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Unexpected
Party planner Colin Brightman doesn’t drink or dance, preferring to go to bed early with his spreadsheets and lists. All he wants is to forget the singles weekend his friends sent him on, but he’s stuck with a suitcase filled with condoms and skimpy Speedos that don’t belong to him.
He doesn’t expect his luggage thief to be ex-baseball superstar Walker “Walk-Off” Scanlon. Or that Walker has hired his firm to put on a charity event at his bar. Colin can’t deny the mixed emotions the annoyingly flirty man stirs in him, but he refuses to fall for someone who racks up lovers as easily as he once hit home runs.
No matter how much he might want to.
Walker Scanlon likes his men easygoing with no complications. He’s had enough of those in his life. So why is he drawn to tense and straitlaced Colin and his frosty scowl? Even his corny one-liners and jokes don’t get him a smile. But the sparks between them are undeniable. And that unexpected kiss? Amazin’.
Now if only Colin would stop running away. Good thing Walker is fast on his feet, because he has no intention of letting Colin go.
When Colin and Walker come face to face with past hurts and betrayals, they’ll need to trust themselves and each other to learn that heartbreak and love don’t go hand in hand. It’s the bottom of the ninth and if they swing for the stars, they just might hit the grand slam of a lifetime.
He doesn’t expect his luggage thief to be ex-baseball superstar Walker “Walk-Off” Scanlon. Or that Walker has hired his firm to put on a charity event at his bar. Colin can’t deny the mixed emotions the annoyingly flirty man stirs in him, but he refuses to fall for someone who racks up lovers as easily as he once hit home runs.
No matter how much he might want to.
Walker Scanlon likes his men easygoing with no complications. He’s had enough of those in his life. So why is he drawn to tense and straitlaced Colin and his frosty scowl? Even his corny one-liners and jokes don’t get him a smile. But the sparks between them are undeniable. And that unexpected kiss? Amazin’.
Now if only Colin would stop running away. Good thing Walker is fast on his feet, because he has no intention of letting Colin go.
When Colin and Walker come face to face with past hurts and betrayals, they’ll need to trust themselves and each other to learn that heartbreak and love don’t go hand in hand. It’s the bottom of the ninth and if they swing for the stars, they just might hit the grand slam of a lifetime.
9 pages, Audible Audio
First published June 23, 2022
188 people are currently reading
408 people want to read
About the author
Felice Stevens
89 books1,717 followersFelice Stevens writes romance because what is better than people falling in love? Her favorite part of a romance novel is that first kiss…sigh. She loves creating stories of hopes and dreams and happily ever afters. Her stories are character-driven, rich with the sights, sounds and flavors of New York City and filled with men who are sometimes deeply flawed but always real.
Felice writes M/M romance because she believes that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Having traveled all over the world, she can safely say that the universal language that unites people is love. Felice has written in a variety of sub-genres, including contemporary, paranormal and has a mystery series as well.
Felice is a two-time Lambda Literary Award nominee and the Lambda award-winner for Best Gay Romance for her book, The Ghost and Charlie Muir, as well as the e-Lit gold medal winner in romance for Broken Silence.
Felice writes M/M romance because she believes that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Having traveled all over the world, she can safely say that the universal language that unites people is love. Felice has written in a variety of sub-genres, including contemporary, paranormal and has a mystery series as well.
Felice is a two-time Lambda Literary Award nominee and the Lambda award-winner for Best Gay Romance for her book, The Ghost and Charlie Muir, as well as the e-Lit gold medal winner in romance for Broken Silence.
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July 14, 2022
Unexpected is a stand alone MM romance by Felice Stevens. Once again, Felice has introduced me to characters that were so easy to fall in love with. These are two middle aged men, both with deep trust issues from previous hurts, both dealing with it in much different ways, and both inexplicably drawn to the other. They might have originally thought they were opposites but they soon learned they had a lot more in common than they realized.
Let’s start with Colin Brightman. He is forty four years old and is part owner of Pinnacle Event Planning. Colin was devastated three years earlier by his ex husband and has decided love is not for him. In the three years since the divorce, he has thrown himself into his work. He is a quiet man anyway but now he has completely withdrawn into himself, with a permanent scowl on his face. His two partners at Pinnacle and best friends decide he needs to go on vacation so they send him to a gay singles resort. Colin wants no part of all the escapades at the resort but a luggage mix up on the way home changed his life.
Walker “Walk Off” Scanlon is thirty eight years old and was forced into retirement from major league baseball with a career ending injury. Now he owns his own bar, Bases Loaded. Walker was also hurt years earlier but he treats his pain differently, by never trusting, by only having one night stands. He spends his hours working at his bar except an occasional trip away to let off some steam. Which is exactly what he had done when his luggage got mixed up on the way home.
We’ll just say Walker and Colin’s first meeting was not the most pleasant. But Walker seemed to crave the verbal sparring he got with Colin. He seemed to love to rile him up which wasn’t difficult! He had no idea why he was so drawn to him, he’d never experienced anything like it before. But he was determined to figure it out.
“Walker wanted more than a glow. He wanted fire.”
I adored these two. And I adored the impact they had on each other. Especially Colin. He struggled so much with the way others in his past has made him feel. Walker was determined to change that. And that right there is what I loved about Walker, his determination. He might have never felt these feelings before but right from the start, he was not giving up. He wanted to see where it would go and he would do whatever it took to convince Colin to give them a chance.
This is a beautiful, steamy, swoony story of two men who were searching, even though they didn’t realize it. And when they found each other, they found that missing piece of themselves they needed to be whole.
“The best things in life come at the most unexpected times.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Let’s start with Colin Brightman. He is forty four years old and is part owner of Pinnacle Event Planning. Colin was devastated three years earlier by his ex husband and has decided love is not for him. In the three years since the divorce, he has thrown himself into his work. He is a quiet man anyway but now he has completely withdrawn into himself, with a permanent scowl on his face. His two partners at Pinnacle and best friends decide he needs to go on vacation so they send him to a gay singles resort. Colin wants no part of all the escapades at the resort but a luggage mix up on the way home changed his life.
Walker “Walk Off” Scanlon is thirty eight years old and was forced into retirement from major league baseball with a career ending injury. Now he owns his own bar, Bases Loaded. Walker was also hurt years earlier but he treats his pain differently, by never trusting, by only having one night stands. He spends his hours working at his bar except an occasional trip away to let off some steam. Which is exactly what he had done when his luggage got mixed up on the way home.
We’ll just say Walker and Colin’s first meeting was not the most pleasant. But Walker seemed to crave the verbal sparring he got with Colin. He seemed to love to rile him up which wasn’t difficult! He had no idea why he was so drawn to him, he’d never experienced anything like it before. But he was determined to figure it out.
“Walker wanted more than a glow. He wanted fire.”
I adored these two. And I adored the impact they had on each other. Especially Colin. He struggled so much with the way others in his past has made him feel. Walker was determined to change that. And that right there is what I loved about Walker, his determination. He might have never felt these feelings before but right from the start, he was not giving up. He wanted to see where it would go and he would do whatever it took to convince Colin to give them a chance.
This is a beautiful, steamy, swoony story of two men who were searching, even though they didn’t realize it. And when they found each other, they found that missing piece of themselves they needed to be whole.
“The best things in life come at the most unexpected times.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
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July 1, 2022DNF. I have no one to blame but myself because I know this author isn’t for me. Adult men who act like children. Men who endlessly pursue someone who has asked them not to. Middle-aged humans who have no emotional intelligence. So much of all of this. I had a hard time with a character who works as an event planner but is essentially incapable of talking to people. I’ve worked in event planning my whole career and while some of us are definitely rat bastards, it’s not a job you can do if you can’t communicate. Yes, we love our spreadsheets, but nothing happens without a boatload of negotiation, wheedling and collaboration. This dude can’t even answer “how are you?” without his jaw clenching. Don’t read books featuring characters who do your job. It’s too frustrating when it’s poorly portrayed.
June 20, 2022
That was hard work, but in a completely satisfying way rather than an annoying one.
Felice used the narrative well to show how the actions which affect us in our childhood and youth can have lasting consequences into adult life with this slow burn, and sometimes pretty angsty, romance between two more mature men.
Walker is in his 30s, his high achieving baseball career brought short by an injury, the cause of which probably had a lot to do with him being an open gay player. This is hinted at rather than outright stated but the impression you get from Walker is that he decided to take this career changing event and turn it into a positive.
He owns a bar, he raises money for LGBTQ charities and for kids who come from less privileged backgrounds, and he's a loud and active advocate of "doing better".
But he's also hiding a deep wound, caused by those who should have been his biggest protectors and this slowly becomes apparent as the book moves along.
The other MC is Colin and oh boy did he make it hard to like him, while also having immense sympathy for how much he'd been shaped by his life experiences. He's sharp, spikey, judgemental, quick to opinion and stubborn.
But he's hiding a soft centre and his walls are there to protect a heart that's already known too much pain, which is why I ultimately fell for him as hard as Walker does.
Theirs is a long journey to happiness but it's worth every bit of the fight, the misunderstandings aren't ridiculous ones, they're the tenuous steps each man takes towards opening themselves up to being hurt again and there's obviously some stumbles along the way.
Throw in a fabulous set of secondary characters, Felice's wonderful drawing on Jewish heritage and traditions, and you ultimately end up with a believable and fulfilling romance between two men who should never work on paper but simply do.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
Felice used the narrative well to show how the actions which affect us in our childhood and youth can have lasting consequences into adult life with this slow burn, and sometimes pretty angsty, romance between two more mature men.
Walker is in his 30s, his high achieving baseball career brought short by an injury, the cause of which probably had a lot to do with him being an open gay player. This is hinted at rather than outright stated but the impression you get from Walker is that he decided to take this career changing event and turn it into a positive.
He owns a bar, he raises money for LGBTQ charities and for kids who come from less privileged backgrounds, and he's a loud and active advocate of "doing better".
But he's also hiding a deep wound, caused by those who should have been his biggest protectors and this slowly becomes apparent as the book moves along.
The other MC is Colin and oh boy did he make it hard to like him, while also having immense sympathy for how much he'd been shaped by his life experiences. He's sharp, spikey, judgemental, quick to opinion and stubborn.
But he's hiding a soft centre and his walls are there to protect a heart that's already known too much pain, which is why I ultimately fell for him as hard as Walker does.
Theirs is a long journey to happiness but it's worth every bit of the fight, the misunderstandings aren't ridiculous ones, they're the tenuous steps each man takes towards opening themselves up to being hurt again and there's obviously some stumbles along the way.
Throw in a fabulous set of secondary characters, Felice's wonderful drawing on Jewish heritage and traditions, and you ultimately end up with a believable and fulfilling romance between two men who should never work on paper but simply do.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
June 26, 2022
I really really didn’t like Colin. I don’t like characters who, because they have a hard and sad past act like the whole world owes them something (he was rude and an ungrateful asshole even to his old teacher who only helped him ) and because of that the other Mc has to prove himself to him over and over again. Walker was a sweetheart, yet he spent most of the book apologizing for his sunny and fun disposition, listening to Colin patronizing him for being “too fun and people person”. No , Colin, he should be an uptight fart like you and suck the joy and the fun out of everything, right? 🙄
I like prickly and grumpy MCs but being an asshole for the sake of it I really can’t enjoy. Walker had to beg and plead and assure and convince and beg again .. I don’t even know what the fuck he saw in Colin, a 44 years old man who acted prudish and constipated like a blushing nun. And he was very proud of himself for keeping Walker in a leash and taming him .
And also.. Coli ??? Why would someone shorten Colin to Coli??? It’s just a letter!!!!!!! I kept reading E coli for fuck’s sake..
So, no, I didn’t enjoy the book, I wanted to smack Colin and to yell at him “Your ex was right, you’re a boring and uptight old fart!” .
The only salvageable things here were Walker and that cover. How cute is that guy ??!! 😍😍
I like prickly and grumpy MCs but being an asshole for the sake of it I really can’t enjoy. Walker had to beg and plead and assure and convince and beg again .. I don’t even know what the fuck he saw in Colin, a 44 years old man who acted prudish and constipated like a blushing nun. And he was very proud of himself for keeping Walker in a leash and taming him .
And also.. Coli ??? Why would someone shorten Colin to Coli??? It’s just a letter!!!!!!! I kept reading E coli for fuck’s sake..
So, no, I didn’t enjoy the book, I wanted to smack Colin and to yell at him “Your ex was right, you’re a boring and uptight old fart!” .
The only salvageable things here were Walker and that cover. How cute is that guy ??!! 😍😍
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March 14, 2025Ewwwwww is all I could think by chapter 2 of this one. I got a deal on it and tried it on a walk, but, I'm putting it aside for now. I'll come back when I can scrub chapter 2 from my mind and try again starting at chapter 3. The meet-cute suitcase switch between Mr. Grumpy and Mr. (sleeps around) Sunshine sounds funny/fun, but...they see each other across the room at a singles resort one night, and I think Mr. Sunshine and by that point I was all 🤮 too incestuous, too much sex-with-others info, and this did NOT set up romance for me. BUT. If I can scrub my brain...I'll try again later starting at chapter 3.
I do love this author's books! Usually. Just...not the opening to this one. It was not cute. For Me! Many people won't mind a bit. Have at it.
I do love this author's books! Usually. Just...not the opening to this one. It was not cute. For Me! Many people won't mind a bit. Have at it.
July 1, 2022
I really didn’t like Colin. He had no personality other than his raging insecurities, which were exhausting. Because of that, I didn’t feel any connection between the two. There was never any push or pull, how could there be? Colin was always running away. And the parents? Too quickly resolved. 2 stars for adorable Walker and the yummy cover.
June 23, 2022
The story grabbed me from the start and clearly showed just how different buttoned-up Colin and fun time Walker might be, at least on the surface. If you're a fan of grumpy/sunshine stories you're going to love it! It's a slow-burn, emotional story as both men have some past pain they need to overcome, but it also has plenty of humor and some heat.
Colin's walls seem nearly impenetrable and he does not make it easy for the charming Walker. Walker has issues that he keeps hidden behind his gregarious, outgoing public face too. These two have both been betrayed by the ones they put all their trust in. It's a bit of a battle of wills, but someone will have to be the first to break if either of them is going to learn to trust.
It's not an easy road, Colin is one of the prickliest characters I've read, but it was well worth the read.
Colin's walls seem nearly impenetrable and he does not make it easy for the charming Walker. Walker has issues that he keeps hidden behind his gregarious, outgoing public face too. These two have both been betrayed by the ones they put all their trust in. It's a bit of a battle of wills, but someone will have to be the first to break if either of them is going to learn to trust.
It's not an easy road, Colin is one of the prickliest characters I've read, but it was well worth the read.
June 28, 2022
I wrote and posted a review and now is just.. disappeared into the thin air?? How frustrating!!
So.. my review was something like:
once upon a time I used to love ms Stevens books, then I didn't appreciate them anymore, so I haven't read anything from her in years.
The plot of this book intrigued me, so I thought it was worth a shot, and I am not disappointed.
I enjoyed the story, it has some typical tropes you can find in this author's work (NYC setting, insta love, unrealistic situations, Jewish community etc).
The mcs were likeable (i really love a prickly mc 😁), and the story kept me glued to the book, so it must be good right?
Recommended 😊
So.. my review was something like:
once upon a time I used to love ms Stevens books, then I didn't appreciate them anymore, so I haven't read anything from her in years.
The plot of this book intrigued me, so I thought it was worth a shot, and I am not disappointed.
I enjoyed the story, it has some typical tropes you can find in this author's work (NYC setting, insta love, unrealistic situations, Jewish community etc).
The mcs were likeable (i really love a prickly mc 😁), and the story kept me glued to the book, so it must be good right?
Recommended 😊
June 28, 2022
Totally Unexpected
Felice Stevens has a way of throwing everything into a pot and adding enough salt to raise your eyebrow once or twice before she adds the rest of the spices. In this one she has added something else: The perfect title.
Everything, absolutely everything, about this book is unexpected:
1) Man on the cover, Walker Scanlon, is a former mega super baseball star now approaching 40 years of age, and he is openly gay, has been forever, is a bin vivant, and in an extreme twist not only lives in New York City, where he was raised, but also played for the New York Mets. I have never read an MM sports romance where the team in question is real.
2) Man Walker is pursuing, Colin Brightman, also a native New Yorker, is a bit older, and a complete opposite personality--shut down, not trusting, paranoid and still reeling from a divorce which occurred after he discovered his husband in a very compromising position with their favorite restaurant server.
3) What turns out to be a huge surprise somewhere in the first half of the book is that both Walker and Colin are (non practicing) nice Jewish boys. What threw me is that until that time I, a nice non-practicing New York Italian boy, assumed that they were Irish because Scanlon and Colin are hardly the surname and first name you would expect from these two men who, in the end are basically saved by their Jewish backgrounds.
Really?
Yes. This is a hugely introspective, often heartbreaking, sometimes frustrating, but in the end refreshingly honest, works by Ms. Stevens, who continues to surprise us with her incredibly insightful character developments.
How Walker and Colin meet (hilarious), wind up working with each other by sheer accident, develop a fractious and often crushing, friendship and then a relationship with wild abandon is, as the title of this review states, totally unexpected.
And in the end, a home run.
Felice Stevens has a way of throwing everything into a pot and adding enough salt to raise your eyebrow once or twice before she adds the rest of the spices. In this one she has added something else: The perfect title.
Everything, absolutely everything, about this book is unexpected:
1) Man on the cover, Walker Scanlon, is a former mega super baseball star now approaching 40 years of age, and he is openly gay, has been forever, is a bin vivant, and in an extreme twist not only lives in New York City, where he was raised, but also played for the New York Mets. I have never read an MM sports romance where the team in question is real.
2) Man Walker is pursuing, Colin Brightman, also a native New Yorker, is a bit older, and a complete opposite personality--shut down, not trusting, paranoid and still reeling from a divorce which occurred after he discovered his husband in a very compromising position with their favorite restaurant server.
3) What turns out to be a huge surprise somewhere in the first half of the book is that both Walker and Colin are (non practicing) nice Jewish boys. What threw me is that until that time I, a nice non-practicing New York Italian boy, assumed that they were Irish because Scanlon and Colin are hardly the surname and first name you would expect from these two men who, in the end are basically saved by their Jewish backgrounds.
Really?
Yes. This is a hugely introspective, often heartbreaking, sometimes frustrating, but in the end refreshingly honest, works by Ms. Stevens, who continues to surprise us with her incredibly insightful character developments.
How Walker and Colin meet (hilarious), wind up working with each other by sheer accident, develop a fractious and often crushing, friendship and then a relationship with wild abandon is, as the title of this review states, totally unexpected.
And in the end, a home run.
July 2, 2022
A single’s resort is the set up in Unexpected by Felice Stevens; two very different men , one there after being tricked by his business partners because of his workaholic ways and the other there to blow off some steam. They notice each other but their paths don’t cross until there’s a mix-up with their luggage upon their return to NYC.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching Colin, an uptight even planner and Walker, an ex-pro baseball player and current bar owner as they work through their differences and plan an event near and dear to them both. They have very different personalities, but both men struggle with some baggage from their past that leads to struggles for them both.
I felt like this relationship moved at a good pace considering Colin’s issues. I loved that Walker worked to help Colin move past his hurt from before and often used humor to get him to open up. It was interesting to watch how these men grew not only as individuals but as a couple as they helped one another work through their fears and insecurities.
Filled with humor, heart, and of course some heat, Unexpected by Felice Stevens was a delight to read.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching Colin, an uptight even planner and Walker, an ex-pro baseball player and current bar owner as they work through their differences and plan an event near and dear to them both. They have very different personalities, but both men struggle with some baggage from their past that leads to struggles for them both.
I felt like this relationship moved at a good pace considering Colin’s issues. I loved that Walker worked to help Colin move past his hurt from before and often used humor to get him to open up. It was interesting to watch how these men grew not only as individuals but as a couple as they helped one another work through their fears and insecurities.
Filled with humor, heart, and of course some heat, Unexpected by Felice Stevens was a delight to read.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
June 18, 2022
It had to be love because breaking through Colin’s prickly exterior and his absolute refusal to enjoy life was a feat. One that only Walker seems able to bust through. And when I say prickly I mean porcupine hiding in a field of cacti!
Thankfully Walker likes a challenge. And when Colin realizes that Walker isn’t the wild partying playboy he thought he was, he figures out he’s not the only one that maybe needs a person to share his secrets and heart with.
Another great book Felice Stevens. It was an enjoyable read, with a lot of heart, feelings, and humor. It had a great pace, and really wonderful group of friends cheering them along.
Thankfully Walker likes a challenge. And when Colin realizes that Walker isn’t the wild partying playboy he thought he was, he figures out he’s not the only one that maybe needs a person to share his secrets and heart with.
Another great book Felice Stevens. It was an enjoyable read, with a lot of heart, feelings, and humor. It had a great pace, and really wonderful group of friends cheering them along.
June 25, 2022
What did I think?
One, that I really get Colin and how much he needed effort to trust people again after a bad experienced in a relationship. Namely Walker whom he witnessed a carefree (on the outside) and hearing Walker wanted him for a relationship and not just for fun, was kinda hard to believe.
I get it.
I'd been Colin.
Colin had been very lucky to have Walker to make him realized that one bad apple doesn't ruin the whole basket.
And Walker proved it.
It's an ordinary everyday story, but when the story gets in the hand of the right people with the same track of mind as you, it can be as beautiful as a fairy tale.
Felice knew how to make me cry. And I am rooting for Colin and Walker for what they had been through.
The writing was outstanding, the story flow made me hate people who interrupted me.
Another beautiful romance and a guaranteed happy ending.
Well done Felice, can't wait for the next adventure with you!
August 14, 2023
Walker and Colin were so sweet. There was so much trauma and hurt from their pasts that they didn’t open up to anyone. Meeting each other made them take stock of what they have and what their future could be. While there were some minor bumps in the road to figuring out what they needed, there was little angst. This was a great, feel good book. Just what I needed.
June 25, 2022
When I think of Felice Stevens, I think about all the wonderful series that she's written. But lately, she's been writing the most incredible standalones and I am totally here for it. Unexpected is her latest release and I've gotta say, it's one of her best.
Unexpected has what has to be THE most fun meet-cute ever plus the prickliest character she's ever written and a fun-loving, bed-hopping former baseball player. This is one of those books that I would've devoured in one sitting if I didn't have to work. I was completely absorbed in the story right from the get-go.
I love when a character frustrates me and makes me want to squeeze the stuffing out of him at the same time. That's what Colin did. His ex was a total tool and I hated that he let that affect him for so long. He was so set in his ways, he needed someone like Walker to shake him up. And boy did I love watching Walker push his buttons. These guys were so much fun to read, I was sorry to see the story end.
Unexpected has what has to be THE most fun meet-cute ever plus the prickliest character she's ever written and a fun-loving, bed-hopping former baseball player. This is one of those books that I would've devoured in one sitting if I didn't have to work. I was completely absorbed in the story right from the get-go.
I love when a character frustrates me and makes me want to squeeze the stuffing out of him at the same time. That's what Colin did. His ex was a total tool and I hated that he let that affect him for so long. He was so set in his ways, he needed someone like Walker to shake him up. And boy did I love watching Walker push his buttons. These guys were so much fun to read, I was sorry to see the story end.
June 21, 2022
Unexpected is a truly phenomenal read that left me with a book hangover! Colin is a party planner that lives a very boring life. His friends think he needs a vacation and sends him away for the weekend, but he’s uncomfortable. He’s not a drinker or a partier. Walker is a retired MLB player, owns a bar and lives life to the fullest, but he’s hiding things from his past. A case of a mix up of luggage brings these two into each other’s orbit. Walker wants Colin, Colin wants to be left alone.
Colin and Walker are fantastic together. Full on fun to read, plenty of steam. Sooo many freakin emotions! Grumpy vs Sunshine. I adored how Walker was willing to put in the work to be with Colin. They have a phenomenal group of friends that will do anything for them.
Overall a truly phenomenal read! Extremely well written with pacing that will hook you and not let you go. Unexpected will leave you with tear streaks and a smile on your face.
Colin and Walker are fantastic together. Full on fun to read, plenty of steam. Sooo many freakin emotions! Grumpy vs Sunshine. I adored how Walker was willing to put in the work to be with Colin. They have a phenomenal group of friends that will do anything for them.
Overall a truly phenomenal read! Extremely well written with pacing that will hook you and not let you go. Unexpected will leave you with tear streaks and a smile on your face.
June 20, 2022
This is a story that you will love and will stay with you a long after it’s been read! Walker and Colin are the walking wounded and each has issues of broken trust and betrayal in their past. Theirs is a journey of new beginnings, healing, and discovery.
As an events planner, Colin’s company is hired to put on an event at a bar owned by Walker. The first impressions Colin and Walker have of one another are so far off the mark that it’s almost comical. They come to realize there is much more to the other than meets the eye. Working together is strained at first but even early on neither is fully ready or able to give the other up.
This is a wonderful story full of feels and some angst. This was a great read that drew me in from page one and I didn’t put it down until I reached the end. As with all of Felice’s books I was a little sad to see this story end. Felice Stevens will always leave you wanting more with her great righting. I highly recommend this book for a really good read.
As an events planner, Colin’s company is hired to put on an event at a bar owned by Walker. The first impressions Colin and Walker have of one another are so far off the mark that it’s almost comical. They come to realize there is much more to the other than meets the eye. Working together is strained at first but even early on neither is fully ready or able to give the other up.
This is a wonderful story full of feels and some angst. This was a great read that drew me in from page one and I didn’t put it down until I reached the end. As with all of Felice’s books I was a little sad to see this story end. Felice Stevens will always leave you wanting more with her great righting. I highly recommend this book for a really good read.
June 24, 2022
I am always excited for a new Felice Stevens book, and who doesn’t love a grumpy/sunshine story? As always, she gives us a refreshing take on a fun trope. I loved the night-and-day pairing of easygoing Walker (free-spirited ex-ball-player masking a damaged soul behind a smile) and bristly Colin (straight-laced party planner hiding a sad past). Throw in a switched-luggage snafu? I'm here for it.
I was—unlike most, it seems—drawn to Colin. I wanted him to come out of his shell and find his happy. Of course I loved Walker too…how could I not?? So sweet. As in all opposites-attract pairings there are bumps in the road, but these two have more in common than they think.
Amid the clash, clash, clash is a strong, undeniable attraction and a bond of friendship that forms over a carefully drawn-out story that takes the reader on a very emotional ride to a well-won HEA where the two realize that (of course) the one you push away is the one you need the most.
I love this title, and though it suits everything about the MCs and their story to a tee, there is absolutely nothing Unexpected about falling head over heels for a Felice story and all its characters. Forgive the baseball analogy, but yes, she knocked this one out of the park!
I was—unlike most, it seems—drawn to Colin. I wanted him to come out of his shell and find his happy. Of course I loved Walker too…how could I not?? So sweet. As in all opposites-attract pairings there are bumps in the road, but these two have more in common than they think.
Amid the clash, clash, clash is a strong, undeniable attraction and a bond of friendship that forms over a carefully drawn-out story that takes the reader on a very emotional ride to a well-won HEA where the two realize that (of course) the one you push away is the one you need the most.
I love this title, and though it suits everything about the MCs and their story to a tee, there is absolutely nothing Unexpected about falling head over heels for a Felice story and all its characters. Forgive the baseball analogy, but yes, she knocked this one out of the park!
June 26, 2022
Felice Stevens knows how to write mature romance. She knows how to bring two men together, to build the pathway for their romance, to gather them together and to show them the way to their HEA/HFN. She understands how to build their story, to bridge differences, to show them how to share meals and create bonds in a way that is respectful, sweet and sexy.
I enjoyed Unexpected. I loved the grumpy/sunshine attraction between Colin and Walker. I liked how Colin fought the attention, denied the attraction, and how Walker slowly but surely pulled down all of Colin's walls. I like the way that their romance played out, and just how happy they both were by the end of the story.
A solid four star read ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I enjoyed Unexpected. I loved the grumpy/sunshine attraction between Colin and Walker. I liked how Colin fought the attention, denied the attraction, and how Walker slowly but surely pulled down all of Colin's walls. I like the way that their romance played out, and just how happy they both were by the end of the story.
A solid four star read ⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 21, 2022
Wow! First time reading a Felice Stevens book. This book had you interested from the start. Could not put it down. These two are opposites in so many ways but compliment each other beautifully. Colin is a grumpy, stubborn man who is part owner of a party planning business. Walker is a fun loving, ex- baseball player who owns a bar and does not do commitment.
These two meet because they grab each others luggage at the airport after they both attended a singles resort. Then have to work together for an event at Walker's bar. Walker wants Colin, Colin is closed off. Both men have issues cause of their pasts but Walker does not give up. There is plenty of steam and emotion. These two are so wonderful together. Love their story. Truly a great read.
These two meet because they grab each others luggage at the airport after they both attended a singles resort. Then have to work together for an event at Walker's bar. Walker wants Colin, Colin is closed off. Both men have issues cause of their pasts but Walker does not give up. There is plenty of steam and emotion. These two are so wonderful together. Love their story. Truly a great read.
June 25, 2022
Oh, I love me a story with older men!!! It's not common for me to regret finishing a book in one sitting but this was the case with Walker and Colin's story. Their story had the perfect mix of humor, feels and sizzling heat. I was engaged, I was invested and I was left wanting more.
I appreciated the author's efforts in bringing Walker and Colin's connection to the page. These two were as opposites as they could be, yet their attraction for each other jumped-off the page. I loved it! The bickering, the candid moments and the way these two struggled to come to terms with their yearning of something more with each other made for one sweet and fun read.
I appreciated the author's efforts in bringing Walker and Colin's connection to the page. These two were as opposites as they could be, yet their attraction for each other jumped-off the page. I loved it! The bickering, the candid moments and the way these two struggled to come to terms with their yearning of something more with each other made for one sweet and fun read.
June 20, 2022
Wow , couldn't put this down
Colin has had so much hurt in his life he just works. The only friends he has are his work partners. When they decide to send Colin on a weekend vacation he was not happy, as it was for single gay men.
Arriving back at the airport someone takes his luggage by mistake.
Walker Scanlon, an ex baseball player, went on the weekend retreat for a break and was the one who took Colin's luggage.
When they finally meet Walker is interested in Colin but Colin is so cold and prickly.
As Colin's firm is sorting out Walker's event he has to spend time with him.
Both men have trust issues, but Walker wants to break down Colin and find the man hidden inside.
Both men are what the other needs to heal. Beautiful story
Highly recommend
Colin has had so much hurt in his life he just works. The only friends he has are his work partners. When they decide to send Colin on a weekend vacation he was not happy, as it was for single gay men.
Arriving back at the airport someone takes his luggage by mistake.
Walker Scanlon, an ex baseball player, went on the weekend retreat for a break and was the one who took Colin's luggage.
When they finally meet Walker is interested in Colin but Colin is so cold and prickly.
As Colin's firm is sorting out Walker's event he has to spend time with him.
Both men have trust issues, but Walker wants to break down Colin and find the man hidden inside.
Both men are what the other needs to heal. Beautiful story
Highly recommend
June 23, 2022
I pulled an all nighter because I couldn’t put the book down, it was so good and a page turner. Yay for no ugly cries but I shed a a few tears but when I finished book I was smiling and in happy tears. The book was very low angst, steamy, snark and love of friends. Colin was heartbroken ,a grump and self conscious, which broke my heart, I wanted to hug him. Walker was the total opposite, early retirement because of injury, a flirt and a one and done until he meets Colin and he has to fight hard and doesn’t give up on him. Colin finally gives in but it’s hard for him to trust and open his heart again…. Walker also is heartbroken for a different reason but you’ll find out when you read the book. A Must Recommended Read!! 5 Amazing Glowing Stars…
June 19, 2022
This is a very sweet book with MCs who both have issues to deal with and overcome and in doing so cement their love for each other. Walker and Colin compliment each other perfectly, even if it takes Colin a while to realise it. These characters are real and raw and it’s not an easy relationship to build but they’ve found the one who makes the effort worthwhile and it’s fun and frustrating at times to watch them work to build a life together. This is a complete love story and I enjoyed every second of it and these characters.
June 19, 2022
Another amazing book by this author. Hard not to fall in love with these two broken souls who find their way to each other. Walker was a happy going person who hid his loneliness with his bar. I loved how he went out of his way, planned stuff to be with Collin who’s been hurt by an ex, doesn’t trust anyone, and he feel like he doesn’t belong anywhere. These two were so amazing together, hope we get to see them again.
July 4, 2022
4.6 stars
May 14, 2024
4.5 🌟
June 19, 2022
The past betrayals both men suffered was heartbreaking. I was glad they were both able to finally get past the pain of it all and find trust and love. I do think it was unfair and devious of Walker's parents to use Colin to get to Walker. When Colin second guessed himself and the relationship I almost lost it!! The end of the story is so full of selfless acts that made me burst with happiness.
June 20, 2022
This book was a perfect blend of romance, sweet and tear jerking. Walker and Colin had gone through alot and both had trust issues. Throughout the book they had a pull to eachother even though they didn't want to they both fell hard. I loved this book. It was hard to out it down.
July 3, 2022
Sunshine/grump romance with a good mix of humor and emotion
A luggage mix-up at the airport brings together serious and stubborn event planner Colin with upbeat and fun-loving retired baseball star and bar owner Walker. Walker isn’t looking for a serious relationship, but there’s something about Colin that makes him keep trying to break through his defenses. Walker’s persistence and determination pay off and as the two men spend more time together they realize they might have more in common than they first thought.
When I start a Felice Stevens book I know I’m in for some humor, some steam, and a lot of emotion. I think that’s what I love best about her books. The men she writes usually have something from their past that is holding them back from being happy (okay, I guess that’s kind of all romance novels, but Felice is just so good at it!) and I love watching them come to terms with their issues and get out of their own way and find love. I loved Walker and Colin together, they were such a fun sunshine/grump pairing. Walker was just delightful; generous and kind, always smiling, laughing, and joking, but with some past betrayals that he thinks he’s buried deep, but are still affecting his relationships in a big way. I couldn’t help but feel for Colin too, betrayed and heartbroken by his ex-husband, completely closed off to his emotions, burying himself in his work so he doesn’t have to think about his lonely life. I loved that Walker went from just trying to push Colin’s buttons to get a rise out of him, to just wanting to spend more time with him, to realizing maybe he might actually want more with him.
I thought the side characters were great too. Both guys are Jewish (non-practicing) and Walker has regular dinners with a rabbi and his wife that he’s friends with and I loved that part of the book. It was nice that Walker had that relationship with this sweet older couple, as well as a close friendship with an old coach of his, since he did not have a good relationship with his parents and hadn’t spoken to them for years. Walker and Colin both had other good friends that were written well.
I really enjoyed watching Colin and Walker’s romance unfold and end with a sweet HEA.. I recommend this to fans of sunshine/grump, opposites attract romances.
A luggage mix-up at the airport brings together serious and stubborn event planner Colin with upbeat and fun-loving retired baseball star and bar owner Walker. Walker isn’t looking for a serious relationship, but there’s something about Colin that makes him keep trying to break through his defenses. Walker’s persistence and determination pay off and as the two men spend more time together they realize they might have more in common than they first thought.
When I start a Felice Stevens book I know I’m in for some humor, some steam, and a lot of emotion. I think that’s what I love best about her books. The men she writes usually have something from their past that is holding them back from being happy (okay, I guess that’s kind of all romance novels, but Felice is just so good at it!) and I love watching them come to terms with their issues and get out of their own way and find love. I loved Walker and Colin together, they were such a fun sunshine/grump pairing. Walker was just delightful; generous and kind, always smiling, laughing, and joking, but with some past betrayals that he thinks he’s buried deep, but are still affecting his relationships in a big way. I couldn’t help but feel for Colin too, betrayed and heartbroken by his ex-husband, completely closed off to his emotions, burying himself in his work so he doesn’t have to think about his lonely life. I loved that Walker went from just trying to push Colin’s buttons to get a rise out of him, to just wanting to spend more time with him, to realizing maybe he might actually want more with him.
I thought the side characters were great too. Both guys are Jewish (non-practicing) and Walker has regular dinners with a rabbi and his wife that he’s friends with and I loved that part of the book. It was nice that Walker had that relationship with this sweet older couple, as well as a close friendship with an old coach of his, since he did not have a good relationship with his parents and hadn’t spoken to them for years. Walker and Colin both had other good friends that were written well.
I really enjoyed watching Colin and Walker’s romance unfold and end with a sweet HEA.. I recommend this to fans of sunshine/grump, opposites attract romances.
July 22, 2022
Unexpected is an MM Contemporary Romance with a HEA. Standalone. Feel good, Sweet and cute, Opposites Attract, Sports, Hurt-Comfort.
2POV, 3rd person, past tense. This kindle edition 288 pages, 23rd June 2022.
It was a good read. It felt lovely. It was emotional and "a real story, a real romance". It had angst but not too much. It had hurt-comfort, but not too much of that either. Sweet and cute element was there and that's always lovely and irresistible for me. It has a very well-written combo to my taste and it has depth. A successful mix of things that works for me.
Warmly recommended!
2POV, 3rd person, past tense. This kindle edition 288 pages, 23rd June 2022.
It was a good read. It felt lovely. It was emotional and "a real story, a real romance". It had angst but not too much. It had hurt-comfort, but not too much of that either. Sweet and cute element was there and that's always lovely and irresistible for me. It has a very well-written combo to my taste and it has depth. A successful mix of things that works for me.
Warmly recommended!
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