then seeing the two fall apart was tough because they are both afraid of their feelings and are afraid of what the other is feeling to really communicate when they needed each other the most.
However, the bantering…loved it. All of this authors books have great banter and they really make her stories because we all have THAT friend who says THOSE things!!

[Kimi Porkchops · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to read this wonderful story when it was in the Sutherlands Anthology. It was one of my absolute favorites and it's definitely a must read.

I couldn’t get enough of Nash and Bailey. I was hooked from the first word and when you enjoy something so much its always too short. Nash Sutherland was enough alpha and enough of a gentleman that you want to pull him out of the book and make him your own. He is definitely HOT. Alison Bliss knows how to write her alphas males… He definitely had some he-man moments, but that in my opinion is okay. I never wanted to kick his ass; I laughed a lot with his shenanigans. Bailey is a beautiful headstrong woman who seems a bit lost, but doesn’t make you hate her. She needed saving, but she wasn’t helpless. She had a backbone and she had sarcasm.

This is definitely something I'll be adding to my collection of paperbacks!!

[Sue Paulsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of Foolish Expectations by Alison Bliss in exchange for an honest review.

Foolish Expectations tells the story of Nash Sutherland and his relationship with Bailey.

Alison Bliss has this amazing way of telling a story. I loved Foolish Expectations. I honestly could not put the book down. I kept thinking that I had the story figured out and then there would be another twist that took the story down a totally different road than I expected. Such a fun read!

And Bailey and Nash?? Their banter was hilarious and had me laughing throughout the entire book. There was lots of sexy, hotness too! Nash was totally swoon worthy!!! You couldn’t help but root for them and their relationship!

I can’t wait meet the rest of the Sutherlands as I read the rest of the series!

[Estella · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this little gem I bought at WOTR18! I found Alison Bliss at the WOTR17 and I am totally in love with her and her books.

Nash and Bailey was a hoot! This book was full of laughs and I have to say my favorite character was the Judge! Now if you want to know why....you will have to read the book to find out! So far I have read 4 of Alison's books and I have loved them all! All her books so far has been well written and funny. I like my romance with a side of funny! I highly recommend this book!

[Bayli · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short and spicy read!

This novel is a bit shorter than Alison's two other books. However, I still enjoyed every second of it. Nash is the kind of country boy you definitely wouldn't mind accidentally falling for! I mean how could you not?

If you want a break from the longer stories and want one that still has all the good you enjoy in a length novel but can be finished in a day or so... Foolish Expectations is the freaking perfect choice for you.

[Pamela Shorkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as part of The Sutherlands: One Family Saga, 10 Sexy Stories. It was my favorite story in the anthology. Just like usual, Alison Bliss throws humor in the romance and doesn't leave out the parts that make my cry too.

[Crystal Wegrzynowicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit by Alison Bliss. Every book she writes I honestly love, and can't wait for more!

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nash is not a bashful man, “I’m going to kiss you properly, and I don’t give a d*** who’s watching.” When his woman calls nash does not hesitate, that man is on it, "his hand flew to the phone, knocking it off the cradle, before he picked it up and lifted it to his ear, punching the button for line two. “Bailey, what’s wrong?” I really liked this book, I loved Nash.

[Marylou Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Alison proves to be one of my favourite authors. There was a very unexpected twist which made the book even more unable to put down. Loved it!

[#ByFelicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was it a little far fetched? Sure, but aren’t most books we pick up? That’s why we escape into them in the first place. Nash Sutherland is completely swoon worth and Bailey well, she doesn’t make the best choices but has her reasons. It made for a good read and I enjoyed it.

[Shelli · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could be better.

Read Alison Bliss' Size Matters. This was ok, but the twists and turns and emotions and everything was just eh...

[OzGirl317 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh, skipped from 45% to 76% just to finish.

[❁ lilyreadsromance ❁ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just what I need right now. The courthouse scene is just priceless.

[Ann Meemken · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Foolish Expectations as part of the sutherland anthology. I could not wait to read this book. I always enjoy Alison's books there so much fun to read. I love the humor and banter between the character's. The story is always incrediable from start to finnish. You can go from crying to laughing your butt off in matter of minutes.

It should have been Bailey's happiest day of her life but it wasn't. She finds her new husband having a fling with some woman during reception. She gets revenge before she high tails it to bar where she meets Nash.

Nash is a lawyer and is use to getting what he wants. When he meets Bailey he knows he must have her. Bailey is feisty and has a smart mouth. Nash finds her to be a challenge and one he intends to win over.

There relationship is a whirlwind romance and is filled with ups and downs but will it survive what life throws at them.

I loved this story. It is fantastic. It was so funny and I loved Bailey's spunky attitude. Nash is a stand up guy and wants to make Bailey happy. The ending of this story is awesome. I hope we get to see more of these character's in the future, but if not I look forward to her next release.

[Becky Fenner anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Mrs. Bliss killed it with some great one-liners! This book is packed full of love, laughter and some really nice steamy scenes. :)

Nash is a lawyer, a very sexy lawyer, who usually has no trouble getting what he wants. One night he meets Miss. Bailey Hobbs and boy does she give him a run for his money! Against all her better judgement she goes home with him and indulges herself in a little bit of pleasure, but escapes Nash's bed before the sun comes up.

Nash wakes up and realizes she's gone and for a reason he can't quite understand he has to find her. When he does, things unfold and the two of them find themselves in a predicament neither expected.

Really enjoyed this book. Mrs. Bliss killed it with some great one-liners! This book is packed full of love, laughter and some really nice steamy scenes so.... get it and enjoy!!!

[Kim Mote · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Bliss's work is never boring. Her work always makes me laugh, she puts just enough humor in it to make the story. Bailey and Nash's relationship starts out like everyone's elses in the beginning boy meets girl at bar and then a one night stand follows. Bailey didn't plan on seeing Nash again after so her secerts were her's but Nash had other ideas. When he finds her after weeks she is sick and he takes her to the doctor. One thing leads to another and Nash convinces Bailey to marry him but only after Bailey confesses some more of her secerts to him. This is not your typical love story, add in some twists and false truths and you end up with a great story. Just wish Ms. Bliss's work was just a tad longer. Look forward to more of her books!

[Anto · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this story a lot. Nash is so loyal, honest and has a huge heart. Bailey has trust issues, but when she opens her heart, she gives everything. Their relationship may have started as many others: a one night stand -as you will read, it wasn't just any day-. For a month they haven't seen each other, but when they meet again everything changes. From this point, they will receive good news and bad news; they'll have a lot of decisions to make if they want to be together forever. But what if they aren't together for the good reasons? What if it isn't about love? Could they even truly trust each other? You'll have to read it to find it out ;)