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Worth It #2
Unexpected
Christopher was content to never take a relationship seriously. Over the last year, he slowly started spending time on his own. Without his best friend to keep him out of trouble, Christopher finds himself thrust, head first, into a situation he never saw himself being in.
Gabe was in trouble. His pushy ways finally caught up to him and forced him to move. How he landed in such a small town was a joke, but he was going to make the most of it. When a night out to get acquainted with his new home takes a turn for the interesting, his past mistakes might just come back to haunt him.
Christopher shouldn't be interested, Gabe shouldn't be pushing it, but what if it was always meant to be? Who cares that it was completely Unexpected?
This is the second book in a series after Worth the Wait and follows the story of Michael's brother, Christopher. It can be read as a stand-alone, however, reading the first book is encouraged.
Gabe was in trouble. His pushy ways finally caught up to him and forced him to move. How he landed in such a small town was a joke, but he was going to make the most of it. When a night out to get acquainted with his new home takes a turn for the interesting, his past mistakes might just come back to haunt him.
Christopher shouldn't be interested, Gabe shouldn't be pushing it, but what if it was always meant to be? Who cares that it was completely Unexpected?
This is the second book in a series after Worth the Wait and follows the story of Michael's brother, Christopher. It can be read as a stand-alone, however, reading the first book is encouraged.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2022
15 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Joelle Lynne
21 books224 followersJoelle Lynne is a M/M Romance author who is a total nerd at heart. She loves her romance sweet but on the spicy side.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 21, 2022
I loved the first book in this duology (I’m gonna hold out hope for a book from Ryan’s perspective…) so I jumped at the opportunity to review “Unexpected”. I loved Christopher (NEVER Chris) in the first book, and that scene at the end was pure genius to ensure I’d be waiting with held breath to find out what was going on with him. The otherwise straight Christopher has found himself in a pickle (pun very much intended) when he wakes up beside a man after a night of drinking. Of course, mayhem and sexual awakening ensue. Gave, the man in question, was fun to read about…though at times his pushy nature seemed almost predatory. When you find out his backstory, though, you get to understand him more. What was unexpected was the storyline with Shane, the former lead of the previous book…best friend to Christopher and boyfriend to Christopher’s brother. He becomes quite toxic toward Gabe until it’s to his benefit to have him around. This book made me look at Shane a little differently, not terribly, but it definitely left me with a sour taste towards the character. As the story progressed, I was absolutely entranced by Christopher and Gabe and their dynamic. A lovely, sexual awakening book.
March 3, 2022
Bi-awakening is one of my favorite tropes and I loved the way this author approached it. Christopher was completely thrown off when he found himself attracted to Gabe, and even though he'd never been with a guy he couldn't help his feelings. I love how these two characters bonded and Gabe was so understanding with Christopher while he was figuring everything out.
February 16, 2022
Awww, Christopher gets his man. These guys were absolutely adorable and sexy together.
I had a hard time with Gabe at first. He seemed slightly predatory and pushy. But once you realize that he really just has this outgoing, take charge personality type, he’s easier to take. Then learning his backstory, you fall in love with who he really is.
Christopher has always been a ladies man, hooking up and moving on. Then Gabe comes a long and throws his whole world into turmoil. He’s feeling things he never had before and Gabe is driving that train big time. He and Gabe were so sexy together. Their explorations were intimate and sweet as well.
My main peeve here came from Shane, Christopher’s brother. He was nothing but sweet in Worth The Wait, when he gets together with Michael. But here, he was just awful. I couldn’t believe the absolute personality shift. He was hostile, judgmental and just plain mean. No wonder Christopher wasn’t willing to disclose their relationship, when Shane was being so awful. Then, after being terrible, he wants Gabe to help him? Gabe is a better person that I am, because I would have had some words for Shane.
Watching Christopher accept his relationship with Gabe and come to realize just how important Gabe was to him was lovely and sweet. I enjoyed their relationship very much.
*I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
I had a hard time with Gabe at first. He seemed slightly predatory and pushy. But once you realize that he really just has this outgoing, take charge personality type, he’s easier to take. Then learning his backstory, you fall in love with who he really is.
Christopher has always been a ladies man, hooking up and moving on. Then Gabe comes a long and throws his whole world into turmoil. He’s feeling things he never had before and Gabe is driving that train big time. He and Gabe were so sexy together. Their explorations were intimate and sweet as well.
My main peeve here came from Shane, Christopher’s brother. He was nothing but sweet in Worth The Wait, when he gets together with Michael. But here, he was just awful. I couldn’t believe the absolute personality shift. He was hostile, judgmental and just plain mean. No wonder Christopher wasn’t willing to disclose their relationship, when Shane was being so awful. Then, after being terrible, he wants Gabe to help him? Gabe is a better person that I am, because I would have had some words for Shane.
Watching Christopher accept his relationship with Gabe and come to realize just how important Gabe was to him was lovely and sweet. I enjoyed their relationship very much.
*I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
March 3, 2022
Wow, Unexpected is exactly that….. I totally Unexpected scorcher of a read.
It is book two in the Worth It Series. This is Christopher’s story.
If you read book one then you will know towards the end there was something going on with Christopher and I couldn’t wait to read it.
Christopher has always considered himself straight and never thought otherwise until Gabe.
Normally he would have his best friend with him most places he goes and would be kept out of trouble, but now that Shane is with his brother he’s left to his own device’s a lot more!
Gabe has had a seriously rough ride which is why he’s needed to move. He might seem mega confident and even pushy but there’s definitely a lot more to him and I really felt for the guy when we found out the reasons for moving.
There’s a couple of times when he thinks his past is haunting him and it’s happening again and I could really feel the emotion behind it and see him crumbling.
Gabe pushes Christopher out of his comfort zone and enjoys the push and pull and I think secretly Christopher does too!!
Christopher’s best friend Shane’s attitude toward Gabe had been more than off from the start and I think there was alot of jealousy there. He didn’t like the fact Christopher was spending alot of time with this guy, but wow I felt sorry for Christopher when things finally come to a head.
I love these two together and holy smokes these two are scorching. Joelle has really brought the heat in this one.
A must read of first times, unexpected love, and the hottest romance.
High, highly recommend.
It is book two in the Worth It Series. This is Christopher’s story.
If you read book one then you will know towards the end there was something going on with Christopher and I couldn’t wait to read it.
Christopher has always considered himself straight and never thought otherwise until Gabe.
Normally he would have his best friend with him most places he goes and would be kept out of trouble, but now that Shane is with his brother he’s left to his own device’s a lot more!
Gabe has had a seriously rough ride which is why he’s needed to move. He might seem mega confident and even pushy but there’s definitely a lot more to him and I really felt for the guy when we found out the reasons for moving.
There’s a couple of times when he thinks his past is haunting him and it’s happening again and I could really feel the emotion behind it and see him crumbling.
Gabe pushes Christopher out of his comfort zone and enjoys the push and pull and I think secretly Christopher does too!!
Christopher’s best friend Shane’s attitude toward Gabe had been more than off from the start and I think there was alot of jealousy there. He didn’t like the fact Christopher was spending alot of time with this guy, but wow I felt sorry for Christopher when things finally come to a head.
I love these two together and holy smokes these two are scorching. Joelle has really brought the heat in this one.
A must read of first times, unexpected love, and the hottest romance.
High, highly recommend.
February 17, 2022
Oh wow. I loved this book even more than book one. It was steamy, interesting and overall lighthearted. The chemistry between Christopher and Gabe was on point. (I loved the push and pull action that was happening... Gabe would push his limits and Christopher would crave and pull for more.)
This author has a way with approaching favorite tropes with a unique flare. This story focuses on Gabe and Christopher's romance. Christopher has never been attracted to men but when he meets Gabe and his take charge personality, Chris is intrigued. I liked the way this author approached the bi-awakening trope, rather than dealing with a bunch of angst or internalized grief over Christopher's first time attraction, the couple is more focused on external issues outside of their relationship.
Don't get me wrong, they are still learning each other and we still see both characters expose their vulnerabilities, hopes and desires. But it's clear that when push comes to shove this couple is there for each other and Christopher is willing to defend Gabe time and time again.
We also get to see cameo appearances of Michael and Shane, book 1's couple. Since Shane is Christopher's best friend we get to see Shane's over protective side! It adds a little extra catty fun to the drama. Yes, at times I wanted to shake some sense into Shane or tell him to back off, but that was part of the fun.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I'm eager for Joelle Lynn's next book.
This author has a way with approaching favorite tropes with a unique flare. This story focuses on Gabe and Christopher's romance. Christopher has never been attracted to men but when he meets Gabe and his take charge personality, Chris is intrigued. I liked the way this author approached the bi-awakening trope, rather than dealing with a bunch of angst or internalized grief over Christopher's first time attraction, the couple is more focused on external issues outside of their relationship.
Don't get me wrong, they are still learning each other and we still see both characters expose their vulnerabilities, hopes and desires. But it's clear that when push comes to shove this couple is there for each other and Christopher is willing to defend Gabe time and time again.
We also get to see cameo appearances of Michael and Shane, book 1's couple. Since Shane is Christopher's best friend we get to see Shane's over protective side! It adds a little extra catty fun to the drama. Yes, at times I wanted to shake some sense into Shane or tell him to back off, but that was part of the fun.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I'm eager for Joelle Lynn's next book.
February 21, 2022
Such a perfect title for this book!
This is a wonderful sophomore book for the author. I'm really impressed by their growth.
Gabe and Christopher are an interesting couple. Christopher has always identified as straight while Gabe was kicked out of his home at 16 when he told his parents he was gay. There are trigger warnings at the beginning of this book and if that's something that concerns you, you should definitely read them.
When Gabe and Christopher come together, there is immediate chemistry. That chemistry makes Christopher question everything that he's always believed about his sexuality. The heat between the two of them is undeniable. In addition to the steamy bits of the book, there is genuine romance and friendship between the two main characters as well as the surrounding family and friends.
While this book does carry over some of the characters from the author's previous book, it can definitely be read as a standalone. I love a good bisexual awakening / gay-for-you book and this delivered. It also has a great happy for now ending as well as a potential lead into a third book. I definitely recommend this book as a fun read!
This is a wonderful sophomore book for the author. I'm really impressed by their growth.
Gabe and Christopher are an interesting couple. Christopher has always identified as straight while Gabe was kicked out of his home at 16 when he told his parents he was gay. There are trigger warnings at the beginning of this book and if that's something that concerns you, you should definitely read them.
When Gabe and Christopher come together, there is immediate chemistry. That chemistry makes Christopher question everything that he's always believed about his sexuality. The heat between the two of them is undeniable. In addition to the steamy bits of the book, there is genuine romance and friendship between the two main characters as well as the surrounding family and friends.
While this book does carry over some of the characters from the author's previous book, it can definitely be read as a standalone. I love a good bisexual awakening / gay-for-you book and this delivered. It also has a great happy for now ending as well as a potential lead into a third book. I definitely recommend this book as a fun read!
February 14, 2022
Y'all at the end of Worth The Wait I was like I NEED CHRISTOPHER'S STORY STAT! Haha. This was a cute fast read and....drum rolllll because I crack myself up WORTH THE WAIT 🤣🤣🤣. I loved Christopher and Gabe. Gabe was a touch pushy in the beginning, okay the whole thing, but it worked because it was just who he was. He knows who he is and what he wants. But that shiz got him in trouble in his past :heartbreaking: He was really patient with Christopher as Chris explored and realized what he wanted. Which I loved and really appreciated. I was def frustrated with Shane though. Like dang dude, get a grip 🤣 (I get it though). And Michael was sweet again, though I would have loved to have a touch more brotherly interaction.
March 10, 2022
We met Christopher in Worth the Wait, he’s Michael’s brother and Shane’s best friend. Christopher decides to take a night out. He meets Gabe, miscommunication ensues and wakes up the next morning with Gabe in his bed. Gabe is his new neighbor. Gabe is pushy, which I loved! I loved Gabe and Christopher together, both are sweethearts and just plain good men. The story was sweet and left me smiling! Overall, the story was really good, kept me glued to the pages! Overall, a fantastic read. The story was really well written, the pacing flowed nicely, highly recommend. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
February 20, 2022
I am so excited Christopher got his HEA. These two were so veery sweet and adorable together. Christopher thought he knew exactly who he was, a ladies an who hooked up and moved on to the next. Gabe shows up and he throws a wrench into what Christopher thought he knew about himself. Their explorations together were so very sweet and Gabe was extremely patient with Christopher. I do red these two together and i loved seeing their love blossom into something so beautiful. I love this series so very much and I highly recommend!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
POV: 1st Person Dual POV
Standalone or series: Book 2 in the Worth It series
Would I recommend it: 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ highly recommend!! 🤩
Would I read it again: Most definitely!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
POV: 1st Person Dual POV
Standalone or series: Book 2 in the Worth It series
Would I recommend it: 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ highly recommend!! 🤩
Would I read it again: Most definitely!
February 28, 2022
I received a copy of this book from the author, and this is my honest review.
If you're in the mood for a sweet gay-for-you book this is your story!
The title is really perfect for our first main character Christopher (mind you, not Chris) and how he handles all of the situation. It amazes me that he didn't freaking out about this self-discovery but was always ready to step up for Gabe
But Shane, our beloved Shane. He's Christopher's best friend and Christopher's brother's boyfriend. I didn't expecting him to react that way, he was so jealous... I still quite don't understand why....
This is a standalone, but if you want to know more about Shane's story, you can read it in Worth the Wait.
If you're in the mood for a sweet gay-for-you book this is your story!
The title is really perfect for our first main character Christopher (mind you, not Chris) and how he handles all of the situation. It amazes me that he didn't freaking out about this self-discovery but was always ready to step up for Gabe
But Shane, our beloved Shane. He's Christopher's best friend and Christopher's brother's boyfriend. I didn't expecting him to react that way, he was so jealous... I still quite don't understand why....
This is a standalone, but if you want to know more about Shane's story, you can read it in Worth the Wait.
February 28, 2022
Aww finnally our Christopher get his man 😍 and Gabe was total sweetheart ❤️.
I just love this story 😍 it was supper sweet and steamy read. It feel super great to read.
There was time I was angry with Shane for not supporting Christopher but that matter was handled adultly so I am happy..
The ending is also good..
Overall I love this book... Looking forward to read more books from Joelle Lynne ❤️
#ARC was received from GRR 🥰
I just love this story 😍 it was supper sweet and steamy read. It feel super great to read.
There was time I was angry with Shane for not supporting Christopher but that matter was handled adultly so I am happy..
The ending is also good..
Overall I love this book... Looking forward to read more books from Joelle Lynne ❤️
#ARC was received from GRR 🥰
February 13, 2022
Damn Joelle did it again, what an amazing story I absolutely loved Chris and Gabe, Felt so bad for Gabe, but glad it all worked out 🥰
March 7, 2022
Christopher is straight as an arrow; he’s never looked at another man. Ever. But women? Yes there’s been lots of them! Until one drunken night in a bar, when he wakes up next to a man he just met. In his underwear. With a rather large hickey.
Gabe has just moved to this small town after things went horribly wrong for him. Things are looking up when he meets Christopher at a bar on his first night in town. Christopher admits he’s never been with a man before, but there’s just something about Gabe…
And Shane and Michael are back!!!
This is a very sweet GFY story about one man discovering a new side of himself, one man getting his HEA, and one very overbearing best friend 🤣 it’s emotional, sweet, and very spicy!
Gabe has just moved to this small town after things went horribly wrong for him. Things are looking up when he meets Christopher at a bar on his first night in town. Christopher admits he’s never been with a man before, but there’s just something about Gabe…
And Shane and Michael are back!!!
This is a very sweet GFY story about one man discovering a new side of himself, one man getting his HEA, and one very overbearing best friend 🤣 it’s emotional, sweet, and very spicy!
March 30, 2022
DNF at 28%
So not my cup of tea...
I hate it when stories and characters lack credibility. Now, Christopher is supposedly a ladies' man, he's never been attracted to another dude and yadda yadda, but the author has got no time for this. Right from the very first couple of pages, he sees the busty bartender, with whom -according to him- he usually heavily flirts, but Gabe is already in the scene so we can't have none of that! He's already starting to notice his mesmerising eyes and so on... I mean, I get it, you want to make the story about the two main guys, but I'd appreciate if we got a wider background of both of them. Christopher's liked women 'til he set his super straight eyes on Gabe, so well then, let us see this...give us some indication that this was actually a thing. I want to understand my characters' past and why they're the way they are, not just having it completely erased because it doesn't serve the story.
Second of all, Gabe is a borderline molester. I'm a firm believer that no means no and that maybe means no. He takes advantage of Christopher's uncertainty in a despicable way and I just cannot simpathyze with it. He only feels guilty about having pushed Christopher too far when he finds out that he doesn't consider himself gay, so the message is what? That you can just go for it and forget all about consent when you're sure about the other person's sexuality??
And lastly, the weird side characters...Christopher's best friend is gay too and dating his younger brother, and the moment that these guys spot Gabe, they immediatly come to the conclusion that Christopher is being harrassed and molested by the gay dude...which...fair enough, it's exactly what happened, but also I find it quite strange that queer characters should be seen by other queer characters under this suspicious light, so much that these guys need to monitor a grown-ass man because they're scared for his safety... And all of this should be a prelude to a great love story?? ... 'nuff said.
So not my cup of tea...
I hate it when stories and characters lack credibility. Now, Christopher is supposedly a ladies' man, he's never been attracted to another dude and yadda yadda, but the author has got no time for this. Right from the very first couple of pages, he sees the busty bartender, with whom -according to him- he usually heavily flirts, but Gabe is already in the scene so we can't have none of that! He's already starting to notice his mesmerising eyes and so on... I mean, I get it, you want to make the story about the two main guys, but I'd appreciate if we got a wider background of both of them. Christopher's liked women 'til he set his super straight eyes on Gabe, so well then, let us see this...give us some indication that this was actually a thing. I want to understand my characters' past and why they're the way they are, not just having it completely erased because it doesn't serve the story.
Second of all, Gabe is a borderline molester. I'm a firm believer that no means no and that maybe means no. He takes advantage of Christopher's uncertainty in a despicable way and I just cannot simpathyze with it. He only feels guilty about having pushed Christopher too far when he finds out that he doesn't consider himself gay, so the message is what? That you can just go for it and forget all about consent when you're sure about the other person's sexuality??
And lastly, the weird side characters...Christopher's best friend is gay too and dating his younger brother, and the moment that these guys spot Gabe, they immediatly come to the conclusion that Christopher is being harrassed and molested by the gay dude...which...fair enough, it's exactly what happened, but also I find it quite strange that queer characters should be seen by other queer characters under this suspicious light, so much that these guys need to monitor a grown-ass man because they're scared for his safety... And all of this should be a prelude to a great love story?? ... 'nuff said.
March 6, 2022
DNF @22%
Gabe is giving me predatory / rapey vibes and it's making me feel icky.
Pass.
Gabe is giving me predatory / rapey vibes and it's making me feel icky.
Pass.
April 4, 2022
Honestly, this book kind of ruined all my nice impressions and memories from book 1. Mostly because of Shane and how he was portrayed here. In book 1 he is slightly insecure, nervous, a bit shy and confused about his past and future, but he deals with it by talking, getting support and being supportive in return. He was generally a nice guy. Here? Oh boy. Let's be honest and sum it up - he was an A-hole. He was aggressive, mean, rude. His friend needed someone to talk to, but Shane was basically throwing off vibes that he is unapproachable, all "I am not happy about this, so if you are not going to agree with me and do as I want, go away and don't talk to me", then got angry at Chris for not talking to him. Whaaaaat? Chris was supportive about Shane and Michael right from the start, being a friend to them both even when Shane and Michael had issues with each other. Here Shane was not supportive in return in the least. He was judgmental and rude. He didn't support his friend and try to talk to him, hear him out and actually listen. He kept being belligerent and not listening at all. He was judgmental and prejudiced. He was acting more like a jealous ex-boyfriend than a best friend, which was just weird, because they haven't ever been like that, yet here we are - Shane acting like a standard bitchy ex with Chris constantly apologizing about.. something. I would say it was like a textbook toxic couple relationship model, but they were never a couple so.. what the fudge? This attitude and sudden dynamic really grossed me out, because it made me wonder if Shane was just jealous and will any moment now confess that he has always wanted to be with Christ, but because Chris was so straight, Shane settled for Michael instead. I was really queasy waiting for this moment, because that would have totally destroyed premise of book 1 and totally ruined this book for me too. Lucky for me, it didn't come, but the doubts are there now, so I don't trust those fuzzy feelings in book 1 anymore. Not to mention that the only reason Shane came around was because he needed something from Gabe. That was a serious "no, just no" moment. Shane was perfectly happy letting his best friend down, judging him and making a drama queen of himself, until he saw Gabe could do something for him, then he was ready to come around. Seriously? That is the resolution? "Hmm, I guess I can tolerate him since he is helping me and I can use him". It basically made Shane into the lowest of the low people who don't give a damn about anyone else until they need something from them, then they get all friendly and nice. Gross.
So yeah. If I had read this before book 1, I would never want to read about Shane at all, because he disgusted me as a character in this book and made me wonder why Chris would support such a shitty person to be with his brother or even kept him as a friend, not to mention as his best friend, because Shane didn't act like a friend at all. Since I actually had read book 1, it all felt out of alignment. Shane was a completely different person in book 1, someone who is likeable, but here he was the villain of the story. I couldn't reunite the two and, honestly, the resolution part just wasn't enough. The reasoning was flimsy at best. It didn't explain anything and didn't make it better. It felt more like a couple agreeing to "work this out" after one of them cheats on the other, so...
Plus, communication was horrible, dialogues were so vague. There were no explanations and side notes like with book 1, I had to try and decipher what they mean with their vague clue, which was a bit of a mindf..udge.
About Chris and Gabe... I am not sure what they were supposed to be. Chris was definitely bi-awakening, but Gabe had whiffs of BDSM. The quip in the end about the Daddy kink was misplaced I think. That is not what they had. Then again, it is hard to pinpoint exactly what they did have. Nonetheless, I liked them as a couple. Chris needed someone to push him a bit and Gabe needed to be dominant in a relationship, so it worked out really great for them. If it wasn't for the whole Shane drama, their story would have been a whole lot sweeter and better, but oh well. I already ranted about that, so no need to repeat myself. Chris and Gabe were a good match and I am glad Chris got someone worthy of him, even if others do not think so.
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**
So yeah. If I had read this before book 1, I would never want to read about Shane at all, because he disgusted me as a character in this book and made me wonder why Chris would support such a shitty person to be with his brother or even kept him as a friend, not to mention as his best friend, because Shane didn't act like a friend at all. Since I actually had read book 1, it all felt out of alignment. Shane was a completely different person in book 1, someone who is likeable, but here he was the villain of the story. I couldn't reunite the two and, honestly, the resolution part just wasn't enough. The reasoning was flimsy at best. It didn't explain anything and didn't make it better. It felt more like a couple agreeing to "work this out" after one of them cheats on the other, so...
Plus, communication was horrible, dialogues were so vague. There were no explanations and side notes like with book 1, I had to try and decipher what they mean with their vague clue, which was a bit of a mindf..udge.
About Chris and Gabe... I am not sure what they were supposed to be. Chris was definitely bi-awakening, but Gabe had whiffs of BDSM. The quip in the end about the Daddy kink was misplaced I think. That is not what they had. Then again, it is hard to pinpoint exactly what they did have. Nonetheless, I liked them as a couple. Chris needed someone to push him a bit and Gabe needed to be dominant in a relationship, so it worked out really great for them. If it wasn't for the whole Shane drama, their story would have been a whole lot sweeter and better, but oh well. I already ranted about that, so no need to repeat myself. Chris and Gabe were a good match and I am glad Chris got someone worthy of him, even if others do not think so.
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2022
I enjoyed this book. That is the first thing I want to say. Joelle Lynne wrote a good story of a bisexual awakening that had a lot of positive points. However, there were some points that just niggled at me, causing me to knock a star off of it.
So let's start with the good:
- I loved Christopher's bisexual awakening. For once, it wasn't a character who was always straight who instantly accepted his attraction and suddenly knew everything there was to know about sex with another man. His hesitancy at certain points, especially as they crossed each new sexual threshold, was so well done. The fact that he had a slight period of confusion and the fact that he needed to take time with it? Amazing.
- I loved getting to see more of Shane and Michael from book one because they were adorable. However, there were parts I didn't like with them, but they'll be in the next part.
- The spicy scenes were amazing. They were well written and hot and I loved the hesitancy. I loved the fact that Christopher may have been a quick study, but he needed Gabe to guide him. I loved the talks about his comfort level and the communication.
- In fact the communication gets its own bullet point because this book had amazing communication between Gabe and Christopher. They talked through each hurdle. When they got into it at one point, they talked about it quickly and resolved the issue. Every time there was an issue, they talked and it made me really believe that they built the trust they did as quickly as they did.
- Both Gabe and Christopher were great characters. Characters can make or break a book for me, and they definitely made this book.
The Not So Great:
- Shane pissed me off through much of this book. He was so different than he was in the first book and a lot of it felt contrived. Like Joelle needed a hurdle and decided to give Shane a personality transplant. Given the way I loved Shane and Christopher's friendship in book one, I hated this. Also the fact that Michael was barely there for his brother and it was stated several times that he just followed Shane and went along with Shane? I was not here for that.
- Gabe at the beginning was entirely TOO pushy. I get that it was his personality but also like dude, no. I'll admit, until he and Christopher were more on the same page, I didn't like Gabe at all. He was an interesting character, but I think I would've loved him from the start if he toned down some of the pushiness.
- Christopher's hesitation to come out. At first, it made sense. He was discovering things about himself and needed time to sit with it. But after he figured it out, the fact that he chose to lie to Shane and Michael over and over again bugged me a lot. Much like Shane's attitude, it felt contrived for drama.
All in all, Unexpected was a good book though. Its a dual POV bisexual awakening love story featuring neighbors with an automatic intense chemistry. It is also an incredibly easy read and I can safely say I will be reading Joelle's next books as well. After some hesitancy from book one, this one has fully made me a fan.
** ARC PROVIDED BY GRR AND THIS IS MY FAIR AND HONEST REVIEW **
So let's start with the good:
- I loved Christopher's bisexual awakening. For once, it wasn't a character who was always straight who instantly accepted his attraction and suddenly knew everything there was to know about sex with another man. His hesitancy at certain points, especially as they crossed each new sexual threshold, was so well done. The fact that he had a slight period of confusion and the fact that he needed to take time with it? Amazing.
- I loved getting to see more of Shane and Michael from book one because they were adorable. However, there were parts I didn't like with them, but they'll be in the next part.
- The spicy scenes were amazing. They were well written and hot and I loved the hesitancy. I loved the fact that Christopher may have been a quick study, but he needed Gabe to guide him. I loved the talks about his comfort level and the communication.
- In fact the communication gets its own bullet point because this book had amazing communication between Gabe and Christopher. They talked through each hurdle. When they got into it at one point, they talked about it quickly and resolved the issue. Every time there was an issue, they talked and it made me really believe that they built the trust they did as quickly as they did.
- Both Gabe and Christopher were great characters. Characters can make or break a book for me, and they definitely made this book.
The Not So Great:
- Shane pissed me off through much of this book. He was so different than he was in the first book and a lot of it felt contrived. Like Joelle needed a hurdle and decided to give Shane a personality transplant. Given the way I loved Shane and Christopher's friendship in book one, I hated this. Also the fact that Michael was barely there for his brother and it was stated several times that he just followed Shane and went along with Shane? I was not here for that.
- Gabe at the beginning was entirely TOO pushy. I get that it was his personality but also like dude, no. I'll admit, until he and Christopher were more on the same page, I didn't like Gabe at all. He was an interesting character, but I think I would've loved him from the start if he toned down some of the pushiness.
- Christopher's hesitation to come out. At first, it made sense. He was discovering things about himself and needed time to sit with it. But after he figured it out, the fact that he chose to lie to Shane and Michael over and over again bugged me a lot. Much like Shane's attitude, it felt contrived for drama.
All in all, Unexpected was a good book though. Its a dual POV bisexual awakening love story featuring neighbors with an automatic intense chemistry. It is also an incredibly easy read and I can safely say I will be reading Joelle's next books as well. After some hesitancy from book one, this one has fully made me a fan.
** ARC PROVIDED BY GRR AND THIS IS MY FAIR AND HONEST REVIEW **
March 8, 2022
What a heartwarming read just brilliant
Firstly let me say I’ve got this book of gay romance reviews and this is me leaving my honest review.
To get the best out of this book please read the first book in the worth it series called worth the wait because that is where we first met Christopher, Shane and Michael.
Christopher went out one night without Shane his best friend because he and his younger brother Michael are in a relationship now and they spend a lot of time together. The worrying thing is Christopher always seems to get himself into some kind of trouble but Shane is there to help but he’s not there that night so what on earth could he get up to tonight?? He meets a couple at the bar called Stef and Gage, He has a couple of drinks with them and the next morning wakes up with one hell of a hangover. Then he feels a warm body beside him and hope that it’s not Stef As she was with someone else. It’s definitely not her it feels like a manly body and when he turned around for a look it is Gage. And Christopher has a huge wobble. He’s never been attracted to a man before and when he starts to remember a little bit of the night before he panics and asks him to leave.
Gage has just moved to the area trying to forget what he has run away from. His best friend Stef helped him with the move. They go to a local bar and have a few drinks with a guy called Christopher. And they had a good night together but as he helps Christopher home he’s shocked to find out that he is also his new neighbour. But things change when Christopher asks Gage to come inside for a drink. And they start to kiss. The next morning though Gage is very surprised when Christopher acts so hostile against him And make sure he knows what he’s thrown away.
Christopher is extremely confused about his actions but if he’s honest with himself he knows that he’s very attracted to the green eyed Gage. But what will he do??
Oh my goodness I could not put this book down. I instantly like Gage and already met Christopher from the first book (in the series which is brilliant.) But together these two are just brilliant the attraction the way that Gage is so patient with him is just a heart melting. Everything is at Christophers pace. It’s not just the attraction it’s their quiet times when they sit on the sofa talking or just watching telly it’s just so real.
It was also nice to see Ryan in this book which would’ve met in book one.
I could honestly have read about these two forever. Joelle has an amazing ability to draw you into her story and make you feel like you know the characters. It’s just really so good. Cannot wait for the next book in the series. For me at 10 out of 10 read
Firstly let me say I’ve got this book of gay romance reviews and this is me leaving my honest review.
To get the best out of this book please read the first book in the worth it series called worth the wait because that is where we first met Christopher, Shane and Michael.
Christopher went out one night without Shane his best friend because he and his younger brother Michael are in a relationship now and they spend a lot of time together. The worrying thing is Christopher always seems to get himself into some kind of trouble but Shane is there to help but he’s not there that night so what on earth could he get up to tonight?? He meets a couple at the bar called Stef and Gage, He has a couple of drinks with them and the next morning wakes up with one hell of a hangover. Then he feels a warm body beside him and hope that it’s not Stef As she was with someone else. It’s definitely not her it feels like a manly body and when he turned around for a look it is Gage. And Christopher has a huge wobble. He’s never been attracted to a man before and when he starts to remember a little bit of the night before he panics and asks him to leave.
Gage has just moved to the area trying to forget what he has run away from. His best friend Stef helped him with the move. They go to a local bar and have a few drinks with a guy called Christopher. And they had a good night together but as he helps Christopher home he’s shocked to find out that he is also his new neighbour. But things change when Christopher asks Gage to come inside for a drink. And they start to kiss. The next morning though Gage is very surprised when Christopher acts so hostile against him And make sure he knows what he’s thrown away.
Christopher is extremely confused about his actions but if he’s honest with himself he knows that he’s very attracted to the green eyed Gage. But what will he do??
Oh my goodness I could not put this book down. I instantly like Gage and already met Christopher from the first book (in the series which is brilliant.) But together these two are just brilliant the attraction the way that Gage is so patient with him is just a heart melting. Everything is at Christophers pace. It’s not just the attraction it’s their quiet times when they sit on the sofa talking or just watching telly it’s just so real.
It was also nice to see Ryan in this book which would’ve met in book one.
I could honestly have read about these two forever. Joelle has an amazing ability to draw you into her story and make you feel like you know the characters. It’s just really so good. Cannot wait for the next book in the series. For me at 10 out of 10 read
March 2, 2022
After the tease at the end of book 1, Worth the Wait, and what I've seen Joelle post, I've been so excited to read Unexpected, that as soon as the paperback was available I had to get it.
I absolutely adored Worth the Wait and the sweet but hot romance that bloomed between Shane and his best friend's little brother, Michael.
Now we get to see Christopher's story, and a romance that totally caught him off guard. Christopher has only ever dated and been attracted to women, but after a night out that involved way too much drinking, someone new steps into his life, and he can't seem to resist him.
Gabe is cocky and confident, and maybe a little pushy, but in all the ways that Christopher needs to accept the fact that he really wants Gabe. Something he never imagined.
Wow!! Joelle really brought the heat with this one. Gabe and Christopher are fire from page one, but I also really love those tender moments, and the understanding and how careful Gabe is to let Christopher discover more about himself and what he wants.
I loved getting to see Michael and Shane come back, and I loved seeing Shane get a little protective of his best friend. Shane and Christopher go way back and had always been super close, and now he's concerned about his friend getting hurt especially since he's in a situation he'd never been in before.
Everything about this was great, lots of heat, lots of sweet, Gabe and Christopher are perfect together, and I'm so glad we got to see their story. Well done, Joelle!
I absolutely adored Worth the Wait and the sweet but hot romance that bloomed between Shane and his best friend's little brother, Michael.
Now we get to see Christopher's story, and a romance that totally caught him off guard. Christopher has only ever dated and been attracted to women, but after a night out that involved way too much drinking, someone new steps into his life, and he can't seem to resist him.
Gabe is cocky and confident, and maybe a little pushy, but in all the ways that Christopher needs to accept the fact that he really wants Gabe. Something he never imagined.
Wow!! Joelle really brought the heat with this one. Gabe and Christopher are fire from page one, but I also really love those tender moments, and the understanding and how careful Gabe is to let Christopher discover more about himself and what he wants.
I loved getting to see Michael and Shane come back, and I loved seeing Shane get a little protective of his best friend. Shane and Christopher go way back and had always been super close, and now he's concerned about his friend getting hurt especially since he's in a situation he'd never been in before.
Everything about this was great, lots of heat, lots of sweet, Gabe and Christopher are perfect together, and I'm so glad we got to see their story. Well done, Joelle!
March 8, 2022
Christopher was a bit left to his own devices when his best friend Shane winds up with his brother Michael and he finds himself left on his own more often. He is at the bar, drinking when he meets Gabe and his friend Stefani. He thinks they are together. He thinks he is eyeing Stefani and regretting that they seem to be together but he hangs with them anyway. In the morning he realizes that he drank too much and wonders how he made it home. Flash backs start to come that indicate that he went home with Gabe and although he has never been with a guy he seems to have liked what they did together. This is unexpected for Christopher. Gabe is pushy and a bit aggressive with Christopher. He knows that he needs to be more careful as that is what landed him in the small town that he has just moved to, overstepping his bounds. Despite the fact that they are both feeling their way, they are clearly attracted to one another and there is more there than just a casual thing. I liked this couple and I liked following along as Christopher found his way into an attraction he was not expecting and Gabe learned to be patient, kind of, and hang in there while they found their HEA. Now I want to go back and read Shane and Michael's story.
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
March 7, 2022
While reading and loving "Worth The Wait", Michael and Shane's story, we get to know Michael's brother (and Shane's best friend) Christopher. At the very end of that book, Christopher seems to have a secret, and we want to KNOW EVERYTHING! This book gives us Christopher's story, and it is everything I was hoping for, from the first chapter. Christopher goes out to his usual bar, and meets Gabe unexpectedly (see what I did there?). He has only ever dated women, but their connection is too strong to ignore, and he pays attention. I love that he is so willing to explore what a relationship with Gabe could mean for him, and that those explorations are STEAMY HOT. The bigger source of angst for Christopher is how his best friend handles this huge change in everything he thinks he knows about him. Gabe also has some traumatic experiences in his past that he has to get through in order to believe he and Christopher can have it all. Overall, though, this book is fairly low angst, and we just get to enjoy these two get drawn together, unable to resist their pull to each other. Highly recommended!
March 4, 2022
This book is just like the title and I was very pleasantly surprised to find it. First of all, the 🔥 in this book is off the charts. I love a good bi-awakening, and Joelle has done this trope amazingly while adding so much heat and heart into the story.
There’s so much chemistry between Christopher and Gabe that you can’t help but want to cheer for them. There was just enough push and pull in their relationship that had me at the edge of my seat. But watching their journey of rediscovering themselves and finding their homes is what really did it for me.
I loved seeing the previous cast make appearances in this book as well. Shane shows his protective side, and we’re able to see Michael and Christopher form a better bond than they had in book one. Some other casts appear at the end of the story, and I can’t wait (praying) that Joelle writes their story as well.
Overall, it was an amazing and very spicy book. Very well written and the story execution was phenomenal as well. Can’t wait to see what Joelle gives us next!
There’s so much chemistry between Christopher and Gabe that you can’t help but want to cheer for them. There was just enough push and pull in their relationship that had me at the edge of my seat. But watching their journey of rediscovering themselves and finding their homes is what really did it for me.
I loved seeing the previous cast make appearances in this book as well. Shane shows his protective side, and we’re able to see Michael and Christopher form a better bond than they had in book one. Some other casts appear at the end of the story, and I can’t wait (praying) that Joelle writes their story as well.
Overall, it was an amazing and very spicy book. Very well written and the story execution was phenomenal as well. Can’t wait to see what Joelle gives us next!
March 9, 2022
Pay attention and read the room! Christopher, usually partied with women with his bf wingman, Shane. Now, Shane is dating his younger brother, Michael, so he's otherwise obligated. Gabe, is new to the area. He and Christopher met in the neighborhood bar one night and had a miscommunication event. Christopher, noticed Gabe. Gabe was instantly attracted to Christopher and thought he was gay. Once, they got on the same page, they got to know each other with all four eyes open. Gabe, gave Christopher space to learn and explore. Christopher, was relatively open to explore his changing sexuality, not openly, but willing to explore. The author, handled Gabe's and Christopher's relationship delicately and with grace. Very nice read. Gabe and Christopher were nice guys. The story flowed and ran hot. How deep is Christopher ready to explore? Will Gage set his baggage down? How do Shane and Michael feel about Christopher's new friend? Good story, well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 6, 2022
4.5 rating rounded up to 5
Christopher meets new to town Gabe at a local bar. They chat, drink and have fun. One thing leads to another and Christopher wakes up the next morning with Gabe in his bed. What happened with Gabe? He likes women not men……right?
They internal struggle that Christopher had was heartbreaking. He should be able to be who he wants and be with who he wants. He’s never been with a man before but he finds himself curious. Gabe is seriously the sweetest guy. He’s so patient and living with Christopher. I loved to see their relationship evolve. What will happen when Christopher’s friends and family find out about Gabe?
This was a steamy yet sweet romance. Their was passion, desire, love, acceptance, and a little conflict. I enjoyed book 2 more than book 1 and I’m hoping book 3 is even better!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/ 5
🌶🌶🌶🌶/ 5
Christopher meets new to town Gabe at a local bar. They chat, drink and have fun. One thing leads to another and Christopher wakes up the next morning with Gabe in his bed. What happened with Gabe? He likes women not men……right?
They internal struggle that Christopher had was heartbreaking. He should be able to be who he wants and be with who he wants. He’s never been with a man before but he finds himself curious. Gabe is seriously the sweetest guy. He’s so patient and living with Christopher. I loved to see their relationship evolve. What will happen when Christopher’s friends and family find out about Gabe?
This was a steamy yet sweet romance. Their was passion, desire, love, acceptance, and a little conflict. I enjoyed book 2 more than book 1 and I’m hoping book 3 is even better!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/ 5
🌶🌶🌶🌶/ 5
March 6, 2022
Enjoyed watching Christopher reevaluating who he was emotionally and sexually attracted to here and it made sense that Gabe would be the man to attract him. There were hints in book one that we had much more to find out about Gabe, and when we do in this book, the way he approaches Christopher and how he ended up in town made perfect sense. I kind of enjoyed the change in Shane in this book and it made sense for me in that his whole understanding of who his best friend was had to change and that is incredibly stressful to deal with. I think maybe he wonders a bit about what might have been if Christopher had discovered an attraction to men when they were younger, even though Shane is totally committed to and in love with Michael.
March 7, 2022
4 stars 🌟
Christopher gets his HEA ❤️ I loved it, Christopher and Gabe were everything! I adored Christopher from the first book and I wasn't sure to think about Gabe at first but getting know him and learn what exactly makes him the way he is made total sense and I ended up adoring him too. I love a good bi-awakening story and this one was so much fun.......This was sweet, sexy and a little complicated and I was so here for it. I've got to say one thing...Shane....he was great in the first book, however😡 I was so over him, I get the protective best friend BS but he was a a**hole this book...I said what I said 😉 all in all this was a good read, I'd recommend this one.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
Christopher gets his HEA ❤️ I loved it, Christopher and Gabe were everything! I adored Christopher from the first book and I wasn't sure to think about Gabe at first but getting know him and learn what exactly makes him the way he is made total sense and I ended up adoring him too. I love a good bi-awakening story and this one was so much fun.......This was sweet, sexy and a little complicated and I was so here for it. I've got to say one thing...Shane....he was great in the first book, however😡 I was so over him, I get the protective best friend BS but he was a a**hole this book...I said what I said 😉 all in all this was a good read, I'd recommend this one.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
February 25, 2022
This is the second book in a series by Joelle Lynne and I was so glad to see a book written about Christopher. I loved the first one so was excited to see this one come out. There was chemistry from the two MC's from the beginning and it was nice to walk through the sexual discovery with Christopher. This would completely have been a 5 star book if it hadn't been Shane, from the first book, he was a complete a**. This is a standalone book but I recommend reading the first as you see a lot of the characters and also it gives you some background into how Christopher was. Loved this book and can't wait to see where the series goes from here.
February 28, 2022
Lost some sleep but read this book within 24 hours of starting it. I kept wanting to see if things would work out. There is HEA. The Unexpected is that Christopher, one of the two MCs has only dated girls and finds it difficult to accept that he is attracted to Gabe. Having come out later in life myself, I could relate although when I looked back I could see signs I had nt recognized myself. There iare Interesting side stories 1) Gabe having been disowned at 16 when he came out to his parents nd 2) Christopher's best friend and his partner Michael (Christopher's younger brother. The plots intertwine quite nicely.
March 6, 2022
This title is perfect for the story and not just because of Christopher. I was shocked by how Shane behaved and Michael’s lack of reaction. Even after we got through to the end it didn’t feel right to me. My heart went out to Gabe. I’d have liked to have seen his former roommate have to pay for what he had done. I’d love to see more of both couples and Ryan and Dustin as well. I’d love to see them with someone who fits what Ryan called Gabe in that last scene. Especially Ryan. He definitely fits one part of that dynamic perfectly. I’m so glad I was able to read and review this for GRR. I would have not found this author if not for them.
March 6, 2022
This is the second book in the Worth The Wait series that follows Christopher, the brother and best friend of the MCs from the first book. Reading the first book will help with context, but it’s absolutely necessary. Christopher has always thought he was straight until he woke up with Gabe, the new guy in town in his bed. The judgement and lack of support from Shane, Christopher’s best friend was very surprising and completely different from how he was portrayed in the first book. This was a really good awaking story and I would recommend this book.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest review.
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