Expect the Unexpected

by L.M. Heidle

I’d learned early that life was unpredictable. For some that made them stronger, but others it made them weaker. I was somewhere in the middle, teetering on the invisible line. Until I met him, and he shoved me off.
I couldn’t explain why I wanted her. I just knew she’d be mine, regardless of her past and mine. Even when they crossed in a way I couldn’t have predicted, my need for her never wavered.
If you can hold on through the rain you’ll learn some of the best moments in life are . . .  unexpected.

Genres: Romance

349 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 4, 2016

About the author

I've spent most of my life in one part or another of Missouri, but I've also had the privilege of living in Texas and Georgia. I've been married to my husband for ten years. We have two beautiful boys, three snakes, and a Rat Terrier, so basically it’s a full house. When I'm not writing I love to spend time with my family, read, and listen to music (mostly country). I also love watching Bones, Criminal Minds, and NCIS.

Reviews

[Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book – Expect the Unexpected
Author – L.M. Heidle
Series – The Graced Series #1
Cliffhanger? - No
Publication Date – November 4, 2016
Genre – NA Romance
Type – Stand-Alone
Rating – 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

My Thoughts - Story
What a great read ---- the best way I can describe it…A breath of fresh air!!

There is angst but it’s done in a way that it flows flawlessly. Ms. Heidle also did a great job in developing these characters and her building of Alex was amazing. I LOVED her!! Such a strong girl for everything that life dealt her. I absolutely love characters like that! My words…a kick-ass heroine!

This is a book where you will love turning the next page to see what would happen next especially when it comes to the point where Alex learns who Trayton really is and what his past is hiding.

Did I cry?? You betcha!

Reason for Reading – Author Request
Story – 5 out of 5 Stars
Steam – 4 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 5 out of 5 Stars
Would Read More from Author? Yes
Recommend To – Lovers of something sweet but a little bit sour with a HEA

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Brigitte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Expect the Unexpected is a New Adult Romance which reaffirms that nobody knows what's waiting around the corner.

Trayton is the popular guy of the college. Despite some of the disreputable things that's happened in his life, he is very dedicated and loyal to his family.

Alexandria (Alex) struggles with her emotions after what happened to her family four years ago. She is very "closed off" and the only person who can get close to her is Kass, her best friend. She also has her uncle and Lucas, a childhood friend.

Alex and Trayton meet at a football match for the first time and although it's not insta love, something starts to bloom. Trayton finds Alex to be adorable whilst Alex thinks he is annoying, although secretly she quite likes him. She can't get past the pain of how much she has lost and the situation with Trip, her brother is a heavy load that she carries around.

Trayton and Alex have a tentative relationship to begin with. Neither of them likes to talk about themselves and when Alex finds out about Trayton's background, she doesn't know quite what to do. Then she finds out that Lucas is no longer the person she used to know. Trayton is Lucas' nemesis! Eventually, the details of what really happened to Alex's parents and her brother come to light and it's a sad sad state of affair.

It's an impressive and credible storyline. The interactions between Alex and Trayton are fascinating to say the least. They are both strong in their own ways and just as stubborn. An adorable couple! The friendship between Alex and Kass is amazing. As for Lucas, he has all the good intentions but he can be so irritating! I like the way the story gradually unfolds, keeping me guessing, especially about Trip, right to the last minute. I can honestly say that it's one of my favourites New Adult novel so far this year. It has romance, suspense, love and tragedy. It's also a bit of a tear jerker. "Expect the Unexpected!" Great conclusion. It would be nice to see what becomes of Trip, Lucas and Kass. I would fully recommend.

I was kindly issued with an eARC. This is an honest review.

[A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so that was a nice surprise! In the description it said ‘College romance with a slight twist’ so….not what I expected but, MORE!
I love how right out of the gate I knew the kind of person Alex was, strong yet vulnerable, with her wall up. She still struggles even four years later to overcome some horrible parts of her past so she can finally move forward and live a life she and her parents would be proud of. Her journey is emotional as she learns to trust and repair some relationships from her past and form new ones for her future. We know pretty early bits and pieces about her past but it isn’t until deeper into the story we know the finer details. So it grabbed me and kept me interested the entire time.
Trayton, you can’t help but fall in love with him. He has a reputation with the women. Tough on the outside, but, we don’t find out until much later where that comes from, one of several unexpected turns. But, he really is a closet sweetheart to those who are willing to get to know him. Loyalty to his family and those he loves is a high priority. He made me smile, he’s funny but, that can change in an instant, especially where Alex is involved.
Strong characters, good flow and very detailed, emotional with dash of dark. I’m really struggling writing this because I don’t want to give too much away but there’s so much I want to say….. It’s a great story that quickly draws you in with it’s hints of a deeper story until it all comes together, with a series of ‘slight twists’ and unexpected moments.
Thank you LM Heidle for a sweet story with a loveable couple you can't help but, root for, with some great messages of acceptance, forgiveness and unconditional love that I’m happy to recommended to others.

[Christina Rhoads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to start off by saying that this is my first read by this author, and I look forward to reading more of her work. I enjoyed Ms. Heidle's writing style, and the story flowed nicely. I did struggle with sticking with reading but that was through no fault of the author. I just couldn't keep my attention where it belonged. Trayton and Alex were well developed, strong characters. Both have suffered loss and neither is looking for love when they meet. They have an inexpiable pull to each other, a deep connection right off the bat. They have struggles while trying to build their relationship but I was rooting for them the entire time.
Now, the negatives.... It felt like the story was cut short, as I had a lot of unanswered questions. I wanted MORE from these characters, more back story, more in depth conversations, more interaction with others outside of them. There's no indication of a follow up to this book but I sincerely hope we get one.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

SWEET ROMANTIC STORY FOR YOUNG READERS!
I really liked this book. It is a sweet romantic story. The characters were well developed and the storyline had enough twists and turns to keep it interesting. It is for a younger reading audience, however, possibly adolescent or early teens. This book would be most interesting for a younger audience who like interpersonal drama. Some of the plot elements are unrealistic from this adult's viewpoint.

[Stephenee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by author L. M. Heidle, but it won't be my last!! She weaves together a story that leaves the reader feeling like they are a part of it. The reader feels like they are immersed in the world that she creates and it's a bit sad for the reader when the story ends.

This book gives us Alex and a mess....she lost her family a few years ago and she is just trying to make it one day at a time. She has a best friend, an uncle and herself and that is all that she counts on...until she meets Trayton....He comes from money, has a life full of responsibility (not all good) and is determined to show Alex that it's ok to let him in.

Enter the brother in jail, the brother's best friend in the gang, Trayton's mafia family and then the plot becomes a fast paced race for the reader to zoom through the pages as fast as they can. The reader zooms through the pages so quickly that once they get to the end of the story, they will want to start reading it all over again to see what they missed the first time they zoomed through!

This is a must read and a must read now! There were a few minor spelling errors, some unanswered questions and a little bit of timeline issues, but overall it is a great book! Don't hesitate to add this to your TBR list and move it to the top!

**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng**

[Cally · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful sweet college story with twists and turns along the way.

We meet Alex whose life was turned upside down 4 years ago when she was 16. Alex lost everything she loved she lost her family. Alex went to live with her uncle who was there for Alex during her toughest and lowest times. Fast forward 4 years aged 20 Alex has grown into a strong yet vulnerable girl. Alex has built a lot of walls around her to protect herself from hurting like she did all those years ago. Alex is determined to make her late parents proud of the young lady that she's become.

At college Alex meets man about campus Trayton. Trayton is a complete ladies man and is more than happy to live up to his reputation it is only as Alex begins to know the real Trayton she sees that he is not the quite the ladies man as she first thought.

Trayton is a absolute diamond to the people that he cares about and lets in to see the real him but these people are very few and far between. Trayton is lovable, funny, protective and loyal to his family and the ones he lets in.

This is a beautiful love story about a sweet genuine couple.

[Nuz Winnhy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the last book i read in 2016 and it was a great way to end this year.
Expect the Unexpected is an emotional YA/ new adult romance
I fell in love with the characters Alex, Trayton and Kass(Alex´s best friend). The characters were well developed and the storyline had enough twists and turns to keep it interesting, it’s an easy read and an amazing YA romance.
It is not a simple story, this is a book about lost, LOVE , family & friendship.
Alex is a person so innocent that have lost so much and yet she is so strong and Trayton is not a frat boy , he is a guy that know what he want , respect woman and have a trouble family .
They fell in love with each other in a cute way.
Their love story is ADORABLE, fun and with a little of mystery.

4/5

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Expect the Expected... That's exactly what I did with this amazing book! I'm not even sure what to write in this review, but know that I loved it!!

Alex is broken, there's no doubt about that. She a college student who's had it rough. She's living her days to the best of her abilities. And, she's taking that leap into finding out what kind of person she really is and what life she is supposed to follow.

Trayton(love the name by the way) is the bad boy, the Sexy boy, the mysterious boy... and Alex, you bet your behind she's attracted to him. These two couldn't be more opposite but they mix, and mix well, they do.

He brings he's the hope she needs, and she brings him the sweetness he needs. Trayton is an amazing man who sees the bigger picture, but still respects his family. He's a true man, with a huge heart. An amzong person.

I really really enjoyed this story. It kept me going from the beginning. Heck, I spent all day ignoring my chores for spending my day with these two. A story that will keep you guessing and guessing, because she gives you just enough to make your mind spin with crazy ideas. Trust me, this story is worth it. There may be no sex, but that's 100% fine with me!

I loved it, and I hope you do too.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely fell in love with Trayton and Alex, but mainly Trayton. There was suspense waiting to find out more about the characters and what they are hiding, but it was written so well. I loved the mentions of Morgan and Reed from Criminal Minds, as those mentions kind of play a key part in the plot. Expect the Unexpected was a book that kept me wanting more, and staying up until the late hours of the night and continue reading even when I would tell myself only one more chapter. The ending was so well written, and I actually had tears in my eyes. I absolutely loved this book, and can't wait for more from LM Heidle.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read!

I really enjoyed this book. The character development was good, and the story line has a nice flow with a great range of emotions.

[Michelle Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/ab...


Expect the Unexpected was a great 5 star read.

Alexandria has been struggling with her parents death for 4 years, her brother also cut all ties with her and broke her heart and left her all alone. Thankfully her Uncle took her under his wing. Now that she is at college, she has tried to distance herself and is very selective on who she allows in. When she meets Trayton that all changes. There is something about him that makes her body ignite whenever he is around.

Holy Batman, Robin, and Catwoman. I’d never seen blue so clear before. It wasn’t just his eyes that captivated me, though. His face was chiseled to perfection, except a slightly crooked nose, and he had the blackest hair I’d ever seen.

As Trayton and Alex start to get closer they start to learn more about each other. When Eddie tells Alex to google Trayton she is shocked at what she finds, I loved her questions and I thought he was great with her. When she goes to NYC to visit Tray’s family all heck breaks lose and huge secrets come out thanks to Tray’s uncle. Alex is so confused and hurt.
Can Alex and Tray make things work?
People always say you’ll fall for a bad boy at least once in your life, maybe he was mine.

There is so much more to this great read. When we finally learn the details of what happened to her parents and brother I had an ugly cry moment, I really understood her more. And all of the surprise twists really threw me for a loop, it was great. The secondary characters were awesome, I Loved her best friend Kass. We do get to see a HEA, however I would like to see more from these two along with Kass, Lucas. Trip and Eddie. I feel like Eddie and Tray have more in their history that we haven’t seen yet. If you're looking for a great read I highly suggest you 1-click and get started today. This is my first read from L.M. Heidle and I loved it.


I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This book is a young adult college romance, and the first book I have read by this author. I read and reviewed it for KFA. Alexandria learned early that life was unpredictable. At sixteen, her world was turned upside down. For some that made them stronger, but others it made them weaker. Alex was somewhere in the middle, teetering on the invisible line. She met Trayton, and he shoved her off that invisible line.
Trayton couldn’t explain why he wanted her. He just knew she’d be his, regardless of her past. His past wasn’t sunshine and roses. Then their past crossed in a way neither could have predicted, but Trayton’s need for Alex never wavered. Can these two tragic soul get together and heal?
Alex has spent four years not wanting to trust or let anyone get close to her other than her best friend, Kass, and her uncle after her life was tragedly turned upside down at sixteen and she lost so much. Kass is a great friend and I love her attitude with things. Her and Mark need their own story. Trayton comes from a shady past and sure he has a reputation, but things change for him with that brief encounter with Alex at the basketball game. They both have secrets they don’t want to share with the other, but when a person from the past has Alex questioning who Trayton really is once again things are not what they seem. Will their past keep them from getting together? Will this turn out to have a happy ending ? or Can the world really hand them more pain?
"If you can hold on through the rain you’ll learn some of the best moments in life are . . . unexpected."
There are unexpected things in the story along with expected things. I was captivated by this story until the end when I feel like things just sort of ended. Questions were not answered and the epilogue just felt like it was rushed in trying to move the story forward, which is why I’m not able to give this the five star rating it has the potential for.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read on behalf of A Book Lover’s Emporium

Ok, so that was a nice surprise! In the description it said ‘College romance with a slight twist’ so….not what I expected but, MORE!
I love how right out of the gate I knew the kind of person Alex was, strong yet vulnerable, with her wall up. She still struggles even four years later to overcome some horrible parts of her past so she can finally move forward and live a life she and her parents would be proud of. Her journey is emotional as she learns to trust and repair some relationships from her past and form new ones for her future. We know pretty early bits and pieces about her past but it isn’t until deeper into the story we know the finer details. So it grabbed me and kept me interested the entire time.
Trayton, you can’t help but fall in love with him. He has a reputation with the women. Tough on the outside, but, we don’t find out until much later where that comes from, one of several unexpected turns. But, he really is a closet sweetheart to those who are willing to get to know him. Loyalty to his family and those he loves is a high priority. He made me smile, he’s funny but, that can change in an instant, especially where Alex is involved.
Strong characters, good flow and very detailed, emotional with dash of dark. I’m really struggling writing this because I don’t want to give too much a way but there’s so much I want to say….. It’s a great story that quickly draws you in with it’s hints of a deeper story until it all comes together, with a series of ‘slight twists’ and unexpected moments. Thank you LM Heidle for a sweet story with a loveable couple you can’t help but, root for, with some great messages of acceptance, forgiveness and unconditional love that I’m happy to recommended to others.

[Life on Readpeat · Rating 4 out of 5]

* Read more of my reviews at Whoo Gives A Hoot *

I generously received this ARC from IndieSagePR IndieSagePR in exchange for an honest review...

Expect the Unexpected by L.M. Heidle is not your typical college romance with the constant twists and turns at every corner (or page). The author did an extraordinary job at building strong characters and scenes that captured my attention from the beginning to the end! I absolutely loved this book and could hardly put it down when I had to go to class. If you’re looking for the perfect weekend read, then look no further because Expect the Unexpected is the book for you.

Alexandria (Alex) was only sixteen years old when her life was turned upside down after losing her family. She struggles to open herself up to others except to her best friend, Kass. Do to this, she’s apprehensive to start the blossoming romance with Trayton. This book was a story of adventure and how rediscovering yourself can be the best thing in the world.

Will Trayton help breakdown Alex’s walls? To find out pick up your copy of Expect the Unexpected by L.M. Heidle today! :)

[Nikki M (Hot books and Sassy girls) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Expect the Unexpected by LM Heidle
Alex lost her parents when she was 16 and she has never recovered from it. At the same time she lost her brother in a different way. Her friend Kass has been there for her through it all and is the only one that knows what life has been like for Alex. Alex lives her life but does not trust easily. Trayton is your heartthrob and yet he is mysterious and dangerous. Family is important to him, but what they do is not what everyone can accept. When he meets Alex he knows that he wants her but he also knows she is hiding something. How can he get her to trust him? This had a few plot twist along the way. The story was adventurous and entertaining. There was no sex in this book and although you thought it was going to eventually happen, it didn’t and the best part was that it took nothing away from the story. You got a dominant alpha male with an angel who held onto her values. You also got a love story. The characters were well developed. Secondary Character also played a huge part in making this plot work. I think the author was clever by introducing us to these secondary characters as we are left wanting to find out more about them. Overall I really enjoyed this book and would not hesitate to recommend it.
Reviewed for Hot Books and Sassy Girls Book Blog

[Nikki Costello ***Crazy Cajun Book Addicts Blog*** · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Crazy Cajun Book Addicts for an honest review.

Expect the Unexpected was a really enjoyable read its not your typical college romance story and had a few twists and turns along the way. It had great flow and strong character development its definitely a book I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.

At the age of sixteen Alex's life was turned completely upside down when she lost her family and found herself all alone, she had a loving uncle to take care of her but over the years she's built walls around herself not wanting to be hurt ever again. Whilst attending college she meets Trayton he has a reputation with the ladies but as they get to know each other she sees a different side to him and although he has some caveman tendencies and is holding something back about his family could he be the one to finally break down her wall's?

[Annamaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five Emotional Stars! Alex has suffered a terrible loss and is now trying to overcome the pain but with difficulty since she cannot trust very easily. Trayton is mysterious, dangerous, sexy male when he meets Alex he knows she's hiding something. Will Alex be able to trust Trayton enough to be able to love again? The author writes a well-written story that is dark and full of emotion and good characters. I thoroughly enjoyed it and was hooked from the first chapter. The story sends great messages and makes you feel good. I recommend this book!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. This book was read and reviewed by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club.

Plot: 5
Chemistry: 5
Pacing: 5
Ending: 5
Character Development: 5

[Catherine Wright (Cat's Guilty Pleasure) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the interaction between Alex and Trayton, they were very interesting and kept my attention the whole time. I thought they were an adorable couple and each had their own strengths and plenty of stubbornness between them. I also loved the secondary characters Trip, Lucas and Kass, they were are so lovable. The story line was great and it hooked me form the beginning. It has romance, suspense and some tragedy all rolled up into one nice story and also has some very emotional moments.

Review done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official, for more information regarding our reviews please visit our fansite at http://www.facebook.com/nerdgirl.ng

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down. There were some sentencing errors but not too many. I love Trayton and Alex. There were some parts that I just thought I would know what would happen and it would catch me off guard when I was wrong. And I loved it. Luc kind of was what I expected but her brother not so much. Either way it was a really good book and worth the read. I'm very glad there weren't sex scenes in this book because it made the focus on the story that much better. And not every story needs sex. I’d like to say great job to L.M. HEIDLE you wrote an amazing book.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story. Lots of hurdles to get over and things to figure out but in the end things work out..

[Busy Bees · Rating 3 out of 5]

Star Rating - ***

Alex closed herself off to everyone when tragedy struck her family 4 years ago. She's only ever let her best friend Kass in close. Trayton is the cool guy in school that has taken a shine to Alex and really wants to get to know her more but is she ready to let someone else into her life especially when her friend Eddie seems to have some sort of history with him?

This was a new author to me and is a new adult romance. New adult isn't my usual read but I thought I'd give this a go. It was a nice story but for me was a little slow in places and didn't grip me like I wanted it to. The characters were likeable and I was interested to know if Alex was finally going to get her happy ending. If new adult is your thing definitely give this a go but as suggested by the author if you enjoy darker reads or more sex filled chapters this may not be for you.

Natty Bee