Unexpected Hero

On the Road to Love #3

by Verlene Landon

Can two lost souls navigate toward each other when the way is dark and dangerous?

After a decade of surviving an abusive relationship, Rachel wanted more than survival; she wanted to live. Vin is nobody’s idea of a hero. But he wished he could’ve been for her.

Rachel’s light shines brighter when wrapped in Vin’s darkness, but their pasts seem insurmountable.

Some of the worst highways lead to the best destinations.

On the road to love, there are no wrong turns.

**previously titled Unexpected Hero

Genres: Romance, Dark, Amazon, Novella, Contemporary

Kindle Edition

First published March 15, 2020

About the author

Verlene was born and raised in the south. Thanks to the military, she's traveled the US, but now calls Sin City home.

Self proclaimed zombie apocalypse enthusiast, word porn peddler, human canvas, Manowarrior, serial grammar killer, rabid Bama fan, accidental dust bunny population specialist, and abuser of the word f*ck. She's thrown live grenades, survived the tear gas chamber and forced road marches, but still thinks writing and publishing are more brutal.

Lemmy said it best, "Born to lose. Live to win."

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Reviews

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/10/2020)! 🎁

[KatS · Rating 4 out of 5]

SPOILERS INCLUDED BELOW

I was surprised how good the character development was given that the book is under 100 pages. I felt like I really knew the characters well after reading the story.

I found Rachel likable and felt bad for her being in an abusive relationship for 10 years. It would be easy to judge her for not trying to leave her abuser soon but I don't. I can only imagine how difficult it is to escape that type of situation. Tony, the abuser was easy to hate.

I had mixed feelings about Vin, the reluctant hero. On one hand Vin eventually helped Rachel get rid of Tony permanently. On the other hand Vin stood by and watched Rachel get abused for 10 years. He never stopped the abused rather he claimed to only minimizing it by being the one to abuse her. He claimed to love her and want her since he met her. In fact Vin stated that she was the reason that he stayed working for his brother Tony. If that is truly how he felt then Vin should have manned up a lot sooner that he did. It should not have taken a decade and Rachel escaping before he would help her be free.

Even though Vin stated that woman thought that he was hot, in part due to his bald head, it would never be a turn on for me. I maybe in the minority because I want my heroes to have hair on their heads regardless of whether the hair is shaved or has fallen out.

The story has hot sexy times and HFN ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Rachael & Vin's story. This was an emotional one for me. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Maryann Gestwicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Dangerous Curve Ahead On the Road to Love" by Verlene Landon is a gripping tale of resilience, redemption, and the unexpected twists that love takes on the dark and dangerous roads of life.

Rachel, a survivor of a decade-long abusive relationship, yearns for more than mere survival; she craves to truly live. Enter Vin, a character who defies the conventional hero archetype but harbors a genuine desire to be the hero Rachel needs. As their paths intersect, the story explores the interplay of light and darkness, revealing that sometimes, one person's light shines brightest when embraced by another's shadows.

However, the obstacles posed by their troubled pasts seem insurmountable. Landon skillfully weaves a narrative that not only delves into the complexities of overcoming trauma but also paints a vivid picture of the transformative power of love.

The title, "Dangerous Curve Ahead On the Road to Love," hints at the unpredictable nature of their journey. Landon beautifully asserts that, in matters of the heart, there are no wrong turns. The narrative unfolds like a winding highway, with each twist and turn adding depth to the characters and layers to the plot.

In this tale of love's journey, Landon delivers a poignant message: that even the worst highways can lead to the most beautiful destinations. Dangerous Curve Ahead is not just a romance novel; it's a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the healing power of love found in unexpected places.

[Jill Haworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel was unlucky in love. She was too young to know any different at the time but now she’s old enough to know better. Instead of being cherished and adored, she’s been punished and abused. She knew that she would never be free, so she faked her own death. She planned everything to the latter, and it was going so well, until her abusers brother and right hand man, Vin comes sniffing around to dot all the i’s and cross all the t’s. Vin has loved Rachel all this time. It was all his fault. He fell first. He showed his hand and his brother won. He should never have let her suffer. He should have done something but now it’s too late. He has to double check everything. Make sure that nobody knows anything. He follows breadcrumbs and when he finds that Rachel, his girl, his love, is still alive, he knows he has to fight for her if it’s the last thing he does. This was a really good read. The story is interesting with a clever plot and believable characters. It was enjoyable despite the darkness that Rachel has survived. Loved it :-)

[J. Ockenhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not all heroes wear capes or follow the rules. Vin has lived a life full of lies and torment.

Rachel has lived the same way all because of her horrible, gross and filthy husband Tony. Until she escaped. Hoping to change her appearance she got caught by the her husband's brother...Vin.

That's not even half of the horrors, secrets,revelations or things you would expect. I can't begin to explain how good this book is. It's got the dark, the romance, shocks and such a hard fought for happy ending.

You'll love the hero who doesn't want to be one. Our leading lady who is smart, determined and more than anythingthis woman needs a hero who thinks he's not. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.

[Char Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Com is dying inside thinking that he will never see Rachel again.Shes dead an he may never be the same again.Tony sent him to see if she said anything to someone that cause him trouble.The only person hes seen she was close too was an old lady .There are some dark issues to this story but it also shows a woman although emotionally damaged an physically scared had a need too survive.There are so many twists and turns to this story will keep you riveted until the very last page and leave you begging for more.I love the way this amazing author brings the characters to life before your eyes and you can feel their emotions and their pain.I can hardly wait to see what;s next by this multi talented author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Everything Bookish Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

t’s a quick read. But the characters aren’t lacking. They feel completely authentic. I so enjoyed getting in their heads, seeing what makes them tick, and being in the moment with them. Their connection and bond was something so precious to them and to me. I really liked how well balanced the storyline was giving us a taste of their history while connecting it to where they are now. It was beautiful to see. There are some truly deep things that happen and it feels natural and flows smoothly. It’s dark and steamy but also well thought out and detailed. A hero comes in so many different forms, it just takes one unexpected moment and a bit of a leap do faith.

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodness, this may be a quicker read but road throughout it is filled with so many emotions. The pain and anger that Rachel went through is felt all throughout the entire story. Vin is such a stunning character as he is packed full of hurt with strength that not even he knows he possesses. It is magnificently written and well developed. The images are vivid as are the descriptions. It is a story that draws you in and doesn’t let go until you reach the end. Once picked up I couldn’t put it down. I adore the twists and turns of the story as they add such a captivating element to the story. This story is a must read and doesn’t disappoint.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional novella that will leave you hanging and wanting to know what is going to happen next. Vin is his brother's right hand man, only it's not by his choice. Rachel was caught in the web between the 2 brothers. Unfortunately for her Tony wanted her only to get the upperhamd on Vin. Will Rachel make it out unscathed? Can Vin get out from under his brothers control? Grab this novella amd see what happens.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book, the story was well written and the characters are unique. Once I started I could not put the book down from start to finish you just could not get enough with twists and turns hot and steamy like a rollercoaster ride of emotions that makes you want more with feelings, desires, passion and lust, erotic sweetness, sensational pleasures and heat from arousal.
Thank you for allowing me to review your book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sylvie Rochon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing dark story from a new author for me. I loved it. Rachel is the victim of a dark and twisted Tony. She escapes him by faking her death. Vin, Tony's brother is sent to tie up lose ends. This story is dark and has rough scenes, be warned. But it showcases strength, love, hope and smarts!
When you have nothing to lose, that's when you have everything to gain!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is short, concise, but packed with action and angst, as well as lust. It kept me on edge, reading until finishing it because the story is so interesting. It’s Rachel & Vin’s story, though Tony is like a shadow of both of them. I don’t want to give away the storyline, but loved the disguise! It was awesome that she is such a fierce young woman and he is such a protector. Anyway, I really enjoyed this book! I gave it 5 stars!

[Jessica Laws · Rating 5 out of 5]

I freaking loved this book. It's short but it definitely packs an emotional punch. Vin and Rachel were everything! Vin had a hard exterior but he had too. And Rachel did what she had to do to get away from a bad situation. I want to give all the details but dont want to spoil it for anyone. Definitely pick this book up

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story. It’s short, but still hot and sexy. Vin is definitely not a typical hero, he’s a bad guy that does a good thing for the woman that he loves. Rachel is a hero in her own right because she got herself out of a very bad situation. A great quick read if you want something to read for about an hour or so.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This maybe a short read but it packs a punch. Rachel is in an abusive relationship that she need to escape. Vin is the abusers brother who is a bad guy to all except Rachel. When these two get together they are explosive. The storyline flowed smoothly.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating read from beginning to end! An exciting storyline that leaves you breathless wanting more! Sexy steam filled chemistry! Emotionally heartfelt, enjoyable and fun! One heck of a twisted, intense rollercoaster ride! An amazing must read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jackie Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This romance story was an excitement filled love story with tons of action and a fast moving plot line.
This was a great heart pounding read. The story was very well written with great characters. The story was very well written with great characters. It drew me in and I had it finished in one sitting. I would highly recommend this read.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short story that is about three main characters, all three are brilliantly written and have some depth to them. The plot is an interesting one with some twists to it and some steam. There are possible triggers due to some of the treatment the female character experiences.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Kotsios · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hooked me from the get go I just couldn’t put it down I fell in love with these characters and omg what a story just a perfect

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Lucinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow!! What a book! Very emotional and well written, it keeps you hooked until you can breathe again. I loved it and would recommend it to others!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Teresa Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vin and Rachel grabbed my heart and squeezed
Intense emotional broken heart stopping love story
Too shirt ready for more

[Kathy Mccalmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short dark romance. The character are good and for a short story you get a good storyline.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.