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The Unexpected #1
December
Could an unexpected gift change your life?
They call me the Grinch, and they’re right; I hate Christmas.
So why am I volunteering to help with the charity toy drive? I’ll tell you why, Marlee ‘Oh so sexy’ Adams
As soon as we crashed into each other, I was done for.
Her ass. Her eyes. Legs that go on and on.
Did I mention her ass?
She’s the perfect present for this Christmas Grinch…I can’t wait to unwrap her.
Little did I know, Marlee was an unexpected gift I didn’t know I needed.
The Unexpected Series:
The Unexpected Gift
The Unexpected Letter
The Unexpected Package
The Unexpected Connection
When it comes to love, expect the unexpected
**This was previously published as December, Calendar Men #12. This version has an extended epilogue, new cover ad title**
They call me the Grinch, and they’re right; I hate Christmas.
So why am I volunteering to help with the charity toy drive? I’ll tell you why, Marlee ‘Oh so sexy’ Adams
As soon as we crashed into each other, I was done for.
Her ass. Her eyes. Legs that go on and on.
Did I mention her ass?
She’s the perfect present for this Christmas Grinch…I can’t wait to unwrap her.
Little did I know, Marlee was an unexpected gift I didn’t know I needed.
The Unexpected Series:
The Unexpected Gift
The Unexpected Letter
The Unexpected Package
The Unexpected Connection
When it comes to love, expect the unexpected
**This was previously published as December, Calendar Men #12. This version has an extended epilogue, new cover ad title**
126 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2019
18 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
D.L. Gallie
76 books437 followers~Books, wine and a spicy good time ~
DL Gallie writes spicy romance with elements of comedy and suspense. She currently lives in Central Queensland, Australia, her husband and two teenagers. She and her husband have been together since she was sixteen, and although they drive each other crazy at times, she couldn’t imagine her life without him.
Shortly after her son was born, DL began reading again. With encouragement from her husband, she picked up the pen and started writing. Almost ten years later and the voices in her head won’t shut up.
DL enjoys listening to music, drinking white wine in the summer, red wine in the winter, and beer all year round. She’s also never been known to turn down a cocktail, especially a margarita.
Follow her at the following:
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www.facebook.com/DLGallieAuthor~
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www.twitter.com/AuthorDLGallie~
www.amazon.com/-/e/B01JYSV39A~
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 9, 2019
The perfect cute Xmas read!
He’s a grinch (with good reason) and she’s so sweet it’s enough to give you a tooth ache (but so full of sass with a take no prisoners vibe you’re left thinking the sweetness may just be an act)
One collision and an “accidental” butt grab and all bets are off on whether these to are going to fall in love or kill each other... watching a grinch fall is always some festive fun...
Can’t wait for more in book 2
He’s a grinch (with good reason) and she’s so sweet it’s enough to give you a tooth ache (but so full of sass with a take no prisoners vibe you’re left thinking the sweetness may just be an act)
One collision and an “accidental” butt grab and all bets are off on whether these to are going to fall in love or kill each other... watching a grinch fall is always some festive fun...
Can’t wait for more in book 2
November 28, 2019
If you are looking for an easy, funny rom com then DL Gallie is the author for you.
There are plenty of LOL moments, moments that will make you swoon and twists that you won’t see coming.
Gage and Marlee’s connection is fire!
You don’t want to miss out on this great holiday read.
There are plenty of LOL moments, moments that will make you swoon and twists that you won’t see coming.
Gage and Marlee’s connection is fire!
You don’t want to miss out on this great holiday read.
November 2, 2019
Young Adult, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy
First Person, male-POV
This is book #1 of the Unexpected Series.
Cover: art 4/5, title 5/5, color-font 5/5, buy 4/5 I’m obsessed with book covers. I love to find snippets of the stories within the art. This cover is good, but not great. The guy is hot and I'm easy, so I would probably buy this, but in my opinion, this is too generic and could be the art for several other books. I like the title, the color and font chosen. It really looked perfect for a Christmas book. Maybe I would buy this book by its cover without needing to read the blurb!!!
Plot: believable 4/5, conflict 4/5, dialogue 4/5, ending 5/5, enjoyment 3/5, opening 4/5, pace 2.5/5, setting 4/5, subplots 4/5, twists 2/5 Good opening for a cute ending. Well written dialogues, excellent setting and interesting subplots. The conflict was satisfactory, but I missed a couple twists. Good level of enjoyment!
Romance: believable 5/5, chemistry 5/5, description 5/5, development 1/5, steam 4/5 The couple had chemistry from the beginning and their attraction to each other made this story believable. The smut was really good with lots of spice and a couple of fanning-yourself-scenes. The pace could have been better, because both of them fell in love too easy.
Writing Style: 3/5 Good plot, believable romance and hot smut. Good writing!!!
Addictiveness: 3/5 This was an ok read for me, but nothing really grabbed me. I guess the pace was a bit off for me. Things happened to fast that it was hard to believe. As addictive as hot dogs!!!
Character: hero 3/5, heroine 3/5, secondary characters 3/5, growth 3/5, real 3/5 I had a hard time connecting with them. They annoyed me a little. They had layers, but something was missing for me.
Gage hated Christmas because he had a bad experience in the past on Christmas season. But the moment he met Marlee at the elevator, he said he would help her with her Christmas toy drive. He felt in lust instantly and in love just a little bit later. I didn't like him much, he was immature and a not very good at relationships.
Marlee was a bit of mystery for me. Sometimes I liked her, other times I just didn't understand her actions. She was also a bit immature and her decision of interfering in Gage's life didn't feel right for me. She also felt in love too fast and after she started her relationship with Gage she listen to gossip never giving him a chance of explaining himself.
There are not many important secondary characters here, but both girls from Gage office seemed nice Marlee's parents were also good people.
Villains... antagonist... there wasn't really a villain, but there was a couple of antagonist. The problem was solved fast.
The characters were easy to understand, but I had a hard time connecting and loving them.
Freshness: 3.5/5 It is hard to make a contemporary romance feels unique. There are too many out there and all tropes have been vastly explored. Here the formula is what we have seen many times before, but the author wrote a good plot, which doesn't really matter it it doesn't have the most original concept out there.
This book was a fast read but it lacked more substance. At the end it was all a bit shallow.
The heat was on, the scenes were good and interesting.
I think next book will have different characters, not sure if will be someone we have seen in this book.
24/35 STARS – 3 STARS (between 21 stars and 24 stars)
Addictiveness: 3 Character: 3 Cover: 4 Freshness: 3.5 Plot: 3.5 Romance: 4 Writing Style: 3
Action 0/5 Angst 3/5 Darkness 0/5 Humor 2/5 Romance 5/5 Suspense/Mystery 0/5
Would I recommend? If you like sweet, fast romance!
Would I re-read this book/series? No, but I will continue the series.
Would I read more from the author? I will finish the series.
You MAY read this because you follow the author; you SHOULD read this because you like sweet romance; you MUST read this because the plot is interesting!!!
March 12, 2019
December is a quick steamy read that will have you wishing for Christmas to come even sooner this year. Gage and Marlee have an instant connection, but when you have spent so many years being known as the Grinch and turning your nose up at love can Gage put past hurt and tragedy to the side to see love is worth the risk. A book filled with love, passion, misunderstandings and finally closure.
March 24, 2019
This is my first book by this author and it wont be my last. This is the fifth book in this new series I have read and I can't wait to read more. This is Gage and Marlee's story and I love the instant connection they have.
Gage Grainger has suffered since his mother’s death when he was 10 years old but Christmas time is just too painful for him. He is known as The Grinch at work and he plans to keep it that way, but when you have spent so many years turning your nose up at love can Gage put the past hurt and tragedy to the side to see love is worth the risk.
Marlee Adams throws herself into the toy drive at her work but when the very sexy Gage Grainger volunteers to help out, everyone is skeptical about his true intentions.
My favourite ice cream (Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough) is in the book.
I can't wait to read December Calendar Gals coming in May.
I received an advance copy of this book. I am voluntarily giving my honest review, and I plan to buy this book when it becomes available.
Gage Grainger has suffered since his mother’s death when he was 10 years old but Christmas time is just too painful for him. He is known as The Grinch at work and he plans to keep it that way, but when you have spent so many years turning your nose up at love can Gage put the past hurt and tragedy to the side to see love is worth the risk.
Marlee Adams throws herself into the toy drive at her work but when the very sexy Gage Grainger volunteers to help out, everyone is skeptical about his true intentions.
My favourite ice cream (Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough) is in the book.
I can't wait to read December Calendar Gals coming in May.
I received an advance copy of this book. I am voluntarily giving my honest review, and I plan to buy this book when it becomes available.
November 5, 2019
The Unexpected Gift is a steamy read that will have you wishing for Christmas to come even sooner this year. Gage and Marlee have an instant connection, but when you have spent so many years being known as the Grinch and turning your nose up at love can Gage put past hurt and tragedy to the side to see love is worth the risk. A book filled with love, passion, misunderstandings and finally closure.
November 1, 2019
Reviewed for She’s a Lip Biter Blog
The Unexpected Gift is told in two times frames; when Gage Grainger was ten and in the present time or there about. The past certainly dictated a lot for Gage and caused immense hardship and heartache, especially around Christmas time.
Marlee Adams enters into Gage’s life where he is instantly taken by her beauty, both inside and out. She, likewise, feels the attraction as well. Gage is at heart a very caring person who is afraid to really love again. He is a confident character who has a slight touch of arrogance about him as well. Marlee is such a giving and caring character, I really liked the way she stood up for herself though and didn’t take any rubbish from Gage.
There are quite a few emotions in this story and yes I will admit to a few tears in my eyes but also chuckles as well. This is a light romance but it does have a deeper understory that has an important meaning.
The Unexpected Gift is told in two times frames; when Gage Grainger was ten and in the present time or there about. The past certainly dictated a lot for Gage and caused immense hardship and heartache, especially around Christmas time.
Marlee Adams enters into Gage’s life where he is instantly taken by her beauty, both inside and out. She, likewise, feels the attraction as well. Gage is at heart a very caring person who is afraid to really love again. He is a confident character who has a slight touch of arrogance about him as well. Marlee is such a giving and caring character, I really liked the way she stood up for herself though and didn’t take any rubbish from Gage.
There are quite a few emotions in this story and yes I will admit to a few tears in my eyes but also chuckles as well. This is a light romance but it does have a deeper understory that has an important meaning.
November 16, 2019
This story was first published as December in the Calendar Men series and I was lucky to read it then. I loved reading it again. I love Gage and Marlee's story as well as the extended epilogue which the author has added for this new edition. The Unexpected Gift is the first book in the new series 'The Unexpected'.
This beautiful christmas story is filled with love, sadness, heartache and passion. There are quite a few emotions in this story and yes I will admit to a few tears in my eyes but also chuckles as well.
I can't wait to read The Unexpected Letter.
I received an advance copy of this book. I am voluntarily giving my honest review, and I plan to buy this book when it becomes available.
This beautiful christmas story is filled with love, sadness, heartache and passion. There are quite a few emotions in this story and yes I will admit to a few tears in my eyes but also chuckles as well.
I can't wait to read The Unexpected Letter.
I received an advance copy of this book. I am voluntarily giving my honest review, and I plan to buy this book when it becomes available.
March 16, 2019
December : A Calendar Men Series Novella - D L Gallie
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A sweet, sexy and touching story.
Gage Grainger has suffered since his mother’s death but Christmas time is just too painful for him. He’s known as The Grinch at work and he plans to keep it that way.
Marlee Adams throws herself into the toy drive at her work but when the very sexy Gage Grainger volunteers to help out, everyone is sceptical about his true intentions.
Marlee and Gage embark on a romance that’s fraught with emotion but a filled with hope and I loved this short story.
I’ll definitely be reading more of the Calendar Men Series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A sweet, sexy and touching story.
Gage Grainger has suffered since his mother’s death but Christmas time is just too painful for him. He’s known as The Grinch at work and he plans to keep it that way.
Marlee Adams throws herself into the toy drive at her work but when the very sexy Gage Grainger volunteers to help out, everyone is sceptical about his true intentions.
Marlee and Gage embark on a romance that’s fraught with emotion but a filled with hope and I loved this short story.
I’ll definitely be reading more of the Calendar Men Series.
November 8, 2023
Wow!
What an amazing read! A truly wonderful story about loss, anger/hate, love, growth and forgiveness … all wrapped up and presented through two very real-life characters. Marlee enters Gage’s life pretty much as a whirlwind of sunshine and positivity. Gage is the proverbial Christmas Grinch who tragically lost his mother at Christmas at age ten and lived with a bitter alcoholic father. The story revolves around Gage facing his past and acknowledging his father so that he can look and act on his future. The reading ride gets a bit emotional and the realistic angst pulled at my heartstrings. All in all - a very, very good read!
What an amazing read! A truly wonderful story about loss, anger/hate, love, growth and forgiveness … all wrapped up and presented through two very real-life characters. Marlee enters Gage’s life pretty much as a whirlwind of sunshine and positivity. Gage is the proverbial Christmas Grinch who tragically lost his mother at Christmas at age ten and lived with a bitter alcoholic father. The story revolves around Gage facing his past and acknowledging his father so that he can look and act on his future. The reading ride gets a bit emotional and the realistic angst pulled at my heartstrings. All in all - a very, very good read!
March 14, 2019
Such a great December Christmas story filled with plenty of heartache and memories for Gage and Marlee. Gage has always struggled at christmastime with the passing of his mother since he was 10 years old, and his father seemed to drink his way through his life and emotionally abandoned his son. Marlee comes literally crashing into Gage's life with a passion and drive that throws Gage in a spin. The sexual chemistry is off the charts. Gage find himself volunteering to help with the Christmas charity toy program at work. Such an wonderful read.
March 29, 2019
This is a fast-paced, steamy and touching story, and I found it quite enjoyable. Gage has struggled with Christmas time since the passing of his mother and is known as the Grinch at his work. Marlee is doing the toy drive and Gage volunteers, will she be able to change his mind about Christmas? I recommend you read it for yourself and find out, you won't regret it.
I received an advance copy of this book and I'm voluntarily giving my honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book and I'm voluntarily giving my honest review.
April 7, 2019
Gage doesn't enjoy Christmas and he is known as the office Grinch but he agrees to help with the charity toy drive. The main reason for this decision.....Marlee, but his feelings for Marlee start to grow.
This was an enjoyable, easy quick read. I managed to read it in one session. The relationship between Gage and Marlee is intense and the hot scenes are there. Will definitely be reading more by this author.
This was an enjoyable, easy quick read. I managed to read it in one session. The relationship between Gage and Marlee is intense and the hot scenes are there. Will definitely be reading more by this author.
July 29, 2019
Loved it!
Great quick read that has two people falling in love at first sight. Gage hated Christmas because he lost his mother at a young age right before Christmas Day. He meets Marlee while she helps coordinate a toy drive at the company he works for. The attraction between them is instant. When his dad reaches out to him, Gage doesn’t want to have anything to do with him. Marlee steps in and helps the reconnect. Great happy ending.
Great quick read that has two people falling in love at first sight. Gage hated Christmas because he lost his mother at a young age right before Christmas Day. He meets Marlee while she helps coordinate a toy drive at the company he works for. The attraction between them is instant. When his dad reaches out to him, Gage doesn’t want to have anything to do with him. Marlee steps in and helps the reconnect. Great happy ending.
December 23, 2023
I wanted to like it
But the main male character is completely unlikeable. The fact he had to think about “fat naked ladies” to get his arousal under control completely turned me off to this book. Add in the “misunderstanding” and I just can’t. I’m sure others will enjoy this one and the writing was well done but it’s just not for me.
But the main male character is completely unlikeable. The fact he had to think about “fat naked ladies” to get his arousal under control completely turned me off to this book. Add in the “misunderstanding” and I just can’t. I’m sure others will enjoy this one and the writing was well done but it’s just not for me.
April 3, 2019
Oooh what a wicked Novella Gage hasn't liked Christmas since that tragic day ten years ago.
Now ten years on in walks Marlee and wow sparksparksd fly between them both.
But when the past walks in will he destroy his happiness.
Loved it sweet, sexy, fun and gorgeous.
Now ten years on in walks Marlee and wow sparksparksd fly between them both.
But when the past walks in will he destroy his happiness.
Loved it sweet, sexy, fun and gorgeous.
April 5, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was page turner. I couldn't put down. Loved main characters development and plot. First time reader for this author. Definitely will be checking out for more books in future.
November 8, 2019
This book was so, so good and I could put it down! Gage hasn’t enjoyed Christmas since he was a kid because of his devastating childhood. But when he meets Marlee...things quickly change for him. I won’t give too much away but I will say that this sweet Christmas book definitely put me in the holiday spirit. I’m already looking forward to reading the next with it releases.
January 12, 2020
Hooked me from the start. I love D.L Gallie and her books are amazing and always a 1-click that is sure to excite. This one was no different. I loved the entire series as they all connected with each other and you got to see how they lived even after their story ended.
December 13, 2020
Awesome quick read
Looking for a quick, fast paced read look no further. A great Mr. Grinch turned to Mr. Merry is just the type of Christmas read that is sure to keep the pages turning. With a whole lot of fire thrown in!
Looking for a quick, fast paced read look no further. A great Mr. Grinch turned to Mr. Merry is just the type of Christmas read that is sure to keep the pages turning. With a whole lot of fire thrown in!
March 12, 2019
I love a good instalove story and this did not disappoint.
April 4, 2019
Loved this fun loving book! Even though it was a short story, it was a great read!
Gage disliked Christmas, hence why he was called the 'Grinch'. On arriving to the floor of his office, Gage was not expecting to bump or better yet fall onto a beautiful woman and grab her ass to help save her! Marlee, joining the team for a toy Christmas drive was not expecting to find 'the one'. Only problem was, Gage did not like Christmas and slowly as he spent more time with Marlee, he changed. This is a great book to read at Christmas (or any time of the year), its cosy, fun, sad, family and makes you believe in Christmas miracles.
Gage disliked Christmas, hence why he was called the 'Grinch'. On arriving to the floor of his office, Gage was not expecting to bump or better yet fall onto a beautiful woman and grab her ass to help save her! Marlee, joining the team for a toy Christmas drive was not expecting to find 'the one'. Only problem was, Gage did not like Christmas and slowly as he spent more time with Marlee, he changed. This is a great book to read at Christmas (or any time of the year), its cosy, fun, sad, family and makes you believe in Christmas miracles.
April 30, 2019
Quick steamy read. Loved it!
June 3, 2019
This is a great story. There is laughter, heartache and characters you will fall in love with. Why wait until December for a Christmas story?
October 30, 2019
I absolutely loved Marlee and Gages story.
I loved the way they were with each other and the proposal had me laughing so hard.
DL Gallie is an amazing writer and I love reading her books.
I loved the way they were with each other and the proposal had me laughing so hard.
DL Gallie is an amazing writer and I love reading her books.
November 17, 2020
Such a sweet holiday romance. Marlee and Gage unexpectedly ran into each other and ended up falling in love. Marlee helped to heal Gage and his grinch ways.
November 30, 2020
An amazingly sweet story. This story has Christmas, romance, forgiveness, and a whole lot of sexy times! I highly suggest checking this read out!
Want to read
November 27, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/27/2022)! 🎁
November 30, 2022
Was ok, lots of spelling and grammatical errors.
December 18, 2023
I love a good insta-love story. The Unexpected Gift introduced us to great characters and prepared us for upcoming books. If you enjoy spicy reads, pick this one up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews