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Men of the First Brigade #1
Unexpected
If Tyler doesn't shut up about the woman who made a wrong turn and found herself at the NSA guard booth this morning, I just might tie him up and leave him on I-95.
Since my wife walked out, Tyler's been playing matchmaker and somehow he's gotten it in his head that the tiny thing in the huge truck is the one for me. He's clearly engineering something, because when she joins our group for Boys' Night Out again and again, I can't keep enough distance between myself and that annoying woman.
Daphne is better than me when it comes to...well, everything. She's made a name for herself professionally, in addition to marrying a Congressman. She's got a better aim, drives a bigger truck, is weirdly knowledgeable about football, and the guys love her a lot more than me. That annoys me to no end.
I don't have time for the trouble another woman will bring to my life: expectations, manipulation, guilt trips...I'm not here for any of it. But Daphne, I learn slowly, is giving me plenty of distance even when I'm not sure I want it anymore. Because she insists she wants nothing from me, and she's got her own serious issues as her marriage to the Congressman disintegrates. But I'm suspicious of her motives, because I suspect there is one thing she wants, and the last thing I'm ever doing is giving my heart to another woman.
Since my wife walked out, Tyler's been playing matchmaker and somehow he's gotten it in his head that the tiny thing in the huge truck is the one for me. He's clearly engineering something, because when she joins our group for Boys' Night Out again and again, I can't keep enough distance between myself and that annoying woman.
Daphne is better than me when it comes to...well, everything. She's made a name for herself professionally, in addition to marrying a Congressman. She's got a better aim, drives a bigger truck, is weirdly knowledgeable about football, and the guys love her a lot more than me. That annoys me to no end.
I don't have time for the trouble another woman will bring to my life: expectations, manipulation, guilt trips...I'm not here for any of it. But Daphne, I learn slowly, is giving me plenty of distance even when I'm not sure I want it anymore. Because she insists she wants nothing from me, and she's got her own serious issues as her marriage to the Congressman disintegrates. But I'm suspicious of her motives, because I suspect there is one thing she wants, and the last thing I'm ever doing is giving my heart to another woman.
339 pages, ebook
Published March 11, 2022
69 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Erin FitzGerald
33 books151 followersErin believes every story should have a happy ending and that very few characters are completely irredeemable.
She lives in the Metro DC area with her husband and two children, in a house full of pets and plants.
She lives in the Metro DC area with her husband and two children, in a house full of pets and plants.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
June 27, 2022
3.5. This is the first book I have read from the author. I read the description and it caught my interest so I signed up to read it thru Hidden Gems.
In the beginning, it seemed like the story was going somewhere. Then I kept waiting for it to go somewhere. There was a lot of unnecessary angst, some holes/story points not closed and a whiplash reconciliation. The story felt clunky. I don’t foresee reading any other books from this author. This is a voluntary review of an advance reader copy.
In the beginning, it seemed like the story was going somewhere. Then I kept waiting for it to go somewhere. There was a lot of unnecessary angst, some holes/story points not closed and a whiplash reconciliation. The story felt clunky. I don’t foresee reading any other books from this author. This is a voluntary review of an advance reader copy.
June 22, 2022
Unexpected is book one in the Men Of The First Brigade by Erin Fitzgerald. It's a story about family and finding love when you are older and have some baggage and insecurities.
The MCs, Daphne and Jack, are two people who had their fair share of heartbreak and love problems. They aren't entirely ready for love, but their friend Tyler is adamant about pushing them together. And who can blame him? Daphne and Jack have a great connection and chemistry.
Daphne is very gentle and sweet, and Jack, an ex-military, is a strong man.
There was some heat in the story, but not much. The scenes aren't long and are worded very properly. I love things a little steamier, but how the author brought it suited this story.
The road to their HEA has some bumps, making it all the more relatable. That's what I love the most about this story, it's realistic. Many people have been in the same/similar situations as the MCs and know how it feels to go through.
The story unfolds in a very true-to-life manner, it flows very naturally and reads very quickly. The character development was great, and how the MCs grew towards each other felt natural. It is a slow-burn story, which isn't my favorite, and at some point, it was a little too slow for me, but lovers of slow-burn will absolutely love this.
I enjoyed reading Unexpected, it was entertaining and made me laugh, cry and swoon. I think this is a story most romance readers will enjoy, but especially lovers of realistic stories about life and getting up when it knocks you down will love this book.
I received an ARC from the author but am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
The MCs, Daphne and Jack, are two people who had their fair share of heartbreak and love problems. They aren't entirely ready for love, but their friend Tyler is adamant about pushing them together. And who can blame him? Daphne and Jack have a great connection and chemistry.
Daphne is very gentle and sweet, and Jack, an ex-military, is a strong man.
There was some heat in the story, but not much. The scenes aren't long and are worded very properly. I love things a little steamier, but how the author brought it suited this story.
The road to their HEA has some bumps, making it all the more relatable. That's what I love the most about this story, it's realistic. Many people have been in the same/similar situations as the MCs and know how it feels to go through.
The story unfolds in a very true-to-life manner, it flows very naturally and reads very quickly. The character development was great, and how the MCs grew towards each other felt natural. It is a slow-burn story, which isn't my favorite, and at some point, it was a little too slow for me, but lovers of slow-burn will absolutely love this.
I enjoyed reading Unexpected, it was entertaining and made me laugh, cry and swoon. I think this is a story most romance readers will enjoy, but especially lovers of realistic stories about life and getting up when it knocks you down will love this book.
I received an ARC from the author but am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
August 3, 2022
3.5* ARC Review – Meet Cute that Could Be Forever
This author and series are all new to me when I received the ARC from Hidden Gems. The thing I liked most about the story is that the main characters were older and had a bit more life experience than the average romance characters. They were both in the process of getting divorced and had struggled with their first marriages. They meet and then a friend decides they are meant to be and continues to put them together. Jack and Daphne have many challenges in being together and at times I was not sure it was worth it, especially for Daphne. I thought the story could be pared down because at times I was not sure I would continue reading it.
This author and series are all new to me when I received the ARC from Hidden Gems. The thing I liked most about the story is that the main characters were older and had a bit more life experience than the average romance characters. They were both in the process of getting divorced and had struggled with their first marriages. They meet and then a friend decides they are meant to be and continues to put them together. Jack and Daphne have many challenges in being together and at times I was not sure it was worth it, especially for Daphne. I thought the story could be pared down because at times I was not sure I would continue reading it.
June 27, 2022
I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving an ARC from Hidden Gems.
It was okay. It dragged a little especially with the author constantly reminding the reader how Daphane was hurt by her ex, Hunter and how Jack was hurt by his ex, Natasha.
Jack and Daphane's relationship was unexpected. They met by chance when Daphane got lost while dropping her daughter off for her internship. A mutual friend, Tyler, kept bringing them together. The start of their friendship was rough. Jack tried to avoid Daphane as much as possible. He was emotionally unavailable but in the end his feelings wouldn't let him stay away.
It was okay. It dragged a little especially with the author constantly reminding the reader how Daphane was hurt by her ex, Hunter and how Jack was hurt by his ex, Natasha.
Jack and Daphane's relationship was unexpected. They met by chance when Daphane got lost while dropping her daughter off for her internship. A mutual friend, Tyler, kept bringing them together. The start of their friendship was rough. Jack tried to avoid Daphane as much as possible. He was emotionally unavailable but in the end his feelings wouldn't let him stay away.
August 7, 2023
MMC was a complete bore. I could not understand the attraction. All he did was punish a hurt woman for his ex’s betrayal.
Totally not worth it.
Totally not worth it.
June 3, 2024
Dnf
Could not tell u a single thing that happened in this book
Could not tell u a single thing that happened in this book
September 6, 2024
Uneven
Great ending, but characters keep popping into the plot with no introduction or backstory. Someone new enters the story and the reader has no idea why they are in it.
Great ending, but characters keep popping into the plot with no introduction or backstory. Someone new enters the story and the reader has no idea why they are in it.
April 26, 2025
Well, I'm at 66% and ready to DNF.
Pros. This author writes great. Thoroughly detailed characters. Good dialogue. Well constructed storyline (if too slow). A ton of potential to be a really great romance.
Cons. FMC is an epic doormat. She transfers her sad codependent routine from her soon-to-be ex to her sort-of, hopefully new guy well before they actually do it. BTW, that $ex scene was huh? Is he a Dom? Is he just kinda kinky? Why does he need her to read his mind and guess what $exual moves he wants next? Speaking of the MMC...he takes "damaged" to a tidal wave height. His bag of issues appears to rival Santa's Xmas Eve load. He nearly makes a career of blowing the FMC off in spectacularly humiliating ways, while she continues to throw herself quite literally on the fire. He gives her the heaven ho (again( when he discovers she was responsible for getting his sick father into a recovery program. Because he hates CHARITY.
And now, HIS manipulative ex has returned! Does he tell her to hit the road? Does he deny her entry? NO! He hands her blankets and invites her in while she clearly starts a seduction routine, then leaves to stay with friends.
Anyone can see what's going to happen next. The predictability of this story is mind numbing. There'll be an ugly confrontation between the ladies, a boatload more self-created angst, and maybe some personal realization. That wouldn't be so bad, but the mountain of angst doesn't work. It's like high school with older people.
I can live with a standard plotline. I was hoping to enjoy a great romance between two deserving adults with a lot of a heat thrown in there. Instead, there's a constant soundtrack of violins with yet another heartache-drenched reveal of some super emotional plot point straight out of an old Jerry Springer episode. The ultimate payoff of these two actually "healing" each other with True Love isn't enough to override the repeated self humiliation of constantly refusing to deal with pretty standard life issues in a mature manner.
Very disappounting.
Pros. This author writes great. Thoroughly detailed characters. Good dialogue. Well constructed storyline (if too slow). A ton of potential to be a really great romance.
Cons. FMC is an epic doormat. She transfers her sad codependent routine from her soon-to-be ex to her sort-of, hopefully new guy well before they actually do it. BTW, that $ex scene was huh? Is he a Dom? Is he just kinda kinky? Why does he need her to read his mind and guess what $exual moves he wants next? Speaking of the MMC...he takes "damaged" to a tidal wave height. His bag of issues appears to rival Santa's Xmas Eve load. He nearly makes a career of blowing the FMC off in spectacularly humiliating ways, while she continues to throw herself quite literally on the fire. He gives her the heaven ho (again( when he discovers she was responsible for getting his sick father into a recovery program. Because he hates CHARITY.
And now, HIS manipulative ex has returned! Does he tell her to hit the road? Does he deny her entry? NO! He hands her blankets and invites her in while she clearly starts a seduction routine, then leaves to stay with friends.
Anyone can see what's going to happen next. The predictability of this story is mind numbing. There'll be an ugly confrontation between the ladies, a boatload more self-created angst, and maybe some personal realization. That wouldn't be so bad, but the mountain of angst doesn't work. It's like high school with older people.
I can live with a standard plotline. I was hoping to enjoy a great romance between two deserving adults with a lot of a heat thrown in there. Instead, there's a constant soundtrack of violins with yet another heartache-drenched reveal of some super emotional plot point straight out of an old Jerry Springer episode. The ultimate payoff of these two actually "healing" each other with True Love isn't enough to override the repeated self humiliation of constantly refusing to deal with pretty standard life issues in a mature manner.
Very disappounting.
June 29, 2022
Emotionally spent!
Slowest of slow burn romance because Jack is a stubborn ass!
As an ex-military man, Jack is already closed off but as a man whose wife left him he's even more stone cold. A hardened heart to say the least.
Daphne is a fashion designer but also the wife of a politician. A typical lying cheating slimebag that puts up a good public face but is shacked up with his young side piece in D.C. She's had it and she's ready to make a fresh start.
Jack is a hard nut to crack no matter how hard his best friend Tyler tries to set him up with Daphne or how hard Daphne tries to open herself up to possibly be shattered again herself. I really want to punch Jack in the throat but then give him a big huge hug afterward.
This is definitely an emotional, tearful, and frustrating ride that will leave you finally relieved and with a smile on your face.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems.)
Slowest of slow burn romance because Jack is a stubborn ass!
As an ex-military man, Jack is already closed off but as a man whose wife left him he's even more stone cold. A hardened heart to say the least.
Daphne is a fashion designer but also the wife of a politician. A typical lying cheating slimebag that puts up a good public face but is shacked up with his young side piece in D.C. She's had it and she's ready to make a fresh start.
Jack is a hard nut to crack no matter how hard his best friend Tyler tries to set him up with Daphne or how hard Daphne tries to open herself up to possibly be shattered again herself. I really want to punch Jack in the throat but then give him a big huge hug afterward.
This is definitely an emotional, tearful, and frustrating ride that will leave you finally relieved and with a smile on your face.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems.)
January 3, 2023
1st off I need to tell you that this is the 1st book by this author I have ever read it definitely will not be the last. Once I started reading I could not stop the 1st night I read until 3 Am i couldn't put it down. I felt like this author had written this book just for me. I had so many different emotions throughout this book it was definitely a roller coaster of a ride but I would have taken this ride a million times over. Daphne and Jake were my favorite couple of all time. I do not want to spoil this book but the end had me bawling my eyes out when you get to that point you'll understand what I'm talking about. If this is how much I loved the 1st book in this series I absolutely cannot wait to read the next books in the series. There were people in this book that you were meant to hate and I hated them both there were times when I yelled at Jake there were times where I wanted to cry with Daphne And there are many times I laughed with Tyler.
May 3, 2023
I thought it was good and genuinely enjoyed the portrayal of two people who had had a rough time and were over the age of 30/40 since we don't normally see that, but I'm dropping a star because I'm very upset we don't see groveling from Jack. There was a serious issue, and it was sort of brushed aside for a quick epilogue.
It felt like some things were there just to further the plot or whatever, but were forgotten by the end. Throughout this entire book, the female lead is still technically married because her husband (soon-to-be ex) hasn't filed for divorce and she never followed through on her threat of filing by May of the next year. Things like that show the husband was just a way to either add character to the female lead or push the plot in some way.
thank you HiddenGems for the free ARC
It felt like some things were there just to further the plot or whatever, but were forgotten by the end. Throughout this entire book, the female lead is still technically married because her husband (soon-to-be ex) hasn't filed for divorce and she never followed through on her threat of filing by May of the next year. Things like that show the husband was just a way to either add character to the female lead or push the plot in some way.
thank you HiddenGems for the free ARC
June 2, 2022
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved the book it was great, the story was written well and the characters were fantastic. This story was emotional, Jack is ex military he is gorgeous strong sexy man, since his wife left him his friend tries to get him back on the wagon. Daphne is gentle and a kind lady, her company is doing really well but she is tired. All the bad boy's get together once a month, Jack's friends really like Daphne as if she is one of the guys but the special connection between Jack and Daphne have is really special after both of them have been betrayed the bond they share is sweet. Will they have their happily ever after or not can they even love again.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved the book it was great, the story was written well and the characters were fantastic. This story was emotional, Jack is ex military he is gorgeous strong sexy man, since his wife left him his friend tries to get him back on the wagon. Daphne is gentle and a kind lady, her company is doing really well but she is tired. All the bad boy's get together once a month, Jack's friends really like Daphne as if she is one of the guys but the special connection between Jack and Daphne have is really special after both of them have been betrayed the bond they share is sweet. Will they have their happily ever after or not can they even love again.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 30, 2022
Daphne and Jack both have had their share of pain and heartache when it comes to romance and marriage. Neither are ready for any new relationship, but that doesn’t stop his friend, Tyler, from trying to get them together. Both resist his efforts at first, but neither can deny the attraction they feel. Their story is filled with emotional turmoil, insecurities and bumps along the way to a much deserved happily ever after. This book definitely delivers on wonderful characters and a gripping story that will evoke tears as well as laughter and smiles.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 9, 2022
First I have to say that I was hooked on this book and had trouble putting it down. This book does have some weaknesses though. I found that their were a few plot holes, dropped plots, and some timing inconsistencies that distracted from the story. This story while being quite entertaining, hinged quite heavily on noncommunication about some really big things. Both protagonists were so focused on their own issues that they ignored or deliberately done things to trigger the others previous traumas. Overall, an interesting story that does keep the reader engaged cover to cover. *I received and ARC of this book from Hidden Gems and this is my voluntary and honest review.
March 4, 2023
This is the first in a new series, and this is Jack and Daphne’s journey. Jack is ex-military and is stubborn and grumpy, and working security. Daphne is the wife of a cheating politician, and she is a fashion designer. Both characters are in the process of getting divorced, and fate has destined them to become soulmates. This is a well written slow burn, emotional roller coaster, with challenges, friendships, humor, witty banter, and love, which leads to a realistic, steamy, and entertaining page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 17, 2023
First - this is a book everyone should read. The characters are so beautifully flawed and raw, and their attraction and friendship so well paced that the whole story feels natural, like you're in a waking dream. Our FMC and MMC are not straight out of college, so there's weight to their backstories and richness to what they bring to each interaction. Unexpected is a perfect name for this novel - it is unexpected how much you will feel when reading this - how many parallels you will draw wth your own life and thoughts - just an epic job well done Ms Fitzgerald.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 17, 2024
This was a fun overall read.
Pros:
I definitely enjoyed the grumpy alpha male character and found him to be relatable.
Daphne and Jack had good chemistry and the story line evolved well.
The book could be a stand-alone but is part of a series.
Daphne’s parents are great characters.
Erin (the author) always throws in the best one-liners and they are FANTASTIC!
Cons:
I would have liked more meat and substance to the ex story-lines as well as more about Daphnes career.
I would have liked a smoother come together of the main characters, their eventual romantic shift felt a bit rough but overall rounded out well.
Pros:
I definitely enjoyed the grumpy alpha male character and found him to be relatable.
Daphne and Jack had good chemistry and the story line evolved well.
The book could be a stand-alone but is part of a series.
Daphne’s parents are great characters.
Erin (the author) always throws in the best one-liners and they are FANTASTIC!
Cons:
I would have liked more meat and substance to the ex story-lines as well as more about Daphnes career.
I would have liked a smoother come together of the main characters, their eventual romantic shift felt a bit rough but overall rounded out well.
June 27, 2022
Daphne has moved to town to follow her politician husband career. But after arriving he leaves her for his assistant. Jack is ex military, working as security when Daphne finds herself lost and not where she should be. Her and her big truck make an impression on Jack. But he’s not interested in a relationship after his wife left him a couple of years ago. Tyler who is also working when Daphne makes a wrong turn befriends her. And is making it his mission to make his closed off best friend see what’s in front of him. This is an emotional slow burn romance.
July 4, 2022
I really really wanted to love this book. Daphne is an awesome heroine, Jack however needs a lot of work. Like he needs to get over himself. Truthfully Daphne just wants to love him for who he is and help him where he needs it. However Jack is always convinced she's doing something because he's a "charity case" or in order to hold whatever over his head in the future. Never Ever the case. It was a long winding road to a happily ever after. I received this book as an ARC for an honest and voluntary review.
December 31, 2022
Wonderfully done slow burn romance. Daphne is wonderful and just the perfect woman any man could ask for, except for the disaster that is her marriage she is working her way out of. Jack is the grumpy, tall dark and handsome man who is scarred from his own past. The author does a fantastic job of building up to these two getting together. She truly shows what it is like to be burned badly by love and being hesitant in opening up again. However, the connection she makes with these two is undeniable. I will certainly be reading the rest of this authors series!
April 19, 2024
I am consistently amazed by Erin’s writing! Unexpected had me feeling everything….anger, frustration, love, sadness, loneliness, happiness and hope.
This book talks about some hard things that most romance authors don’t talk about in their books, and that is a huge reason why I love Erin Fitzgerald’s writing oh so much! It makes the story so real and relatable.
Jack and Daphne’s story was definitely one of tests and tribulation and hurt but I thoroughly enjoyed reading them overcome!!!
Do yourself a favor and read this book like yesterday!
This book talks about some hard things that most romance authors don’t talk about in their books, and that is a huge reason why I love Erin Fitzgerald’s writing oh so much! It makes the story so real and relatable.
Jack and Daphne’s story was definitely one of tests and tribulation and hurt but I thoroughly enjoyed reading them overcome!!!
Do yourself a favor and read this book like yesterday!
May 28, 2022
Jack and Daphne are opposites in most ways, they have had their struggles in life and still do but when there pushed together by matchmaker Tyler, is this the start of something new and different, with countless obstacles in their way can they go the distance or lose the one thing that gave then hope and happiness. well written, steamy, desires, funny moments and more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 6, 2024
OMMGGGGGG !! This book had me stressed from start to finish . First book of the series . Jack was such a cocky character that it made me so angry . Especially when he knew he was good looking . Daphine had her fair share of ignorance but wound up getting weak in the knees for him . He wounded up liking her and finally gave in to his love for Daphine . What to expect when you’re in love and it’s forbidden . Definitely recommend it !
June 20, 2022
I didn't think Erin FitzGerald could come up with a more broken character than Thomas Atholton but she succeeded with Jack and boy was he stubborn about being broken. I felt sorry for him and also I felt like giving a kick in the backside to get him to wake to what he had in Daphne.
I loved this story and the side characters were pretty special, especially Tyler.
I loved this story and the side characters were pretty special, especially Tyler.
July 29, 2022
This book was a slow-burn romance. The plot was good though drawn out. Jack was an idiot. If I’d been Daphne I would have given up on Jack. He was his own worst enemy. I was glad to see them obtain their HEA. Jack finally won me over towards the end of the book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.
December 2, 2022
Jack & Daphne - where will their story go?
I'm a first time reader of Erin Fitzgerald & I was not disappointed. Jack & Daphne's story takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride. The book had me hooked from the start & I couldn't put it down until I had finished.
I look forward to reading more from the author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I'm a first time reader of Erin Fitzgerald & I was not disappointed. Jack & Daphne's story takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride. The book had me hooked from the start & I couldn't put it down until I had finished.
I look forward to reading more from the author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 27, 2022
The story delivered passion and steam in spades. Hot, action packed, hot, gritty, hot, emotional, hot, hilarious and did I mention hot?!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 28, 2022
Unexpected by Erin FitzGerald is a good, and enjoyable e military second chance slow burn later in life romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 2, 2022
A great start to this series called Men of the The First Brigade. The story flows well, the characters fit well together and have amazing chemistry. This is a new author for me and I am looking forward to read more from them and this series.
I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 29, 2022
This is the first book in the Men of the First Brigade series, it's a well-written emotional story. It did drag in places yet I found it relatable. Jack and Daphne have both been betrayed by their spouses and yet are drawn to each other. Good story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews