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Love Unexpected #6
That Time in Venice
She has never forgotten Venice. Neither has he.
Reed Stewart is busy with his daughter. Anika Taylor is busy with her career. Then they run into each other years after a trip that turned their lives upside down. When Reed hires Anika’s interior design firm to redecorate his home, the attraction between them burns just as strong as ever. But Anika has a painful secret. If she shares it, she runs the risk of losing Reed for good.
Reed Stewart is busy with his daughter. Anika Taylor is busy with her career. Then they run into each other years after a trip that turned their lives upside down. When Reed hires Anika’s interior design firm to redecorate his home, the attraction between them burns just as strong as ever. But Anika has a painful secret. If she shares it, she runs the risk of losing Reed for good.
150 pages, Paperback
Published August 4, 2017
144 people are currently reading
658 people want to read
About the author
Delaney Diamond
103 books9,768 followersDelaney Diamond is the USA Today Bestselling Author of more than 60 contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels, and dozens of romance short stories. She reads romance novels, mysteries, thrillers, and a fair amount of nonfiction. When she’s not spinning tales of romantic fiction, she’s in the kitchen trying out new recipes, dining at one of her favorite restaurants, or traveling to an interesting locale.
She enjoys learning about time management and ways to increase productivity and shares her recommendations on her For Authors page at delaneydiamond.com. She also offers self-publishing consultations, leveraging her extensive experience to guide and support authors through the publishing process.
-Website: www.delaneydiamond.com
-Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/author/delaney...
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delaneydiam...
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She enjoys learning about time management and ways to increase productivity and shares her recommendations on her For Authors page at delaneydiamond.com. She also offers self-publishing consultations, leveraging her extensive experience to guide and support authors through the publishing process.
-Website: www.delaneydiamond.com
-Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/author/delaney...
Newsletter signup: https://geni.us/DDNews
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delaneydiam...
X: https://twitter.com/DelaneyDiamond
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DelaneyDiamond
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 8, 2017
This is a second chance at love that features a likeable couple.
Anika and Reed were college students who run into each other in Venice. They spend a week together. Once it is over, Reed leaves, making no bones about the fact that it was a nice interlude but he didn't want to continue after Venice. Anika was a little more into him and his casual treatment of their time hurt her a bit.
Fast forward years later and they are all growed up and professional. And surprised to find themselves in each other's orbit again. Reed has some lingering regret about leaving Anika and has always kicked himself for not giving them a chance. So he thinks this is a great opportunity to try to rekindle something.
Anika, however, still feels some type of way about they way they left things. This is a short book, clocking in abut 180 pages, so Annika doesn't hold out too long and they both decide to give it a go.
I did like the little subplot with Reed's daughter, but overall I don't think the romantic conflict really tracked for me. Anika was in Venice all those years ago because her then boyfriend broke up with her . The reason for the break-up didn't feel credible to me. No college aged guy is going to break up with a girl for that reason, or at least the author didn't actually explore why that was so important to him at that stage in his life. It was just, bloop, this this the reason.
This of course became THE thing that would prey on her mind and stop her from wanting to get too serious with Reed. Sure at that stage in their lives it was important consideration, but the way it was executed in the story felt a little, I dunno, melodramatic. Kinda 90s Harlequin Presents. So it didn't work for me. It is too bad because I think this could have worked if the characters had the time and space to really grapple with it.
Usually, this author works this story length well, but I think in this case the length worked against the story.
Anika and Reed were college students who run into each other in Venice. They spend a week together. Once it is over, Reed leaves, making no bones about the fact that it was a nice interlude but he didn't want to continue after Venice. Anika was a little more into him and his casual treatment of their time hurt her a bit.
Fast forward years later and they are all growed up and professional. And surprised to find themselves in each other's orbit again. Reed has some lingering regret about leaving Anika and has always kicked himself for not giving them a chance. So he thinks this is a great opportunity to try to rekindle something.
Anika, however, still feels some type of way about they way they left things. This is a short book, clocking in abut 180 pages, so Annika doesn't hold out too long and they both decide to give it a go.
I did like the little subplot with Reed's daughter, but overall I don't think the romantic conflict really tracked for me. Anika was in Venice all those years ago because her then boyfriend broke up with her . The reason for the break-up didn't feel credible to me. No college aged guy is going to break up with a girl for that reason, or at least the author didn't actually explore why that was so important to him at that stage in his life. It was just, bloop, this this the reason.
This of course became THE thing that would prey on her mind and stop her from wanting to get too serious with Reed. Sure at that stage in their lives it was important consideration, but the way it was executed in the story felt a little, I dunno, melodramatic. Kinda 90s Harlequin Presents. So it didn't work for me. It is too bad because I think this could have worked if the characters had the time and space to really grapple with it.
Usually, this author works this story length well, but I think in this case the length worked against the story.
October 24, 2017
I so ENJOY this series...once AGAIN I was caught up in the flashback and present day romance of Anika and Reed...sadly Reed threw away a chance w/Anika when they hooked up in Venice...but he did a lot of growing up over those 7 years and realized he made a HUGE mistake...will Anika forgive him and allow Reed and his little girl into her heart...and will she share her deep dark secret w/him or will she allow her fear of sharing the truth to separate them once AGAIN...sweet sexy romantic treat w/adorable kiddies...and it was GREAT catching up w/the other cast of characters featured throughout this series. Hope this isn't the END?!!
August 6, 2017
A sweet yet spicy second-chance-at-love story from Delaney Diamond's Love Unexpected series. Our protagonists--Anika and Reed--have known each other since college. When they graduated, they both ended up in Venice, not knowing anyone else, and one thing led to another. At the end of their week together, Reed pulled the let's be friends card and then they parted, not laying eyes on one another until seven years later in Atlanta when Reed shows up at the interior design firm where Anika works, looking for someone to help him refurbish his new home. Of course sparks fly.
I really liked following Reed and Anika's story, but I wish there'd been more time given to their week together in Venice. I was really looking forward to a little more romance Italian style. Still, I really liked the chemistry between these two. My one quibble with Anika was that I thought she jumped to conclusions a little too much with Reed, but it added good conflict.
Definitely a recommended read! :)
I really liked following Reed and Anika's story, but I wish there'd been more time given to their week together in Venice. I was really looking forward to a little more romance Italian style. Still, I really liked the chemistry between these two. My one quibble with Anika was that I thought she jumped to conclusions a little too much with Reed, but it added good conflict.
Definitely a recommended read! :)
March 5, 2021
3.5 Stars / 3.5 Steam Fans
Video review available in Week 7: Feb 14 – Feb 20, 2021, full weekly book reviews available on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.
For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
Video review available in Week 7: Feb 14 – Feb 20, 2021, full weekly book reviews available on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.
For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
August 8, 2017
The truth will set you free!
Anika had a secret she was afraid to reveal. She'd rather let Reed go so he could find someone who could give him everything he deserves and wants that she could not. They had a totally unexpected strong connection in a very romantic city of Venice. It took Reed by surprise and he bolted. This hurt Anika to her core but she knew she had to let him go. She was not going to beg for his love and have to suffer in explaining to him why she's broken. The rejection of her ex-fiance was just too much for her to bare again.
Delaney wrote a heart wrenching story of two young people falling suddenly in love with each other and then being apart from each other for seven years and never forgetting their time in Venice. Reed was too immature to handle this emotion at the time. Anika was a young woman who was forced to focus on her career and not her love life because of her brokenness. Reed spent his seven years looking for Anika in all of the other women that came in and out of his life to no avail. He regretted letting Anika go. They were always on each other's minds.
Their chance meeting seven years later found them more mature adults. Reed had to grown for Brielle but Anika stayed stuck in dating older men to keep from having to reveal her brokenness. This time around, Reed was determined not to let Anika slip through his fingers again. He and Brielle wanted her just as she was. They could still have their HEA and family and they did. This was a sweet story!
Anika had a secret she was afraid to reveal. She'd rather let Reed go so he could find someone who could give him everything he deserves and wants that she could not. They had a totally unexpected strong connection in a very romantic city of Venice. It took Reed by surprise and he bolted. This hurt Anika to her core but she knew she had to let him go. She was not going to beg for his love and have to suffer in explaining to him why she's broken. The rejection of her ex-fiance was just too much for her to bare again.
Delaney wrote a heart wrenching story of two young people falling suddenly in love with each other and then being apart from each other for seven years and never forgetting their time in Venice. Reed was too immature to handle this emotion at the time. Anika was a young woman who was forced to focus on her career and not her love life because of her brokenness. Reed spent his seven years looking for Anika in all of the other women that came in and out of his life to no avail. He regretted letting Anika go. They were always on each other's minds.
Their chance meeting seven years later found them more mature adults. Reed had to grown for Brielle but Anika stayed stuck in dating older men to keep from having to reveal her brokenness. This time around, Reed was determined not to let Anika slip through his fingers again. He and Brielle wanted her just as she was. They could still have their HEA and family and they did. This was a sweet story!
August 23, 2017
Delaney has done it again her series never disappoint.
Love this series and I hope that there more books that follow.
Two college students Reed Stewart and Anika Taylor that work with each other in the school cafeteria and later their paths cross each is going thru unhappiness while they just coincidentally see each other in Venice and have a world wind affair. Reed walks away and once again Anika is hurt.
The two meet up again after Reed has sowed his wild oats and now is a single father and has a career as an accountant, Anika is now a interior decorator. They seem to pick up where they left off but Anika is torn between telling Reed a deep dark secret that ended her relationship with her college boyfriend Emerson and landed her in Venice where she and Reed had a world wind affair. Reed has a adorable 4-1/2 year daughter who Anika adores.
Will Anika tell Reed her deep dark secret you will have to read to find out?
This is a great love story and a must read.
Love this series and I hope that there more books that follow.
Two college students Reed Stewart and Anika Taylor that work with each other in the school cafeteria and later their paths cross each is going thru unhappiness while they just coincidentally see each other in Venice and have a world wind affair. Reed walks away and once again Anika is hurt.
The two meet up again after Reed has sowed his wild oats and now is a single father and has a career as an accountant, Anika is now a interior decorator. They seem to pick up where they left off but Anika is torn between telling Reed a deep dark secret that ended her relationship with her college boyfriend Emerson and landed her in Venice where she and Reed had a world wind affair. Reed has a adorable 4-1/2 year daughter who Anika adores.
Will Anika tell Reed her deep dark secret you will have to read to find out?
This is a great love story and a must read.
July 30, 2017
Time has no expiration date when loves involved
You can not hurry love nor think it's a coincidence when it finds you. The story of Reed and Anika let's us know that when love takes over despite hang ups or differences it can and will withstand time. Anika has a serious medical condition that leads her to believe that if she reveals the information to Reed that he would not accept her. Reed now more mature is raising his daughter Brielle and looking to capture Anika's heart. The story takes on what it means to trust and rekindle the desires of the heart. You'll root for Anika as she learns to be vulnerable and accept love. You'll root for Reed because despite his past is a stand up guy looking to go after his heart's desire.
You can not hurry love nor think it's a coincidence when it finds you. The story of Reed and Anika let's us know that when love takes over despite hang ups or differences it can and will withstand time. Anika has a serious medical condition that leads her to believe that if she reveals the information to Reed that he would not accept her. Reed now more mature is raising his daughter Brielle and looking to capture Anika's heart. The story takes on what it means to trust and rekindle the desires of the heart. You'll root for Anika as she learns to be vulnerable and accept love. You'll root for Reed because despite his past is a stand up guy looking to go after his heart's desire.
August 18, 2017
The goodness continues!
Another good installment in the Love Unexpected series. Loved Anika and Reed. And little Brielle was the cutest. I kinda wanted Anika to hold out a little longer, but Reed's fine a** wasn't having it. I couldn't blame her, lol.
My heart went out to Anika after learning her secret, but things worked out beautifully for her. Couldn't believe Nanette and her foolishness. Reed definitely handled that better than I would have.
Thanks for another good read, Delaney Diamond!
Another good installment in the Love Unexpected series. Loved Anika and Reed. And little Brielle was the cutest. I kinda wanted Anika to hold out a little longer, but Reed's fine a** wasn't having it. I couldn't blame her, lol.
My heart went out to Anika after learning her secret, but things worked out beautifully for her. Couldn't believe Nanette and her foolishness. Reed definitely handled that better than I would have.
Thanks for another good read, Delaney Diamond!
July 9, 2021
I liked this story, but felt like there wasn't enough for me to really get to know these characters. It seemed liked things went too fast, especially considering their was a child in the picture.
I don't know why I felt this way with this book. Maybe because Reed and Anika had a past that didn't end on very good terms, and I always think that forgiveness should take a bit of groveling on the part of the person who committed the wrong doing.
I don't know why I felt this way with this book. Maybe because Reed and Anika had a past that didn't end on very good terms, and I always think that forgiveness should take a bit of groveling on the part of the person who committed the wrong doing.
August 10, 2017
Not bad.....
I was really turned off with the h. I'm not a fan of weak women and she was from the beginning of the story. I was really tempted to stop reading it. But I persevered to the end. This was more 1 of Delaney's best works
I was really turned off with the h. I'm not a fan of weak women and she was from the beginning of the story. I was really tempted to stop reading it. But I persevered to the end. This was more 1 of Delaney's best works
September 28, 2017
This author has a refreshing way of writing that i just love.
I really liked this book. Its light fresh and accomplishes telling of a difficult health issue with class. Anika and Reed found true love in another country unknowingly. Time allows for maturity and wisdom to grow so that when they meet again, the sparks are allowed to grow into a flaming hot love. Great updates on the couples from the previous books in the series. I'm looking forward to the next installment in the Love Unexpected series.
I really liked this book. Its light fresh and accomplishes telling of a difficult health issue with class. Anika and Reed found true love in another country unknowingly. Time allows for maturity and wisdom to grow so that when they meet again, the sparks are allowed to grow into a flaming hot love. Great updates on the couples from the previous books in the series. I'm looking forward to the next installment in the Love Unexpected series.
August 6, 2017
Love this series
I love this series and loved this book! Anika and Reed have a history of one fantastic week in Venice during college that ended in heartbreak. They reconnect by coincidence when he hires her firm to decorate his new home. I enjoy stories with children because they require the author to place the dating adults in realistic situations. I especially enjoy stories that include responsible single fathers. I hope there is more to this series.
I love this series and loved this book! Anika and Reed have a history of one fantastic week in Venice during college that ended in heartbreak. They reconnect by coincidence when he hires her firm to decorate his new home. I enjoy stories with children because they require the author to place the dating adults in realistic situations. I especially enjoy stories that include responsible single fathers. I hope there is more to this series.
April 8, 2019
☺️☺️☺️
This is the final book of a six book series involving relatives meeting and getting together by chance. This last book “that time in the Venice“ is about a young couple that met in college, After graduation, they meet in Venice while both on vacation. They have a small fling while in Venice but Choose to end the relationship at the end of the vacation. They are then brought together again by chance.
All in all, it was a cute story and a worthwhile read.
This is the final book of a six book series involving relatives meeting and getting together by chance. This last book “that time in the Venice“ is about a young couple that met in college, After graduation, they meet in Venice while both on vacation. They have a small fling while in Venice but Choose to end the relationship at the end of the vacation. They are then brought together again by chance.
All in all, it was a cute story and a worthwhile read.
May 25, 2020
Well written, totally enjoyable
The last book of the Love Expected Series was just as good as the other five. Anika could not see how someone could love her 'brokenness ' and she certainly did not expect it to be Reed , the love she thought she had lost seven years before. Fate had other plans and a chance meeting let to a love unexpected. Smooth, well written, totally enjoyable!
The last book of the Love Expected Series was just as good as the other five. Anika could not see how someone could love her 'brokenness ' and she certainly did not expect it to be Reed , the love she thought she had lost seven years before. Fate had other plans and a chance meeting let to a love unexpected. Smooth, well written, totally enjoyable!
August 3, 2017
The "Hook Up" of the heart
Anika and Reed only knew of each other in college but a trip to Venice changed that. When a week in Venice turns into an unexpected love affair Reed runs away only to run into Anika 7 yes later and he's still....so.. In.. Love. This is a beautiful HEA. Anika and Reed's rekindled love had hot love scenes of a love that's too hot to ignore.
Anika and Reed only knew of each other in college but a trip to Venice changed that. When a week in Venice turns into an unexpected love affair Reed runs away only to run into Anika 7 yes later and he's still....so.. In.. Love. This is a beautiful HEA. Anika and Reed's rekindled love had hot love scenes of a love that's too hot to ignore.
August 13, 2017
Continue Series
I hope the series continues cause I love all the Love Unexpected books
Every couple brought something different to the story and it was beautiful
I'm glad Reed and Anika, were connect again after Venice
I enjoyed reading their love story
Great fan of Delaney Diamond books and ready to more
I hope the series continues cause I love all the Love Unexpected books
Every couple brought something different to the story and it was beautiful
I'm glad Reed and Anika, were connect again after Venice
I enjoyed reading their love story
Great fan of Delaney Diamond books and ready to more
September 13, 2017
Good read. Liked both characters. Loved getting a peak back and getting to see how Anika and Reed connected. Actually thought this one could have been a little longer but I didn't feel cheated. Ms. Diamond delivers as usual a story that captures your heart and characters (main and secondary) you root for, laugh at. I remain a fan.
July 12, 2020
Just enough!
What a great series, I started with , "the blind date" Andi am hooked. I have purchased several more series and cannot wait. The feel good stories and slight tie-ins of family and friends. The sweet, sensuous and unexpected loved stories have me cheering and tearing. Dating, remembering, love, and real situations do not disappoint. Love at it's finest.
What a great series, I started with , "the blind date" Andi am hooked. I have purchased several more series and cannot wait. The feel good stories and slight tie-ins of family and friends. The sweet, sensuous and unexpected loved stories have me cheering and tearing. Dating, remembering, love, and real situations do not disappoint. Love at it's finest.
July 30, 2017
I love second chance romances. And this one was no exception. Anika wasn't open to ever opening her heart again to Reed. But his persistence and love paid off in the end, after realizing the error of his ways. Loved it!
August 3, 2017
Excellent read❕❕❕❕❕
I enjoyed reading about Anika, Reed and that adorable child, Brielle. I recommend you read this wonderful love story. Thank you Ms Diamond for being such a great author.
I enjoyed reading about Anika, Reed and that adorable child, Brielle. I recommend you read this wonderful love story. Thank you Ms Diamond for being such a great author.
August 4, 2017
Linda Christiani
Great read just what I look for in a romance where the man knows exactly what he wants and does not give up because life without his woman is not an option so yeah just great !!
Great read just what I look for in a romance where the man knows exactly what he wants and does not give up because life without his woman is not an option so yeah just great !!
August 15, 2017
This was one of my favorite reads of this year. The issues addressed and resolved were surprising . The main characters were lovable. The book begins at one of my favorite cities ,was well written. I will definitely re-read this book
September 11, 2017
This is true love
This is a beautiful story I fall in love with Anika what lovely personality
She has.
And also Reed,this is love all the way,he is such a gentleman
Loves his moved all the way in this book.
This is a beautiful story I fall in love with Anika what lovely personality
She has.
And also Reed,this is love all the way,he is such a gentleman
Loves his moved all the way in this book.
October 10, 2017
Good reads
I am in love with D.D's. style of writing I've read lots of her books I dont want to stop once I start. Can't wait to see whats comes up in the new year Thank you for entertaining me
I am in love with D.D's. style of writing I've read lots of her books I dont want to stop once I start. Can't wait to see whats comes up in the new year Thank you for entertaining me
February 19, 2018
Man i think i was crying before the middle of the book
Loved this story, couldn’t put it down. Its why I’m sitting in the grocery store parking lot finishing the end of it. I loved this entire series though but this may have been the best one.
Loved this story, couldn’t put it down. Its why I’m sitting in the grocery store parking lot finishing the end of it. I loved this entire series though but this may have been the best one.
May 19, 2018
The second time around!
I enjoyed Reed and Anika's story so much! They were the perfect fit for each other even 7 yrs couldn't diminish the love they had for one another and what a beautiful ending to a wonderful series! Great job Delaney Diamond! I hate to see it end!!!
I enjoyed Reed and Anika's story so much! They were the perfect fit for each other even 7 yrs couldn't diminish the love they had for one another and what a beautiful ending to a wonderful series! Great job Delaney Diamond! I hate to see it end!!!
July 31, 2017
Loved Anika and Reed's story.
August 2, 2017
Great ending to this series. Second chance love is always sweet to read about and this novel was no exception. Great to see Ronnie & Diego's HEA.
August 4, 2017
Excellent
Great story, well-written. Both leads were likable. A good no stress love story. Read for yourself - I think you won't be disappointed.
Great story, well-written. Both leads were likable. A good no stress love story. Read for yourself - I think you won't be disappointed.
August 4, 2017
Love International
Anika and Reed are a lovely couple. But Brielle was my favorite. I am glad Anika was able to see her dreams realized. I too, have lived with her dilemma.
Anika and Reed are a lovely couple. But Brielle was my favorite. I am glad Anika was able to see her dreams realized. I too, have lived with her dilemma.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews