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They never knew what hit them.

A hooker with a heart, falling for a Vice cop? This is no Hollywood movie, and if they want a happily ever after, it's not going to be easy.

Detective Randy Michaels is back with Vice, working to help NYC crack down on its prostitution problem. When he suspects Jesse Bryant of soliciting, Randy is torn between duty and his knowledge of what put Jesse on the streets. Jesse is clearly struggling, and he isn’t the only one. Recent events have forced Randy to question his sexuality, and a shocking encounter with Jesse plunges him into a crisis of conscience.

Jesse didn’t think his life could get any worse. His family cut all support, his education is on hold, and he’s surviving the only way he knows—selling himself on the streets. Of all the people who could have offered him a helping hand, why did it have to be Randy?

Two men carrying their own personal burdens: How long will it take them to realize that what they really need is each other?

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 23, 2019

16 people are currently reading
177 people want to read

About the author

K.C. Wells

159 books1,862 followers
K.C. Wells lives on an island off the south coast of the UK, surrounded by natural beauty. She writes about men who love men, and can’t even contemplate a life that doesn’t include writing.
The rainbow rose tattoo on her back with the words 'Love is Love' and 'Love Wins' is her way of hoisting a flag. She plans to be writing about men in love - be it sweet and slow, hot or kinky - for a long while to come.

If you want to follow her exploits, you can sign up for her monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cNKHlT

You can stalk – er, find – her in the following places:

E-mail: k.c.wells@btinternet.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCWellsWorld
Twitter: @K_C_Wells
Website: https://www.kcwellswrites.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/k.c.wells
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-c-w...


And for those who like things a little hotter?
There's KC's alter ego, Tantalus, who writes gay erotica.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Dia.
534 reviews150 followers
April 22, 2019
3 stars

This is the second book in the Love, Unexpected series by K.C. Wells.

I haven't read the first book, Debt, but I got really curious about this one after reading the blurb.
"A hooker with a heart, falling for a Vice cop? This is no Hollywood movie, and if they want a happily ever after, it's not going to be easy."


I struggled a little at the beginning with a lot of characters showing up, but it got pretty easy to understand their pasts as we get glimpses of their background stories.

Jesse got disowned by his parents. He couldn't afford to study anymore. He feels forced into soliciting. Even if he felt something for the gorgeous detective Randy Michaels, he can't get over the fact that Randy is a Vice cop.

Randy offers to help Jesse, but something doesn't ring right with him.

I enjoy GFY and OFY stories so this one was right on my alley. Randy questioned his sexuality before, but Jessy is the one who makes him admit who he is and what he wants. Or specifically who he wants.

Even if the story isn't light, we get only a little relationship angst and the ending was sweeter than I expected.

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This review is posted on DirtyBooksObsession

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Profile Image for Sandra .
1,987 reviews347 followers
May 11, 2019
This is the 2nd book in the Love, Unexpected series, and could be read as a standalone novel, though I believe it would have worked better for me if I had read the first book, Debt, as it touches many times on the events from that book.

Jesse Bryant is, after losing parental support and having to put college on hold, basically living on the streets, hooking to support himself but struggling to make ends meet. His friends Nico and Mitch are moving north to start their new life together after the trial against the sex trafficker is over, and while Jesse is happy for them, he doesn't want to be a burden so he doesn't tell them about his current profession.

Randy Michaels is after the trial against the owner of the illegal sex club back working Vice, tasked with keeping prostitutes off the streets. But ever since he worked in the sex club, undercover to take that sex-trafficking organization down, he's been sort of questioning his sexuality, especially since he's figured out he has feelings for Jesse.

Jesse on the other hand has no idea that Randy is having these questions - he only knows that Randy is totally straight, and that his crush on the older man, a Vice cop to boot, is useless and will not be fruitful. He's also ashamed of having to earn money the way he does, and he sure as hell doesn't want Randy to know. So he lies. The two men start to spend more and more time together, which only exacerbates Jesse's crush on Randy, and Randy's confusion about his feelings for Jesse.

I quite liked Randy's neighbor Owen, a psychologist who happens to be gay, and who was a good friend to Randy while helping him figure out his feelings, even going so far to take him to a sex party at a couple's house with whom he's friends. It's at that party that Randy realizes what... well, no... you should read this for yourself.

This is really a very sweet romance with a big dash of angst, as the two men try to figure out how to move forward. I enjoyed reading about them, though I still think that I would have gotten more out of the book if I had read the first one also. There were on occasion mentions of previous events and circumstances that were a little difficult to understand, though the author made a good effort to write this book as a standalone.

Give this a try, but read the first book first.


** I received a free copy of this book from its author in exchange for an honest review. **
Profile Image for Kirstin.
2,106 reviews19 followers
March 31, 2019
Sweet and soulful. The pairing of these two MC's was inspired.

Randy is a Vice cop who spent over a year undercover working a sex trafficking club. He's lived his life straight as an arrow, but when he spends his days watching Jesse, he's wondering if maybe he's not a straight as he thought.

When Jesse had to testify against Richards, his secret was out. His parents learned that he was earning money for school as a rent boy and cut him off completely. Now, he's got no choice. He needs money for rent and he's had to quit school. But he can't stop lusting after Randy. Straight Randy.

I loved that Randy had his neighbor Owen, the psychologist, in his corner. He worked out so many doubts and was able to truly put himself out there. He was such a great, giving and loving character.

The story just really flowed, with minimal angst and maximum romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and can't wait for the next in the series. If you want a sweet, sexy, GFY romance, look no further than Burden.

*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/*
Profile Image for Natosha Wilson.
1,274 reviews15 followers
April 6, 2019
This was a great read. KC Wells constantly amazed me with each book that comes out. I have not found one yet that I did not like and this was right up there with some of KC’s other top books!!! I will say that the only thing I was disappointed about is for a little bit while reading this book I thought there might be the element of danger after one of the main characters ran into someone he knew previously from his past dealings. The way he reacted to the man he ran into made me believe there might have been a story there but I guess I was wrong because nothing more was said about him. Regardless this was still a very good read!!!

Randy worked undercover in a sting operation to bring down the head hunter in a trafficking sex ring. He infiltrated the club where this was going on and ended up getting close to some of the guys that was affected by this ring. So when it comes time to head to court to testify, he is anxious to check in on those that he got close too. One in particular is Jesse.

Jesse is so relieved when the verdict is handed down that the ring leader is being put away for a very long time. Looking back on what led up to this, he can now see Randy in new light. Even though Jesse has always been attracted to Randy, he knows that he is straight. And even if he wasn’t, there is no way these two could be together. Randy is a cop and Jesse is a hooker. Most believe that now that the traffickers are behind bars that Jesse left that life behind but the truth is, Jesse is still hooking because now that he does need the money and has been cut off by his family, it is his means of survival.

When everything came out and Jesse’s family found out about his involvement in everything they kicked him out and cut him off. So now he doing what he has to do to have a roof over his head and food in his stomach. With how the cops are now trying to crack down on the job, it is getting more and more dangerous and harder to make a living doing the job. Jesse knows that he has to keep chancing getting caught but he just prays it is not Randy that catches him.

Randy knows that something is not right with Jesse but he just keeps praying that he will not have to arrest Jesse. Randy has always viewed himself as straight but after working undercover and seeing the things he saw, he can no longer think that about himself. Especially since he cannot get Jesse off of his mind.

As these two men start a friendship of hanging out together it gets harder for Jesse to hide the truth from Randy and it gets harder for Randy to turn a blind eye to what he believes he knows about Jesse. Not only that but it is getting harder and harder for these two men to not admit the feelings they have for the other. Can a cop and hooker find a way to make things work between them? Can a straight man realize after all this time that he may not be straight after all?

This was an incredible read. I really enjoyed reading this book. I cannot wait to see what KC Wells will come up with next in this series. Normally I have an idea of who the next book may be about but in this case I have no clue who it may be about. Just know I look forward to it when it comes out. Definitely a series I will be following and reading as it comes out!!

Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Profile Image for Barb ~rede-2-read~.
3,767 reviews113 followers
April 20, 2019
ARC provided by the publisher through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.

This story features Jesse, a young hooker who formerly worked in the Black Lounge with Nikko (Debt) and Randy, the vice cop who was undercover in that brothel. Get ready for a lot of angst! Jesse sees no way forward to funding his MBA, or even to pay for housing, without continuing to prostitute himself as an escort, occasionally even hooking on the streets.

In the meantime, Vice is cracking down on prostitution and Randy is disgusted by the entrapment stings he and his fellow cops are working. It takes him a while, but he realizes he’s now sympathetic to the plight of these young men who saw no way forward other than to sell their bodies. He and Jesse run into one another every so often, and over time, he realizes two things: one that Jesse may be still working as a prostitute, and two, that he is sexually attracted to a man—to Jesse.

There’s lots of introspection in the story, and there’s help from Randy’s neighbor, Owen, an older gay man (who I hope gets his own story some day!) and eventually, after a fun day spent together, Randy and Jesse have sex. And that changes things once again for Randy. But Jesse? Well, he chooses to run away rather than face Randy and the impossibility of them being together. Or is it impossible? This is KC Wells, after all, and this author knows how to weave a series of complex threads to make a beautiful romance tapestry.

For me, the best part of this book was the chase and the catch, when the two finally ended up in the same place—both geographical and head space. The early stages of the story were tense and full of angst and sometimes I enjoy that, sometimes not. I wasn’t in a good frame of mind for it this time so the early part affected me a bit too emotionally. The good news is I knew the author would bring me out of my funk and give me some happy times. And she did, indeed. These two men deserved their HEA and worked hard to get it. I highly recommend this book to those who love stories of star-crossed lovers.

Profile Image for Becca.
3,223 reviews47 followers
April 23, 2019
I’m so glad to see all these guys again. This story couldn't have started off or ended better. I think the only thing that makes this sad for me, is it brings up a harsh reality. Yeah, the brothel and part of the ring may have been shut down, the bad guys put away, but what happens to the workers once it's over? So many don't know any other life or have any place to go after it's all over and they fall through the cracks. I love that these books are fictional and there's a happily ever after, but let's not forget the ones who don't get theirs.
Ok, I will quit being sad now. I am, of course, in love with this book and series. I was so happy to see this was going to be Randy and Jesse's story, after reading them in book 1. They needed some happiness, along with everyone else, after all that mess.
After being in that brothel, Randy's eyes got opened in a lot of ways. Especially after they shut it down and he saw what happened to a lot of the people that worked in it or others. His mission now in Vice was to stop the johns and pimps, but also the prostitutes. And after seeing that some of these guys, MOST of these guys, were just trying to survive, he didn't know what to do anymore. And seeing Jesse at the trial, just brought up more things he didn't know what to deal with. For someone who always said he was straight, he knew now he really wasn't. He was trying to come to terms with it, but at a sex party with his neighbor Owen, he didn't think he could go through it. He decided to try, until he saw who was being 'rented’ for the night. And his anger was unreal. At himself, at Owen, at Jesse and at the whole damn situation. He has to make a stand for who he is and wants or let it go.
I wanted for these guys to be with somebody to give them what they need. Them being together was going to be perfect. Randy needs someone to show him and allow him to be who he truly is and Jesse needs someone who can accept him, past and all. But it's a complicated situation for both of them. Yes, Jesse loves sex but it's not the fun he was looking for from before. Now he's just trying to survive. And not be homeless. This isn't the life he wanted for forever. He wants to finish school, settle down, be happy. But how could the vice cop he wants ever want him?
Randy is just as torn. He was hoping Jesse hadn't turned to that lifestyle. He wants to help, but Jesse won't let him. And who can blame him to a point? He doesn't want to be 'kept’. Randy wouldn't want that if he was in that position either. It's also a definite conflict of interest, seeing as it's his job to actually arrest Jesse for what he does. So what do they do?
Thankfully, they have good friends to steer them right.
I am so ready to see the next book, seeing as who it's going to be. He so needs a story. I love all these guys. They are so real. So fun. They bring the pages to life and leave you wanting more. It's been such a pleasure to be able to get to know these guys. I can't wait to see them again.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Profile Image for Antisocial Recluse.
2,712 reviews
April 5, 2019
At long last, after the events of “Debt”, we get Randy and Jesse’s story! It’s ten or so months later, after the trial of the sex-traffickers and life has changed drastically for Jesse. Disowned by his parents, he’s hooking to survive, instead of for enjoyment but he doesn’t share his struggles with anyone. Randy is still in Vice but his view of sex workers and sting operations has altered since he went undercover, and he’s also reluctant to admit his sexuality isn’t as straightforward as he thought. (Pun intended!) It’s a slow pace at first, as Jesse and Randy continue to spend time as friends, until an ill-timed meeting reveals their secrets. K.C. likes to build up her characters fully, establishing solid foundations for romance to grow between her MC’s. Alternating perspectives reveal mental, emotional and practical obstacles to be overcome in achieving a believable happy ending. It was lovely having Nikko, Mitch and his family as a backdrop for some of the action. A new secondary character, Randy’s neighbor Owen, looks to be a future love interest, perhaps for Mitch’s brother Gareth? I look forward to finding out!

*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*

1,034 reviews20 followers
April 23, 2019
Another very competently written and thoughtful love story by K.C. Wells. I loved the great set of secondary characters that our MC’s had to fall back on.

Despite our MC’s already knowing each other through the events in Debt (first book in the series), the story builds quite slowly with Randy and Jesse going the friendship route first. Of course with Randy not yet out (or fully aware), there doesn’t seem to be a possibility for a romantic connection.
I didn’t much care for Jesse’s avoidance tactics, even less his timing, though I understood the fears and worries that drove him to it. He might have made more of an effort to be open with Randy instead of going for a great escape. For all the time they’ve taken to become friends, they then go full speed ahead from a cautiously expressed romantic interest to love with Randy especially going above and beyond for his younger lover.

This was a gripping, sweet slow-burn romance. For me personally though, it felt a tiny bit lacking in the joyful magic of discovery and falling in love that would have lifted it to an even higher level. Randy and Jesse have a lot of issues to overcome and as a result not as much time to simply revel in their new-found relationship.
Profile Image for Angie.
1,301 reviews22 followers
April 15, 2019
I received a free copy to read and review for Wicked Reads

This was an enjoyable book. Randy a cop and Jesse a sex worker, two opposites who attracted and had some great chemistry. There was a slow build up, little "dates" here and there even though Randy couldn't admit at first that he had feelings for another man. I loved the progression. There was a little angst but how could there not be between a cop and a sex worker? I loved Owen, Randy's neighbor, I really hope he gets his own book. Great addition to the series and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.

165 reviews
April 26, 2019
I loved “Debt” and I loved this one too . well written and captivating I’m looking forward for the third in this series, hoping that the author intends to write it
Profile Image for Christy.
4,452 reviews127 followers
April 24, 2019
4.25 Stars ~ An undercover vice cop and a hooker sounds like a feel-good rom-com but this is no ‘Pretty Woman’ as Jesse often says. ‘Burden’ is the tough streets of New York City when your parents have cut off all of your funding, kicked you out of their lives, and you’re couch surfing with friends while hooking with escort services to try to just exist. ‘Burden’ is a cop who thought he always knew himself but eighteen months undercover in a brothel has not only made him doubt himself, but also how he looks at sex workers in general, knowing most of them have no choice and they have to do it in order to survive.

I have no concept of ever truly having to struggle to survive. I grew up in a wonderful family, always knowing I was loved, and when I screwed up, I knew it, took responsibility for it, and then it was done. As soon as Jesse’s parents found out he’d worked at the Black Lounge as a sex worker they were done with him as their son. There went the money for him to finish his master’s and to live on, leaving him with no choice except to do the one job he knows he can make enough money at to survive. Unfortunately, his growing friendship with Randy, the undercover cop who was at the Black Lounge, isn’t helping him feel any better about his decisions.

Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
Profile Image for Tanja.
575 reviews19 followers
April 24, 2019
This is another great book by KC Wells. I picked up this book because--well, it’s KC Wells, do I have to say more?—but I didn’t realize it’s the sequel to Debt. Burden picks up where Debt ended, and even though I haven’t read the first book, I could easily follow the story. From the first page, I was swept into the lives of Randy and Jesse and got a rather good insight into what’s happened in Debt.
Randy has worked as an undercover in the place where Jesse earned his living as a hooker. Having completed his task and arrested the culprits, Randy meets Jesse again at the courthouse where the trial against the Black Lounge owners begins.
What follows is a sweet, slow-burn love story between Randy and Jesse. Once again, KC Wells nailed the characterization of these men. Randy, the former undercover cop, who slowly begins to see Jesse as more than a friend, although he’s always thought he was straight. Thinking back on his time in the Black Lounge and with help from his neighbor, Owen, he comes to acknowledge his sexuality, without stumbling but in a natural way.
Jesse has always been smitten by Randy, and he’s over the moon that Randy finally sees him in a different light. At the same time, he knows that they won’t ever work as long as he’s an escort.
The chemistry between Randy and Jesse was tangible from the beginning. Even with them being “just” friends they had that unmistakable link. The slow dancing around each other was fun to watch, and you just knew that first kiss would happen.
There is a bit of angst between the lovers, but it’s entirely appropriate to the story. I understand why Jesse did what he did. Jesse is a sweet guy who only wants the best for others above his own happiness. Thankfully, the author kept it to the bare minimum, so we have a very lovely happy ending.
This book is the sequel to Debt and can be read as a stand-alone. You might want to read Debt first though as it will give you more understanding of the back story and get acquainted with the characters.
Profile Image for Cathy Brockman.
Author 5 books95 followers
April 18, 2019
I love this cover. It really says Jesse to me. This is a book two or sequel in the Love Unexpected series and I feel you should read them in order. I had read Debt, but it had been a long time ago and wasn't fresh in my mind and at times I struggled just a bit, but that didn't hold me back.
Burden picks up ten months or so after Debt and the events there, with Jesse and some of the other guys at Richard's trial waiting for the verdict.
Jesse's life was changed more than he expected to testify in the trial. His parents disowned him when they found out how he was supplementing his income for the school and cut him off. He had to put his studies on hold and was back to hooking to survive. Things began getting slow with the commissioner having stings set up, causing some escort sites to close down and a lot of johns to quit hiring escorts with fear of being caught.
Randy also found his life changed after the undercover job. He now kept thinking of Jesse and couldn't figure out why. He was straight or at least he thought so.
This is a very good story of finding love in unexpected places or in the last person you would expect.
I loved all of the characters, Both Randy and Jesse but I loved Randy's neighbor Owen even more. I do so hope we get his story soon. There is plenty of other characters mentioned throughout both old and newer that would have great stories. I can't wait.
There is some very hot sex in this book ( of course there would be with the main character being a hooker) I have to admit I had some issues with a couple of them. No matter how hard I tried I just couldn't wrap my head around the position it described in great detail. One I have to admit I even drew stick figures trying to figure it out to no avail...but it just slowed me down some.
If you like gay for you or bi-curious stories, May-December, friends to lovers, escorts, hot detectives and an allover good romance you will like this one.
Profile Image for Debbie Bookers.
119 reviews5 followers
April 25, 2019
I just love this author, and she doesn’t disappoint. K.C. is very good at connecting me to the characters and sucking me in her stories. I love her writing style and the way the story reads smoothly. This is a great opposite attract, sexual identity, law versus moral and first-time experience stories all rolled into one book.

Jesse is a hooker that works at the Black Lounge and really enjoys his job. He was going to school for his MBA and was getting paid for something he loved doing. What could go wrong? Well, to start with finding out that where you work is the mob and is involved with human trafficking. Then finding out the guy you have the hots for at Black lounge is a straight vice cop. And to top it off, your parents cut you off because they find out you’re a gay hooker. So school comes to an end.

Detective Randy Michaels is a vice cop working undercover at the Black Lounge to bust a human trafficking ring. What he doesn’t expect is to get to know these young men and become friends. What he expects even less is to be attracted to the young blond that gets under his skin. He doesn’t understand the feelings he’s having due to the fact that he’s straight.

Owen, a psychologist and Randy’s neighbor, helps Randy figure out who he is but it’s not an easy road. One night changes everything and Jesse and Randy have an amazingly hot night with each other. Randy never knew that sex could be so good, and Jesse couldn’t believe it could ever work between them. Jesse leaves before Randy wakes up and Randy feels like a john. Nikko helps Jesse escape to Maine and Randy is losing his mind.

How could it ever work between a cop and hooker? Will these two figure out their feelings for each other? Will Randy be able to find Jesse to tell him how he really feels? Can these opposite lifestyles come together and find true love? These are all good questions, and you will have to read this great story to find out. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Carra.
1,733 reviews31 followers
April 22, 2019
We first encountered Jesse in the first book of this series, Debt, and from the moment he was introduced he captured my attention. I was excited to find out he’d be getting his own book, and that Randy, the vice cop we also met in Debt, would be Jesse’s interest.

The situation Jesse found himself in was distressing, but I’m guessing an all-too-familiar one for others like him. His circumstances are presented as dire enough to consider some distinctly unappealing alternatives, ones I was hoping would not come to pass during the story. Randy (whose name is the same as my brother which made reading this a bit weird at times, but that’s all on me of course), well he’s got a bit of a sexuality crisis going on and a good chunk of the story involves him working through that. Jesse and Randy make an unlikely couple, but they do work as one in this setting.

Their relationship starts more as friends, though Jesse has had a thing for Randy since his time at the Black Lounge in book one. Since Randy needs to figure out what his true attractions are, it isn’t until he has to face Jesse’s occupation head-on that things start to change between them.

There were some good secondary characters; I especially liked Randy’s neighbor Owen and how he likes to tease Randy. He’s also pretty supportive and understanding, and when I saw the author post that Owen would be getting a story as well, that definitely piqued my interest!

Though to me Debt was going to be pretty hard to top, Burden still came in somewhere between 4-4.5 stars for me…so let’s call it 4.25. The story does bring up some interesting situations (especially the get-together to which Owen brings Randy so he can explore his questions about his sexuality), and is a solid follow-up to Debt. This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language, situations, and sexual content.
Profile Image for Xanthe.
2,538 reviews46 followers
April 23, 2019
I love this story, as much for getting the chance to know Jesse and Randy better and seeing Nikko with Mitch and his HEA from Debt.
Jesse is struggling with life after the events in book 1 and is surviving the only way he knows how which clashes with Randy's job working in Vice, just another reason he believes they wouldn't work. Meanwhile Randy is fighting himself over the attraction he feels for Jesse, gradually allowing himself to look at a different future than has always been on the cards.
When the two spend time together, it's easy to read their attraction and connection through K.C's writing. She does amazing work with all types of situations and this story has less angst, for me, than book 1 but is no less enjoyable. The two men battle with themselves over what they actually want and their friends are a big help in supporting them in times of need. There are times of fun, heat and sadness but it all flows really well together to give us a wonderful story that is easy to love.
Highly recommend this book and the series, love the men and friendships we read and looking forward to the next installment.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review
Profile Image for Sarita Chapdelaine.
1,251 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2019
Burden is an excellent addition to the Love, Unexpected series, I love everything about it and I could not put it down. It is well-written, gritty, intense, funny, sweet, emotional, there is some angst, a lovely romance, the characters are amazing and I love the storyline. Randy and Jesse have an interesting history that started in the previous book, Debt. Now that the brothel Jesse worked in has been closed down he is struggling to make it on his own as his parents have cut him off as well. Randy is still working in vice and dealing with his own struggles as he tries to figure out his new attraction to men. They have several issues to deal with if they want to have a relationship and luckily they have wonderful friends that are happy to help and support them. The secondary characters are incredible and I hope that Owen gets his own story as he is very intriguing. The ending is perfect and I look forward to reading the next book in this exciting series.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Aerielle Bondi.
620 reviews2 followers
April 5, 2019
Burden is the second book in the Love, Unexpected series. To be fully enjoyed book one Debt should be read first, since events and characters from that story show up frequently in this one.

Randy is a vice cop in New York City who spent over a year working undercover at an illegal brothel. It was there that he met Jesse, who causes him to start questioning his sexuality. Jesse is a young vivacious man who starts working at the brothel to help pay for his education. When the club gets busted Jesse agrees to testify but this causes his parents to withdraw all support. With no other job prospects, Jesse is forced to return to selling his body. Randy and Jesse start to hang out after the trial and feelings start to grow between the two.

Burden was extremely well written. KC does an amazing job at conveying the characters feelings. This story had good flow with very little angst. The romance and chemistry between Randy and Jesse was scorching!! I highly recommend this one!
Profile Image for Cassie Calbert.
23 reviews
April 22, 2019
After testifying against Richards, Jesse has been abandoned by his family and left with nothing. He is left to pick up the pieces the only way he knows how, by selling his body. As much as he hates it he sees no way out. Running into Randy is a blessing and a curse because Jesse wants him but he knows Randy is straight, and even if he wasn't they could never be together since Randy is a Vice cop.
Randy has always been straight, but after his time undercover he is questioning his sexuality. There is just something about Jesse that has him tied in knots. After meeting up as friends and hanging out Randy is sure he wants more but he is afraid that Jesse is still hooking. Once they come together Randy knows what he wants but he is going to have to work to get it because Jesse believes he's not good enough for Randy.
If you loved Debt, or any of KC Wells' books, then you are going to love Burden too! The characters are well developed and personable and the story is superbly written. I was drawn in from the first page and held captive til the very end!

Profile Image for Ulrike Apel.
28 reviews
April 24, 2019
Heartbreaking, wonderful

.

I love this series by Kc Wells.
Dept was awesome, so is Burden.
And I really hope for at least one more book.

Jesse worked at the Black Lounge Club until the day they closed after a police action.
Now he finds shelter with friends and has to earn his money as an escort and on the street. He also meets again
.
Detective Randy Michaels, whom he got to know during his undercover job at the Black Lounge Club. Jesse is in love, but Randy is completely heterosexual. At least he claims.
.
It is a long, rocky and very emotional way, until the two find each other. We meet again Nikko and Micha and their family from "Dept". Owen, Randy's neighbor is also a wonderful addition, like Micah's brother Gareth. Again an absolute "must read" book by Kc Wells
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Patti.
989 reviews7 followers
April 3, 2019
This was a very well written book. Angst ++. Jesse is a hooker and was disowned by his parents. Caught up in the trial of his former workplace , he meets undercover cop, Randy. Randy believes himself to be straight, but there is something about Jesse. He is confused. There is definitely chemistry. They randomly meet after the trial ends and continue to get together occasionally as friends, Jesse wanting wht he can't have and Randy getting more and more confused. Things come to a head after a beautiful night together and Jesse flees, thinking he is not good enough and will ruin Randy's career. Brilliant story. Loved it. Was given a copy in exchange for a an honest review.
Profile Image for Erica.
374 reviews3 followers
April 10, 2019
Burden by K.C. Wells was given to me in exchange for an honest review. This is a story of how Jesse ‘s life is turned upside down by testifying in a human trafficking case for Randy, an undercover cop, who helped bring down the men of The Black Lounge. When Randy finds out what Jesse is still escorting, he realizes how much he loves Jesse and doesn’t know what to do when Jesse thinks he isn’t good enough for Randy. I really enjoyed this book. The story was amusing, sad and intimate at times, where you felt you were a voyeur peering into the lives so messy and complicated you can’t help but root for the couple to find their way to each other.
1 review
April 3, 2019
I loved this book! I loved seeing the MC’s growing and learning. They knew they would have to compromise to be together and they knew that what they had together was worth it.
Profile Image for Anita.
73 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2019
Jesse and Randy - a hooker and a vice cop. We met these two in Debt and now it's time for life changing decisions for them. KC Wells really knows how to draw you in and keep you reading until the end with no regrets about it whatsoever. I really enjoyed this GFY with barely-there angst and plenty of romance and can't wait for the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,957 reviews16 followers
April 22, 2019
Yes to the sequel of Debt! This is such an amazing read! I love K.C. Wells books and this didn't disappoint. I love that we finally get Randy and Jesse's story. I just absolutely love them together and their chemistry is HOT! I just couldn't put this down! Definitely recommend this book!
157 reviews7 followers
April 23, 2019
I love this series.
Great story. Loved Randy and Jesse.
One of my favorite books so far this year.
Profile Image for Kathi.
219 reviews
April 13, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. Randy shows up how there is always room to grow and change, and what may have been considered your normal could change, and we should never need to apologise for that. Jesse was great in his love of his life, and his acceptance of himself. So many people spend so much time apologising to others for enjoying what they like. These characters are amazing, and them finding their happy place was so sweet
328 reviews5 followers
April 23, 2019
Sequel to Debt, where we were introduced to Randy, a vice cop, and Jessie a hooker who loves sex.

An awakening story for Randy, who believed his entire life he was strictly heterosexual, and priorities story for Jessie, who has struggled since being disowned by his family, brings these two together in a way that will leave you flushed and panting!

These characters are so well written, you can feel their emotions as they struggle to become couple.

I’m already strumming my fingers for the next installment!

Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Jess A Jaye.
520 reviews20 followers
April 22, 2019
I must admit I do tend to go into books where one of the MCs is a prostitute with a little trepidation. I need the author to make me understand how they ended up in that position in the first place whether it's as a last resort or simply because they enjoy sex. It needs to be believable and sympathetic and for me personally I need to see that it's not going to hinder the MCs search for a HEA.
Of course this is a KC Wells book so there was absolutely no need to worry. Once again KC Wells nailed it. I was shocked to discover I hadn't actually read Debt the first book in this series *gasp*. KC should take back my fan girl card. So I ended up reading Debt and Burden back to back and became fully immersed in this world and the characters in it.
As Debt ended without an epilogue I loved seeing that Nikki and Mitch were still happy and settled.
And then there's Jesse and Randy. The prostitute and the vice cop. On paper they shouldn't work but damn are they good together. Back in the Black Lounge days when Randy was working uncover Jesse had a huge crash on Randy and in Burden that crash has only developed further. Jesse is so adorable as he deals with his crush on Randy and when he thinks his feelings are unrequited. You also can't help but feel for him and the predicament he finds himself in. He worked in the Black Lounge to supplement his income but now he's fully reliant on the money escorting brings in and it's getting harder and harder to survive.
And then there's Randy. I loved watching Randy as he begins to realise he's not as straight as he's always thought. The feelings he has for Jesse are real and all consuming but they scared him. Seeing him embrace this new side of his sexuality and take things further with Jesse hit me in the feels.
I thoroughly enjoyed both Debt and Burden and there are plenty of side characters that I'm really hoping will get there own books and HEA.
Congrats KC on yet more amazing reads.
Profile Image for Laina Gruver.
1,261 reviews59 followers
January 28, 2020
4.5 stars

I liked Debt but I love Burden! Randy (the undercover officer from Debt) has always believed he was straight. Then he meets Jess who brings out unexpected yearnings in him. Jess resigns himself t the fact that he's crushing on a straight man and falls back on 'work'. Randy tags along with his neighbor to a friend's "sex party" to see if he like men. While leaving, Randy sees the entertainment... it's Jess.
When they confront each other, sparks fly (and clothes fly off).

While there is a little bit of angst, the issue is resolved fairly quickly and naturally.



As usual, KC's writing is wonderful and her characters are well thought out and likable.

*****
POV... Third person

Standalone or series... book 2 of series but can be read as standalone

hangover... slight

recommend.. yes

reread... yes
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