Unexpected

by Elle Andrew

MelI didn't expect my perfect marriage to fall apart at the hands of my husbands gambling addiction.I didn't expect to become the collateral to pay his debts.I didn't expect to be sold.I didn't expect to be saved by the most powerful man in the city.And I didn't expect to fall in love.GabeFinding her wasn’t something I’d expected.Saving her was my salvation.She was everything I needed but never knew.But can I admit these things out loud and take what I really want?Or will my reputation force me to give up what my heart desires?Unexpected is a HEA with no triggers, 5* mafia romance. Contains scenes only suitable for an 18+ audience.

155 pages, Paperback

Published March 11, 2020

Reviews

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did like this book but I have thoughts and lingering questions...

I liked the idea of what was happening in the book. The story line was good. I think that the relationship between Gabe and Mel could have been better developed. It felt, even toward the end of the book, like lust, not love. I think that is because we really don't have many scenes with them hanging out and having actual dialogue of getting to know each other. We just get a sentence here or there that says that they talked about things.

I feel like we learn so much more about Mel than we do about Gabe and I really wanted to know about Gabe. The reason I love the mafia romances so much is the ruthlessness of the mafia. We really don't get that in this book. It definitely glosses over "the business." We also never learn about Eliza's mom and I feel like I needed that explanation. We learn the bare minimum and that just wasn't enough for me. I am a nosey one and I wanted to know.

The side characters were interesting. I liked Ricci and wanted to know more about his relationship (or lack there of) with Sara. The children were also something. I think I would have liked to have had a chapter or scene where Gabe was accepted by the twins as a stand-in father.

Last thing I wanted to hit on was Mel's personality. She is so strong about the little things but when big things happen, she is baby. It seems very wishy-washy. I feel like, given the beginning of the book and her defensive nature, that should would have been a good mafia wife. In the end, she was weak and showed that weakness. I don't want to give spoilers or anything so I won't say much more but I felt like she should have had more backbone and understanding.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Meme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mel and her husband have a restaurant and bar that they run together and take care of their twins. Events happen and Mel is raising the kids on her own while her husban does who knows what. Mel meets Gabe when he saves her and takes her to his house. Mel and her kids begin to live with Gabe and his daughter. Mel and Gabe don't hop into bed right away, but when they eventually do its pretty hot. Their story contains some content and references to content that may be objectionable or triggering to some. There is also violence and some gore at times. The three kids in the story add some cuteness and humor. There is a kind of suspense to the story while Gabe attempts to solve an outstanding issue. The story was written in a way that showed a softer side to Gabe, whos a mafia leader. He has a devotion to his daughter that is heartmelting and it's not just him others in the story are just as devoted to her. I liked that Gabe wasn't just some playboy type sleeping with whoever approached him. Mel is a strong woman and a good mother. I really enjoyed reading this book and hope to read more from this family.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amber Keehn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a new to me author and an all around enjoyable read, especially since it was a pretty quick one at around 150 pages. Mel, married to her post high school sweetheart that is 12 years her senior, thinks she has a busy but fulfilled life running a piano bar with said hubby. Until she starts getting visits from loan sharks and her husband disappears. One day he calls, apologizing, and asks her to meet him. Unfortunately it’s to sell her to human traffickers to pay off his debts.

One of those debtors is Gabe, who happens to hate the flesh trade but tolerates it if they meet certain criteria. When he finds out about Mel being sold he shuts it alll down and rescues her. After that he essentially becomes her knight in shining armor…but not without a few bumps! Given the blurb I had expected the book to be a bit darker but it was a decent read and an author I would check out a more of!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Isabel Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from page one. It was much more unpredictable than I originally thought it would be.
The characters are great. I liked the strength and fight that Melanie has. There’s something great about reading a book with a feisty leading lady that puts a smile on your face. I also liked that Gabe was not a stereotype posing as the hero of the story.
This was the perfect escape and came at a time when it was much needed as well. I am looking forward to reading more by this author in the future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was unexpected (great use of pun). Although it’s a mafia story we didn’t get all the gory and details that usually follows, which was cool. This book followed Mel as she was sold to Gabe to cover a gambling debt made by her ex-husband. This book we saw great lust between Gabe and Mel but I think a bit more in the development of their relationship needed to be touched on more. I had never read a book published by this author before. I did enjoy the story, I can’t wait to read more!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic journey, the characters are just so well created and developed they were amazing and the twists and turns that they took had me loving the way the story went. If you want adventure, drama and excitement with a mind blowing amount of sass then this is the book for you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[S · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this but everything about this story was amateur and I couldn’t look past the typos, poor grammar and just basic plot and story writing. I couldn’t honestly recommend it to a friend as much as I would like to have enjoyed it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[leanne guyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOOKED ME AGAIN!

This story was really exciting, with some awesome twists and turns and a lovely slow burning romance. I can’t wait to see what’s next in this world. Elle you are such a talented author.

[BusyM3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable, entertaining read. The story pulls you into the lives of Mel and Gabe and keeps you there to see what will happen next. The characters fit well together and have great chemistry. This is a new author for me and I am looking forward to read more.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[S.P. Dawes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.

I loved this story, it was quite sweet in moments and bordering harsh with others.but the characters stood out and you really hoped they'd make it.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

THOUROUGHLY ENJOYABLE

Great book...Good storyline .......not as gruesome or dark as some mafia reads but still good....look forward to more of to u books

[Valarie Gentry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Unexpectedly! I thought it was a really great book. I was not expecting so many twist and turns. I loved every minute minute of this book!

[Solamae Reigns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

(Copy of ARC Review) Great HEA read. Loved the chemistry and how relatable the characters were. Will be recommending this to other reader. Great story