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Unexpected #3.5

Love Refined

Monica has done things in her life she regrets and the little voice in her ear likes to remind her of that.
Oliver is a sexy Brit who sweeps her and her daughter off their feet. She’s terrified of hurting him, terrified that he’ll realize she isn’t good enough for him.
Can two people from two different worlds find their way to each other? Can Monica let go of her past and reach for something new, something good this Christmas?

*This story is just under 13k words and previously published in With Love From London: Volume 1 (Voyages of the Heart)

50 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 29, 2020

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About the author

S.E. Roberts

12 books629 followers
S.E. Roberts was born and raised in central Illinois but now lives in sunny Arizona with her husband, two kiddos, and cat. She enjoys writing romance books that center around imperfect characters. When she's not spending time with her family she enjoys reading and chatting with her book loving friends on Facebook.

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Community Reviews

5 stars
33 (78%)
4 stars
7 (16%)
3 stars
1 (2%)
2 stars
1 (2%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Jenn the Readaholic.
2,297 reviews77 followers
November 19, 2020
Oh, we needed to see how Monica turned out. You may or may not remember her as Ryker’s ex in the first Unexpected book of this series, and it’s easy to truly like her now. She’s so worried that she’s not good enough for the man who knows her entire story and holds her heart, but that man also knows everything and sees the good in her. He sees a future with her. Oliver isn’t giving up and he manages to deliver the perfect Christmas for her and Kayla while making sure to give himself the gift of a lifetime also. This was cute, a little emotional, and such a perfect break from my afternoon!
Profile Image for Missy.
210 reviews6 followers
November 29, 2020
S.E. Roberts has done it again but this time with a Wonderful Christmas Book. Monica and Oliver find the perfect love together after some struggles. Her Daughter is adorable through it all. Highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an Outstanding Christmas Book.
Profile Image for Lynn Stifle.
3,905 reviews71 followers
November 30, 2020
I absolutely loved this holiday novella by S.E. Roberts. Monica and Oliver's story is sweet, romantic, and wonderful feel good holiday story. I’m so happy that Monica got her HEA. A fantastic read and one I highly recommend to everyone.
680 reviews7 followers
December 1, 2020
This was a sweet novella. Monica is Ryker's ex (from Revived) and has made mistakes in her life. When she meets Oliver he charms both her & her daughter but Monica doesn't think she's worthy of love. He lets her know that regardless of what she has done, he loves her & her daughter.
Profile Image for B.J. Bentley.
Author 22 books204 followers
November 27, 2020
A short, sweet, holiday tale of two people from different worlds finding their HEA together.

Monica’s a single mom barely making ends meet, but Oliver is the wealthy, adoring man ready and willing to give Monica and her daughter everything they’ve ever wanted.
Profile Image for JoAnna Edger.
393 reviews
December 1, 2020
This was such a good short read! I absolutely loved everything about it 💜

I think everyone absolutely needs an Oliver 💛

I can’t wait to read more from this author!
5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Janice  M .
Author 5 books359 followers
December 3, 2020
Opposites attract in this short, sweet holiday story. Monica and Oliver are the perfect pair. If you want an afternoon read that’s filled with holiday magic, look no further.
Profile Image for Pat Labrie.
411 reviews4 followers
November 24, 2020
I loved this book about Monica. I'm glad she got her HEA. It was a sweet and very romantic story that you will read really quick and hate that it's over
Profile Image for M Will.
976 reviews15 followers
November 21, 2020
I absolutely adored this holiday novella by S.E. Roberts. Like everyone Monica deserved a second chance. Oliver and Monica's story is sweet, simple and absolutely perfect for a feel good holiday read. And Kayla is adorable. Wonderful story.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
17 reviews1 follower
November 23, 2020
I have been waiting and hoping for this story for so long. I was hoping that we would get to hear Monica's turn out since she was in Ryker's and Clair's story. I was so happy to see that Monica was able to get a second chance at love. Monica has not had the best luck with men and worries about what could happen and whether she is just being used again. She also has to worry about her baby girl and how things will affect her. I know that she is worried and scared that she is not good enough because she feels less than what she thinks Oliver deserves. Though she has told him the entirety of her background he still loves her and Kayla and wants nothing but the best for them, which he hopes will include him during their beautiful Christmas vacation Oliver wants to give Monica and Kayla. Monica continues to have doubts but Oliver and Kayla will have to change her mind....
I love all the feels this book gives, second chance romance is always a book of feels, then add the Christmas atmosphere it is just beautiful!
Profile Image for Michelle.
396 reviews3 followers
November 21, 2020
I really enjoyed this little story from S.E. Roberts, and I even cursed her when I finished for making me cry...damn her!!! I admit shamefully I don't remember Monica, so it was easy for me to like her, and want good things for her. Oliver seems to be one of those good things!!Monica hasn't had much luck with men, she doesn't think she's worthy of Oliver. He on the other hand is all in, not only with Monica but with her little girl who he adores. He wants it all with Monica and wants to give both er and her daughter Kayla everything. Will Monica allow herself to give in to what she feels for Oliver, and believe that what they have is the real thing? S.E. packed quite a bit into this little book, so of course I am recommending this fun Christmas book that will help get you excited for the holidays as well!! Get this book, you won't be sorry!!
Profile Image for Ida Jolley.
740 reviews16 followers
December 6, 2020
Love Refined is a beautiful love story about Monica and Oliver. It’s a perfect Christmas story of love, that finds two people who have found their perfect partner, and now a family together with Monica’s daughter.
Even though Monica had her doubts about being good enough for Oliver, he has shown her how much he loves them both, and wants to spend the rest of his life with them.
It’s a very sweet book, sure to please those who read it. I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Kym.
898 reviews9 followers
November 21, 2020
I loved this short story about Monica. I needed to see how her life turned out. Monica was from the first book in this series. I didn’t like her in Ryker’s book, but she redeemed herself in this story. I loved Oliver and of course her daughter Kayla. It may be short but oh so sweet. As always the writing was fabulous.
Profile Image for H Willis.
30 reviews
November 21, 2020
Really enjoyed this quick read! I'm glad it answered some questions about Monica and how, even if you hadn't read the series you could still read and follow the book. I love that Monica has grown and is really trying to be a better person for her daughter and herself. Another great read from this amazing author!!!
1,135 reviews4 followers
December 3, 2020
What a great bedtime read. I loved Monica and Oliver's short story. Monica is a single mom trying to get over something she did in the past when they meet and Oliver is getting over a messy divorce. Their chemistry is definitely there between them and he loves her little girl as if she were his. Perfectly written with a beautiful HEA.
Profile Image for AmyLynn.
1,044 reviews21 followers
December 3, 2020
Love Refined is a sweet holiday read. It's a second chance romance of two people from different worlds that find an everlasting love. You can't help but fall for Monica and Oliver. They have such amazing Chemistry. I absolutely adore Monica's daughter Kayla. This is for sure a great story to pick up.
Profile Image for Hannah | Blessed Book Reviews.
172 reviews
December 19, 2020
In all honesty, I hated Monica after what happened in the previous books, but now I kind of understand her. At first, I was a little put off by the fact that this was a story about her and a guy named Oliver, but by the end, I enjoyed it, and I ended up being glad that we got to see a little piece of her story, even if it was a lot shorter than everyone else's. :)
1,304 reviews
November 28, 2020
This was a brilliant quick Christmas read. The storyline was perfect and give you all the feels. It had enough within it to keep my interest. I would have happily read a longer story about these characters.
220 reviews4 followers
November 30, 2020
This is a great Christmas story of Oliver & Monica. She has realized her mistakes in the past but is able to finally find happiness. I love that Oliver has accepted her daughter as well. A great holiday love story.
Profile Image for Pam Snell.
567 reviews11 followers
December 3, 2020
This story made my heart so happy. Oliver is such an amazing gentleman that any woman would love to have. His heart was so big and loved Monica so much and he he treats Kayla like a princess. Such a fairytale book that I wish were way longer. I loved every minute of it!!!
Profile Image for Summerlynn83_reads.
767 reviews8 followers
December 12, 2020
Oh be still my heart! If you are looking for a sweet, steamy and over all heart melting Christmas story then this is what you are looking for. Although this story is short it packed a mighty punch. I was literally in happy tears by the last page! Definitely a must read!
Profile Image for Jet Boston.
28 reviews3 followers
December 17, 2021
I was lucky enough to win an e-copy of Love Refined. It is a short story, but I love a happy ending and I like second chance romance, so this was a great short read. If you want a little holiday happily every after second chance romance, definitely give this book a chance.
Profile Image for Krystal.
214 reviews
April 29, 2022
A Lovely Short Story

This is a short sweet, spicy, love story. It only disappoints due to craving more of it. I loved that it’s set at Christmas & that sweet Monkey is all grossed out by kissing.
Profile Image for T.
2,145 reviews
November 22, 2020
A very nicely written, extremely sweet read!!
Donavon was beyond hunky and very romantic. I kinda want him in my stocking for Christmas!! ;)
Profile Image for Angela Carter.
413 reviews14 followers
November 22, 2020
Monica and Oliver's story is full of love and a happily ever after. This short story is just enough to make your heart smile.
Profile Image for Danielle Bowers.
7 reviews
November 24, 2020
Ms. Robert's has turned this girl from not reading Holiday themed books to reading them. Monica & Oliver are a perfect example of how two people can love again, after their pasts.
Profile Image for Amanda Shepard.
313 reviews21 followers
December 11, 2020
This story was amazing! I was a blubbering mess (in the best way) at the end! A great short Christmas read!
Profile Image for Joy Boutwell.
1,639 reviews17 followers
July 24, 2021
Wonderful Christmas story about two people from different worlds finding each other and putting their past demons behind them to find true love.
Profile Image for Jaime Reynolds.
1,990 reviews23 followers
November 21, 2020
Oh my heart and emotions!! I adored Monica and Oliver in this story. It will pull at your heart strings and make you cry out of happiness. I vaguely remember her but am so glad she finally got her happy ending...even if she felt unworthy. Give this a chance as it is a perfect holiday story you don’t want to miss.
Profile Image for Nicole Strycharz.
Author 29 books434 followers
December 23, 2020
Oliver is Everything

Another perfectly constructed Christmas Novella from this author. I’m reading this one on the heals of A Gray Christmas and she did not disappoint!

Love Refined captures the authentic magic of Christmas in the real world.

The beautifully flawed female lead is humble and worthy of a Seasonal Miracle! Her love interest offers a healthy and scorching relationship and EXTENDS his love to her daughter in the most sincere way.

Another five-star and perfect for the season.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews