Unexpected

Winchester Wyverns #1

by Jackie Paxson

After Christina loses her job, an unexpected trip to London to take care of her uncle may be just what she needs. Once there, she realizes the reason behind her trip was an elaborate lie. Although Christina is ready to leave, her family convince her to stay. When she meets Finley, the captain of the Winchester Wyverns, she is still determined to go back home. Their connection is electric. However, her past relationships with athletes have been disastrous. Christina knows she should run far away from him, but every time she sees him, she wants to climb him like a tree.

Finley is drawn to Christina the moment he sees her after a match. She’s the cousin of his teammates and getting her alone is a challenge. Once he gets her on her own, he needs to convince her that he’s different from the men in her past. With each passing moment, she quickly becomes his addiction.

When Christina’s horrible past crashes into her life in London, the unthinkable happens, tearing her world apart. Can Finley help Christina piece together her heart while showing her how important she is to him? Will they find a way past the pain to the love that could forever change their lives?

Genres: Contemporary

234 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2020

About the author

I am the author of the Dirty Laundry series, a romantic comedy series featuring sexy movie stars and the feisty women who put up with them. When I'm not writing, I'm busy with my husband, three kids and two fur babies, Cady and Oberon. In those moment between family, writing and my day job, I am busy posting sarcastic/too honest posts on instagram. Then finally in that sweet spot between utter exhaustion and an over active brain I get to enjoy reading until my kindle slaps me in the face.

Reviews

[QuinnReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Much Inside That's Unexpected

WOW! This rom-com has teeth that bite hard and is more than meets the eye. The bite is so hard, dark, and a bit gritty, it's difficult to call it a rom-com for a good chunk of it. There are very sensitive trigger issues that become the focus of a sizable portion of the book. While it could've been a lot worse, they are still horrible events but how things play out is inspiring. 

As for the lighter side of the story, the tongue lashings that Christina dishes are are FANTASTIC and well earned!  One of the things I love most about Jackie's books are the colorful supporting characters and this book has them in spades! Be it the bookshop owner, Christina's extended family, her quirky best friend or Finley's grandparents and other family, they add humor of all kinds to the mix.  I also love how their friends and family are fiercely loyal and protective.

UPDATED 1/2021: I added audio this go 'round with John York at the mic and continued to be wowed by this story. I love Finley and Christina's relationship. It's not all unicorns and rainbows by any stretch of the imagination but they take the hits and keep moving forward.

Story: 5 stars
Narration: 4 stars

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpected by Jackie Paxson is the story of Finley and Christina.
Christina needed a fresh start and what more fresh of a start could you get then moving to London. Christina moved there to help her Uncle also so it was a win win situation. Then Christina meets Finley and she feel the connection but is not one she wants. So she tries to back away from it but Finley isn't letting it go. Finley hasn't felt this way about anyone truly before so he wants to explore it but Christina's past comes for her. Enjoyed their story.

[Bella · Rating 1 out of 5]

i think i would have liked this book if it was actually good :/

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I enjoyed reading this story, I was taken by the fantastic familial connection which the supporting cast brought to the story. I literally sank into this story and forgot about the world around me as I read it. Everything about this story pulled at my heart. Fantastic story.

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gotta say, this book was everything and nothing like I expected. I could not put it down once I started it and did not want it to end when I got there!

An utterly engaging story-line that grabs you right from the start, keeping you engrossed throughout.

This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. Christina and Finley meet after she goes to England and is visiting family. There are several unexpected twists and turns in this book. It is a hard won love story. Christina has an ex boyfriend who has caused her to decide to stay far away from athletes. While in England she meets Finley. He is a family friend and rugby player. The attraction and chemistry between them is going to break down the walls she has around her heart. I enjoyed both characters and the storyline.

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

[AND 1515 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hidden Little Gem...
by and1515

This is the first book I've read by
Jackie Paxson and wow this truly is one fantastic little gem that deserves
to be raved about from the wonderful characters to the intense drama.

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

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic start to a new series!

I was on the edge of my seat so many times stressed with seeing what would play out with Garret

Finley is the sweetest reformed player. I just wanted to hug him and tell him he is perfect.

Christina is a strong brave woman who will empower any reader to stand her ground and kick ass!!

Really looking forward to the next installment

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!! Love her books!

[Becky Wise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpected is such a fantastic read. You will just love Christina and her extended family. Christina is sent to England to get a break and given time to figure out what is next for her career wise by her parents. That is where you will find all her loud mouth and loveable cousins and get sucked into the game of Rugby just a little. I couldn't get enough of her family and how Christina doesn't put up with their crap they try and pull. Finely is adorable. You can't help but full for him once he get past his blunders. He is protective of Christina when he finds out what she has been going through. You will love their chemistry so much. Christina is a tough cookie and you will realize how so when you read this. You are just drawn in from the start. I just love her best friend Ruby too. I can't wait to see where the Winchester Wyveners series goes. I couldn't put this one down.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! I was completely absorbed right from the start. Christina and her family were great. After losing her job, she goes to London for a break and while there meets Finley. It is so adorable when he finds out what Christina has been through and becomes protective of her. I also loved Christina's verbal feistiness. It made it all the more fun to read! For the most part this is a rom-com, but there are serious parts to it as well which bring out a lot of emotion. The supporting characters are great, too, adding a whole new level of fun and humor. All in all, terrific book and I'm looking forward to reading more in this series!

I received a complimentary advanced reader's copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Kelly Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good romance with the added twist of a scorned client.
Christina and Finley are drawn to each other.
Finley is surprised to find that when he sets his eyes on Christina for once he wants more with a woman than just the 1 night of fun he’s used to having with the rugby wenches.
Christina has just narrowly escaped the clutches of 1 sports man and doesn’t want to fall into the arms of another.
Their relationship grows over the ruse of friendship but with each interaction Christina gets from her ex client Garret her walls that Finley is slowly getting through quickly rebuild backup to protect her heart.
Really good characters, loved the family dynamics, Christina’s cousins and Finley’s inquisitive gran.
Christina’s cousin Dex was definitely my favourite, hoping he gets his own book.

[Vinessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christina and Finely meet
When is time to stop running
When you cant trust your family
when a stranger is your only ally
when your tricked into returning home for your family to run your life
when you have no intention of taking their crap
when you find yourself falling in love but know it is dangerous
when you need help but are afraid to ask
when your new love interest protects you without asking permission
Time to pick up the pieces and follow a path run and hide or stay and fight
After all isn't true love worth a little pain

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

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Christina and Finley were interesting characters with some layers to them. I thought that their attraction was easy to feel and that their chemistry was spark-tastic. There is a powerful story that backs up this romance and it easy holds your interest. Finely was totally swoon worthy and you had to feel for Christina but that didn't take away one bit from the strength of her character. A very enjoyable read and a solid start to his new series. I am posting an independent, impartial review.

[Demi · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a lot going on in this book! Christina and her roommate live in Chicago until Christina loses her job. She is quite embarrassed at how that panned out. She decides to make a visit home and help care for her ill uncle. Enter her tribe of cousins and friends. Then she meets Finley a Rugby star. Her life will never be the same. There are many ups and downs yet through these they learn more about one another. Sweet story. Looking forward to hearing more about some of the of the other characters in future books!
Edit

[Mulan Book Princess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was entertaining from start until end. Christina’s family in England were so much fun, as was her bestie Ruby. When Christina and Finley met, it was instant attraction / insta-love. Christina tried to fight this attraction, but Finley was so diligent in trying to pursue Christina, it was so sweet. They would have to fight their past and current demons, and misunderstandings in order to reach their HEA. This book is a great addition to my library.

I received a free advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a fair and honest review.

[Ivy Blacke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christina is in a bad way. Lost her job and now her family tricked her to London. She wasn't expecting any of what happened next.

Finley. Another sports man where, but some things aren't quite what you think.

But the past comes back to haunt her, just when she's settling in to a new life, new job and loving what's happening.

Finley promises to protect her, but he fels he's failed. Christina is a strong woman who shows him that she is right there with him and all because of him.

Such a great read. Sass, snark, love and mystery as well. I loved it.

[Margarita Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christina and Finley will they make it or not? She's left a horrendous past and Finley believes it is his job to protect her and help her heal. Christina has a mouth on her that you are going she didn't say that? did she? Her family is a fun and a witty part of distraction over the seriousness of parts of the book. Jackie did a great job with this book. More books please. Received ARC copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

[TELA666 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really struggled with this book. It is clear that England & Rugby are not the authors area of comfort; Winchester is not in London, what level of rugby is this meant to feature, the played 'the aussies' and 'East London' ?
We get told there are six English Scott siblings; Dex, Imagen, Jude, Oliver, Liam & Tamsin then only 5 are ever referred to again.
There are no trigger warnings and there should be for sexual assault & kidnapping. It isn't dark book but it certainly isn't a rom-com.

[Emily Utsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh boy! Watch out there is a new sports team in town! This is the perfect start to a new series and I can't wait to read more!
You couldn't ask for anything more. A sports romance, British accents, and a caring hero. I was almost turned off at the beginning. But hang in there. All is not as it seems! And there were some great plots twists that I never saw coming!

[Melissa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written, engaging, fun family setups sports romance. Christina is in England visiting her family after losing her job and a bad breakup. Fin is pro rugby captain that's suddenly off his game when he meets Christina.

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

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Christina and Finley’s storyline. The characters are well developed and engaging and the chemistry is undeniable throughout the pages. There are road blocks in the way will they let them stand in the way? The flow was great.

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

[Claire Fordham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I found my new book boyfriend. I’m quite literally obsessed with all the characters in this book. Jackie Paxston does a great job of building the characters and their relationships with one another. The story was engaging and the spice level wasn’t overwhelming, which I appreciate. There was actually a plot and not straight spice. I can’t wait to read more Jackie Paxston novels.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christina and Finley have incredible chemistry . This romance is one that is unexpected after Christina has sworn off all athletes. However her attraction and their electricity together creates other plans. This book is enchanting and comical, a love story for all.

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

When I started reading this story, I could not put it down. I read the book in one day. This author is an awesome writer. I can not wait to read more of their books. Keep up the great work. You should definitely read this book.

[Cynthia Villarreal Ortiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful Book

A lot of drama but it all works out in the end.
Such a good book about finding your own strength in the face of adversity.

[evieo17 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read. I would have loved it more if Christina was more likable. While everyone else had a personality, she didn’t. I just found her to be a pill.

[Rosa Torres · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining

Is a good read to keep yourself entertained, but some of the twists are either too predictable is similar to a compilation of the Shades of Grey books.