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Unexpected Connection

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Marshall thought he had life all figured out until a dreadful mistake turns his world upside-down.

Fresh out of a two-week stint in jail and dumped by his girlfriend, twenty-two-year-old Marshall finds himself alone and adrift in a new apartment with creepy roommates. Everyone from his past has written him off, including his parents.

When Marshall meets Rodney, a rugged and attractive general contractor who takes him under his wing, Marshall begins to question everything he thought he knew about himself.

Rodney helps support the fragile Marshall, developing a crush on his new employee along the way, but he isn’t the only one. Marshall must confront his own blossoming feelings and decide if he’s ready to open his heart to a man.

These two men will have to overcome the differences that keep them apart if they ever want a shot at love and happiness together.

211 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 18, 2023

5 people are currently reading
13 people want to read

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Avery Mist

72 books15 followers

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5 stars
7 (21%)
4 stars
19 (57%)
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2 (6%)
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3 (9%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for ~Nicole~.
851 reviews401 followers
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January 18, 2023
DNF .. It’s like in the fairytales with these new authors..You have to kiss a loooot of frogs to find the prince. This was another frog unfortunately. The writing is simplistic, the characters annoying and the dialogues weird.
3,348 reviews28 followers
January 15, 2023
One big mistake that has changed his outlook on life
Marshall made an awful error he was working in a restaurant when he walks past a safe that is open and he steals money from it. But what he doesn’t realise is a camera is on him so he is arrested and thrown in jail for two weeks .
the thing is he doesn’t need the money he comes from a wealthy family who give him credit cards, cars, and pay for everything for him so why did he do it?? Once he gets out his parole officer gets him a job and an apartment and it’s really now up to him about how he conducts his life. His girlfriend picks him up from prison and they’re arguing within seconds it’s a toxic relationship. He’s not happy about moving in with roommates but beggars can’t be choosers because his family haven’t contacted him once so he’s on his own. When he goes for his first day at work he meets his boss Rodney who is one good looking man. He’s a general contractor and he gets Marshall to learn new crafts. At first he really struggles but then he kinda gets his head around it and starts to enjoy the work. But what about this attraction he has to his boss . Is this something new or has he had this feelings for Men for awhile??
Rodney has come through a lot in his life time and he now tries to help others who have made errors. But when he first sees Marshall he knows he’s in trouble. He can’t seem to stop looking at him even to the point of checking out his social media. But he doesn’t date his staff so tries to keep himself to himself whilst giving him advice and encouragement. Rodney has got an issue with his ex who wants Rodney back but Rodney doesn’t want him back so he’s trying to make his life miserable popping up here there and everywhere. But as much as he doesn’t want something to happen with Marshall he knows it’s a lie and he would do anything to have him in his life.
I’ve Gotta tell you this story really really touched my heart because as a parent you think you would always be there for your kids. But the way that Marshall has been brought up he’s never felt wanted by his mother and that really hurts . So finding somebody like Rodney who encourages Marshall and his supportive and he promises to always be there for him is massive to Marshall and then he acts on his attraction but will it throw a wrench into their working relationship or will everything work out?? It’s a brilliant story and accepting who you really are! A fantastic week.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Janice Wilson.
637 reviews2 followers
January 31, 2023
Marshall is recently released from jail and on probation for a stupid mistake, and he has lost everything: his family cut him off, his girlfriend dumps him, his job fires him. Thankfully, his probation officer hooks him up with a cheap place to live and a connection to a decent job willing to take a chance on him. Rodney is a man who grew up rough but has made a name for himself in construction and likes to give back to his community. He takes a chance on Marshall, but he did not realize how much he was going to be drawn to the young man. Rodney was afraid that his attraction would always be one-sided....until it wasn't.

I liked this book. It was unique in that the one seeking redemption came from wealth and affluence and only because of a dumb decision on his part did he have to struggle. I liked that even though Rodney was very attracted to Marshall, he did not come across as pervy or creepy. Their connection grew organically and once Marshall realized his own attraction to Rodney, then the chemistry between the MC's seemed to come alive. I was heartbroken for Rodney when Marshall ghosted him, but really glad when Marshall came to his senses and left all the material possessions behind for a chance at real love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,613 reviews11 followers
January 18, 2023
Marshall makes a stupid mistake and ends up in jail, then out on parole. Everyone from his old life, including his parents, no longer know him. For the first time he is on his own, living with 2 weird roommates, and working for Rodney, a general contractor 15 years Marshall’s senior.
Rodney is gay and is obsessed with his young employee, but he does nothing about it other than watch him a lot. Marshall looks up to Rodney, appreciating that Rodney thinks he has value and is special, and Marshall starts to wonder about what it would be like to explore another side of his sexuality with Rodney. As Marshall grows more confident in his independent life and his relationship with Rodney, events from his past make him question what is really important in his life and what does he want.
Marshall’s reactions and feelings seemed pretty realistic to me for a 22 year old who hasn’t had any responsibility suddenly thrust into this situation, trying to cope with everyday life without the support he was used to, trying to decide who and what he wants to be and what he is willing to do to get what he wants.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,988 reviews19 followers
January 18, 2023
Marshall is child of privilege who is spoiled by parents who gave him too many things and too much freedom but not enough guidance. He was working at a restaurant and took money from an unopened safe. His life changed in ways he could not have imagined. He was sent to jail and then wound up in shared housing in a neighborhood that had seen better days. He is also experiencing the fact that his friends and parents are fair weather folk. He needs to grow up, learn how to take care of himself. He also needs a chance. Rodney has been there and he works with Marshall's parole officer to offer assistance to some of her folks that have been in trouble and are down and need a way to better. At first, Marshall was resistant to working hard, taking care of himself and hard work. He also mourned his old life until he started to realize that it was not all it was cracked up to be. He also found love and support in an unexpected place - with Rodney. Although there are a few hiccups while Marshall is letting go his old life, he learned the real value that his new direction with Rodney and as a working man brought him. His parents and friends were awful. I was glad when he saw the light.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews358 followers
January 19, 2023
Finding the Right Help . . .

Marshall Briganti was caught on camera stealing from an open safe. It could have been enough to ruin his life as he spent time in jail and his girlfriend moved on. He has disappointed everyone who knew him. Meeting Rodney Shields, a general contractor who seems willing to help him get back on track and gives him a job, might be just what he needs. And as Rodney provides the encouragement and support structure Marshall needs, they fall for each other. Is Marshall ready to make that kind of commitment to Rodney? Is he strong enough to be able to deal with potential fallout from others? And is Rodney willing to break his rule about dating his employees, and to deal with his annoying ex Del who wants him back?

There is so much going on for these two, decisions and adjustments to be made. But if they are ready to try, they will need to learn to communicate with each other and work out the details together. Grab your copy and see if Marshall’s new life will save him from the mistakes of the past.
Profile Image for Babara-Anne.
1,719 reviews16 followers
January 11, 2023
A STEAMY GAY AWAKENING!

A sweet, steamy low angst story about finding that unexpected connection with someone who really sees you!

Marshall Briganti was a spoilt little boy who always lived the good life until that fateful day which landed him a two week prison stint…. and cost him his girlfriend of two years…

Everything happens for a reason and if his probation officer didn’t help him get back on his feet he never would have met Rodney Shields … his older, sexy boss…

Good character development with each chapter which showcases Marshals growth being away from his controlling parents and false friends and his friendship with his weird roommates and his growing affection and attraction for his boss Rodney who shows him what unconditional love is…

A new to me author who’s books I can definitely recommend!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,808 reviews18 followers
January 19, 2023
Interesting story, growth can be hard. At a pivotal time in his life, Marshall made the wrong decision, that cost him everything. He is rejected by his parents, ruins his reputation, dumped by his girlfriend, Amber and spends time in jail. Marshall is basically immature and undisciplined. Rodney was influenced by his environment and survival, then turned his life around. He built a successful business and gave back to the community. Marshall, admired Rodney, who crushed back on him. Do Marshall and his friends reconcile? Does Marshall make up with his family? Does Marshall grow up? This story is about self assessment, growth and change. Marshall and Rodey go through a series of adjustments and truths. I found Marshall immature and Rodney's character a bit weak. The story works. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am volutarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nina Diab.
5,200 reviews50 followers
January 27, 2023
I enjoyed this book. This story was a journey for Marshall, who made a stupid mistake and spent two weeks in jail for it. It cost him his parents, his home, his girlfriend, and his friends. On probation, he lives in an apartment with roommates he's not comfortable with, but the rent is cheap, and a job with a contractor. He's learning and wants to do well. But loneliness and the abandonment hit him hard and he's quick to anger. He's young and still immature and having grown up spoiled, suddenly being on his own and cut off from the people in his life and family support is hard on him but all feels very realistic and eye opening to how one stupid decision could change your whole life. I found myself quickly invested in Marshall and wanting him to do better, succeed, and find love. 4 stars.
4,143 reviews25 followers
January 1, 2023
Good discovery
4.5
I really liked this story of a second chance in life for both young Marshall and his new employer Rodney. Their story is tender and hot, especially in the face of the hardships that Marshall is going through and for which the only support is Rodney and his attraction he has for this man, which is mutual. I liked discovering Marshall, just as he discovers himself, the evolution of his self-esteem in the face of the superficial life he had before, his mistakes.
I really liked these two characters who evolve and face their past to move forward in their lives.I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this
157 reviews5 followers
January 18, 2023
Marshall makes a mistake that lands him in jail. Abandoned by his parents, best friend, and girlfriend, he is pretty low when he meets Rodney, his new boss who gives him a chance at work and at love. Their attraction is instantaneous, and while their path to HEA is not quick or easy, and there are times when I find Marshall to be challenging, the story is enjoyable with good chemistry between the MCs. The ending is a bit quick, and the secondary characters are not as well developed. But overall, a good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Laura Carter-Alexander.
562 reviews9 followers
January 11, 2023
One mistake causes Marshall to lose everything. Alone with no friends or family, Marshall struggles to keep his head above water. When his world collides with the ruggedly handsome Rodney, his entire world shifts. Feelings that he’s never experienced before rise to the surface as he confronts his newfound feelings. Taking the vulnerable Marshall under his wing, Rodney finds himself falling hard and fast for the handsome man. With so many differences setting them apart, can they open their hearts to each other? Will they find the courage to fight for their relationship and be together?

Profile Image for Syd Springer.
4,012 reviews6 followers
January 14, 2023
This was a great book. I really enjoyed the connection and growing chemistry between Marshall and Rodney. Marshall's world gets turned on his head and now he needs to start over. Rodney is there is lead Marshall a hand but either of them were ready for what they would mean to each other. I really enjoyed this book and the HEA that these two get. I can't wait to see what Avery has in store for us next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
652 reviews2 followers
January 22, 2023
Marshall is on probation and agreed to live with roommates and work with Rodney. Marshall is Twenty Two and not sure what he is thinking or wanting to do. Marshall enjoys working for Rodney and wants to go to plumbing school and learn a trade. Rodney has been working at home on his basement bathroom, Marshall comes over to talk and help one day. Marshall runs off unsure of how he feels. Will Marshall go back to his old life????? What will MArshall do when he finds out Rodney blocked him????.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,718 reviews14 followers
December 30, 2022
The beginning, at least for Marshall, was rough. Took a bit to get into the story but once the two m/c’s met the story picked up. Rodney, I liked him, he fell fast and hard for Marshall. Their journey had it’s ups and downs and watching as it blossomed was entertaining. The two, their love story, wasn’t the standard which made it uniquely enjoyable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Priscilla.
991 reviews
January 12, 2023
It was a cute story but it felt like something was missing. There was a lot of focus on Marshall and his anger towards his old life which is understandable for his character to growth. I think I needed a bit more focus on his relationship with Rodney or how Marshall's anger/resentment was let go. Overall, it was a nice story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1 review
January 14, 2023
When you choose to read a MM romance, you are likely expecting exactly what you get here. The main characters are easy to like with back stories that get you hoping for the best. The story is simple and predictable. I don’t mind a quick story but in the end the story left me wanting to know a bit more about how relationships were resolved with family and friends.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for casvec.
7,458 reviews74 followers
January 19, 2023
This is a wonderfully written romance that will keep you on turning the pages. Marshall made a choice that turned his world that had the people that care for time turn. Rodney works in construction and believes in second chances and is there to give the encouragement Marshall needs. The closer the work together, the close they get.

A great read that I did not want to put down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Daisy.
152 reviews9 followers
January 22, 2023
3.75-4

I liked this story, it was sweet and steamy. I feel like the ending is a bit too quick so the story could have been better, the character development was good and it was still overall a very enjoyable read and I liked the chemistry between Rodney and Marshall. Read this in one sitting since the story wasn't that long and it was an easy read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for DLB2572.
3,227 reviews25 followers
January 8, 2023
This is a good and entertaining story. It was very interesting to follow Marshall and Rodney as their relationship developed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,215 reviews4 followers
January 12, 2023
Unexpected Connection is a sweet Bi-awakening. The connection between Rodney and Marshall was wonderful to watch. This was a new beginning for both. Loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

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