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Unexpected Arrivals #4
Unexpected Bond
Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, the universe decides to tilt your world on its axis. I had a plan, and I was moving forward until the day my world was flipped upside down. It’s a challenge I wasn’t prepared for, but one I had to face. How do you combine the life you thought you had to the one you’re living? One breath. One second. One minute. One hour. One day at a time, you learn to live with your unexpected bond.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 17, 2019
921 people are currently reading
3300 people want to read
About the author
Kaylee Ryan
101 books6,385 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kaylee Ryan has earned the affectionate title of “Queen of Swoon” from her devoted readers. With over sixty romance novels to her name, Kaylee has built a beloved catalog of heartfelt stories that celebrate love in all its tender, emotional, and undeniably swoony forms. Her signature blend of charm, chemistry, and genuine happily-ever-afters has captivated readers around the world.
When she’s not crafting new love stories or dreaming up her next unforgettable couple, Kaylee can usually be found with a book in hand, fueling her creativity as a lifelong reader. She cherishes the time spent with her family and friends, embracing the moments that inspire the heart of her stories.
When she’s not crafting new love stories or dreaming up her next unforgettable couple, Kaylee can usually be found with a book in hand, fueling her creativity as a lifelong reader. She cherishes the time spent with her family and friends, embracing the moments that inspire the heart of her stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 377 reviews
December 19, 2019
UNEXPECTED BOND- Startling, Unforeseen, Wonderful, Amazing, Astonishing, unpredictable, stunning, unanticipated, chance, staggering, holding together This book is all that and more!
Hands down the most emotional read of 2019! A 5* winner from beginning to end!
Three of the greatest bonds in life are parents for their children, friendships that endure over time, distance and heartbreak and finally if you are fortunate to find your soul mate; that one person that has your back no matter what! To be able to combine all three of these bonds in an outstanding book is not easy but Kaylee Ryan has managed to do that in 'Unexpected Bond'.
My heart belonged to Finley; Mara's toddler right from the beginning of the book; so how could Seth not fall in love with her also; not to mention her mum who has fought so hard to raise this beautiful child with just her best friend Amelia by her side. Beautiful Amelia the woman who has always been there for Mara, from the moment Mara find out she was pregnant to being at the deliver the two have shared a bond like no other.
But bonds are meant to be tested and only the strongest of them can weather harsh storms and the one that is about to hit Mara, Amelia and her friend from childhood is not what anyone saw coming. Life can be wonderful; life can be cruel and snatched away in a heartbeat leaving only memories bonded together by an invisible thread.
I hope this story does for you what it did for me which was to grasp each day as if it is your last, never have regrets and love that little be harder!
December 17, 2019
This is probably one of the most difficult reviews I've had to write. Not because the books wasn't good, or well written. This book was amazing. An amazing, emotional, rip your heart out story, that left me happy with the HEA, but there is also a gaping hole in my heart. This book absolutely destroyed me! KR really dug deep with this one! I had to read the book twice, because the first time, I was crying my eyes out. I read it again to be sure I didn't miss anything (and because it was just THAT amazing!)
Seth has an amazing life. Wonderful parents, a job he loves, and the best friends anyone could ask for. But something is missing. As his friends begin to fall in love, and build their lives, he realizes that it's something he wants. He wants that special someone that will complete his life. And when he least expects it, he catches a glimpse of the one that makes his heart beat faster, makes him sure of what he wants, who he wants.
Mara was alone for most of her life. A product of the foster care system, she has had very few people stick around to be part of her life. Her best friend. Her young daughter. They are her family. Her life. But Seth give her a glimpse of what could be. What should be. If only she could let down her walls, let him into her life, into her heart.
This book.....I don't want to give anything away, but this book absolutely is at the top of my favorite books. The entire series is amazing, but this one has so much emotion, so much sincerity. Despite the difficult situation, there was still a sense of hope, and love, and above all, family. Mara and Seth are absolutely perfect for each other, because of their strong connection, and their unwavering support of each other. Even through everything, they were there for each other, and the whole group was there for them. Even though I shed tears throughout the entire book,even though I had to stop several times to get myself under control, it still left me with a massive smile on my face. IMHO, this book has to be the top, absolute, must read book of the year!
Seth has an amazing life. Wonderful parents, a job he loves, and the best friends anyone could ask for. But something is missing. As his friends begin to fall in love, and build their lives, he realizes that it's something he wants. He wants that special someone that will complete his life. And when he least expects it, he catches a glimpse of the one that makes his heart beat faster, makes him sure of what he wants, who he wants.
Mara was alone for most of her life. A product of the foster care system, she has had very few people stick around to be part of her life. Her best friend. Her young daughter. They are her family. Her life. But Seth give her a glimpse of what could be. What should be. If only she could let down her walls, let him into her life, into her heart.
This book.....I don't want to give anything away, but this book absolutely is at the top of my favorite books. The entire series is amazing, but this one has so much emotion, so much sincerity. Despite the difficult situation, there was still a sense of hope, and love, and above all, family. Mara and Seth are absolutely perfect for each other, because of their strong connection, and their unwavering support of each other. Even through everything, they were there for each other, and the whole group was there for them. Even though I shed tears throughout the entire book,even though I had to stop several times to get myself under control, it still left me with a massive smile on my face. IMHO, this book has to be the top, absolute, must read book of the year!
December 5, 2019
Unexpected Bond by Kaylee Ryan
“Broke my heart, 5 stars”
I hated Unexpected Bond…I hated it because I bawled THE WHOLE TIME!! I do not cry when reading, sometimes I will tear up and very rarely does a tear slip out, but Unexpected Bond broke me down into a freaking sobbing mess who was questioning my life and that of Ryan’s. Do not read Unexpected Bond unless you need a good emotional break down. Was the writing amazing? Clearly. Do I question Ryan’s sanity? For sure. One thing is for sure though, she nailed it if tears is what she was going for.
I want to write a traditional review detailing both hero and heroine and how they clicked and their battle but I can’t. Unexpected bond is so much more than that. It will push you to your breaking point. It will make you question unconditional love and life as you know it. Unexpected Bond isn’t a love triangle, so far from it. But it is a book about how far one will go for those that they love. The bond between Seth, Mara, and Amelia is unlike anything I have ever read and probably never will again.
Congratulations for emotionally breaking me Ryan, can I have the next book now please? To you know…put the pieces back together.
Plot-5/5
Characters-5/5
Heat-5/5
Writing style-5/5
Overall-5/5
“Broke my heart, 5 stars”
I hated Unexpected Bond…I hated it because I bawled THE WHOLE TIME!! I do not cry when reading, sometimes I will tear up and very rarely does a tear slip out, but Unexpected Bond broke me down into a freaking sobbing mess who was questioning my life and that of Ryan’s. Do not read Unexpected Bond unless you need a good emotional break down. Was the writing amazing? Clearly. Do I question Ryan’s sanity? For sure. One thing is for sure though, she nailed it if tears is what she was going for.
I want to write a traditional review detailing both hero and heroine and how they clicked and their battle but I can’t. Unexpected bond is so much more than that. It will push you to your breaking point. It will make you question unconditional love and life as you know it. Unexpected Bond isn’t a love triangle, so far from it. But it is a book about how far one will go for those that they love. The bond between Seth, Mara, and Amelia is unlike anything I have ever read and probably never will again.
Congratulations for emotionally breaking me Ryan, can I have the next book now please? To you know…put the pieces back together.
Plot-5/5
Characters-5/5
Heat-5/5
Writing style-5/5
Overall-5/5
August 26, 2025
5 Stars are not enough. I am literally picking myself off the ground. This story just about killed me. After wiping the ugly tears from my cheeks and after the hiccups have subsided I can say that NO WORDS can explain to any reader how utterly fantastic this book is. Seth and Mara's story would be fairy tale enough and I would have loved it from beginning to end, but then Kaylee Ryan throws in Amelia's struggle and the joys and instant love I felt for Finley and I am destroyed. The entire series has been one masterpiece after the next but this book is in another level. All the feels, all the emotion, all the sorrow and all the happiness just oozes from each and every page. Make sure the Kleenex and the large glass of wine are close by when you read this book. Now I need to get back to hugging my son and living every moment to it's fullest - thank you Kaylee Ryan - thank you!!
December 20, 2019
Seriously what kind of crap is this. I’m sorry but noooo he hooks up with her bestie and gets her pregnant then she dies so now she raises their kid. How romantic.
December 19, 2019
So I read this story over a week ago, but honestly needed some time to put my thoughts together. Kaylee knows I love her writing and her stories. This one was no different.
I'm going to keep this vague because honestly you need to experience this book for yourself. If I had to describe this book in three words it would be beautiful, heartbreaking, and painful. I mean that in the best possible way.
As the story of Mara and Seth unfolds my heart was in my throat and honestly I couldn't put it down until the very end. It's a must read!!!
I'm going to keep this vague because honestly you need to experience this book for yourself. If I had to describe this book in three words it would be beautiful, heartbreaking, and painful. I mean that in the best possible way.
As the story of Mara and Seth unfolds my heart was in my throat and honestly I couldn't put it down until the very end. It's a must read!!!
December 5, 2019
I have no words. Simply put this is one of the greatest books Kaylee Ryan has ever written. I’d love to go on and on about everything that makes Unexpected Bond so incredible but this is one of those books that you need to live through. Breathe in the magic of these words, let them fill your soul and really experience everything that these characters go through.
Seth and Mara have a story that is both one of the sweetest and most gut wrenching stories I have ever read. That combination of those two seemingly very opposite things creates a level of beauty I cannot even begin to explain. You truly see the beauty and love that exists in every aspect of life with these two. And they’re so perfectly written every emotion is a direct hit to your heart with how much you’re able to feel exactly what they do.
Seth and Mara have a story that is both one of the sweetest and most gut wrenching stories I have ever read. That combination of those two seemingly very opposite things creates a level of beauty I cannot even begin to explain. You truly see the beauty and love that exists in every aspect of life with these two. And they’re so perfectly written every emotion is a direct hit to your heart with how much you’re able to feel exactly what they do.
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January 7, 2020Now available for pre-order on: Apple/Kobo/BN - Will be live one day only (December 17, 2019)
https://www.kayleeryan.com/unexpected...
Live release on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited December 19, 2019
https://www.kayleeryan.com/unexpected...
Live release on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited December 19, 2019
December 3, 2019
THIS. BOOK. IS. EVERYTHING!!!!!
This story wasn't just a love story it was also what true friendship is about.
It was sad, I'm talking 4 boxes of tissues sad. BUT it also beautiful, It's proof that you don't have to share DNA to be a family
This story wasn't just a love story it was also what true friendship is about.
It was sad, I'm talking 4 boxes of tissues sad. BUT it also beautiful, It's proof that you don't have to share DNA to be a family
February 9, 2020
5 gut-wrenchingly, beautiful stars! An all-consuming, truly lovely story that will capture your heart.
Kaylee Ryan is one of the few authors I've read whose spirit carries through every single word she writes. She's such a remarkable storyteller. Her words weave your way into your soul. The Beckett Construction family that she's created would be too good to be true if anyone else wrote it...but Kaylee makes you believe it. The connection between Seth and Mara is what everyone hopes to find. Meanwhile, the deep friendship between Seth and Amelia is what everyone needs. This story represents what we NEED in life. Friends that you would die for. Love that you'll give it all up to nurture. A bond so pure and deep that it becomes the glue that holds your heart together.
Kaylee Ryan is one of the few authors I've read whose spirit carries through every single word she writes. She's such a remarkable storyteller. Her words weave your way into your soul. The Beckett Construction family that she's created would be too good to be true if anyone else wrote it...but Kaylee makes you believe it. The connection between Seth and Mara is what everyone hopes to find. Meanwhile, the deep friendship between Seth and Amelia is what everyone needs. This story represents what we NEED in life. Friends that you would die for. Love that you'll give it all up to nurture. A bond so pure and deep that it becomes the glue that holds your heart together.
December 31, 2019
Sadly this book is a DNF at 59% for me. I have loved all the other books in this series so much. But Seth hooking up with Amelia, Mara’s best friend, ruined the beginning of the book for me. Then Amelia being diagnosed with cancer and then finding out she’s pregnant. Completely trashed this book for me. And Mara acting like all of this is ok. Just no. In no way is this even remotely realistic.
I’m so tired of reading books where the H hooks up with someone else when he claims he wants the h so badly. I’m so disappointed in this book. I was so looking forward to Seth’s book. Especially how he was with Finley (which is the only reason this books even gets 2 stars). But this Amelia situation completely ruined what could have been a great book. Now I don’t even know if I want to worry about Kent’s book. I will definitely be reading many reviews before I read another book.
I’m so tired of reading books where the H hooks up with someone else when he claims he wants the h so badly. I’m so disappointed in this book. I was so looking forward to Seth’s book. Especially how he was with Finley (which is the only reason this books even gets 2 stars). But this Amelia situation completely ruined what could have been a great book. Now I don’t even know if I want to worry about Kent’s book. I will definitely be reading many reviews before I read another book.
September 22, 2024
Self notes:
Skimmed this book, and it’s not safe for me.
He is falling for heroine, texting everyday, BUT ends up super drunk and sleeps with one of his best friends on New Year’s Eve, and the friend also happens to be heroine’s best friend. And she ends up pregnant??
They both don’t remember, and both think it’s disgusting, and never wanted something to happen - they think of each other as siblings?
But still, if he can do something like that, what will happen next time he’s drunk, and some other woman is nearby? This doesn’t make me convinced he was serious enough in the first place.
The bff and heroine talks about it and the friend is dying and therefore she was so drunk so she doesn’t remember anything.
But could not make myself read this book.
Skimmed this book, and it’s not safe for me.
He is falling for heroine, texting everyday, BUT ends up super drunk and sleeps with one of his best friends on New Year’s Eve, and the friend also happens to be heroine’s best friend. And she ends up pregnant??
They both don’t remember, and both think it’s disgusting, and never wanted something to happen - they think of each other as siblings?
But still, if he can do something like that, what will happen next time he’s drunk, and some other woman is nearby? This doesn’t make me convinced he was serious enough in the first place.
The bff and heroine talks about it and the friend is dying and therefore she was so drunk so she doesn’t remember anything.
But could not make myself read this book.
April 7, 2023
OWD and has his baby.
Spoilers.
I absolutely hated Amelia with a passing and I’m so upset the author made her pregnant with his child. I absolutely love Kaylee Ryan as an author but this book ruined it for me. Amelia was selfish, I just ugh I wanted to love this because I loved the others but this wasn’t for me.
Spoilers.
I absolutely hated Amelia with a passing and I’m so upset the author made her pregnant with his child. I absolutely love Kaylee Ryan as an author but this book ruined it for me. Amelia was selfish, I just ugh I wanted to love this because I loved the others but this wasn’t for me.
December 3, 2019
Such an absolutely amazing book. This one was so emotional and shows The w power of love can help you through anything and any situation. Seth was amazing, so sweet and loving. Mara was strong, amazingly loving and the two were the perfect match. Can't wait for the next one.
December 25, 2019
Man, this book...it gutted me while reading it. It really should come with a warning, make sure to have tissues near by when reading. And honestly...not just one, I think I went through 5 or 6 and at one point had tears rolling down my face. It's also hard to talk about the book with out spoiling things, so be warned, even though I marked the review as having spoilers don't read further unless you have read the book or don't care if you are spoiled.
There are 2 big things going on in this one. First how instantly smitten Seth was with Mara and Finnley. I was glad that they had months on the phone to get to know each other, it made things down the road easier for them.
The second thing is Amelia and Seth sleeping together one drunken night. I get that that sounds bad after my last comment, but at this time Seth and Mara weren't together, had only met once, were only chatting on the phone and lived in different towns, none of that was changing anytime soon. I liked that both Amelia and Seth acknowledged what they did was wrong, that they didn't have feelings for each other than sibling type feelings and how neither really knew what happened other than being naked and a used condom on the floor. I will say at this point I thought Amelia would end up pregnant, but was torn because even then you could see Seth was intrigued by Mara and there really were no feelings for Amelia.
Things start to happen fast, Mara gets the job she interviewed for 6 months prior, she's moving to town, the job is with the construction company, she's renting Mark's house and through it all Seth is right there helping Mara adjust. They start dating right away, Mara reluctantly, Seth letting Mara set the pace. They talk about hard stuff, Finnley's father, Mara's lack of family, they start building a family and are damn cute doing it. You are rooting for them, even as you know the night between Amelia and Seth will blow things up.
And sure enough it does, but not how you expect. Mara is rocked, questioning everything, talks to Amelia and after hearing her side of things her mind explodes because Amelia has cancer, the bad kind of cancer, one that she doesn't want to fight because she wants her last days to not be sick. In fact she found out about this cancer the day she slept with Seth. It was her "why" of getting stupid drunk, the kind of drunk to sleep with a BFF, the kind of drunk that you black out and can't remember. Learning this forces Mara to look at things in a different light, she knew Seth didn't cheat on her, they weren't dating, Amelia didn't betray her, she just needed something to help her cope.
It's from here you really need the tissues, because we haven't hit the worst of things. After Amelia, Mara and Seth tell the group everyone rally's around Amelia, they want her to fight, to do something, but at the next appointment days after everything has come out we find out Amelia is pregnant. BOOM.....there it was, what I thought would happen and things get messy, so very messy. Once again the group is convened, more info given, now Amelia is not going to fight, she wants the baby, her last days spent being a mom.
The drama is crazy, everyone putting on a stiff upper lip, doing what they can to help Amelia live out her bucket list. Amelia happy and sad. She's having a baby, but knowing she won't raise it, knowing her baby will be loved by Seth and Mara, knowing her BFF will be her baby's mother. All of them creating memories so the baby can know how great Amelia was. Even Finnley got in on the action. So much time reading through tears, some bittersweet, some sad, a few happy. But in the end we have a group of people who all love each other no matter what, a group of people building family where everyone jumps to help whenever needed and a family that will forever be missing an important part.
There are 2 big things going on in this one. First how instantly smitten Seth was with Mara and Finnley. I was glad that they had months on the phone to get to know each other, it made things down the road easier for them.
The second thing is Amelia and Seth sleeping together one drunken night. I get that that sounds bad after my last comment, but at this time Seth and Mara weren't together, had only met once, were only chatting on the phone and lived in different towns, none of that was changing anytime soon. I liked that both Amelia and Seth acknowledged what they did was wrong, that they didn't have feelings for each other than sibling type feelings and how neither really knew what happened other than being naked and a used condom on the floor. I will say at this point I thought Amelia would end up pregnant, but was torn because even then you could see Seth was intrigued by Mara and there really were no feelings for Amelia.
Things start to happen fast, Mara gets the job she interviewed for 6 months prior, she's moving to town, the job is with the construction company, she's renting Mark's house and through it all Seth is right there helping Mara adjust. They start dating right away, Mara reluctantly, Seth letting Mara set the pace. They talk about hard stuff, Finnley's father, Mara's lack of family, they start building a family and are damn cute doing it. You are rooting for them, even as you know the night between Amelia and Seth will blow things up.
And sure enough it does, but not how you expect. Mara is rocked, questioning everything, talks to Amelia and after hearing her side of things her mind explodes because Amelia has cancer, the bad kind of cancer, one that she doesn't want to fight because she wants her last days to not be sick. In fact she found out about this cancer the day she slept with Seth. It was her "why" of getting stupid drunk, the kind of drunk to sleep with a BFF, the kind of drunk that you black out and can't remember. Learning this forces Mara to look at things in a different light, she knew Seth didn't cheat on her, they weren't dating, Amelia didn't betray her, she just needed something to help her cope.
It's from here you really need the tissues, because we haven't hit the worst of things. After Amelia, Mara and Seth tell the group everyone rally's around Amelia, they want her to fight, to do something, but at the next appointment days after everything has come out we find out Amelia is pregnant. BOOM.....there it was, what I thought would happen and things get messy, so very messy. Once again the group is convened, more info given, now Amelia is not going to fight, she wants the baby, her last days spent being a mom.
The drama is crazy, everyone putting on a stiff upper lip, doing what they can to help Amelia live out her bucket list. Amelia happy and sad. She's having a baby, but knowing she won't raise it, knowing her baby will be loved by Seth and Mara, knowing her BFF will be her baby's mother. All of them creating memories so the baby can know how great Amelia was. Even Finnley got in on the action. So much time reading through tears, some bittersweet, some sad, a few happy. But in the end we have a group of people who all love each other no matter what, a group of people building family where everyone jumps to help whenever needed and a family that will forever be missing an important part.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2020
BOOK OF THE YEAR
This is so far the book of the year for me!
The moment Seth meets Mara and her toddler daughter, Finley he knows he is interested in the single mom. She doesn't live near him but is in town for a potential new job. Set up by her best friend and one of Seth's best friend's Amelia.
While texting and getting to know each other Seth and Amalia have a night they don't remember. Now with Mara moving to town they start becoming friends, but both know they want more. Seth knows he must come clean before he can start anything. He does and while she ain't happy she gets over it.
Now, dating and falling in love life will come crashing down on them in numerous ways that will risk everything. Will these two be able to fight through all that is laid before them or will heartbreak ensue.
I know this is a vague rec for a 5 star must read book but the thing is I don't want to spoil any of the feels that will come from this book.
READ THIS BOOK
December 4, 2019
I absolutely love this series. I couldn’t wait for Seth’s book and it did not disappoint. The guys of Beckett Construction play hard and love harder.
April 1, 2020
Spoilers:
I felt this book was much too similar to the first book Unexpected Reality. In Unexpected Reality, he sleeps with a random and gets her pregnant but it turns out to be the h’s long lost sister. The sister dies leaving the H/h to raise said baby. In Unexpected Bond, he drunkenly sleeps with his best friend who happens to be Best friends with the h. The best friend ends up with cancer and she then she dies leaving H/h to raise said baby. The circumstances with both books are different however the baby mamas are connected to the h. Hence why I didn’t care for this book. I get the first book but not this one.
This book was sweet in the sense of friends rallying around and making Amelia’s bucket list happen but it all seems to perfect for me. Seth claimed he was worried everything was going to implode but was that really a worry? Everything just seemed to work out and it didn’t feel realistic to me.
I felt this book was much too similar to the first book Unexpected Reality. In Unexpected Reality, he sleeps with a random and gets her pregnant but it turns out to be the h’s long lost sister. The sister dies leaving the H/h to raise said baby. In Unexpected Bond, he drunkenly sleeps with his best friend who happens to be Best friends with the h. The best friend ends up with cancer and she then she dies leaving H/h to raise said baby. The circumstances with both books are different however the baby mamas are connected to the h. Hence why I didn’t care for this book. I get the first book but not this one.
This book was sweet in the sense of friends rallying around and making Amelia’s bucket list happen but it all seems to perfect for me. Seth claimed he was worried everything was going to implode but was that really a worry? Everything just seemed to work out and it didn’t feel realistic to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2020
DNF @4%
I was looking for Seth’s story for so long and I’ve got this????
The prologue was great and I couldn’t wait to read about Seth’s unexpected bond... after reading the first chapter I already knew what would happen next and this was to me a disaster in the making.
I adored this series but why adding more drama and also such a situation for the main characters who’d have some hardships to overcome along the way?
I’m disappointed by the path chosen in this story.
It took me one chapter to drop the book and sadly I didn’t want to continue.
This is sad though, I felt this bond from the first book, watching all these friends, who one by one had fallen in love in unexpected ways.
It won’t keep me from reading Kent’s book for sure, but this book wasn’t for me.
I truly enjoyed the other books, growing with them and I was always expecting the other books wholeheartedly. This one was an exception.
I was looking for Seth’s story for so long and I’ve got this????
The prologue was great and I couldn’t wait to read about Seth’s unexpected bond... after reading the first chapter I already knew what would happen next and this was to me a disaster in the making.
I adored this series but why adding more drama and also such a situation for the main characters who’d have some hardships to overcome along the way?
I’m disappointed by the path chosen in this story.
It took me one chapter to drop the book and sadly I didn’t want to continue.
This is sad though, I felt this bond from the first book, watching all these friends, who one by one had fallen in love in unexpected ways.
It won’t keep me from reading Kent’s book for sure, but this book wasn’t for me.
I truly enjoyed the other books, growing with them and I was always expecting the other books wholeheartedly. This one was an exception.
December 19, 2019
3.5 stars.
This, as an independent story, was decent even if it can’t be read as a stand-alone.
As part of the series? It was okay.
My main problem, and this has happened before, when Kaylee is finishing a series she originally started as a stand-alone, she tends to rush and reads as if she wants to get it over with.
Up until now, we’ve heard very little of Seth, or Amelia for that matter.
I wanted to get to know him outside of him being like every other guy in this series, and indeed, one of Kaylee’s leading men. We don’t get much of him at all. We don’t get much of Mara either. The book also starts in the middle of their relationship. I want to see the start, the fun, getting to know you part, but again, like the previous book, we don’t get it, which is a shame and takes away from the romance of the book I think.
This book, really, is about Amelia, who seems to pop out of nowhere. I also found the storyline to be a little predictable.
I really love Kaylee’s books, but I feel like something is missing here. It doesn’t read like she wanted to write this, rather than she felt like she had to. It’s also a little one note and similar to every other book in the series and her wider catalogue. It pains me to say this, but it’s truly what I feel,
Sorry.
This, as an independent story, was decent even if it can’t be read as a stand-alone.
As part of the series? It was okay.
My main problem, and this has happened before, when Kaylee is finishing a series she originally started as a stand-alone, she tends to rush and reads as if she wants to get it over with.
Up until now, we’ve heard very little of Seth, or Amelia for that matter.
I wanted to get to know him outside of him being like every other guy in this series, and indeed, one of Kaylee’s leading men. We don’t get much of him at all. We don’t get much of Mara either. The book also starts in the middle of their relationship. I want to see the start, the fun, getting to know you part, but again, like the previous book, we don’t get it, which is a shame and takes away from the romance of the book I think.
This book, really, is about Amelia, who seems to pop out of nowhere. I also found the storyline to be a little predictable.
I really love Kaylee’s books, but I feel like something is missing here. It doesn’t read like she wanted to write this, rather than she felt like she had to. It’s also a little one note and similar to every other book in the series and her wider catalogue. It pains me to say this, but it’s truly what I feel,
Sorry.
January 2, 2020
4.5 “A” Stars
Wow! Talk about you think you know what will happen, and then you’re convinced it won’t, but then wham...when you least expect it—plot twist! This book was totally not what I was expecting, I’m so very glad I went in blind!!!
Seth’s character was just so sweet and caring. The situation he found himself in was unprecedented, as this story was a unique one. Mara’s character was amazing...what strength, love and devotion. Again, I cannot imagine having to walk in anyone’s shoes in this scenario! Hers was one I felt on so many levels. However, Amelia—everyone’s best friend, took a price of my heart, and I will never forget her character!
What a wonderful “family” of friends, and support system they had. The list, the scrap books, memories, and the promised future legacy shared—heart warming and 100% bittersweet!
I cannot wait for Kent’s book—winter 2020 sounds too far off!
#BeckettConstructionCrew
Wow! Talk about you think you know what will happen, and then you’re convinced it won’t, but then wham...when you least expect it—plot twist! This book was totally not what I was expecting, I’m so very glad I went in blind!!!
Seth’s character was just so sweet and caring. The situation he found himself in was unprecedented, as this story was a unique one. Mara’s character was amazing...what strength, love and devotion. Again, I cannot imagine having to walk in anyone’s shoes in this scenario! Hers was one I felt on so many levels. However, Amelia—everyone’s best friend, took a price of my heart, and I will never forget her character!
What a wonderful “family” of friends, and support system they had. The list, the scrap books, memories, and the promised future legacy shared—heart warming and 100% bittersweet!
I cannot wait for Kent’s book—winter 2020 sounds too far off!
#BeckettConstructionCrew
July 11, 2024
Unexpected Bond- Seth and Mara
Good grief! These get worse and worse..as far as needing the tissue box. All you criers out there that want recommendations, this series is for you.
This is an interconnected series about a group of friends so I recommend reading them in order. Each book will have you in tears but through the highs and lows, this group of friends supports and love each other.
This book is about Seth. We get glimpses into their lives in the other books but all the details don’t come out until their individual book. Seth has watched 3 of his best friends now fall in love and start a family and he doesn’t deny he wants all of it. He wants the wife, the child, the family, all of it. For months, all Seth can think about is the green eyed woman at the picnic. Amelia’s friend Mara, day in and day out in his mind. She was supposed to move to their town but it’s been months and all he gets is a few text messages here and there. Until finally he gets a text from her asking for help to move her. She’s finally moving and she will be closer. Seth has been in turmoil and knows there is something special about her.
Mara is a single mom to Finley. Her best friend is Amelia and she has been wanting to move closer to her. Mara has no other family or friends so she is so excited to learn she got a job offer and can now move. She has been texting Seth off and on and can’t deny she is quite taken with him but she has been on her own, with Finley, and is hesitant to lean on anyone. But once she moves, she learns really fast that Seth and his friends don’t hold back. A friend of Amelia’s is a friend of theirs..and even better now that Seth and Mara can’t keep their eyes off each other.
But like the other books in this series, life isn’t easy. The bombs are coming and just keep coming. But the love and support of this group of friends will pull them all through once again. Really good series..just be prepared with tissues.
Good grief! These get worse and worse..as far as needing the tissue box. All you criers out there that want recommendations, this series is for you.
This is an interconnected series about a group of friends so I recommend reading them in order. Each book will have you in tears but through the highs and lows, this group of friends supports and love each other.
This book is about Seth. We get glimpses into their lives in the other books but all the details don’t come out until their individual book. Seth has watched 3 of his best friends now fall in love and start a family and he doesn’t deny he wants all of it. He wants the wife, the child, the family, all of it. For months, all Seth can think about is the green eyed woman at the picnic. Amelia’s friend Mara, day in and day out in his mind. She was supposed to move to their town but it’s been months and all he gets is a few text messages here and there. Until finally he gets a text from her asking for help to move her. She’s finally moving and she will be closer. Seth has been in turmoil and knows there is something special about her.
Mara is a single mom to Finley. Her best friend is Amelia and she has been wanting to move closer to her. Mara has no other family or friends so she is so excited to learn she got a job offer and can now move. She has been texting Seth off and on and can’t deny she is quite taken with him but she has been on her own, with Finley, and is hesitant to lean on anyone. But once she moves, she learns really fast that Seth and his friends don’t hold back. A friend of Amelia’s is a friend of theirs..and even better now that Seth and Mara can’t keep their eyes off each other.
But like the other books in this series, life isn’t easy. The bombs are coming and just keep coming. But the love and support of this group of friends will pull them all through once again. Really good series..just be prepared with tissues.
July 21, 2023
Włączyłam ją z myślą, że nie mam ochoty na nic ciężkiego i sprawdziła sie idealnie, chociaż jest chyba najpoważniejsza z całej serii i wielokrotnie doprowadziła mnie do wzruszenia. Co trochę mnie zdziwiło, bo nie spodziewałam się tego po tej serii.
Ale poziom absurdu, jaki osiągają te książki niezmiennie mnie zadziwia. Nie dość, że są absurdalnie cukierkowe, bo przecież w życiu też wszystko wychodzi i jest zawsze pięknie. Ale zawsze nieodmiennie mnie zadziwia, w jaki sposób te historie się rozgrywają i jakie bardzo niecodziennie więzi rodzinne się tu tworzą. Nie chcę spoilerować, bo to trzeba przeczytać samemu, ale pozostaje tylko przecierać oczy ze zdumienia.
Ale poziom absurdu, jaki osiągają te książki niezmiennie mnie zadziwia. Nie dość, że są absurdalnie cukierkowe, bo przecież w życiu też wszystko wychodzi i jest zawsze pięknie. Ale zawsze nieodmiennie mnie zadziwia, w jaki sposób te historie się rozgrywają i jakie bardzo niecodziennie więzi rodzinne się tu tworzą. Nie chcę spoilerować, bo to trzeba przeczytać samemu, ale pozostaje tylko przecierać oczy ze zdumienia.
September 7, 2021
Heartbreakingly beautiful
Wow!! This story is so different to the others. its about a strong bond between three people & how life has its own plan. This book ripped my heart & put it back together in less than 300 pages. I'm completely wrecked by this beautiful book. It's suffice to say I loved this story. It's a special book & it's one that I'll always remember 🤍
These characters have ingrained themselves into my heart & I'll have a hard time forgetting them.
Wow!! This story is so different to the others. its about a strong bond between three people & how life has its own plan. This book ripped my heart & put it back together in less than 300 pages. I'm completely wrecked by this beautiful book. It's suffice to say I loved this story. It's a special book & it's one that I'll always remember 🤍
These characters have ingrained themselves into my heart & I'll have a hard time forgetting them.
August 10, 2025
this book tore me apart. it was so good that i couldn’t stop crying by the end
December 28, 2019
If you've been reading this series in order then you know you're going to need a box of tissues and if possible a big glass of wine. If you are reading this as a standalone, well be prepared for the ugly crying while reading it.
I saved reading this for a day I could lock myself away in my bedroom and I still wasn't prepared. I am not going to give you any spoilers but I am going to try explain the feels.
So there were two twists in this book. And honestly the first one was obvious AF and I knew where it was going from the first chapter. I was sure I wasn't going to like this book. The second one I didn't see coming. But the way they intertwined was more than I was ready for.
I honestly thought, when the first twist was revealed, that there was going to be a lot of drama and heartache. I know I couldn't have coped with anywhere near the grace that the h does and it made the book.
These guys have been through the wringer. And they have all tackled it together but this time I felt it was more about them all since they were all somewhat affected by the twist in this one.
Now don't get me wrong, there was heartache and I cried and cried while reading this. Sometimes with a smile on my face and a few times with sobs. But there was no drama and that just made the feels that much stronger.
I have to say I am scared to see what is going to happen in Kent's book. But I can't wait to catch up with the crew and see the next generation grow and expand. Now I just need to figure out what winter 2020 means to the author cause this Aussie is hoping that's before our winter in June.
I saved reading this for a day I could lock myself away in my bedroom and I still wasn't prepared. I am not going to give you any spoilers but I am going to try explain the feels.
So there were two twists in this book. And honestly the first one was obvious AF and I knew where it was going from the first chapter. I was sure I wasn't going to like this book. The second one I didn't see coming. But the way they intertwined was more than I was ready for.
I honestly thought, when the first twist was revealed, that there was going to be a lot of drama and heartache. I know I couldn't have coped with anywhere near the grace that the h does and it made the book.
These guys have been through the wringer. And they have all tackled it together but this time I felt it was more about them all since they were all somewhat affected by the twist in this one.
Now don't get me wrong, there was heartache and I cried and cried while reading this. Sometimes with a smile on my face and a few times with sobs. But there was no drama and that just made the feels that much stronger.
I have to say I am scared to see what is going to happen in Kent's book. But I can't wait to catch up with the crew and see the next generation grow and expand. Now I just need to figure out what winter 2020 means to the author cause this Aussie is hoping that's before our winter in June.
February 24, 2020
Get the tissues ready when you read this book, because it will put you through the ringer.
Seth Jennings works with the other guys in the series (Ridge, Tyler and Mark, along with Kent) and at a barbecue, meets a woman named Mara, who is best friends with the guys good friend Amelia. Mara is a single mom to adorable 2 1/2 year old Finley, and the minute Finley meets Seth, she is smitten. As his is mother.
Seth and Mara text over the next several months (Mara lives three hours away) and eventually, Mara moves to the town the group lives in. Seth is the first person there to help Mara and Finley move. That's the beginning of Seth's alpha maleness coming out.
Seth was such amazing guy. Sometimes I questioned if he was real, he was so great. He accepted Finley with open arms.
Mara was a great as well. She was an amazing mom, and the stuff she had to deal with in this story - I won't spoil but wow, it is deep and cuts you hard.
It was great to see all the guys and gals from the previous story still playing roles in this book, and watching how their families and lives change.
I love this series and I can't wait to read the finale when it comes out next month.
I would highly recommend this book.
Seth Jennings works with the other guys in the series (Ridge, Tyler and Mark, along with Kent) and at a barbecue, meets a woman named Mara, who is best friends with the guys good friend Amelia. Mara is a single mom to adorable 2 1/2 year old Finley, and the minute Finley meets Seth, she is smitten. As his is mother.
Seth and Mara text over the next several months (Mara lives three hours away) and eventually, Mara moves to the town the group lives in. Seth is the first person there to help Mara and Finley move. That's the beginning of Seth's alpha maleness coming out.
Seth was such amazing guy. Sometimes I questioned if he was real, he was so great. He accepted Finley with open arms.
Mara was a great as well. She was an amazing mom, and the stuff she had to deal with in this story - I won't spoil but wow, it is deep and cuts you hard.
It was great to see all the guys and gals from the previous story still playing roles in this book, and watching how their families and lives change.
I love this series and I can't wait to read the finale when it comes out next month.
I would highly recommend this book.
December 18, 2019
This really is UNEXPECTED in all asspects! Check out my full review on my BLOG -> CLICK HERE
December 20, 2019
Unexpected Bond by Kaylee Ryan is book 4 in the Unexpected Arrivals series. This is Mara and Seth's story.
Without giving any spoilers away, just know that this story is full of emotions- the kind that will have you sobbing at such deep emotions in this story. It's beautiful and poignant, at times heartbreaking but oh wow, it's a rollercoaster ride of feels that the experience is quite the emotional ride📚💖 Did I go thru boxes of tissues? Yes.. did I fear for a book hangover afterwards? Yes... Was this story worth it? Absolutely Yes!!! Mara and Seth's story was worth every moment in order to get to the HEA.
My Rating: 4.5 stars *********
Without giving any spoilers away, just know that this story is full of emotions- the kind that will have you sobbing at such deep emotions in this story. It's beautiful and poignant, at times heartbreaking but oh wow, it's a rollercoaster ride of feels that the experience is quite the emotional ride📚💖 Did I go thru boxes of tissues? Yes.. did I fear for a book hangover afterwards? Yes... Was this story worth it? Absolutely Yes!!! Mara and Seth's story was worth every moment in order to get to the HEA.
My Rating: 4.5 stars *********
April 10, 2021
This was my least favorite book of the series by far. I can take a lot of different story lines when it comes to romance, however, this just had to many things that I find it hard to believe that any female would be okay with all the stuff that happens in this book and just act like it's no big deal. She doesn't even really have any set back during the book, which doesn't seem realistic to me at all. Which really sucks because I was looking forward to reading Seth's story.
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