Unexpected Gift

by R.S. Lively

He’s the cocky doctor with a mission to drive me insane.
And I had to walk down the aisle with him.
“It’s my brother’s wedding day,” I told myself…

Genres: Romance, Enemies To Lovers, New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Doctors, Medical

254 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2019

Reviews

[Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining book, but the movie was better!



I know the movie “Life as We Know It” with hottie Josh Duhamel and Katherine Heigl came out long before this book. But other than their professions, so much was similar. However, the movie was hilarious and the book was just a good romance and not a romantic comedy.

Caden is a Neurosurgeon and is the best friend of Molly’s Brother Brandon and Molly has disliked him since day 1. He is too good looking, women come to him is quite he man-whore. Molly hates the fact that she is drawn to him also, so she stays away and hates on him. Caden is attracted to her and can’t figure out why she hates him, but since she is his best friends’ little sister and is off limits anyway, he stays away or argues with her also.

When brother Brandon and his wife die tragically, they name Caden and Molly as guardians for their Baby, Posie with the stipulation that they live together. At that point they have to try to get along and find it hard to deny the attraction.

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[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

The writing is bad, the story is unbelievable, and the characters are unlikable. I kept trying to give it a chance and made it about halfway, but I couldn’t keep going.

[Anne OK · Rating 2 out of 5]

The plotline had plenty of potential that was dropped down the rabbit hole. A weak 27 year old female virgin lead and a thirty-four year old neurosurgeon who was a manwhore for a hero. The whole book was a bit far-fetched and an overload of explicitly detailed sex that had no meaningful feel to it. A lot of unanswered questions were ignored and left me befuddled and disappointed. There were so many spelling and grammatical errors, along with inconsistencies in the storyline that definitely called for a solid final editing session.

The cover is easy to look upon -- but overall this is major disappointment.

[Allison Henle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Everyone's a jerk, even the dead people, and somebody with actual childcare experience should have read the book before it was published. This almost became a DNF but I persevered, and lived to regret it.

[Nico Nico Ni · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok. The story line was nice. I just felt like Molly was too childish for her age and that irk me. Caden was fine but his language usage bothered me. The metaphors that the author used to describe some scenes were horrible. The end was rush and the separation felt force.

[Erica Paré · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little apprehensive about reading this book after reading some of the reviews. However, I was pleasantly surprised! Molly and Caden are super cute together. They want to hate each other so much because they 'shouldnt' be attracted to one another, Caden being Molly's brother's bff. When tragedy strikes Molly's family her brother seems to be laughing from his grave because he seems to have planned a hilarious will. I wish I could have been in that lawyers office. We get to read as the ice around them melts and they can no longer continue to lie to themselves. Also have to add that Caden is dreamy with the way he takes care of that baby!!

[Tahsin · Rating 1 out of 5]

first book by this author (duo) and probably the last. i was looking for something light and fun yesterday and this had really good reviews on KU. shouldn't have listened, should have gone with my gut feeling, and most definitely should have gone with common sense and stopped reading when i couldn't take it anymore.

don't get me wrong, this story had potential. but that's all it had. what it needs is a good editor and an even better proofreader. i could've overlooked some of the other issues i had with it if only the grammar and conjugation and contraction were correct. i know we're continuously evolving as a species, and so is language but there are still some of us who care about proper grammar when reading something. i'm taking out months (years, even) of pent up aggression about shitty grammar on this one book, but holy shit guys, is there an end to this? also, contractions. i've never before made an issue of this, but it needs to be said, especially for this story. i thought i was reading a romance novel, not a freaking academic paper with almost zero contractions - which i found to be weird, because no one speaks like that out loud or even in their head, do they? and when the contractions did begin to appear, they were in the wrong place. i said it, there's a right and wrong method of contracting, and this ain't it, chief.

honestly, i don't even want to touch the story with a 10-ft pole right now - which i guess is how big the dude thinks his dick is? idk, i skimmed over most of that. it felt like i was reading straight porn, which i didn't ask for. and can i just say what a shitty synopsis that was? it describes the entirety of the book, from prologue to epilogue in a few short paragraphs. if i had known that, i wouldn't have wasted precious reading time on this. but i think this is par for the course for this duo, if the synopsis and chapter of another of their books is anything to go by. since i'm on a warpath, i might as well mention the overuse of (secondary) character stereotypes. not necessary, and idk why those understanding/sympathetic bits were even included to begin with. the whole story seemed to be one event after another that SHOULD HAVE happened, or a character SHOULD HAVE DONE. it felt incredibly forced and not the least bit authentic. i really don't have any words for the main characters, because they were just shit. i didn't like them, either one of them. i didn't like this story. i honestly didn't like anything about it, idk why i continued to read it.

[Katherine Sanchez · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't bother reading this the heroine is a POS

I usually love the reformed playboy trope but the heroine is such a weak insecure pathetic loser that I honestly have no idea why any guy, much less someone who apparently has a lot going for him in the career, looks, and manhood department, would even give her the time of day. Sure, she's his best friend's sister but she's never been anything but horrible to him their entire lives and is so repulsed by his womanizing ways that I am supposed to believe she's cool with giving him her v card?! And what kind of arrogant psycho brother would force his will join two people who can't stand each other and force them to raise his kid together on the OFF CHANCE they might stop fighting and fall in love. PUHLEEZE!!! Save your money on this one. The premise is there but it's just so badly written that I found myself wishing the hero would meet someone else in San Diego and let the heroine drown in her own stupidity of tears.

[Denise Walker · Rating 2 out of 5]

All I can do is roll my eyes!!!!

This book left so much to be desired. It needed some editing not a whole lot but noticeably so. what go to me was how immature and annoying Molly is. She's inexperienced but not with any sense of maturity. She's always running and pushing ppl away and there is nothing in her past that gives a reason for her behaviour. Camden tries to be a gentleman and extends an olive branch but she's just too stubborn to relent or be sensible.

Then there's the mild and boon descriptions and 'dirty talk' good heavens it got really old really quick. I really didn't enjoy it and a few minutes from the end I finally have up on finishing

[Ashley Salinas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just can’t go on

Sorry Ms. Lively, I just can’t finish. I made it to 69%. This book needs editing STAT. Grammatical and spelling errors throughout. The story itself started off great. Emotional and deep. I could really feel the sadness. Then it morphed into an alpha male and innocent story with dirty talk on the more hard core end of the line. There was a lot of discussion around his size and fit and comparing it to a loaf of bread (in length I assume). Not my thing.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had me emotionally because of a tragedy that happened. There was a hospital scene and a funeral scene that both just broke my heart! I'm a crier when something hits me emotionally, so be prepared if you are too.

Caden and Molly are two people who are connected by Caden's best friend who is Molly's brother. They act like they hate each other, especially Molly, but in reality they don't. They have decided to come together for a very good reason and for a specific cause, but sometimes situations with the best of intentions don't work out, but sometimes they do.

Posie is a little girl who is the cutest thing ever and I love a story that involves innocent little ones. I love the relationship between her and the adult characters. :)

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Info
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Caden
Molly
----------------------------------
What happens?
Molly and Caden are left the charge of Molly's niece Posie after her brother dies in a car crash with his wife. Caden and Molly have always had a hate relationship with chemistry and sexual attraction simmering underneath.
Caden has wanted Molly but didn't dare go near her for fear of upsetting his best friend/her brother. When he is handed Molly's niece and told they must live together to keep her he is unable to ignore the temptation with having her so near.
Final thoughts
The start of this book got to me straight away. Its very emotional; to be fair the whole book is charged. I felt teared up; I loved the sex scenes and I even giggled a little, so you do run through the emotions while reading this book.
Its not perfect and I think its sort of let down a little by that but then its an 'easy' read; a little tough to get through with all the parts of loss but the sex scenes do make up for it.
Would I read again?: Probably not because I don't think it would have the same feeling
Would I read this author again?: Yes

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is intense, emotional and full of pain and coping with the loss of loved ones. It explores how grief affects people and how they differ handling it while trying to heal. Don’t start this book until you have the time to sit and read it. I had a party planned at my house and was tempted to cancel it so I could keep reading! The book was riveting, tugged at my heart, and had me shedding a few tears. I enjoyed Caden and Molly’s bickering and learning who they were deep down in their souls as they got to know each other better. I adored Kenna and how her external in internal personas were polar opposites. Ah, and getting to know Brandon through Molly and Caden’s memories of him, his letters to Caden and Molly, what he wrote in his will and what he said in the voice mail makes you feel the loss of him and Amelia as though they were members of your family. This book made me feel deeply – what more could you want from a book?

[Patricia Wolfwoman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected Gift R. S. Lively
This story had me from the start. I fell head over heel for the character. I had a hard time putting this story dow it is so full of twist and turns. It had me laughing and then crying then laughing again. This one is moving into my number one spot of top five all-time favorites. This story has a ten-star rating in my book. Great job R. S. Lively very well written book. This is a story about hate and love. Molly and Caden story and what they have to go through to get to where they want to be. When you have two headstrong people who want the same thing but go at from different sides. I just loved this story. I received an advanced reader copy and have voluntarily chosen to leave a review. This is my honest opinion.

[One chapter more · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not sure what to do about this story... It had such potential, yet it was ruined by the simple drama of human emotions. Don't get me wrong, the storyline was great, sad yet engaging with the reader, but the overall execution and some cringy fragments of the book? These are the reasons for only three stars.

Also a big, big minus... Why is the whole plot given away in a book description? I hate this so much and whoever wrote it should go to the corner and think about what they did. Why do you give away everything? No surprise, no moment of contemplation on how will the story go; simple we get what was given, and there was no freebie dessert. I hate when people and authors do that to their readers so my advice to you would be- don't read the book description if you don't want the spoiler. I feel like I didn't even have to read it, to be honest... Huge disappointment.

Other than that we got a hot, hot men of a cover which I, personally, appreciate a lot :) Keep them coming ladies!

[Cynthia O'Neill · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars because it read almost identical to the movie Life As We Know It. The characters in the movie are Holly and Eric, with the baby being Sophie. In the book they're Molly and Caden, with baby Posie. Molly like Holly, has her own business. The same circumstances bring them all together. The biggest difference is that Eric is a television sportsman, while Caden, is a neurosurgeon. Too many similarities. Although some parts were original. The book was written nicely, just wished it was less of a movie plot line and more of the author's own originality. I've loved some of her past stories.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book

So, of course this book has some sad parts. If you the description you know why. I really love the book until the end. The ending was what i imagined but it seems like they pushed what brought them together aside (their neice). And that didnt sit well with me. But other than that it was a good book.

[Judy Churchill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started with the gut wrenching death of a young couple. Their young baby lived. The story involves the baby’s godparents who are designated caregivers of the baby. It’s a pretty good story.

[Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Molly annoyed me, she was a stupid spoiled brat! . Caden should have ran for his life. That poor baby probably would have grown to b unstable lol. And what's up with the grandparents, no wonder Molly acted so childish. Come to think about it, they all annoyed me. I'm deducting stars.

[AnneMarie Davee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice concept

While I liked the idea of the story, it reminded me of a movie I’ve seen. A brother dies and leaves his baby to be raised by his sister and his best friend. Not surprisingly, they don’t get along. The writing was a bit forced at times; the author seeming to want to use big words rather than make the story flow. It was an easy read with an HEA, so I enjoyed that part.

[Stephanie Ditmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Wow! What an amazing story, I absolutely loved it. I was grabbed from the start and their story is so emotional, you won’t be able to put this book down. Caden and Molly are explosive together in so many ways, good and bad. Caden is Molly’s brother Brandon’s best friend and Brandon’s wife Amelia’s bestie as well and has been in their lives forever and she’s always had a pull towards him, but his reputation precedes him or, so she thought and one fateful night changes everything for them. The life they knew, and the two most important people in their lives are gone in a heartbeat. Caden and Molly’s life is turned upside down with a tragedy so unspeakable, how do you move on without them? Well, Brandon and Amelia had a trick up their sleeve, a backup plan as you will, if something was to ever happen to them and it involves Caden and Molly and Brandon and Amelia’s daughter Posie. You will love the tug of war between Caden and Molly, their feelings, the pent-up frustration for years of hating each other to trying to figure out what it was they were always fighting about. I don’t want to give anything away; the story is so good you have to read it for yourself. This was an amazing story of insecurities, love, lust, angst, passion and off the charts delicious chemistry. I highly recommend this book!

[Emma Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goo read

First book I’ve read from this author and I wasn’t disappointed. Can’t wait to get started on some more :-)
Highly recommended

[Estefany Guzmán · Rating 2 out of 5]

The entire book feels like a copy of the movie "life as we know it " so it was kind of predictable

[Jennifer Hinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book from this author and it was such a good read. Had the ending not been completely rushed and there weren't a few editing and proofing errors, I would have given it 5 instead of 4.

"Bringing comfort to someone while being broken yourself is a hard thing to do. We have to try not to cut each other with our jagged edges and also try not to continue to break under the pressure. Our imperfect pieces are chipped and sharp, ready to pierce and cause pain at all times. But sometimes, like right now, the pieces are dull and tired, exhausted from being used so much."

Synopsis:
This story starts on a really sad note. Molly gets a phone call that wrecks her entire world....her brother and his wife have been in a tragic car accident. They pass away sadly, and the grief is overwhelming. In all this tragedy lies Posie, her baby niece. Consumed by what happened, she has no idea that a meeting with her brothers lawyer will change her life forever....her brother names her and his best friend as Posie's godparents, but only if they agree to live together in a small town as one family. One problem...these two don't get along.

“You can fix him, right? Please, tell me you can fix him.”

Caden is a seriously hot, seriously arrogant neurosurgeon. He loved his best friend and his family, and wants to do right by his best friend by honoring his wishes...even if that means uprooting his life to start a new one with his best friends baby sister.

This is a slow burn...these two definitely have sexual tension and it's scorching hot. It finally comes to a boil, and Caden walks away with Molly's v card and her heart. Still coping with the grief of losing his best friend (listening to his voicemail is heartbreaking BTW), he thinks he's finally found the silver lining in Molly and Posie. But when he gets his dream job offer in San Diego, will chasing his dream be more important than the life he's made with his girls?

“Don’t you get it yet, sunshine? I don’t want strange. I want you.”

Characters:
I absolutely adore Caden...he may be my fav male lead in a while. The way he is with Posie will literally melt your heart and make your ovaries hurt. And his dirty talking....woah!!!

“Kiss me,” he says again. “And if I say no?” His lips hover over mine, and his hands clutch onto my shoulders. “I’ll beg you until you say yes.”

Molly is just okay for me. I hated how much she fought and reverted back to the same immature behavior. However, I also loved her in so many ways as well.

“You feel like my home. You always have.”

The only issues I had were:
1. The summary is misleading....the pregnancy isn't even brought up until the last chapter (maybe last 5 mins of reading).
2. The ending was extremely rushed. Everything else dragged at a perfectly slow pace, so the ending being so abruptly fast bothered me and ruined it. There is absolutely no drama surrounding the pregnancy.
3. There were some proofing and editing issues. This doesn't normally bother me, but that's the deal breaker between my 5 and 4 star ratings.

"The biggest smile I have ever seen takes over his face, and when he kisses me this time, I feel our story. I feel our past and our present, and when he lays his hand on my stomach, I feel our future."

All in all, you need to read this. It is an emotional read but one that is so worth it....and yes there is a HEA.

[Kristal Enid · Rating 3 out of 5]

1. Did I liked the resolution?
It is a cliche, but I guess yes. The letter was short and meaningful.
2. Had a good plot-twist?
No. It all was monotone. If San Diego offer is the plot twist... it was expectable and not strong enough.
3. Where Characters personalities relevant?
Not really.
4. Did it had Intelligent dialogue?
I did not catch many quotes as other books. Meh, I think no.
5. Did the Story had coherence?
Not at all. I found the plot to be a little bit forced.
6. Would I read it again?
I somehow relate to the concept so I think I will brush it sometime again.



I will be honest. There where so many times I wanted to DNF this book and somewhere I started skipping over. The rating is base on more personal and emotional reason than actually the content. It was somehow predictable. I felt like I was reading a movie, not an actual book, and there is a difference, because in a movie you are somehow allow to do certain things you can't do in a book. There where I scenes I would have like to read and they where brush off like when they walk down the aisle, the lunch after the appointment with the lawyer, Caden trip to San Diego, the sudden jumps in weeks. And how is it posible that a parent would first want to see the husband instead of his daughter? These kind of details... It lacked development and depth. Molly infuriated me and I somehow pitied Caden. I did not liked this book but It somehow reminded me of myself. I somehow related to the story, so I feel connected. Before this book I was reading one of my favorite series, so when I came to this I notice the difference. I believe that have I not read it in that order I would have give this book a 4 maybe? Or maybe not. Writing was a little messy, I wonder I this is a translation.

This remind me a lot of myself. I would have give it a 2 but I know that I am somehow attach to this book and I am sure I will re-read it a few times, at least for quotes. So because of that reason it is a solid 3.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

R.S. Lively has just taken romance to an all new level.   This unbelievably talented Author has made me cry, have heart palpitations, smile and just about melted my heart right out of my chest.  This book is so addictive.   Truly, I read daily, and while I have read her work prior, it is this release that will stay with me.   Not only do I recommend it but I almost want to beg you to read it, just to understand the depth it entails. 


I do try immensely hard never to give away any part of the plot, so that I do not ruin it for other reader's.  I will definitely try to be vague, so here it goes....


Caden and Molly certainly know one another as they've got Brandon & Amelia in common.   Brandon is Molly's Brother and Caden is his best friend.   After tragedy strikes, their World is just destroyed.  Devastated is to mild a word, and the way they lash out and yet have to carry on, at the same time, is written so realistically.   As you read along, you can 'feel' every emotion that they experience and for that reason alone, R.S. has my respect.   Poise, Kenna and even 'Nosey Nancy', are each designed in amazing ways.  To take an idea in her mind, and craft an entire book, of life's highs and extreme lows, and create this beautiful book right here... Talent.   As reader's, we are always on the lookout for a great storyline to lose yourself in and this is that book.  


I was beyond fortunate to have requested an advanced reader's copy of Unexpected Gift in exchange for my honest/voluntarily given opinion and I strongly encourage all romance reader's to follow along as they find themselves the beautiful happily ever after they deserve.  

[(Grace) Kentucky Bohemian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story's gonna' take all your emotions along for the ride. But as you can tell from the blurb, there's some serious drama going down here for sworn enemies/possible lovers Molly and Caden. Cue. the. angst. But as with any good story where the outcome is really a foregone conclusion from the moment you pick up the book, the beauty is in the journey here. And it is a beautiful journey for Caden, Molly, and even for adorable Posie, who steals every scene she's in.

The neurosurgeon, Caden, is in serious contention for Book Boyfriend of the year. This guy is swoony, sexy, sweet, and absolutely UNselfish. He may not be perfection, but he's ridiculously close to it. He's also got it bad for Molly. Good for him, since he's the one that's got to live with her. Honestly, while she had a lot going for her, she just kept singing the same song. I wanted to take up a collection for her to get counseling so she could move on a bit, or just learn to communicate better. But hey, even though her method for dealing with grief was not my style, it didn't stop me from enjoying this amazing story. Because hey, Caden and Molly have good ol' chemistry and you just can't beat that.

This story was very well written with rich characters and and an engaging story line. There was a nice blend of humor, heat, and heart in the dialogue. The love scenes had a wonderful steamy heat to them that nearly fried the circuit board in my kindle. All together, it was a great combination, and unforgettable read.

[Shelly Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great new release by R.S. Lively,,,,,,

Molly Lowell is in her brother's wedding,,, if she can get Amelia, the bride to be settled down, maybe her and Brandon, her brother, can get married and on with their life,,,, her brother is a cardiothoracic surgeon,,,, but, she can't stand his best man and best friend, Caden Jackson,,,, but who is she walking down the isle with,,,, that's right,,,, Caden Jackson,,,,, and as soon as she can get thru this and away from him,,,, then comes the day she gets that dreaded call,,, Brandon and Amelia were in an MVC with both of them being fatalities and leaving their child unharmed,,, but now without parents,,,,, and now Molly and Caden have to meet with Brandon's lawyer for the reading of the will,,,, which states Posie, their daughter, will live with Molly and Caden and they will keep the house, which is paid, and it is willed to Posie, with a nice sum of money for her trust fund and a tidy sum for Molly for relocating ,,,, knowing that Caden will make a good sum being a neurosurgeon,,,,, the only catch to all this,,,,, Molly and Caden simply cannot get along,,,,, is this true hate or do they just want each other so bad it comes out that way,,,,, who knows these things,,,,, .???

This book was a great read that I just couldn't put down,,,, this is an amazing enemies to lovers story OR you can see it as a taboo, sister of his best friend,,,, either way,,, it's a win, win situation ,,,, I would so totally recommend this book to anyone,,,,,

I have gotten this ARC voluntarily to do a voluntary honest review

[Debbie Oxier · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay, I started this with great expectations then ended up being disappointed. I also started skimming pages (mainly the sex scenes because it was nothing I hadn't read before). Caden was described as a player, using women for pleasure and little else. And according to Molly, who couldn't stand him at first, he slept with pretty much anything female and breathing. Granted, he was her brother Brandon's best friend, but that didn't mean she had to like him.

Brandon and Amelia got married and they had baby, Posie. A short time later, Brandon and Amelia did in a car accident. Caden and Molly discover at the reading of the wills that Brandon and Amelia have appointed Caden and Molly legal guardians of Posie. They also request that Caden and Molly live in their house together so Posie grows up in the home they created for her. It's the one thing they can leave to Posie.

Although both were reluctant to do so, because it was Brandon's and Amelia 's last request, they agreed. Things go along fairly smoothly at first but there's no denying the chemistry between them and they find it difficult to keep their relationship platonic. This is where I start having problems with the book because they are constantly fighting and Caden ends up coming across as a whiny baby and Molly as a spoiled brat. I started skimming pages just to finish it because I had completely lost interest by now. Neither one of the main characters acted like an adult with both selfishly wanting their own way. I wanted to pound some sense into both of them.

[Naim Fazrin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I--- Am sorry... LoL. I don't know how to start but this should only be a romance, comedy novel instead of romance-tryhardtobefunny-erotic novel even it's not that funny... But the sex moments were just too detailed and unnecessary like it's enough just to tell us that Molly lost her virginity!!! Like I skipped those parts and there is no effect to the story at all.💀💀💀. The story is not realistic... Like you don't need to specifically give a reason for everything happened... You don't need a reason to know things... Humans have something called instinct duhhh... Caden is annoying... He shouldn't talk about him cock's condition everytime... Even the size, how he eracts... Just stop lol... And Molly was all acting innocent but she's not... She's judgemental and too sensitive... Sensitive is okay but not too sensitive... It becomes annoying... And she's selfish... Kenna, normally I love a best friend but she's annoying too... I like the ending... It's beautiful and Posie!!! They should just focus on Poise than themselves... The story would be better... She is their gift tho... LoL Posie robbed... And it's important to improve the grammar... I'm not impressed as I feel like the English level could be just similar as mine 💀😂😂. But good thing is they had courage to write which I don't 💀👏💪. I should stop bye...👋👋👋