Unexpected Trouble

Unexpected #3

by Stacy Eaton

What happens when you run into your high school sweetheart after nineteen years?

Big things are happening at Safety Zone Security, and before a client meeting, Gregory Blaire heads down to Cocoa’s Coffee Café to grab some much-needed caffeine. Running into his high school sweetheart was almost the last thing he excepted, but the jewelry store heist that went wrong tops even that.

As hard as Maggie Valor works to build her career as a serious journalist, she’s stuck as a romance advice columnist, and she’ll do just about anything to change that. She might even get the chance when she finds herself held hostage.

With Maggie putting herself in the way of danger, stepping into Safety Zone Security to help with a client, and then pushing to join an operation, all Greg can see is trouble. Especially since the police are questioning her, someone is sending her threatening packages, and she is determined to drive him wild.

The only thing Greg wants to do is figure out how to keep the woman out of trouble, away from his job, and nowhere near his bed-or worse, his heart.

The Unexpected Series is a steamy romance series where anything can happen and probably will. Each book in the series is a stand-alone happily ever after, or happy for now book. While they are stand-alone, the books are all centered around Safety Zone Security and the employees there. Characters from one book will continue throughout the rest of the series.

Unexpected Packages, Book 1
Unexpected Arrivals, Book 2
Unexpected Trouble, Book 3
Unexpected Storms, Book 4
Unexpected Desires, Book 5
Unexpected Ties, Book 6

Genres: Contemporary, Romance

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 23, 2020

About the author

Stacy Eaton is a USA Today Best Selling author and began her writing career in October of 2010. Stacy took an early retirement from law enforcement after over fifteen years of service in 2016, with her last three years in investigations and crime scene investigation to write full time.

Stacy resides in southeastern Pennsylvania with her husband, who works in law enforcement, and her teen daughter. She also has a son who is currently serving in the United States Navy.

Stacy is very involved in Domestic Violence Awareness and served on the Board of Directors for her local Domestic Violence Center for three years.

Visit her website: www.stacyeaton.com

Reviews

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/19/2022)! 🎁

[Becky Claxon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a second chance romance story with some excitement thrown in! It is always funny to me when two people like Gregory and Maggie have sparks flying off each other and everyone realizes it but those two. I liked how feisty Maggie was and wasn’t afraid to go after what she wanted. Since Greg broke her heart when she was in high school, I think she was a little hesitant to give her heart again. Gregory loves his job and has never wanted to be tied down to a woman. It was nice to see the protective side of Gregory when they were held hostage due to a jewelry robbery. Because of the hostage situation this keeps throwing the two in each other’s paths whether they want it or not. There are some denial of feelings, scary happenings, medical problems, and job problems. I enjoyed the book and encourage you to read it. I was given a copy of the book and voluntarily wrote a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books written by Stacy Eaton; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

She has written a good book. This is the third book of the Unexpected Series; Gregory goes to grab a coffee before his meeting and runs into his high school sweetheart Maggie; while talking there’s a robbery and she is taken hostage.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this! A fantastic second chance romance that’s starts with a bang! There’s action and suspense, trouble and heartbreak, romance and some hot and steamy scenes but I love this group of people and the fact they are getting their hea! There’s also some great Camaraderie and hilarity and that sense of family and I eagerly await the next book!

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caffeine served with wit, this fast-paced suspenseful romance had me glued to my seat the better part of this Sunday morning. Both in need of a coffee fix, Maggie and Greg find themselves standing in a queue to place their orders and come face to face with their past. Before they can make any progress, they find themselves facing robbers brandishing a gun, and things get nasty. Greg discovers that Maggie is every bit as sexy as she was in high school, but if anything she is now even more trouble. Due to Maggie's inadvertent meddling, the police case enters a darker realm and all Greg's training comes into play. This romance had my attention from the opening chapter and kept my interest throughout. I love the main characters as well as the supporting cast that made up Greg's team. My heart went out to Maggie as she had to juggle carreer and her family responsibilities, but when the chips are down she finds in Greg the hero that she needs. This novel is part of a series and as such characters from previous books appear in this one too. The story is a standalone but does end on a bit of a cliffhanger with some matters still up in the air. If you enjoy romance mixed with action, this is novel pushes all the right buttons. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Coastie Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stacy Eaton is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. This is the 3rd book in the series and I have yet to be disappointed. This is the story of Greg and Maggie. Greg and Maggie were high school sweethearts until Greg decided to join the Marines and he broke up with Maggie before he was deployed. Greg believed that he could never give Maggie what she wanted or needed and he did not want to wait for him. After Maggie, he has never had a serious relationship. Maggie is a feisty, strong, independent woman who seems to get into some trouble every now and then, but she knows what she wants and she goes after it. She moved back home to help take care of her mom who has early stages of Alzheimer’s.

Greg and Maggie run into each other after 19 years and they both are instantly (still) attracted to each other. Due to the situation they are in, they begin to think about the old days and how things were and they both wonder what it would be like after all this time. This story will have you laughing and crying at the same time. There is a lot of drama, bantering, suspense, passion, understanding and a small cliffhanger at the end leading to the next book in the series. I can’t wait for this to come out to see what happens. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Greg and Maggie were high school sweethearts until Greg left her behind to enlist in the military. He broke up with her and had every intention of dedicating his life to the service and he didn't want Maggie to sit around waiting for him when she should be out living her best life. First of all, any guy who tried this with me would have to be running fast and far, because there's no way I'd let him make that decision for me without some payback! Okay, so when they meet again, standing in line at the coffee shop, theirs is a "nice" reunion, nothing exciting nor earth shattering. He's sworn off love and doesn't really see a future with her. Greg and his fellow Safety Zone Security members were getting ready to go on a mission, and Maggie asked if she could go with them to record their story. She trains with Greg and he keeps trying to sabotage her, and it's becoming apparent that he really doesn't care that much about her. He keeps hurting her and telling her over and over that he's not now, nor ever will be, interested in a future with her. I liked it well enough, but it wasn't up to the standards of the other books I've read by Stacy Eaton.
The narration by Haven R. Powers is nicely done. Her dynamic, emotional voice, solid pace and modulation of the story are perfect from start to finish and the characters feel alive.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three in the Unexpected series. It can be read as a standalone but I think the series is best enjoyed when read in order. You will come across characters from previous books. Another Awesome book in the series. I couldn't put it down and spent the whole afternoon reading, best way to spend an afternoon if you want my opinion. It's full of suspense, heat and steam. Greg and Maggie have a connection between them that even 20 years apart hasn't broken. Greg left for the Marines and broke up with Maggie. She was 17 and he wanted her to move on with her life, find someone to give her the life he felt she deserved and he couldn’t give her. They run into each other at a coffee shop in their hometown and start talking. Unfortunately, they're taken hostage by criminals which causes a cascading effect of issues for Maggie and Greg. Will Greg be able to keep Maggie safe? Will he finally stop assuming what Maggie wants and ask her?

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

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected Trouble
The Unexpected Series, Book 3
By: Stacy Eaton
Narrated by: Haven R. Powers

Greg and Maggie see each other after many years at the local coffee shop. High school sweethearts, when Greg decided to join the marines, he broke all ties giving her the chance to live her life and as a result broke her heart. Seeing him definitely makes the butterflies in her stomach fly, but the hurt is still there. But it's not just their reunion happening. A jewelry heist gone bad has the coffee shop under siege. Stacy Eaton weaves a web of danger and romance. This second chance at love is not an easy one! It's packed with action and excitement. The slow burn to new love is sweet and thrilling. I was on edge and falling in love. The perfect mix for this romantic suspense.

Haven R Powers continues her narration of the series and brings this one alive with her many voices. Bringing previous characters back with the sames voices an creating new ones for these is a talent and invested me in the story. I can't wait to hear more from her.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another member of Safety Zone Security finds his forever.
This story has it all and catches the readers attention from the start.
Greg believed he never wanted a relationship or marriage. He wasn't that type of guy.
Maggie wants a relationship but right now she's too busy taking care of her mom and trying to finally report real news.
These two gave their hearts to the other in high school and now twenty years later fate, a need for caffeine, and a hostage situation, brings them together again.
Second chance romance, suspense - who's after Maggie, drama - should she become a member of the security and ho on assignment?, and realization that what we wanted in our younger years may still be something we crave even if we don't think we're worthy.
Added to all that is Maggie taking care of her mother who has dementia. This part of the storyline is very touching.
Look forward to book 4.
This is an honest voluntary review.

[Elizabeth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greg was retired military and moved back home now working as a trainer and recovery person on a team for a company that retrieved missing or kidnapped clients. Maggie was a divorced journalist that had returned back home to take care of her ailing mother. Greg and Maggie were high school sweethearts and he broke her heart when he left to serve in the marines. When Greg and Maggie ran into each other at the coffee shop their meeting started off with a bang and started their fun and exciting reunion. This began a fiery relationship as they faced danger, fought each other, denied their desires, tried not to love each other to no avail as circumstances brought them closer because of that fateful day and Maggie’s foolish choices. It was good to read about the other couples from the agency that were in the first two books incorporated in this book. Fun read

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

[Sandi Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in The Unexpected Series which each book can easily be read alone but ties in with each other. Greg is part of a security team that travels the world. He has just come home after being away for a while and gets sent to the corner coffee shop for the office coffee run. Maggie is a journalist for the local newspaper who is writing the love advise column, Is it what she wants to do? NO... But it's all that was open when she came home to take care of her mom. Kismet brought these two together at the coffee shop, on the same day at the same time when who should burst in but.... trouble. This second chance romance is well written with a touches on what is going on in the world right now. Just know you do get a Happy For Now or HFN ending which is cool and I can not wait for the next book in this series.

[BM · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read several books by this author and the other 2 books in this series before this one. A chance meeting in a coffee shop 20 years later..ex military man and frustrated romance newspaper reporter looking for better stories. A hostage situation should be the perfect opportunity, but that causes it's own problems.
I liked the storyline, but felt there were some odd things, such as the simple jewel thief who was keen to engage with the romance reporter, rather than concentrate on the situation.
I liked the lead male and female some times, but not at others. They were both brash personalities with abrasive attitudes to each other.
An ending written for the beginnings of another serious relationship....no full closure, seems unfinished business and likely to reappear in book 4.

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

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

3rd in series but certainly can read as a standalone. if you are starting with this I highly recommend you check out the rest of the series. so things to note- one - you will get all the main characters viewpoints - in some cases the same situation seen through both sides. Some ask why but I think it is great seeing how 2 characters see/react to the same situation and why. two - you will get details - you will get accurate details on procedure, on events - and that is amazing...

This was a fast read for me mainly because I didn't want to set it down. you know the ones - it is late but oh just one more page. This book has it all - drama, mystery, action, healing, caring, and more. You will not be disappointed in reading this.

[Cathy Tremblay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected awesomeness !

Another unexpected series book that got me hooked. Stacy is definitely a master in mingling business with lover affairs with lots of action, unexpected turns of events at each corner well dozed with a touch of romance and sexiness. So far my favorite of this new series of course until Stacy writes an ever edgier one !

When trouble reporter meets the lonely soldier; all lets loose. I love how stubborn and perseverant Maggie can be and how Greg is trying so hard to resist her while protecting her ; what a challenge. This book can be read as a standalone but meeting the characters in the previous books help better understand the work/friendship/ military family surrounding Greg.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of this book kinda suits me, it was unexpected trouble because I picked up the book and couldn’t put it down. It had me in the first chapter. It was a great read with a little bit of everything in...a hostage situation in a coffee shop, two high school sweethearts meeting up again, a mom with alzheimer and sex. The characters were well written with a strong female, Maggie, who has a job, takes care of her mother and runs into her high school sweetheart, Greg, and all those feelings come back. Meanwhile, Greg is doing everything he can to keep Maggie out of trouble and out of his heart. He feels he never could give her what she desires such as a marriage and kids. But is that what Maggie really wants. I recommend the book for a good read as all of the author’s books are.

[Catina Yeary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series! I received this book to read and review, saw that it was a series on Kindle Unlimited so I started from the beginning first. I fell in love with all of these characters. Greg and Maggie were so sweet! Greg runs into his old high school sweetheart and before they get the chance to even react, they are immersed in drama!! Maggie is my kind of woman! She's sweet but tough and doesn't need a man to be whole. I loved her tenacious spirit. Greg thought he was selfish but I thought his thinking was rather selfless at times. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Stacy is a great writer and builds a world that sucks you in!

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

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Maggie, she has sass, a memory like a vault and determination and the fact that she puts Greg off kilter is an added bonus! Greg and Maggie have a history and after not seeing each other for 20 years they bump into each other in the not so best way, however now that they have reconnected feelings from their past are resurfacing which neither are sure how to deal with. This has the perfect mix of attraction, danger, determination, some heartbreak and some good laughs and makes the perfect addition to this series and I can not wait to read the next book to see what whirlwind of a women knocks another one of these guys on their backsides! lol

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

[Jayne Wheatley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great second chance romance.

No real spoilers

Meeting your first love in line at a coffee shop 19 yrs after he breaks your heart and joins the military is a shock for anyone….. add in a bungled robbery, being held hostage and you’ve got drama oozing from the pages.
She’s always been his know guy has ever been right as she never gave up hope he’d come home to her. He has commitment issues and does not want a relationship but she won’t stop pushing and let’s just say they both see stars
He’s now a security agent and she a journalist with a sick mother and stress at every point in her life.
Let me just actions are pure yet catastrophic, you need to read to understand my statement but I don’t want to ruin the plot.
A great read.

[Rhonda's Reading Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

During a coffee run, Greg ends up in the middle of a robbery and hostage situation with none other than the girl he left behind 20 years ago.
Maggie, being the high-strung person that she is, was always getting in trouble. It is no different on the day that she runs into her high school sweetheart. While getting coffee she bumps into her old flame, literally.
While Greg and Maggie are being held hostage, they both start to reminisce on how it used to be. Will Maggie and Greg be able to rekindle an old flame?
This is book 3 in The Unexpected Series. While this book has suspense, it is also hysterical. I laughed so hard.

[Cody Smith-Candelaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy the unexpected series but I found myself loving this one more than others. I love the second-chance quality of it. What if your one true love came back to you later in life? What if you could get over yourself and see yourself through their eyes? What if you could communicate and maybe find out what you thought someone wanted, wasn't what they were looking for? I also love the general unexpected nature of the story.
Great characters, I mean seriously Mags is so sassy and funny. I adore her. I love that we still have the supporting cast to keep it all in context. The story has a natural progression and is full of fun little twists and turns. I enjoyed the ehck out of it.

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie, a reporter meets up with Gregory, a security expert at a coffee shop after 19 years apart. They are held a gun point but that's only the start of their problems.
This was fast paced, action packed, dramatic and so intense. So well written, and full of trouble, but adored the characters even her Alzheimer's mum. The plot just had the story flying, and i really liked the small amount of steam to break the tension.
This is my type of book and i thoroughly enjoyed my time reading it. So good!

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

[Cathylynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greg and Maggie run into each other at a coffee shop and start to reminisce about the past. Maggie has always been trouble and it looks like that has not changed. They become involved in an armed robbery and a hostage situation. Maggie wants to be more than an advice columnist and this is just the thing she needs. Now she is in danger and Greg is the man to protect her. The characters were wonderful and it hooked me from the start. I just had to keep reading to find out what happens, but it is a great book.

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

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous book with a second chance romance!! Stacy Eaton keeps you glued from chapter to chapter!! I love how you get both POV from Maggie and Greg!! Great story, smouldering couple, suspense and smoking hot love scenes!! I highly recommend this book and this series!! You can feel the chemistry flow off this couple and you will not be able to put this book down!! You will root for them and enjoy a little suspense on the side!! Can not say enough about this book but to run out and get your copy today!!

[Xtymom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gah! I love Unexpected Trouble, the 3rd book in the Unexpected Series. It’s a quick fast paced read with great characters and storyline. Poor Greg didn’t know what hit him when after 19 years he sees Maggie again. Maggie is full of spunk, fire, determination and is sexy as hell. Oh and she has a way of finding herself in trouble. Greg has grown into a confident, sex on a stick, ex military man. The sparks flying between these two could set the newspaper Maggie works for on fire. I’m super excited for the next book in this series.

[Jimnlori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpected Trouble by Stacy Eaton is the third book in The Unexpected Series and definitely worth reading if you love romantic suspense stories. I'm absolutely loving this series and looking forward to reading more in the future.
Gregory Blaire and Maggie Valor have a past, a past that neither of them have gotten over and when danger puts them together all of those old feelings coming rushing back. Can they make it work this time or are they going to repeat history?
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit for this author. I love the characters and their relationships in this series. In this case, Greg and Maggie had a previous relationship that didn’t end well, and 20 years later, they meet up again. Add in a little drama and a lot of humor, and you have a great read. And even though the series is set around a group of alpha males, the author manages to give each their own personality. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

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

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. The third book in the Unexpected series is all about a second chance between Greg and Maggie. She is back in town taking care of her mom. He is finally back at home after a lengthy job. They run into each other in the coffee shop after almost a couple of decades. Things spiral out of their control from there. I enjoyed this story and the characters.

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

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been 19 years, but I think the love is still there. Neither of them have moved on. Oh, I love this book. It’s like everybody is family and I especially like security, protector alpha males. And Greg is full of it. 20 years in the military will do that to you. But when he sees Maggie again, he can’t control himself. He doesn’t want a relationship but that doesn’t mean they won’t have one. Full of action, drama, suspense, lust, family problems, work issues, and just waiting on that happily ever after. Can’t wait for the next book to see where this goes. Really, really good book.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page turner certainly. It starts off explosive and when things wind down, bam, more action begins again. The romance is off the hook. Gregory and Maggie meet after 19 years apart. The attraction is still hot but commitment is not something Gregory is into, but as he protects her the rust starts to fall off of his heart. Now Maggie just needs to turn the key on his locked heart. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.