Unexpected Ties

Unexpected #6

by Stacy Eaton

What happens when the woman you desire asks for your trust?

Jake Taite, the owner of Safety Zone Security, is brash and quick to lose his cool. When he finds out his father is dying, Jake needs to figure out a way to let his father know he’ll be fine after he’s gone.

Alice is far from the girl next door and is never afraid to voice her opinion, especially when it comes to her boss. If only he could trust her enough to let her in.

While on a trip to Las Vegas, Jake has an idea, but can Alice handle the unexpected ties thrust on her? Will Jake be able to deal with the ties she wants to put on him?

The Unexpected Series is a steamy romance series where anything can happen and probably will. Each book in the series is a stand-alone happily ever after, or happy for now book. While they are stand-alone, the books are all centered around Safety Zone Security and the employees there. Characters from one book will continue throughout the rest of the series.

Unexpected Packages, Book 1
Unexpected Arrivals, Book 2
Unexpected Trouble, Book 3
Unexpected Storms, Book 4
Unexpected Desires, Book 5
Unexpected Ties, Book 6

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 14, 2022

About the author

Stacy Eaton is a USA Today Best Selling author and began her writing career in October of 2010. Stacy took an early retirement from law enforcement after over fifteen years of service in 2016, with her last three years in investigations and crime scene investigation to write full time.

Stacy resides in southeastern Pennsylvania with her husband, who works in law enforcement, and her teen daughter. She also has a son who is currently serving in the United States Navy.

Stacy is very involved in Domestic Violence Awareness and served on the Board of Directors for her local Domestic Violence Center for three years.

Visit her website: www.stacyeaton.com

Reviews

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start that you will need Kleenex before the end of this book! I love Ms. Eaton’s writing, but when I first started this I was unsure where this was going. I am so glad I kept reading as the story so touched my heart! Jake sure wasn’t known for his glowing personality. He was know to be an a$$ at work. I was surprised that Alice had stayed with him as his secretary/receptionist so long. I loved Alice as she was not afraid to tell Jake what she thought. Needless to say she was not happy when he made her go to Las Vegas on a business trip with him. I loved that I saw another side to him, but hated the main reason for it was because of his father was dying. I loved his father just as Alice did. I hated that Jake had to be Jake and try to mess everything up because he didn’t trust many people, especially women. I had to stop reading a few times because I was crying and couldn’t see the words anymore! The story was so good and I strongly encourage you to read the book. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alice may be attracted to her boss, but he is one of the most difficult men she knows. She considers resigning from her job at least once a day, but then something happens to make her feel she is doing a worthwhile job. Jake's hotheaded, aggressive nature, wins him few friends. However, when he visits his father, one can see where he inherited his temperament. The two men have an awkward relationship, but under their gruffness, they do love each other. Confronted with his father's impending death and his concern for his son, Jake takes the opportunity to propose to Alice on a business trip to Las Vegas, thinking she will be the answer to his father's worries. The attraction between Jake and Alice is palpable but turns out to be far more than Jake bargained for. I chuckled in places and wept in others, and was glad when Jake's father got his chance to prove his love for his son. I have enjoyed all the books in this series, so when I was offered an Advance Reader Copy of this book, I jumped at the opportunity. I know one should never judge a book by its cover, but if I had seen this cover and the implications, I would never have signed up for it. As it happens I found this novel well-written, and whilst the scenes of intimacy were steamy, I did not find them offensive. The novel comes to a sentimental and tender conclusion, with Jake and Alice building their own memories. I received a copy of this romance as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting for Jake and Alice's book.
Jake is the head of the security firm and Alice's is his assistant/receptionist. She is also the only one who can tame the beast.
When the two are together their chemistry is off the charts. And when Jake asks her to do the unexpected. She agrees to his request. And their roller coaster relationship takes off.
This story will keep you enthralled. Every member of the security firm is seen in this book.
I love the gift his father gave to him. It's something that touched him so deeply and may have lead to him truly evaluating his life and thoughts toward marriage and family.

[Xtymom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting for the book to finally learn what Jake and Alice’s story was going to be. There has always been an underlying tension between Jake and Alice at Safety Zone Security. He’s a hot head that’s easy to fly off the handle and she won’t put up with it and knows exactly how to put him in his place. But it’s more than that and everyone in the office sees it for what it is…sexual tension. Jake seems oblivious to it while Alice tries not to own up to her feelings. When Jake learns devastating news about is aging father, also is his only living family member, Alice agrees to help convince his father that he won’t be left all alone. There is an emotional journey that Jake and Alice go through together and an even more heartfelt one they each have separately with Jake’s father. This story brought me to tears at times. I loved it all!!

[Cody Smith-Candelaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed the unexpected series. I have enjoyed the back and forth from Alice and Jake in every book, that subtle look at what might be to come, so I was stoked they were finally getting a book. I was super not prepared for this one to pull on my heart strings the way it did. I expected Jake to piss me off often and he did. I did not expect to fall in love with Alice and the way she gave herself over to everything. I did not expected for the ups and downs to be so deeply emotional. Great story!! Classic in the boy meets girl, acts like a dip, doesn't communicate, almost loses the girl kinda way. hahaha It was also a perfect blending of all th other stories so that you get a complete look at the whole group. Loved it!

[Mommysuz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake is the owner of SZS and Alice the receptionist. Through previous books we have seen their relationship build. Jack is a grumpy boss and Alice is the sweetest most caring woman who knows how to put Jake in his place.  When another staff member could not make a business trip Jake tells Alice she needs to go with him.
When Jack is faced with devastating news he turns to Alice for help.  She reluctantly helps.
I absolutely loved this story and series. Fair warning, tissues are a must for this story. Oh and Alice, she is a kinky little thing. Who would have known. I just love her.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have Loved this series since book one and have loved watched the SZS family grow as one by one the fellas find their better half’s. The difference with this book is that Jake and Alice have always been there, in each of the storylines and we have seen glimpses of their attraction. Well in this final book of the series we finally finally get to see them come together and OMG what a story it is. I will warn you that you must have your box, yes box of tissues at the ready and two, boy is it Hoooooooot and a little kinky! It’s a fantastic, emotional read that really pulls on your heartstrings and I think maybe that although all of the previous reads are amazing, this one is extraordinary and my absolute favourite.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake and Alice are going to blow your minds!! A fake marriage that both want to be real!! A fake marriage is one of my favourite troupes!! What a fabulous way to end this series and tie up all the loose ends!! You will cry buckets from this story and fall in love with this couple!! I loved getting each of their points of view so i could understand what they were both feeling at the time!! If you have not read this series yet then you must go grab them all and enjoy!! You will not be disappointed...you will fall in love with all these couples and you will enjoy this last very steamy couple!! Stacy Eaton saved the absolute best for last!!

[Lynn Mullan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed this series, with each book being very different. And the last book in the series, Unexpected Ties, was certainly different. Jake Taite, the grumpy boss of Safety Zone Security, has always barked orders at Alice, his receptionist and PA. But there have been obvious sparks between them, which they both deny. But will things change when, due to other staff being unavailable, Jake takes Alice with him on a work trip to Las Vegas. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right?...
There are some bittersweet moments in this book and you will need tissues, but the HEA will have you smiling. A thoroughly good read.

[Judy Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fake marriage but with a very different story line. This is a love story, between a man and a woman, between a father and son. Also dealing with one of life's hardest losses. I smiled, I cried while reading this one. This is a great series. Well written and edited as always from this author, this will stay on my kindle for a re-read in the future. I received an ARC and am volitionally leaving a review.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake's is unusually brash with everyone. Alice puts him in his place when he needs it most. Devastating news shows a different side to him. Helping whenever she can, Alice helps him pull thru it. Love, family, friends, death...those are what life is all about. Family and memories are all that are left in the end. I cried so hard that I could no longer see the pages in the book. Very emotional read that I could not put down

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good read. Jake and Alice were complex characters that made an intriguing couple. I found it very compelling to watch two such closed off people open themselves up to love. Emotion and drama flow freely through this engaging romance and that provides quite a workout for your heart. I am volitionally posting a candid review.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow! What a wonderful endind to the Unexpected Series. If you've read the others you know that Jake is the grumpy leader and the only one who tames him is Alice. It so emotional that I teared up . Stacy Eaton is a wonderful writer and this series is phenomenal. I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a honest review.

[Coral Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake is a difficult man with a temper, but Alice can stand up to him, keep him organized, and let him know when he's gone too far. This is an emotional journey for both of them. Be sure you have the tissues handy.

[suze joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two hard headed people clash all the time. Is it lust or love? The friction is through the roof in many ways. How are they going to get along in the temporary relationship that they have struck. This one will definitely tug at your heart strings. Get the Kleenex ready.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an emotional rollercoaster of a journey these two embark on. I was completely hooked from beginning to end.

[Judy Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keep getting better. The characters love and heartbreaks will draw you closer to them. Trust will prove important for all.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Jake and Alice's story. Their's was unique to say the least. Jake and his father have a lot to work out. So many couples and children to round out the company. Excellent read with a HEA.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not the type of book I would read since it’s so racey and steamy but, since one of my favorite authors writes the series, I read them anyway with a little skipping of pages. As with all her books, the storyline is great and the characters well built. In this book of the series, we see Jake, owner of Safety Zone Security, change his character a little bit when he learns his father is dying. Jake is a control freak and cannot control this. He wants to make sure his dad knows he’ll be okay and talks Alice, one of his employees, to marry him so his father would think he’ll be ok. The problem is Jake isn't a very easy person to get along with and has a wicked temper. Alice looks like the girl next door but she certainly isn't in the bedroom. While they are at a meeting in Las Vegas, Jake popped the question to Alice to play the game as being married which included a $35,000 bonus. Little did they know, they each had feelings for each other. As the story continues, we learn that the office staff wasn’t too surprised but Jake’s father certainly wasn’t convinced. They continue the fake marriage and Alice becomes very close to Jake’s father and Jake becomes a much nicer man. Will this last after his father is gone? You’ll have to read to find that out.

[Cathy Tremblay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional , heart breaking page turner !

Oh how I waited for this story and did it ever pay off ! By the time I finished this book, I was an emotional trainwreck.
The grumpy Jake with his hot temper, fits of anger and tough exterior. No one can take him down except for the calm and strong headed Alice.
She has a way of calming the "beast".
When they both collide finally alone without their coworkers/friends ; their feelings are harder to keep hidden.
When Jake seeks Alice's help , it's a never-ending balance ; wanting her, push her away or make her his.
I felt torn apart between the two characters. Can pain , sadness and loss bring those two together or just push them far away from each other ?
I ached for Jake's loss, felt Alice's broken heart and I cried for Jake's father.
I haven't been that emotional over a story in a long time.
Sad to see this Series coming to an end but excited to see what other stories Stacy Eaton has in store for us !

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Unexpected Ties" by Stacy Eaton was a fantastic read. I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoy reading books by Stacy Eaton so I'm also happy to pay full price for her books. There is a certain comfort in knowing that you will be entertained when you pick up a book and dedicate time to reading it. Ms. Eaton does a great job writing characters that are perfectly flawed - yet you can't help cheering them on no matter what. This series has been a great read - each book is well written and engaging from the first page to the last. This one is no exception. Have your tissues handy - this one tugs on your heartstrings.
It's a great addition to your book collection.
Happy Reading...enjoy!

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story. It was nice to see Alice and Jake finally come together. But it was a hard story to read. Jake is a rather messed up individual. As I'm not interested in BDSM, I skipped any material which delved too deeply for me. Fortunately, that wasn't much: nor did I feel that I lost anything, but I'll never know. Jake's behavior, just after his father died, was almost too much for me to handle. I almost quit reading. The final chapter makes up for it in a limited manner.

Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Haunting. Romantic. Scary. Steamy. Tear-jerker. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.

I received a review copy of this book from a third party. This is my honest review.

[Mary Mutisya-Astin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally! This one was worth the wait!

Alice and Jake! Will they? Won’t they?

When Jake gets some devastating news he reacts in a way no one thought he would. He asks Alice to pretend to be his wife but when those pesky feelings get in the way life becomes more complicated for the two of them.

I loved their story and wanted to bang their heads together most of the time! This is a great ending to this series and it was totally worth the wait.

I recommend reading the other books in the series as the other characters in this book all have their own HEAs!

I read this book voluntarily for an honest review.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected... this series lives up to its name - follow along with SZS (Safety Zone Security) team - you get to know them all. Finally a book for Jake the owner of SZS. Alice- receptionist/office manager needs to "manage" the irascible Jake. words to describe this book - fun, steamy, heartwarming, and more. To say this has twists and turns seems kinda obvious given the "unexpected" in the title. This is a fun read - this is one that pulls you in and keeps you reading - like all of Stacy's books. Do yourself a favor - read this book - read the whole series. You won't regret it

[Rhonda's Reading Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is undoubtedly, one of Stacy Eaton’s best works of art. The emotions that she brings out in this book will have you going through a box a tissue. I have followed Stacey Eaton for years and her work just keeps getting better and better.
This is the last book in this series. These books need to be in series order.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alice works for Jake and loves her job. She is the only person who can seem to be able to control him during one of his temper tantrums. He yells. Throws things. And always has his staff on tenterhooks. A very busy man. A very organised woman. A father. A plan. Such an amazing story and another winner from this fabulous author.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW, just WOW! While I loved all of the books in this series, Unexpected Ties is hands down my favorite! Be prepared for an emotional train-wreck that will have you in tears! Like keep a box of tissues or two with you tears! I recommend reading the previous books in the series to get the full scope of Jake and Alice's relationship! GREAT READ!

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

The tension between Alice an de his tough boss Jake is almost visible for everyone ad them. But when Jake ask her for a very personal favour and helping him through a tough time, CAn she go along even if her heart will broke alongside? A great love story

[Josephine Zingone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series !!!

The Safety Zone Security series was fun and exciting to read I enjoyed it very much although I wish that Stacy Eaton had made the books longer but I think anyone who reads them will enjoy them

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional end to a very good series by a go-to author. I looked forward to Jake and Alice's storyline from the beginning of this series. There was such a slow burn undercurrent about these two from book one. I loved how the author finally brought them together and wow the feels in this one.