What do you think?
Rate this book
Friends #5
Unexpected
I’ve told a lot of lies in my life. Mostly lies of omission.
My best friends, Rebecca, Gemma, and Katya think I come from a rich family like they do.
I don’t.
We have a fancy lunch once a month at an expensive restaurant. I cut back on food the rest of the time to pay for it.
My car sits in the garage unless I’m spending time with my friends. It’s cheaper to catch the bus.
But now I have a big secret. The biggest of them all.
I’m in love with Rebecca’s father.
And I think he loves me back.
My best friends, Rebecca, Gemma, and Katya think I come from a rich family like they do.
I don’t.
We have a fancy lunch once a month at an expensive restaurant. I cut back on food the rest of the time to pay for it.
My car sits in the garage unless I’m spending time with my friends. It’s cheaper to catch the bus.
But now I have a big secret. The biggest of them all.
I’m in love with Rebecca’s father.
And I think he loves me back.
- GenresRomance
244 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2016
98 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Want to read
August 29, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/29/2019)! 🎁
July 31, 2016
We met Nicola in the book The Right One. After reading it, I was curious as to how Neil and Nicola get together so I was happy to hear that they were getting their own book. These two books overlap and I liked that I got to relive events I had already read, but this time around we got to see it from another side, Nicola's side.
Nicola is stuck in a dead end job and is barely making ends meet. She happens to run into Rebecca's father one day and the next thing she knows, he has hired the interior decorating company she works for. Like most of the work the company does, Nicola ends up doing most of it. Over the course of a few months, while working together on the project, Neil and Nicola grow close. It starts off as the two of them getting pizza and sitting on the floor of the empty office talking about work to them eating dinner almost every night at Nicola's apartment talking about pretty much everything. It's obvious they have feelings for the other person, but they aren't quite sure what to do about it.
Eventually it gets to the point where they can't hold back anymore. They enter into a relationship, albeit a secret one, that neither of them saw coming, but one that felt very right. Their relationship progressed at a pace that most people would think was too fast, but for them it made complete sense. Neil and Nicola became so comfortable with each other and that was one of the things I loved most.
I have read plenty of books where the man was older than the woman, but I have never read one where the man was old enough to be the woman's father. I usually avoid those story lines because it kind of weirds me out, but I love Ariadne's books so I was more than willing to give Unexpected a shot. The author never tells us the exact age difference between them, but I don't think it would have mattered. The way she wrote their relationship made their age difference a non issue. So if you are like me and maybe have some reservations about this story line, you have have nothing to worry about.
Nicola is stuck in a dead end job and is barely making ends meet. She happens to run into Rebecca's father one day and the next thing she knows, he has hired the interior decorating company she works for. Like most of the work the company does, Nicola ends up doing most of it. Over the course of a few months, while working together on the project, Neil and Nicola grow close. It starts off as the two of them getting pizza and sitting on the floor of the empty office talking about work to them eating dinner almost every night at Nicola's apartment talking about pretty much everything. It's obvious they have feelings for the other person, but they aren't quite sure what to do about it.
Eventually it gets to the point where they can't hold back anymore. They enter into a relationship, albeit a secret one, that neither of them saw coming, but one that felt very right. Their relationship progressed at a pace that most people would think was too fast, but for them it made complete sense. Neil and Nicola became so comfortable with each other and that was one of the things I loved most.
“Come on. I’ve got something to show you.”I loved Neil & Nicola's relationship. From the start, it felt very genuine. It could have easily went the way of "Oh, Neil is definitely going through a mid life crisis or something," but I never once thought that. Neil proved time and time again that the feelings he had for Nicola were the real deal. I never doubted his feelings, but when they went to tell Nicola's parents about them, that really cemented it for me. It turns out they were absolutely perfect for each other.
“I’ve seen your house.”
“Not this bit.” Right down the end of the hall, behind a door that had always been closed when I had visited, was Neil’s room. It was plainly decorated, with grey walls and what looked to be a king-sized bed.
“So, the first time I’ve been here in years and the first thing you want to show me is the bed. I’m beginning to think I’m only here for one thing.” I gave him the most wide-eyed, innocent look I could possibly give him.
He smiled. “I’m assuming you have some bag with you, unless you’re going to wear the same clothes all weekend. Although …” He sighed. “You could wear nothing all weekend.”
The grin spread across my face before I knew it. “Yes, I’ve got a packed bag in the car. I was in such a rush to get inside, I forgot it.”
“This is what I wanted to show you.” He pulled open a drawer in one of the dressing tables at one end of the room. It was empty.
My pulse quickened, and I clapped with delight. “You’re giving me a drawer? That seems awfully serious.”
Neil crossed the room, taking my hands in his. “I wanted to show you how serious I am. I love all the sex, don’t get me wrong, but there’s more to us than just that.”
I flung my arms around his neck, and he laughed as I covered him with kisses.
“Does that make you happy?”
“It makes me very happy. I will accept your offer of a drawer. Unfortunately, my bedroom is too small to have spare drawers, so I can’t offer you a reciprocal one.”
He laughed again and shook his head. “I guess it just means we’ll have to spend more time here.”
I have read plenty of books where the man was older than the woman, but I have never read one where the man was old enough to be the woman's father. I usually avoid those story lines because it kind of weirds me out, but I love Ariadne's books so I was more than willing to give Unexpected a shot. The author never tells us the exact age difference between them, but I don't think it would have mattered. The way she wrote their relationship made their age difference a non issue. So if you are like me and maybe have some reservations about this story line, you have have nothing to worry about.
July 2, 2021
SWEET & STEAMY AGE GAP!
Unexpected was a great in between read! I just finished a really intense read and wanted something completely different! The forbidden aspect of the heroine being with her best friend's dad sucked me in but the sweet & steamy way these two characters connected is what held my attention. The heroine is sweet and strong but she really blossoms under the love of her hero. Having that person who supports and boosts you really helped develop her character into one that I enjoyed a lot. Also with her age, you don't run into all the drama that sometimes accompanies the younger heroine age gaps. I really enjoyed that not being in this one.
Age gap is one of my TOP tropes to read, it's my GO-TO to break things up when it seems my other reads start to run in together! Usually the heroine in my age gap reads are fairly young. 18-22 age range with the hero being in his late 30's-early 40's. With Unexpected, I was shocked to discover that the heroine in this one was 3o years old and her hero is in his mid-late 50's. Which gives them the same age gap that my other reads normally have. I haven't read many with both main characters are older, so I was shocked I enjoyed it as much as I did. One thing I loved was that his age number is mentioned maybe maybe twice in the entire book. Not to mention, the heroine also often credits him with having taken such good care of his body and that he looks really great, meaning that he doesn't look his age. So if you love age gaps and think that his age might bother you, trust me when I say you won't even dwell on it. Also, on the other hand...maybe you love age gaps but don't enjoy the younger generation ones, so this one will be perfect for you.
Even though I really enjoyed the characters and plot of this story, I felt like the writing was the only thing that didn't work well for me. It was okay, I felt like there wasn't much depth with the writing and that made me a bit sad. I could see so much depth for the characters at times but it felt like the author just left it at the surface. Ultimately, this was a quick and sweet age gap.
I feel like I should also say...this is part of a series although I did NOT read any of the other books in this series and didn't feel lost at any point. The author did a great job introducing the side characters in a way that allowed me to see who they were to the heroine!
Unexpected was a great in between read! I just finished a really intense read and wanted something completely different! The forbidden aspect of the heroine being with her best friend's dad sucked me in but the sweet & steamy way these two characters connected is what held my attention. The heroine is sweet and strong but she really blossoms under the love of her hero. Having that person who supports and boosts you really helped develop her character into one that I enjoyed a lot. Also with her age, you don't run into all the drama that sometimes accompanies the younger heroine age gaps. I really enjoyed that not being in this one.
Age gap is one of my TOP tropes to read, it's my GO-TO to break things up when it seems my other reads start to run in together! Usually the heroine in my age gap reads are fairly young. 18-22 age range with the hero being in his late 30's-early 40's. With Unexpected, I was shocked to discover that the heroine in this one was 3o years old and her hero is in his mid-late 50's. Which gives them the same age gap that my other reads normally have. I haven't read many with both main characters are older, so I was shocked I enjoyed it as much as I did. One thing I loved was that his age number is mentioned maybe maybe twice in the entire book. Not to mention, the heroine also often credits him with having taken such good care of his body and that he looks really great, meaning that he doesn't look his age. So if you love age gaps and think that his age might bother you, trust me when I say you won't even dwell on it. Also, on the other hand...maybe you love age gaps but don't enjoy the younger generation ones, so this one will be perfect for you.
Even though I really enjoyed the characters and plot of this story, I felt like the writing was the only thing that didn't work well for me. It was okay, I felt like there wasn't much depth with the writing and that made me a bit sad. I could see so much depth for the characters at times but it felt like the author just left it at the surface. Ultimately, this was a quick and sweet age gap.
I feel like I should also say...this is part of a series although I did NOT read any of the other books in this series and didn't feel lost at any point. The author did a great job introducing the side characters in a way that allowed me to see who they were to the heroine!
December 16, 2018
Unexpected (Spoiler alert)
I enjoyed reading this book. I loved how the author took a different route than 98% of romance books that I’ve read. It was unexpected like the title. *Spoiler alert* I was dreading the big breakup but it never happened. I was so pleased to finally read a rare romance that didn’t have a big break up but just kept building up the romance.
I enjoyed reading this book. I loved how the author took a different route than 98% of romance books that I’ve read. It was unexpected like the title. *Spoiler alert* I was dreading the big breakup but it never happened. I was so pleased to finally read a rare romance that didn’t have a big break up but just kept building up the romance.
July 26, 2021
Sweet and Realistic
This is one of the first age gaps that seems realistic. I thought it would have a sad ending but it didn't. This had a HEA... I thought Nicola was a bit whiny during parts of the book and I felt it was rushed at the end. But overall it was good!! I can't wait to recommend the book on B.A.N.G Facebook group.
This is one of the first age gaps that seems realistic. I thought it would have a sad ending but it didn't. This had a HEA... I thought Nicola was a bit whiny during parts of the book and I felt it was rushed at the end. But overall it was good!! I can't wait to recommend the book on B.A.N.G Facebook group.
March 16, 2021
Enjoyed this story!
I love this age gap romance. It was a bit taboo (best friends dad) but it was mature and sweet. Definitely steamy with a bit of drama. Ending was super sweet.
I love this age gap romance. It was a bit taboo (best friends dad) but it was mature and sweet. Definitely steamy with a bit of drama. Ending was super sweet.
March 14, 2018
Good book
This was a good book to read. I liked the characters and their chemistry and romance. It was sweet. I hope to read more from this author
This was a good book to read. I liked the characters and their chemistry and romance. It was sweet. I hope to read more from this author
April 7, 2018
Awesome
Great book, a very romantic fairytale love story. Couldn't put it down. Age difference doesn't matter if your in love.
Great book, a very romantic fairytale love story. Couldn't put it down. Age difference doesn't matter if your in love.
September 19, 2020
50 H & 30 h l. May December romance. Best Friend FATHER!
June 8, 2021
Good book great.
Its about a girl who falls for an older man and thinks her friend and society will not accept them. A great love story that will make u believe in love again
Its about a girl who falls for an older man and thinks her friend and society will not accept them. A great love story that will make u believe in love again
June 25, 2021
It was okay. Super rushed and I didn't like the lack of detail given throughout the characters. Okay story line, but didn't meet my expectations. Overall a quick read.
December 18, 2018
This was a nice and lovey book for a chill day. I adore the older male/younger female troupes, they're great for me. There were some parts that had me a little cringey, especially there towards the end. But I enjoyed this book for the most part.
We had the forbidden romance, female character growth, and the sexy fun times. It can be read as a standalone.
We had the forbidden romance, female character growth, and the sexy fun times. It can be read as a standalone.
March 3, 2019
Another new to me author for this week and I must say I am having some serious good luck! :)
I dove right into the series with the fifth book so of course I was apprehensive but I was assured that my usual series in order OCD would not kick in, and everyone was correct. This book does well as a stand-alone. However, me being who I am can only advise you to start from the beginning LOL
The title of this book is ridiculously SPOT ON!! This entire story is Unexpected. I will not go into a play by play, but just know that things are not always what they seem and whatever you think is happening, may not actually be what is happening ;) It is very intriguing to read and it does keep you on your toes. I LOVED IT!
I really enjoyed every aspect of our leads in this story and they complimented each other very well. Obviously there is a taboo element to this story with the BF father trope, but it doesn't feel taboo. It reads very well and perfectly.
This is a very *happy sigh* story and I think anyone who decides to pick it up will very much enjoy it!
ARC received for blog tour review
I dove right into the series with the fifth book so of course I was apprehensive but I was assured that my usual series in order OCD would not kick in, and everyone was correct. This book does well as a stand-alone. However, me being who I am can only advise you to start from the beginning LOL
The title of this book is ridiculously SPOT ON!! This entire story is Unexpected. I will not go into a play by play, but just know that things are not always what they seem and whatever you think is happening, may not actually be what is happening ;) It is very intriguing to read and it does keep you on your toes. I LOVED IT!
I really enjoyed every aspect of our leads in this story and they complimented each other very well. Obviously there is a taboo element to this story with the BF father trope, but it doesn't feel taboo. It reads very well and perfectly.
This is a very *happy sigh* story and I think anyone who decides to pick it up will very much enjoy it!
ARC received for blog tour review
April 20, 2016
Five Amazing Stars! This book is the fifth book in the Friends Series but can be read as a stand-alone Novel. Nicola has many secrets, but the biggest one is that she has fallen for her friend's father. The title of this book so, so fits it there are unexpected twists and turns at every corner! I will not go into much detail about the book just know that this is a book that you will not want to put down once you start it! The author does an amazing job writing this story I could not get over all the unexpected things that went on. It is a fast paced story that I read in one day. I will definitely be reading the other books in this series! Highly recommend it!
I received this book as a ARC for an honest review. This book was read and reviewed by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club.
Plot: 5
Chemistry: 5
Pacing: 5
Ending: 5
Character Development; 5
I received this book as a ARC for an honest review. This book was read and reviewed by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club.
Plot: 5
Chemistry: 5
Pacing: 5
Ending: 5
Character Development; 5
April 22, 2016
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ARC received in exchange for an honest review
This was my first book from the author and it's the 5th book in the series which I hadn't realised at first, I wasn't sure what to expect but was happy that this could be read as a stand-alone.
This was a great, easy going read, I couldn't put it down once I started as you are kept intrigued throughout from the very beginning.
I do love a forbidden romance and this book was that, falling for your best friends dad is a big no no so I enjoyed reading the build up between them and the inevitable fallout. The wedding scene did have me in stitches and cringing.
The chemistry between the characters was great and I will be getting the first 4 books of the series and adding this author to my follow list
This was my first book from the author and it's the 5th book in the series which I hadn't realised at first, I wasn't sure what to expect but was happy that this could be read as a stand-alone.
This was a great, easy going read, I couldn't put it down once I started as you are kept intrigued throughout from the very beginning.
I do love a forbidden romance and this book was that, falling for your best friends dad is a big no no so I enjoyed reading the build up between them and the inevitable fallout. The wedding scene did have me in stitches and cringing.
The chemistry between the characters was great and I will be getting the first 4 books of the series and adding this author to my follow list
April 22, 2016
This book is part of a series but can certainly be read as a standalone. This story is about forbidden love. Nicola meet’s with her girlfriends, Rebecca, Gemma and Katya each month for lunch. Her friends all think she comes from a rich family, but she doesn’t. She struggles to pay for things and can’t afford to get her car fixed so takes the bus as its much cheaper. Nicola works as an interior designer and ends up with a job for Neil, who just happens to be Rebecca’s father. Sparks start to fly between these two…. Will they go with their hearts and will love prevail? How will their friends feel when they find out? What will Rebecca think of her best friend being involved with her dad? There are a few twists and turns and surprises in this book. It was a lovely story.
May 19, 2016
I didn't realize this book was part of a series but no worries can totally be read as a stand alone
Unexpected was a perfect title! Everytime the characters turned around something totally unexpected happened.
I love a forbidden romance and this book has a biggie. Nicola falls for her friends father. OH MY!!!
This book had a lot of story packed in it. It was a fast paced read and I finished in a day. I really enjoyed their journey. I fell for Neil right along with Nicola. He was pretty much perfect. They completed and perfected each other.
Knowing this is part of a series I will definitely be going back and reading the others and will also be hoping for more of the other Friends stories.
Unexpected was a perfect title! Everytime the characters turned around something totally unexpected happened.
I love a forbidden romance and this book has a biggie. Nicola falls for her friends father. OH MY!!!
This book had a lot of story packed in it. It was a fast paced read and I finished in a day. I really enjoyed their journey. I fell for Neil right along with Nicola. He was pretty much perfect. They completed and perfected each other.
Knowing this is part of a series I will definitely be going back and reading the others and will also be hoping for more of the other Friends stories.
April 22, 2016
I have been waiting for Nicola's story to come out for a while. As soon as I could I start to read Unexpected. It blow me away! W
Ariadne had me fall in love with Neil. He is one of my top book men. The story and the way that it happened was real. While reading this book I felt the emotions that Nicola was having.
Ariadne you have done a fantastic job. I loved every minute of this book.
This book is part of a series but can be read a standalone - I really recommend you read this book.
Ariadne had me fall in love with Neil. He is one of my top book men. The story and the way that it happened was real. While reading this book I felt the emotions that Nicola was having.
Ariadne you have done a fantastic job. I loved every minute of this book.
This book is part of a series but can be read a standalone - I really recommend you read this book.
April 25, 2016
Great storyline but poor execution. The writing was sophomoric and a bit disappointing. Some of the scenes were just juvenile, especially considering the characters were 30 and mid 50s. This book could have been really great, but it just felt contrived. I did enjoy some scenes, but I needed more. More character development, more scene development, and more editing as to what parts were necessary to the overall story.
October 18, 2018
Love Love
This was great story of love. Older man and young woman finding love in the end. Simply beautiful. I would recommend it highly.
This was great story of love. Older man and young woman finding love in the end. Simply beautiful. I would recommend it highly.
Want to read
September 12, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/12/2021)! 🎁
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews