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Murphy's Law #1
Unexpected
Sometimes it’s the people closest to you that hurt you the most. And when that’s the case, no one is safe.
Hazel Cooper’s life is everything she ever imagined. She has the man, the house, the ring. But even after living in Austin, TX, for several years, it still doesn’t feel like home. With her fiancé, Michael, gone more often than not, and with her family states away, Hazel finds herself secluded and alone in a city that still feels strange.
The life and the man she thought she wanted no longer look, or feel, as promising as they once did.
But she’s not completely alone. Her neighbor, Luke Shepherd, with his dark hair, six and a half foot frame, and sleeves of tattoos, knows something is amiss, yet seems to have a knack for making Hazel’s life extraordinarily difficult. They’ve butted heads for years, and being neighbors, their lives feel closer than either of them would prefer.
But it only takes one look through Hazel’s bedroom window at the wrong—or right—time for Luke to witness something that changes everything.
With one look, the secrets Hazel has craftily hidden are quickly revealed. And even with the best of intentions, Luke’s help—and his own tumultuous past—could leave her in life-threatening danger.
Hazel Cooper’s life is everything she ever imagined. She has the man, the house, the ring. But even after living in Austin, TX, for several years, it still doesn’t feel like home. With her fiancé, Michael, gone more often than not, and with her family states away, Hazel finds herself secluded and alone in a city that still feels strange.
The life and the man she thought she wanted no longer look, or feel, as promising as they once did.
But she’s not completely alone. Her neighbor, Luke Shepherd, with his dark hair, six and a half foot frame, and sleeves of tattoos, knows something is amiss, yet seems to have a knack for making Hazel’s life extraordinarily difficult. They’ve butted heads for years, and being neighbors, their lives feel closer than either of them would prefer.
But it only takes one look through Hazel’s bedroom window at the wrong—or right—time for Luke to witness something that changes everything.
With one look, the secrets Hazel has craftily hidden are quickly revealed. And even with the best of intentions, Luke’s help—and his own tumultuous past—could leave her in life-threatening danger.
598 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2022
125 people are currently reading
1350 people want to read
About the author
Grace Turner
8 books71 followersGrace Turner lives in Houston, Texas with her husband and two rambunctious pups and has a revolving door full of friends and family always visiting. By day, she works as a lowly paralegal, and by night she reads, writes, and breathes contemporary romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
October 8, 2022
Fun and fast-paced, Unexpected is everything I look for in a contemporary novel!
DISCLAIMER: I was wary initially of this novel because I DO NOT DO cheating. However, rest assured, this is not a cheating novel. And I am so glad I was given a chance to read it early!
This story follows Hazel as she heals from some very real (and active trauma) and Luke, her grumpy (but still protective) next-door neighbor. The chemistry between Hazel and Luke was seriously HOT. AND BOY, CAN MS. TURNER WRITE DIRTY TALK. I was blushing.
More than just the romance, however, the characters felt real. Hazel and Luke were the perfect blend of mature and crazy about each other.
There was also a mystery subplot that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time!!! If you like a bit more substance than "just romance,"--the thriller aspect of this novel definitely delivers. The ending left me wanting MORE.
Another stand out of this was the side characters! I loved the sneak peek into the lives of the people around Hazel and Luke. The group dynamic had a nostalgic feel, and I particularly liked Josh (I hope to see more of him in the future).
Overall a strong debut novel. I can't wait to see what else this author has in store.
***ARC in exchange for an honest review***
DISCLAIMER: I was wary initially of this novel because I DO NOT DO cheating. However, rest assured, this is not a cheating novel. And I am so glad I was given a chance to read it early!
This story follows Hazel as she heals from some very real (and active trauma) and Luke, her grumpy (but still protective) next-door neighbor. The chemistry between Hazel and Luke was seriously HOT. AND BOY, CAN MS. TURNER WRITE DIRTY TALK. I was blushing.
More than just the romance, however, the characters felt real. Hazel and Luke were the perfect blend of mature and crazy about each other.
There was also a mystery subplot that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time!!! If you like a bit more substance than "just romance,"--the thriller aspect of this novel definitely delivers. The ending left me wanting MORE.
Another stand out of this was the side characters! I loved the sneak peek into the lives of the people around Hazel and Luke. The group dynamic had a nostalgic feel, and I particularly liked Josh (I hope to see more of him in the future).
Overall a strong debut novel. I can't wait to see what else this author has in store.
***ARC in exchange for an honest review***
October 9, 2023
This book was wayyyy longer than it needed to be, I literally skimmed the last 30%. The beginning was pretty good but everything happened so fast, she literally divorced her abusive husband and then immediately starting dating Luke all in the span of a week or two. Like what??? She didn’t take time to heal at all it seemed so unrealistic and she kept saying to him she wanted to go slow and then 5 mins later they’re fucking on the kitchen table 😭😭 it just made no sense at all
September 20, 2022
2.5☆
First and foremost, when reading the synopsis, I thought this was a cheating book between neighbors but its not. So lets be clear, there's more going on, heavy topics, things that didn't catch me off guard, at least not that much.
Now that is out of the way, Unexpected is the first in The Murphy's Law Series, debut novel to Grace Turner. It's a story about the unexpected, how one can find heartbreak, love, tragedy even when everything seems to go well or when you're not looking for it.
Slight spoilers ahead.
The story starts off with Hazel stimulating an orgasm in front of noisy neighbor Luke who she hates because of the constant parties and the fact that, Sadie, his dog keeps running out of his house and to hers. They have been neighbors for two years, they barely talk to eachother unless is to complain and yell, they know nothing of eachother, complete strangers and hate eachother for no absolute reason.
What follows is the same patter until one night, Luke sees through her window and catches a mark that shouldn't be there. He starts thinking, watching, spending more time with her, liking her. (I thought it would be a slow burn after all Hazels been through but it's not.)
When Hazels fiancee, Michael, comes back, things go downhill after he sees Luke- without a shirt- with Hazel and well snaps. He gets jealous and not only confesses that he has cheated but also hits her. He hits her and because it's worse than the previous times, she finally walks away but not before cleaning her whole house of all the evidence.
If I'm correct, 50% of the book happens in one month, maybe less (2 weeks maybe) In that many weeks, she leaves him, moves out, gets an apartment, starts seeing Luke, kisses him, gives him a blowjob that if I'm being honest, felt forced.
The rest of the book is just drama. From Michael to Valerie (Luke's crazy ex wife.) To ex's and who not. Its them trying to be together and keep the bad away.
I tried to like this book, the writing I could excuse- it wasn't bad but there are things that dont make sense, which throw off the timeline. Things seem to happen very fast and without much of a reason- but it just didn't click. I didn't feel the chemistry between the characters or even like the characters that much.
Hazel is supposed to be this spitfire, stubborn and quirky person but I just didn't see it.
Luke, he had problems. Like seriously, he has anger issues because of his past, not only because of his ex but his parents too. His thoughts were a bit off from the beginning and even after. I didn't even know him, who he was. Hazel kept describing him as big and tall and dark with tattoos.
Honestly, I didn't feel the characters at all.
To other matter, Sadie, the dog, seemed to have no purpose but to get these two together. All she did was run away and sleep. Josh, Luke's brother, just like a therapist. It's the same for Delilah, Hazels sister. Everyone.
Almost every single character felt too basic. Not well put together.
By the 70% mark I was going to give up, especially with the dirty talk and sex scenes. It wasn't that I was uncomfortable just that, it felt unnecessary. But I read/skimmed it because I cant leave a book unfinished.
In the end, it was an okay story. Writing was manageable. Plot okay. It did take me a while to get through this book and honestly, it could have been shorted.
One thing is that, Ms. Turner did handle the topic of DV well, slightly.
Unexpected is a dual POV, deals with heavy subjects such as Sexual Assault. Domestic Violence. Abuse. Cheating. Kidnaping.
E-arc provided by NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours, thank you.
First and foremost, when reading the synopsis, I thought this was a cheating book between neighbors but its not. So lets be clear, there's more going on, heavy topics, things that didn't catch me off guard, at least not that much.
Now that is out of the way, Unexpected is the first in The Murphy's Law Series, debut novel to Grace Turner. It's a story about the unexpected, how one can find heartbreak, love, tragedy even when everything seems to go well or when you're not looking for it.
Slight spoilers ahead.
The story starts off with Hazel stimulating an orgasm in front of noisy neighbor Luke who she hates because of the constant parties and the fact that, Sadie, his dog keeps running out of his house and to hers. They have been neighbors for two years, they barely talk to eachother unless is to complain and yell, they know nothing of eachother, complete strangers and hate eachother for no absolute reason.
What follows is the same patter until one night, Luke sees through her window and catches a mark that shouldn't be there. He starts thinking, watching, spending more time with her, liking her. (I thought it would be a slow burn after all Hazels been through but it's not.)
When Hazels fiancee, Michael, comes back, things go downhill after he sees Luke- without a shirt- with Hazel and well snaps. He gets jealous and not only confesses that he has cheated but also hits her. He hits her and because it's worse than the previous times, she finally walks away but not before cleaning her whole house of all the evidence.
If I'm correct, 50% of the book happens in one month, maybe less (2 weeks maybe) In that many weeks, she leaves him, moves out, gets an apartment, starts seeing Luke, kisses him, gives him a blowjob that if I'm being honest, felt forced.
The rest of the book is just drama. From Michael to Valerie (Luke's crazy ex wife.) To ex's and who not. Its them trying to be together and keep the bad away.
I tried to like this book, the writing I could excuse- it wasn't bad but there are things that dont make sense, which throw off the timeline. Things seem to happen very fast and without much of a reason- but it just didn't click. I didn't feel the chemistry between the characters or even like the characters that much.
Hazel is supposed to be this spitfire, stubborn and quirky person but I just didn't see it.
Luke, he had problems. Like seriously, he has anger issues because of his past, not only because of his ex but his parents too. His thoughts were a bit off from the beginning and even after. I didn't even know him, who he was. Hazel kept describing him as big and tall and dark with tattoos.
Honestly, I didn't feel the characters at all.
To other matter, Sadie, the dog, seemed to have no purpose but to get these two together. All she did was run away and sleep. Josh, Luke's brother, just like a therapist. It's the same for Delilah, Hazels sister. Everyone.
Almost every single character felt too basic. Not well put together.
By the 70% mark I was going to give up, especially with the dirty talk and sex scenes. It wasn't that I was uncomfortable just that, it felt unnecessary. But I read/skimmed it because I cant leave a book unfinished.
In the end, it was an okay story. Writing was manageable. Plot okay. It did take me a while to get through this book and honestly, it could have been shorted.
One thing is that, Ms. Turner did handle the topic of DV well, slightly.
Unexpected is a dual POV, deals with heavy subjects such as Sexual Assault. Domestic Violence. Abuse. Cheating. Kidnaping.
E-arc provided by NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours, thank you.
February 8, 2024
Expect the unexpected (IYKYK) is the perfect saying for this book because the beginning of the story had my attention immediately and the spice was good! However, when the plot changed focus from the MFC’s ex-fiancé to Luke’s ex-wife I felt like it took away from the beginning of the plot. The story still had drama but from how the book started with her ex-fiancé and their DV relationship I thought we would see more from that character and her. The book was also WAY too long when it didn’t need to be. I am excited for the second & third books though!
September 19, 2022
QOTD: Do you know your neighbors?
My A: Nope!
.
Unexpected was the perfect for this book, because it truly was unexpected. I went into this totally blind. I’d requested it on NG awhile back and by this point had forgotten the blurb. I decided to just jump in, which, apparently, meant skipping the content warnings. So I want to put this here first.
READ THE CONTENT WARNINGS! This deals heavily with domestic violence, including direct scenes of DV, not just memories or side conversations. This obviously surprised me. I’d just finished reading Pint Of Convention but Susannah Nix, also a neighbors romance, and they couldn’t have been more different. I guess going into this, I thought it was going to be a lot lighter than it was so just a heads up!
.
All that aside, I really liked this book!! It took me no time to switch gears and dive into Hazel & Luke’s story. I loved Luke, the perfect example of a book boyfriend! I was anxious to discover Hazel’s secrets, even if I had a sinking feeling I already knew, and I thought that Grace Turner wrote Hazel’s story with care. DV is never an easy topic to read or write about, but I think she handled it well!
My A: Nope!
.
Unexpected was the perfect for this book, because it truly was unexpected. I went into this totally blind. I’d requested it on NG awhile back and by this point had forgotten the blurb. I decided to just jump in, which, apparently, meant skipping the content warnings. So I want to put this here first.
READ THE CONTENT WARNINGS! This deals heavily with domestic violence, including direct scenes of DV, not just memories or side conversations. This obviously surprised me. I’d just finished reading Pint Of Convention but Susannah Nix, also a neighbors romance, and they couldn’t have been more different. I guess going into this, I thought it was going to be a lot lighter than it was so just a heads up!
.
All that aside, I really liked this book!! It took me no time to switch gears and dive into Hazel & Luke’s story. I loved Luke, the perfect example of a book boyfriend! I was anxious to discover Hazel’s secrets, even if I had a sinking feeling I already knew, and I thought that Grace Turner wrote Hazel’s story with care. DV is never an easy topic to read or write about, but I think she handled it well!
September 23, 2022
(4.5/5)
I LOVED that this is a long story and the author took the time and care to describe both past and present facts that were relevant to the story at the right time (I had chipped all my nail polish off towards the end 🙈).
Hazel is a strong Female Lead, and not gonna lie, I found it extremely tough to read through some of her scenes because her shinning aura came through the scenes.
Then we have Luke... 💀 I'm just gonna say it: everybody should have someone like Luke in their lives. Chivalrous, charismatic, sure of himself, understanding and very aware of everything Hazel might be feeling during difficult times.
The story line is a very clear Enemies to Lovers (even though we don't get to see many interactions of the MCs as enemies, which didn't bother me too much) with a touch of suspense and a few unexpected turns that had my jaw on the floor.
AND THE STEAM 🥵
Their dynamic is really good, and believe me when I say that you'll never think of your neighbour's window the same way again 👀
This is a spoiler-free review, but let me know if you want any more details once the book is released 🖤
I LOVED that this is a long story and the author took the time and care to describe both past and present facts that were relevant to the story at the right time (I had chipped all my nail polish off towards the end 🙈).
Hazel is a strong Female Lead, and not gonna lie, I found it extremely tough to read through some of her scenes because her shinning aura came through the scenes.
Then we have Luke... 💀 I'm just gonna say it: everybody should have someone like Luke in their lives. Chivalrous, charismatic, sure of himself, understanding and very aware of everything Hazel might be feeling during difficult times.
The story line is a very clear Enemies to Lovers (even though we don't get to see many interactions of the MCs as enemies, which didn't bother me too much) with a touch of suspense and a few unexpected turns that had my jaw on the floor.
AND THE STEAM 🥵
Their dynamic is really good, and believe me when I say that you'll never think of your neighbour's window the same way again 👀
This is a spoiler-free review, but let me know if you want any more details once the book is released 🖤
October 29, 2022
Very good read. If I had more time, I definitely would have finished this in like two days. I loved Hazel and Luke’s story (and spice) so much. There were some parts (aka Valerie) that were kinda dramatic, but let’s be real… I’m here for the drama… sign me up to read the next in the series!
🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️
January 14, 2025
There was nothing to not love about this book. The main characters were broken but healing each other, the plot was amazing and the book is very well structured to be called a debut book.
Luke is an absolute gentleman (apart from his fighting habits, which is understandable why he did it). Hazel is the sweetest woman anyone could find. Really adored the book and it's worth the time.
I read Unbroken before this book and to be honest, after reading about Blakely first, it gave too much insight about her life. If a person reads in the reading order, they would consider Blakely to be a cruel villain but those who know what she's been through via her book, they would understand why she did it.
My heart cried for her in this book.
Luke is an absolute gentleman (apart from his fighting habits, which is understandable why he did it). Hazel is the sweetest woman anyone could find. Really adored the book and it's worth the time.
I read Unbroken before this book and to be honest, after reading about Blakely first, it gave too much insight about her life. If a person reads in the reading order, they would consider Blakely to be a cruel villain but those who know what she's been through via her book, they would understand why she did it.
My heart cried for her in this book.
June 18, 2025
Holy WOW! For a debut novel, I was highly impressed! DV is a big topic in this book and I feel like Turner executed it very well. The romance, the suspense, the topics…all flowed wonderfully.
September 10, 2022
I might be slightly biased, but I think it’s pretty great.
April 3, 2024
This was my first Grace Turner book and I was NOT disappointed. It had bits of everything I look for in a good story and the spice was just perfect. 🔥🥵
Hazel and Luke are goals
Hazel and Luke are goals
September 11, 2024
3.5
This is book one in the Murphy’s Law series, and Grace Turner’s debut novel.
Told in dual pov, we meet Luke and Hazel who started out as neighbours with what they called witty/sassy dynamics stemming from late night house parties and a golden retriever dog that liked to find herself in the neighbouring yard all too often.
Although they’ve been neighbours for a couple of years with bedroom windows that are far too close in distance, it’s not until recently that they’ve realized that maybe they’ve misjudged each other too quickly.
He’s a veterinarian living with his brother, and she’s an aspiring romance writer who just ended her long term engagement. Both have difficult pasts and relationships that weren’t healthy, but they soon form a relationship together.
This story deals with difficult themes of domestic violence, physical abuse, sexual assault, and instances that included manipulation, gaslighting, isolation, being cheated on, stalking, kidnapping, and being held at gunpoint.
As a whole, I thought this was written well (albeit a bit long) and that Luke had the necessary experience from his past to be able to adequately handle being a reliable person for Hazel to turn to without ever overstepping boundaries.
I did find that they got together a bit quickly considering everything, but I guess that’s forced proximity for you.
I was also surprised at how easily Michael (the ex fiancé) left the story given how possessive he was as a character.
Some dialogue at times could have been better, for example, they would say “we weren’t having sex / we haven’t even had sex” when it should have specified that it wasn’t penetration since they were in fact quite intimate in other ways.
There was a lot of baggage and I’m not sure how in depth the plot line for Becky and her child really had to be since Hazel and Luke had a lot to deal with already.
Lastly, having nearly every single character that interacted with either Hazel or Luke from the opposite sex being overly interested with a lustrous gaze just wasn’t my cup of tea. One person is fine, but every single person that walks into the room? The movers, the leasing agent, the vet employee, the neighbour Chris…
This is book one in the Murphy’s Law series, and Grace Turner’s debut novel.
Told in dual pov, we meet Luke and Hazel who started out as neighbours with what they called witty/sassy dynamics stemming from late night house parties and a golden retriever dog that liked to find herself in the neighbouring yard all too often.
Although they’ve been neighbours for a couple of years with bedroom windows that are far too close in distance, it’s not until recently that they’ve realized that maybe they’ve misjudged each other too quickly.
He’s a veterinarian living with his brother, and she’s an aspiring romance writer who just ended her long term engagement. Both have difficult pasts and relationships that weren’t healthy, but they soon form a relationship together.
This story deals with difficult themes of domestic violence, physical abuse, sexual assault, and instances that included manipulation, gaslighting, isolation, being cheated on, stalking, kidnapping, and being held at gunpoint.
As a whole, I thought this was written well (albeit a bit long) and that Luke had the necessary experience from his past to be able to adequately handle being a reliable person for Hazel to turn to without ever overstepping boundaries.
I did find that they got together a bit quickly considering everything, but I guess that’s forced proximity for you.
I was also surprised at how easily Michael (the ex fiancé) left the story given how possessive he was as a character.
Some dialogue at times could have been better, for example, they would say “we weren’t having sex / we haven’t even had sex” when it should have specified that it wasn’t penetration since they were in fact quite intimate in other ways.
There was a lot of baggage and I’m not sure how in depth the plot line for Becky and her child really had to be since Hazel and Luke had a lot to deal with already.
Lastly, having nearly every single character that interacted with either Hazel or Luke from the opposite sex being overly interested with a lustrous gaze just wasn’t my cup of tea. One person is fine, but every single person that walks into the room? The movers, the leasing agent, the vet employee, the neighbour Chris…
December 29, 2023
Hazel and Luke navigate how to build a relationship together while each working to reconcile with their own traumatic pasts. I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamics of the story as it never felt stagnant or too low stakes. I was also pleasantly surprised that this held my attention the entire time with us being as long as it is for a romance. The last 100 pages had me on the edge of my seat!
September 20, 2022
Unexpected is Grace Turner’s debut novel and the first in The Murphy’s Law Series. It follows Hazel and her neighbor Luke. They have been neighbors for two years and have butted heads the entire time. That’s until they get to know each other and one night Luke sees something Hazel has been trying to keep hidden.
Slight spoilers ahead.
The author has listed the trigger warnings in the book, which I appreciate, but I would like to also add it to this review since this book deals with the heavy topic of domestic violence. Domestic violence is a topic that is hard to write well and do justice, since it deals with a lot of complexities. But I think that Grace did a good job with that.
This book is hard for me to rate, especially since it’s a debut novel. It really shows that Grace put a lot of time, care and heart into this book. The blurb had me really excited about reading and it has a lot of potential. But I feel it could have benefitted from a second round of editing. The writing in itself is good, just overly descriptive and there are some inconsistencies throughout the story. This throws of the flow of the book and the timeline. At multiple points I found myself confused and needing to reread. Because of the very descriptive writing the book was also longer than it needed to be.
Luke and Hazel were both likeable characters and their chemistry was believable. I really liked their interactions and how caring Luke was towards Hazel. I love that, even though they were still just neighbors at this point, he speaks up about the violence happening in Hazels home. Given his own past this felt very believable. He was very patient with her she really deserved that. I did feel things moved rather quickly between them considering what Hazel had just been through.
There was a lot of drama thrown at them on top of an already heavy storyline. I think the story could have done without that.
Overall this was an enjoyable read and I look forward to seeing Grace’s writing evolve in the rest of the series.
Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Slight spoilers ahead.
The author has listed the trigger warnings in the book, which I appreciate, but I would like to also add it to this review since this book deals with the heavy topic of domestic violence. Domestic violence is a topic that is hard to write well and do justice, since it deals with a lot of complexities. But I think that Grace did a good job with that.
This book is hard for me to rate, especially since it’s a debut novel. It really shows that Grace put a lot of time, care and heart into this book. The blurb had me really excited about reading and it has a lot of potential. But I feel it could have benefitted from a second round of editing. The writing in itself is good, just overly descriptive and there are some inconsistencies throughout the story. This throws of the flow of the book and the timeline. At multiple points I found myself confused and needing to reread. Because of the very descriptive writing the book was also longer than it needed to be.
Luke and Hazel were both likeable characters and their chemistry was believable. I really liked their interactions and how caring Luke was towards Hazel. I love that, even though they were still just neighbors at this point, he speaks up about the violence happening in Hazels home. Given his own past this felt very believable. He was very patient with her she really deserved that. I did feel things moved rather quickly between them considering what Hazel had just been through.
There was a lot of drama thrown at them on top of an already heavy storyline. I think the story could have done without that.
Overall this was an enjoyable read and I look forward to seeing Grace’s writing evolve in the rest of the series.
Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 27, 2022
Unexpected by @graceturnerauthor was… wait for it … an Unexpected surprise.
#seewhatIdidthere lol
When I read ARC’s, I try to go in with no expectations what so ever so this was a decent read.
I’m always interested to read a book that has characters that have traumatic pasts. Unexpected is the first book in the Murphy’s Law series.
✨
The book follows Grace, who is engaged to Michael. All up they’ve been together for 10 years and their wedding keeps being put off because Michael is always out of town. They have been living for the past 2 years in a suburban home next door to a loud, grumpy neighbour called Luke who also lives with his brother. The only interactions that Grace and Luke have had are when Grace storms into Luke’s house to tell him off about the loud party music or when his dog Sadie ends up on her side of the fence.
What Luke doesn’t know is that Grace and Michael’s relationship isn’t exactly the perfect relationship that Grace makes it out to be. Having bedroom windows that are directly across from each other, Luke one day sees Grace covered is faded bruises. Having a personal history with domestic violence he takes it upon himself to make sure Grace is okay and their friendship begins. This triggers memories from his own trauma and when someone returna from his past, Luke must battle his own demons as they start to affect his relationship with Grace.
✨
This book is trigger heavy. The physical and mental abuse is detailed and I feel was done well however I wouldn’t recommend to read this book if sensitive to this. There are also some violent scenes as well.
This would have been a 5 star read for me however the book itself was a little long and overly descriptive which it didn’t need to be. The timeline was a little confusing to follow because there is so much that happens in the plot.
If you like:
🖤 Unfriendly Neighbours to friends
🖤 Friends to Lovers
🖤 Past Trauma for both characters
🖤 Touch her and Die vibes
🖤 Romantic Suspense
🖤 On fire Smut
🖤 Dirty Talk/ Praise Kink
Then add it to your TBR!
Thanks to the author and @netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars
#seewhatIdidthere lol
When I read ARC’s, I try to go in with no expectations what so ever so this was a decent read.
I’m always interested to read a book that has characters that have traumatic pasts. Unexpected is the first book in the Murphy’s Law series.
✨
The book follows Grace, who is engaged to Michael. All up they’ve been together for 10 years and their wedding keeps being put off because Michael is always out of town. They have been living for the past 2 years in a suburban home next door to a loud, grumpy neighbour called Luke who also lives with his brother. The only interactions that Grace and Luke have had are when Grace storms into Luke’s house to tell him off about the loud party music or when his dog Sadie ends up on her side of the fence.
What Luke doesn’t know is that Grace and Michael’s relationship isn’t exactly the perfect relationship that Grace makes it out to be. Having bedroom windows that are directly across from each other, Luke one day sees Grace covered is faded bruises. Having a personal history with domestic violence he takes it upon himself to make sure Grace is okay and their friendship begins. This triggers memories from his own trauma and when someone returna from his past, Luke must battle his own demons as they start to affect his relationship with Grace.
✨
This book is trigger heavy. The physical and mental abuse is detailed and I feel was done well however I wouldn’t recommend to read this book if sensitive to this. There are also some violent scenes as well.
This would have been a 5 star read for me however the book itself was a little long and overly descriptive which it didn’t need to be. The timeline was a little confusing to follow because there is so much that happens in the plot.
If you like:
🖤 Unfriendly Neighbours to friends
🖤 Friends to Lovers
🖤 Past Trauma for both characters
🖤 Touch her and Die vibes
🖤 Romantic Suspense
🖤 On fire Smut
🖤 Dirty Talk/ Praise Kink
Then add it to your TBR!
Thanks to the author and @netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars
January 11, 2024
WOW
I'll start off by saying that I came into reading this book totally unprepared with the fault 100% being my own. My husband and I are both sick and stuck in the house. I needed something to keep my mind busy and decided to take a crack at my hundreds of Stuff Your Kindle Day purchases. I read the blurb and my sick brain didn't really compute how dark/serious this book was going to be. I also didn't even notice the book had CWs. Please take into consideration the abuse in this book is SUPER prevalent. Not just mentions of it, but you are reading it happening. It is a constant theme for both characters past and present throughout the entire story. Please make sure you are in the proper headspace before reading.
That being said, this book was amazing. I'm shocked it doesn't have more reviews. This is one of those books that just hits you in the feels. I usually do so much due diligence before reading, but I went into this with zero clues. And I do not regret it! Both the MC's are written incredibly well. Their emotions and chemistry were palpable. I felt like I was in the story. Those are my favorite books to read. Where you just lose hours in a book because it's so so good. Their chemistry was 🔥🔥🔥. Listen this book had lots of serious content, but Luke and the praise that comes outta that man's mouth. Oooooof if you want an emotional book that has absolutely perfect "good girls" and a perfect happy ending this is the book for you!!
I'll start off by saying that I came into reading this book totally unprepared with the fault 100% being my own. My husband and I are both sick and stuck in the house. I needed something to keep my mind busy and decided to take a crack at my hundreds of Stuff Your Kindle Day purchases. I read the blurb and my sick brain didn't really compute how dark/serious this book was going to be. I also didn't even notice the book had CWs. Please take into consideration the abuse in this book is SUPER prevalent. Not just mentions of it, but you are reading it happening. It is a constant theme for both characters past and present throughout the entire story. Please make sure you are in the proper headspace before reading.
That being said, this book was amazing. I'm shocked it doesn't have more reviews. This is one of those books that just hits you in the feels. I usually do so much due diligence before reading, but I went into this with zero clues. And I do not regret it! Both the MC's are written incredibly well. Their emotions and chemistry were palpable. I felt like I was in the story. Those are my favorite books to read. Where you just lose hours in a book because it's so so good. Their chemistry was 🔥🔥🔥. Listen this book had lots of serious content, but Luke and the praise that comes outta that man's mouth. Oooooof if you want an emotional book that has absolutely perfect "good girls" and a perfect happy ending this is the book for you!!
September 29, 2022
I absolutely LOVED this book. This story has an incredible way of pulling your emotions in all directions; I was an emotional wreck by the time I finished reading it. Outstanding. The unexpected twist was so well executed that I can't stop thinking about it.
I'd like to thank the author for taking such care and attention to some of the more serious topics addressed in this novel. Many authors struggle with writing these types of scenes, but I was completely blown away by how well this author handled it.
Hazel, the female lead, is such a strong character that I was rooting for her from the start. She was fierce, loving, and endured so much that your heart breaks for her.
Luke is 🌶 🥵 🔥 there aren't enough emojis to describe how wonderful this man was!!! Not only that, but his level of support and willingness to step up made my heart skip a beat.
The heat between these two main characters was electric, but it was their emotional connection that drew your attention. I could feel the deep bond develop between them.
This is my first book by this author, but it will most certainly not be my last. I can't wait for the next book in this series to come out.
Thank you to Netgalley, Xpresso Book Tours and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ / 5
I'd like to thank the author for taking such care and attention to some of the more serious topics addressed in this novel. Many authors struggle with writing these types of scenes, but I was completely blown away by how well this author handled it.
Hazel, the female lead, is such a strong character that I was rooting for her from the start. She was fierce, loving, and endured so much that your heart breaks for her.
Luke is 🌶 🥵 🔥 there aren't enough emojis to describe how wonderful this man was!!! Not only that, but his level of support and willingness to step up made my heart skip a beat.
The heat between these two main characters was electric, but it was their emotional connection that drew your attention. I could feel the deep bond develop between them.
This is my first book by this author, but it will most certainly not be my last. I can't wait for the next book in this series to come out.
Thank you to Netgalley, Xpresso Book Tours and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ / 5
November 1, 2022
Thank You to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book.
If you are looking for a spicy book with heart, this is it. Hazel and her neighbor Luke have been feuding for years over his loud parties and his dog being in her yard. All that changes when Luke notices that there may be problems in Hazel's relationship, and she may be in danger. As they grow closer, someone from his past emerges and it may ruin their relationship for good.
If you are sensitive to situations of domestic violence, crude language, or a lot of spicy scenes, this will not be the book for you. However, if you can see past those things, this is a decent book that is a breeze to read. The characters aren't as fleshed out as I'd like, but there's enough there to get a good idea of who they are. There are some sweet moments as well. All in all, definitely a book I'd reach for again!
If you are looking for a spicy book with heart, this is it. Hazel and her neighbor Luke have been feuding for years over his loud parties and his dog being in her yard. All that changes when Luke notices that there may be problems in Hazel's relationship, and she may be in danger. As they grow closer, someone from his past emerges and it may ruin their relationship for good.
If you are sensitive to situations of domestic violence, crude language, or a lot of spicy scenes, this will not be the book for you. However, if you can see past those things, this is a decent book that is a breeze to read. The characters aren't as fleshed out as I'd like, but there's enough there to get a good idea of who they are. There are some sweet moments as well. All in all, definitely a book I'd reach for again!
March 15, 2024
This book in itself was unexpected. I was worried when I started because there is a trigger warning for abuse. But I was intrigued so I ignored it. But there is a HEA. So while it still may trigger some, I was okay reading.
The book filled a FMC Hazel and her neighbor as he helps her find the strength to leave her mentally and physically abusive fiancé. When she finally leaves Michael, Hazel and Luke become magnets. Slowly finding the spark they’ve ignored becomes ignited. She starts to fall for him and him for her, but Luke had a past too. And now his past is catching up. Will they work through his psychotic ex wife?
The spice in this book is perhaps some of the spiciest I’ve read. I loved it. It’s tastefully written but fully gives a vivid picture.
The book filled a FMC Hazel and her neighbor as he helps her find the strength to leave her mentally and physically abusive fiancé. When she finally leaves Michael, Hazel and Luke become magnets. Slowly finding the spark they’ve ignored becomes ignited. She starts to fall for him and him for her, but Luke had a past too. And now his past is catching up. Will they work through his psychotic ex wife?
The spice in this book is perhaps some of the spiciest I’ve read. I loved it. It’s tastefully written but fully gives a vivid picture.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2024
3.25-3.5⭐
i won't deny that i love me a long book, because my friends know i do. but all the action that i figured was going to happen happened within the last 80 pages of a SIX HUNDRED page book. even though i hate michael and valerie, i think it could have been a fun lil plot twist if they were in cahoots together for the big action scene.
but yeah...i feel like a lot of the middle was fluff and pretty forgettable. but i would read the next book to see what happens with amanda, reed, and josh 👀👀
i won't deny that i love me a long book, because my friends know i do. but all the action that i figured was going to happen happened within the last 80 pages of a SIX HUNDRED page book. even though i hate michael and valerie, i think it could have been a fun lil plot twist if they were in cahoots together for the big action scene.
but yeah...i feel like a lot of the middle was fluff and pretty forgettable. but i would read the next book to see what happens with amanda, reed, and josh 👀👀
February 2, 2024
Read this on KU. Expected way more reviews than it currently has for how decent it was compared to plenty on KU. Definitely going to read more Grace Turner!
Were there some things I didn't love as much? Sure. Overall it felt a bit too long, even though the MCs relationship seemed to move at light speed.
The spice was nice (got lured in by an IG reel referencing a spicy scene), and I really loved Luke.
If you care about trigger warnings, this book tackles domestic violence & abuse and also has some general violence/suspenseful crime elements to it.
Were there some things I didn't love as much? Sure. Overall it felt a bit too long, even though the MCs relationship seemed to move at light speed.
The spice was nice (got lured in by an IG reel referencing a spicy scene), and I really loved Luke.
If you care about trigger warnings, this book tackles domestic violence & abuse and also has some general violence/suspenseful crime elements to it.
March 12, 2023
3.5 stars. I enjoyed it for what it was, but I feel like it could’ve been a lot shorter. I did enjoy the characters, but there seemed to be a lot of details/world building missing that just didn’t make much sense to me. I feel like the “slow burn” of Luke and Hazel’s relationship wasn’t slow enough. She kept saying she wasn’t ready, but not even a paragraph later shes agreeing to being laid out on the kitchen table?? It was confusing and a lot of it felt forced. Overall an enjoyable read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2025
Plot aside (I figured out some stuff early on), I really enjoyed this book. At times I couldn't put it down and kept me wanting to read on, to read what would happen next, to read what Hazel and Luke would do through all the stuff that happened to them. I already got myself the 2nd book, because as soon as I read about that in this book, I needed to know what that story would be like - which I will read somewhere in the near future.
4 ⭐
4 ⭐
October 3, 2022
3.5 rounded up!
The beginning of this story was really strong, but halfway through, it felt like we got a plot personality transplant, and I would have loved for things to have rounded out and connected a bit more. But one of the better KUs I've read in my life, so there's that! Definitely down for book #2 whenever that graces us with its presence.
The beginning of this story was really strong, but halfway through, it felt like we got a plot personality transplant, and I would have loved for things to have rounded out and connected a bit more. But one of the better KUs I've read in my life, so there's that! Definitely down for book #2 whenever that graces us with its presence.
January 20, 2023
Luke on his way to save Hazel AGAIN
God this book is so straight it hurts.
And why the hell was it sooo long? I don't get it. It was such a chore to get through it all. EDIT YOUR BOOKS PEOPLE. There's no reason that a romance book like this should be that fucking long! Ugh.
God this book is so straight it hurts.
And why the hell was it sooo long? I don't get it. It was such a chore to get through it all. EDIT YOUR BOOKS PEOPLE. There's no reason that a romance book like this should be that fucking long! Ugh.
April 9, 2023
I really enjoyed this one, I can’t decide between 4 or 4.5 stars. Luke is a delicious, commanding, man and the “ angel” nickname got me. But damn, give a girl some trigger warnings. That would be my only warning to those reading is there is ALOT going on in this one so just make sure you’re mentally ok to proceed. Domestic abuse/ violence, murder, stalking, the list goes on.
January 30, 2024
5/5⭐️
You’re kidding. This was fantastic. Hazel and Luke came off of the pages!! Their chemistry and love was insane as well as their stories!!
I felt the introduction of Valerie and her plot line kinda came out of nowhere as well as the opening of the book. But other than that I reeeeeeaaaallllllyyyyyy liked this. The writing is exceptional!!
You’re kidding. This was fantastic. Hazel and Luke came off of the pages!! Their chemistry and love was insane as well as their stories!!
I felt the introduction of Valerie and her plot line kinda came out of nowhere as well as the opening of the book. But other than that I reeeeeeaaaallllllyyyyyy liked this. The writing is exceptional!!
November 29, 2024
I was instantly hooked. I loved that as a reader we got to see Hazel grow from being a victim of DV to becoming a survivor and thriving. Luke being there every step of the way was so great because he took the time to check with her and make sure she was ok. I also loved the found family because the core group of friends are the best! Really long, could have been a tad short but still great!
October 15, 2022
Definitely Unexpected
This book blew me away. I have read a multitude of romance novels and this one… just… I have no words. Unexpected is definitely in my “Top 3 of 2022” list I have this year. I CANNOT wait for the rest of this series. I can already tell I’m going to love it!
This book blew me away. I have read a multitude of romance novels and this one… just… I have no words. Unexpected is definitely in my “Top 3 of 2022” list I have this year. I CANNOT wait for the rest of this series. I can already tell I’m going to love it!
January 2, 2023
Twice the length of most romance novels I’ve read, and it kept my attention the entire time!! The characters were so well-developed, and their relationship progression felt so realistic. I could hardly put this down.
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