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425 Madison #18

Unexpected Expectations

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Kevin
With everyone around me settling down, I’m happy to continue living my life single and carefree.
That is unless I can convince the concierge, Lucy Wilson at 425 Madison to finally take me up on that offer to go out on a date.

She’s beautiful, friendly, and her compassion for each and every one of the residents is admirable. Something tells me that she doesn’t see herself that way at all though.

This is why I’ve made it my mission to break her out of her overly cautious shell starting with a lucky penny and a $10 raffle ticket.

It was all supposed to be a little fun but when a large dose of lucky graces us, everything suddenly becomes unexpected.

Lucy
He thinks I don’t see him, but I do. Oh yes, I’ve been aware of the all too good looking Kevin Harper for quite some time now.

The thing is, I’m not sure that we have enough in common and I sure don’t have the free time for a social life between my job and school. Dating? That’s pretty far down on the list of things I’d like to check off - not by choice.

That is until Kevin convinces me that a little fun is good for the soul.

What started as a $10 raffle ticket turned into a vacation in Vegas and a whole lot of expectations that neither of us saw coming.

I always believed in fairy tales, but I wonder if what we have is too good to be true. I can only hope that it’s true what they say…

After all, 425 Madison is the perfect place to fall in love.

166 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 17, 2020

10 people are currently reading
81 people want to read

About the author

Lauren Helms

16 books463 followers
Lauren Helms is a romance author her nerdy and flirty contemporary words. Lauren has forever been an avid reader from the beginning. After starting a book review website, that catapulted her fully into the book world, she knew that something was missing. While working for a video game strategy guide publisher, she decided to mix what she knew best--video games and romance. She decided to take the plunge and write her first novel, Level Me Up. Several published novels later, Lauren, with her book bestie, also formed PR company, Forever Write PR, to help other authors promote their books.

Lauren lives in Indianapolis, Indiana sharing her love of books and video games with her own Gamer Boy husband and three little kid nerds who will hopefully grow up to share the love of things that united Lauren and her husband on their own happily ever after.

You can connect with Lauren in the following ways:

Read her Books on Amazon!
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5 stars
35 (47%)
4 stars
27 (36%)
3 stars
8 (10%)
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1 (1%)
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3 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Amy .
3,150 reviews
August 17, 2020
4 Lucky Stars!!

Love is in the air, once again at 425 Madison. All it takes is one lucky penny and a raffle ticket to turn Lucy and Kevin’s world upside down. Do dreams really come true or does the reality paint a darker picture? Those questions and oh so much more will be answered in Unexpected Expectations.…

Unexpected Expectations was a fun and light romance. Unexpected Expectations was fun and refreshing. Lucy and Kevin were absolutely adorable together. They had amazing chemistry and I really liked the way that fate brought them together. Of course, their stroke of luck gave them a lot more than they bargained for and their road to happily ever after wasn’t an easy one.

Unexpected Expectations gave me a variety of feels and at times had me wanting to reach through my kindle and knock some sense into Kevin. Kevin could be completely charming when he wanted to be and he just needed the time to adjust to the changes in his life. He wasn’t perfect, but he totally won me over in the end.

Unexpected Expectations is a quick and easy read that readers will love spending the day getting lost in. Lucy and Kevin’s story has just the right amount of drama and steam to keep readers begging for more. And in the end, 425 Madison once again proves that it is the absolute best place to fall in love. I had a fabulous time getting lost in Lucy and Kevin’s story and I look forward to seeing what adventure this author has in store for us next!

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
9,105 reviews173 followers
August 15, 2020
Expect to laugh, perhaps even shed a few tears and be sure to have a little fun in between. Helms gives the heart a break with a smile that seems to never end. Kevin and Lucy hold a special place in my heart. Unexpected Expectations proved to be a risk worth taking.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.4k reviews93 followers
August 17, 2020
Kevin is carefree, easy going, close to his family and a good friend. He has been flirting with Lucy, who works as a concierge at 425 Madison, but they keep getting their signals crossed until a helping hand from a mutual friend sends them on the right path.

Lucy has only herself to depend on so not only is she cautious but has her hands full with school and her job. An unexpected win and a spontaneous trip to Vegas and only they can decide if they are better suited as a fling or if they have a future together.

There was no denying the chemistry between them and although Kevin’s actions created some turmoil between them in the end he realized what was really important.
Profile Image for Paulette.
739 reviews20 followers
August 10, 2020
Sometimes what happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas! Sometimes you bring Vegas home with you!
This is a cute story of how people don’t always think things through. While I was reading this another book came to mind, Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus by John Gray. Yup, sometimes even with the strongest attraction the sexes are on two different planets. This book also begs the question is love at first sight really true. Can chemistry provide a lasting relationship? Well I’m not going to tell you. You have to read the book.
This story provides a lot of food for thought. Also, how much influence do we we allow our friends to have on our relationships? How does our past affect our future? How much of a gambler are you with your life?
Kevin and Lucy are adorable, maddening, fun, frustrating, impulsive and loving. There were times I wanted to throttle one of the characters. Then again, there are times in my real life I want to throttle people in my life.
If you read any of the other books in this series you’ll be happy to know you meet up with some of them.
I read this book in one sitting. It’s a cute book that poses a lot of thought provoking questions.
Profile Image for Jennifer D..
728 reviews13 followers
August 17, 2020
I loved Kevin and Lucy! Kevin and his totally laid back personality and Lucy and her many lists. Together it seems they are lucky until after a trip to Vegas, they test that luck. They face real life totally relatable problems as they go from first date to living together in the matter of a week. It's a cute fun read with great characters.
Profile Image for Charlotte Lynn.
2,250 reviews63 followers
August 19, 2020
Season 3 of the 425 Madison Series has arrived, and I am so extremely excited. While this is part of a series each book is its own story. The setting of 425 Madison is the common thread. Lauren Helms writes the first book for this season and she did it perfectly.

Unexpected Expectations is a little different in that the main characters, Kevin and Lucy, are not rich and privileged. They are everyday working people, living in New York, and are trying to find their happy ever after. They were very relatable, easy to like or not like, and interesting to see them with each other. Kevin and Lucy flirted, went on a date, and then life got interesting.


I highly recommend picking up any book in the 425 Madison series, but Unexpected Expectations by Lauren Helms is a wonderful place to start.
Profile Image for Amy M. (Amy Loves Reading Blog).
742 reviews50 followers
August 8, 2020
I’m completely in love with this series! I am beyond excited that we are getting another round with these awesome people at 425 Madison Avenue!

I was quite curious as to what this round of books would have these couples get into and my goodness did Lauren NOT disappoint! Lucy seems like a pretty great woman but she’s a little bit guarded it seems. I feel like I didn’t get much of her past and seemed a bit rushed but I kind of understand why it was that way. I’m not sure how much I like that she gave in frequently but the heart does crazy things!

Kevin was on my shit list MOST of this book! He seems like a charming young man at the beginning and could lead to something awesome but boy was I wrong! Towards the end he get so much worse and makes me wish Lauren took this book a different route.

I really love the idea of what this book was about because I love the idea of meeting your soul mate on a whim. But some parts of this book were just upsetting how much Lucy got walked all over and she just let Kevin do it. But other than that it was cute and fun to read most parts! I’m excited for more!!
Profile Image for Angie Klug.
292 reviews5 followers
August 15, 2020
Another season at 425 Madison???!! Yes, Please!!!

Add a sweet concierge together with a flirty man child and a spontaneous, incredibly lucky, trip to Vegas....and you've got a recipe for a crazy new love story. There are plenty of swoony moments and some heartbreak.

I love Lauren's writing style...relatable with a touch of fantastic. I'm always wishing I could meet her characters in real life and make them my friends!
Profile Image for Sue Wallace .
7,436 reviews142 followers
August 22, 2020
Unexpected expectations by Lauren Helms.
This is book 18 of 425 madison ave series.
I love this series. I liked Lucy and Kevin.
I really enjoyed this book. I hope there is more to come. 4*.
Profile Image for Debbie.
483 reviews
August 21, 2020
Lucy works as a concierge at 425 Madison, and Kevin visits often as his brother lives there, the pair flirt and have a laugh together. The connection is real and finally he asks her on a date, which she accepts.

A raffle ticket, a trip to Vegas, a big win, a drunken decision, and an offer of a rental apartment at 425 and they are a couple! The problem is, Kevin is selfish and still wants to do what he wants when he wants, and Lucy wants a life together so tends to nag him. What follows is a story of two people trying to find a way forward together.

Another sweet story based at 425 Madison.
Profile Image for Emma Womack.
9 reviews
August 6, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I love how it really gets into relationship troubles, especially those you can relate to. Definitely a must read!
Profile Image for Victoria Weston.
1,033 reviews55 followers
August 11, 2020
I always look forward to the 425 Madison series and was glad when this book shown up on my kindle. This was a beautiful, sweet romance book and as usual anything can happen down on 425 Madison.

Kevin was a great guy that was quite happy being a single man about town that is until he met Lucy. The only thing is he needs to convince her that he is worth taking a chance on but Lucy doesn't think that he's the right fit for her.

Lucy is a beautiful woman who is extremely friendly and very caring. She works as a concierge and is obsessed with making lists for everything. Lucy grew up in the system because she had terrible parents who wasn't good. Still she didn't let that stop her from dreaming of all the things that she wants to experience. After they both won a raffle they decided to take a trip to Vegas and all kinds of things happen. However what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

I've read books by this author before and I enjoyed reading this book to. I loved how she had written her characters and how they were together they were real sweet and I really liked Lucy and how much of a good person she is, and I really loved the way that this author written these two in this book. They had an awesome connection and fitted well together and I feel that this book flowed beautifully. This book also has a beautiful epilogue that was awesome to read and I always love books with epilogue as I feel that they help the reader see where everyone is now.
This book is a really sweet romance book and is a great addition to the 425 Madison series. I can't wait to read more in this series.
Profile Image for Donise.
1,293 reviews3 followers
August 23, 2020
In this return to 425 Madison, we get to know more about Lucy who is one of the concierges there and Kevin who is the brother to Jake one of the maintenance guys for the building. Lucy and Kevin have been flirting with each other for quite awhile and one day Kevin presents Lucy with a lucky penny and talks her in to going on a date with him. When he comes to pick her up, one of the residents asks Lucy if she still wants to buy a raffle ticket, but Lucy only has half the money so Kevin pays for the other half. Low and behold, they wind up winning the raffle and decide to push their luck by going to Vegas. Oh the trouble they get in to there and upon returning home. Can Lucy and Kevin adjust to their new reality? Will their luck change or completely run out? What would you do if you suddenly came into a lot of money?

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Gladys.
14.1k reviews166 followers
August 12, 2020
This is such a great series and I'm so happy to be back at 425 Madison for season three. While you can easily read each of these books as standalones but characters do reappear throughout the series and previous storyline elements are referenced. I truly believe if you read one, you'll want to read them all! As for this book, I found the concept behind this book cute and fun. I loved Lucy!! She was not only immensely likable, she was completely relatable. She was sweet, kind and spunky. I wish I could say half as many nice things about Kevin but I just can't. This character was a huge letdown for me, from the glimpses seen of him in previous books. If I could even just convince myself that his actions and terrible behavior could all be laid on the mantle of the excuse given in the book. However, that just didn't have a comfortable fit for me and I just found him immature and majorly petulant on top of that! The first part of this book was amazing!! Filled with charm, wit, humor, emotion and great chemistry. Then though, things took a turn and they never really got back to where I would have liked them to be. I hate to say it but Lucy deserved someone better. This is my candid review that I am posting of my own accord.
Profile Image for Andrea Guy.
1,483 reviews66 followers
August 19, 2020
What can I say about Unexpected Expectations? Its a really sweet, fast fun read. That's it in a nutshell.



I adored Lucy and Kevin and I loved all the Beatle-y references in regards to Lucy's name. Big Beatles fan here!!



They have a fabulous whirlwind romance that falters and then blossoms.



A date, a raffle ticket, a trip to Vegas, a hasty marriage oh and a jackpot win!



What could go wrong there?



What could go right?



There is just so much fun and so much heart in this book.



The best parts are watching Kevin and Lucy fail and then try to find their way back to each other.



The only issue I had with the book and it was a little hard to ignore was the use of a penny in a slot machine in Vegas.



Now I'm no hard gambler, but I've hit a few casinos and there isn't a one that takes change, especially pennies. Now I know the penny is significant in the story, (Read it, I won't give you any spoilers) but sadly that penny wouldn't have gone into any slot machine. Its not the nature of the casino.



But I'll forgive that, because the story was so sweet and full of the warm fuzzies. I highly recommend it, to all my romance reading pals.

Profile Image for Kayla Pocernich.
1,771 reviews8 followers
August 22, 2020
Kevin and Lucy talk to each other at the 425 Madison Avenue building almost every day and flirt with each other. Lucy would like more and waiting for Kevin to ask her out and they continue to go back and forth. They purchase a $10 raffle ticket together and they plan a trip to Las Vegas together. They win 28 million dollars before taxes and they decide to get married. I guess what happens in Vegas doesn't stay in Vegas. Lucy and Kevin decide to rent one of the apartments out in the building. Kevin quits his job without discussing it with Lucy which causes issues between them. Kevin changes since winning the money and Lucy decides to move back in with her friends until Kevin can figure out what he really wants and if Lucy has a place in his new life. Will Kevin change is ways for Lucy and be the man that she wants and needs him to be. Great way to kick of a new season of the 425 Madison Avenue Series.
Profile Image for Cat.
2,236 reviews1 follower
August 12, 2020
I am a Newbie to the 425 Madison series and Lauren's book is my first taste, and I have to say that I was very impressed with Lauren and her writing and the story in general.
The characters had a realism to them,and their relationship problems were relatable.
Kevin appeared to be a good guy but he was immature and he frustrated me so much I couldn't believe his attitude and the way he treated Lucy.Kevin did redeem himself in the best way and I did end up loving him.
Lucy really got my sympathy and she was more than fair to Kevin and I am glad she eventually stuck up for herself.I wouldn't have been able to feel these things towards these characters if the writing wasn't great ,But with the way Lauren wrote Kevin and Lucy's story it was perfect.
A whirlwind Romance that goes downhill pretty fast,we see how Kevin and Lucy jump into something quickly not knowing one another only for it to fall to pieces..So can they rekindle the spark they had when they first met that is the 10 million dollar question.
I really enjoyed this book it was sweet,sexy and a delight to read I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews187 followers
August 19, 2020
Lucy works as a concierge at 425 Madison, and she is very organized so she can make all her dreams come true. Kevin always flirts with Lucy when he finds himself at her place of employment, so when fate steps in with some luck, they end up in Vegas together doing what young people do & get drunk with a kicker of other stuff. They come back to move in together, and since they've only really started getting to know each other for a very short time, there were many issues. I mean, people who are completely in love with their significant others for a long time can have issues when they take that next step, so the talented Lauren Helms definitely wrote it realistically in my eyes. These two may have a strong connection but they'll have to actually really work on the path to happily ever after. Will they do the work or call it quits?! Hit those one click buttons to find out! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
142 reviews1 follower
August 19, 2020
Great story about Kevin and Lucy. They talk to each other at the 425 Madison Avenue building almost every day and flirt with each other. Lucy would like more and waiting for Kevin to ask her out. They go back and forth with hints and finally purchase a $10 ticket together and plan a Vegas trip together. They win 28 million dollars before taxes. They decide to get married and things change when they get back to 425 Madison & Lucy's apartment that she shares with two other friends. Lucy and Kevin talk to people in the 425 Madison building and decide to rent one of the apartments out. Kevin quits his job without discussing it with Lucy which causes issues between them. Kevin 's personality changes and Lucy moves back with her friends until Kevin gets in touch with reality and cleans up his act. They do have their happy ever after but they have to work at. Love the story line and the characters. can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Kari.
4,036 reviews99 followers
August 20, 2020
Unexpected Expectations is the first book in the third "season" of 425 Madison Avenue series. I love this series and it was a pleasure to return to familiar characters again. This one is Lucy and Kevin's story. I thought this was a great romance. It was also a great advertisement for why you should never just get married on impulse without first getting to know your future spouse. Communication is key in every relationship and, boy, this couple needed to learn that the hard way. I liked them both, although I wanted to smack Kevin upside the head a few times for being a butthead. I was rooting for them. I loved the solution that Kevin came up with to see if things would work out. It made me want to put him on my book boyfriend list.

If you haven't yet delved into this series, I highly recommend it . Each book can be read as a stand alone, so don't worry about having to catch up. Just pick one and dive right in.
4,145 reviews25 followers
August 15, 2020
Rather unpredictable
It's a really good, rather unpredictable romance as it just starts out, and then it changes completely, evolving quite realistically with the young couple questioning. They have to go through a lot of changes all at once, without knowing each other, all with a certain immaturity. The story is very well written with a good questioning about couples while remaining romantic.
Lucy is a janitor at 425 Madison Avenue and she is seduced by Kevin. On a date, they imagine what they would do if they won the money in a contest. When the opportunity is given to them, they decide to do what they wrote down and for that, they go to Vegas.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
Profile Image for Heather Navarre.
769 reviews4 followers
August 16, 2020
Great first book for the third installment of this series.

Not everything that happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. I loved their Vegas experience though and wish I had had a similar experience while I was there at least with the slots.

I thought Kevin was a bit immature but when you have never really had a relationship it is hard just jumping into one. Lucy stuck to her guns, she knew she deserved better.

I loved the story and I love 425 Madison. I’m happy to keep reading them as long as authors want to keep writing.

Profile Image for Melenareads .
3,324 reviews78 followers
August 17, 2020
If you are in New York and looking for love, 425 Madison is the place to be.

A $10 raffle ticket sends Kevin and Lucy on an experience that has the potential to bring them closer than ever before. However, it won't be easy, even as they grow closer.

I like Lauren's writing and the story is a fun, quick read. Kevin and Lucy were one of my favorite couples from this series. They were, at times, frustrating, but you really want to see them find their way together.

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for LLS.
932 reviews23 followers
August 18, 2020
This was another solid offering from this series. Lucy works at the desk in the lobby of 425 Madison. Kevin has been wanting to ask her out for a while but can't seem to get up the nerve. A jointly purchased lottery ticket will change the trajectory of these two forever. Their journey had some ups and downs but it was a relatable look at relationships and the work you have to put into them.

Thank you for the privilege of reading this book! Well done ❤️
Profile Image for CL Westbrook.
497 reviews2 followers
August 17, 2020
Omg... this book is just simply an snsxing read. Lucy is an amaxing person, bubbly and smileyvand has the hots for Jakes brother Kevin. A little push and shove and we see alot of amazing chrmistry happening and a considerable luck. We also see some emotional rollecoastet for these smaxinv people as you read this first book in S3 of 425 madidon series. Its romantic, emotional, people falling in love, some craziness thrown in there but its just simply an amazing read xx
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,013 reviews2 followers
August 17, 2020
This is another instalment that I really enjoyed. Kevin and Lucy's relationship was addictive to read about and the trials and tribulations that they faced together and separately really made the story. The additional characters in this story also made it that much more fun to read, I loved it!!
Profile Image for Christine C.
383 reviews5 followers
August 19, 2020
This series is so good, and this book is a perfect addition. Lucy is a concierge for 425 Madison, and Kevin's brother works and lives there. They have had crushes on each other for a while, but neither thinks the other has noticed them. Finally he asks her out and they have a wonderful date.

Luck is their theme - they start with a lucky penny, then their winning streak continues. But then their luck changes when they handle their new lives in different ways.

This was a fun story to read. Lucy is a wonderful character. I love her drive, discipline, and good nature. Kevin is a good guy, close to his mom and brother and his friends. They make a great couple, but they do have a lot to learn. I liked seeing Jake, Emmy, Levi, and Becca also
Profile Image for Breen.
1,563 reviews
August 23, 2020
“Lucy and Kevin’s story was fantastic! I’m in love with their story it was addictive and so funny to read. They truly had an interesting journey. It was romantic, emotional and it melted my heat. I loved it!��
Profile Image for Kimhe Rockchicks.
1,475 reviews61 followers
August 17, 2020
Unexpectedly wonderful feel good romance.

I was so excited to head back to 425 Madison and this is a great start to Season 3. Lucy and Kevin were a treat and always like catching up with all the other tenants.

Cant wait for the next one.
1,498 reviews16 followers
August 14, 2020
I like reading about the couples that do their relationships in reverse. The beginning starts out in a high and then reality sets in. I liked Kevin and Lucy. They were fun and flirty and had a spark. It was interesting to see their worlds change overnight and how they struggle to deal with not only their relationship but all the changes that come with it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

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