Surprised By Her

Mainely Books Club

by Chelsea M. Cameron

When my boss at Bluebird Pottery, Sydney, left me in charge while she went on vacation with her girlfriend, I wasn’t looking forward to it. During my first few hours, a tall, stunning stranger walked in, and I could barely breathe. Of course I ruined everything by spilling coffee all over her. What I didn’t expect was for her to push me up against the sink and kiss the hell out of me when I tried to help her clean up in the bathroom.
I never thought I’d see her again, and then she showed up to my book club and introduced herself as Ryan Jewel, the heiress to a candle company fortune and is so far out of my league, we’re not even on the same planet. Still, I keep running into her in Arrowbridge, and it doesn’t feel like a coincidence.
At first, I’m happy to be sucked into Ryan’s glittering orbit. Everything is first class all the way, and it’s nice to have a little luxury in my life. Even beyond the money, I’m dazzled by her. Underneath her chilly exterior is someone who’s secretly kind, and funny, and who cares fiercely for those she loves.
It doesn’t take long for me to completely fall for her, but could this incredible creature ever want a small-town life with someone like me?

Genres: Romance, LGBT, Contemporary, Lesbian, Audiobook, Lesbian Fiction, Lesbian Romance

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 14, 2023

About the author

Chelsea M. Cameron is a New York Times/USA Today/Internationally Best Selling author from Maine who now lives and works in Boston. She's a red velvet cake enthusiast, obsessive tea drinker, former cheerleader, and world's worst video gamer. When not writing, she enjoys watching infomercials, eating brunch in bed, tweeting, and playing fetch with her cat, Sassenach. She has a degree in journalism from the University of Maine, Orono that she promptly abandoned to write about the people in her own head. More often than not, these people turn out to be just as weird as she is.

Reviews

[Kexx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this - is being ‘forced’ to do as parents say abuse? My definition says yes, so I’m saying Ryan was abused, so there! Chelsea writes well with no pretension. Recommended series.

[Vita L. Licari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read of the series. I need to catch up. Absolutely am endeared by all the characters! Everly and Ryan are perfect for one another. I literally didn't put it down and read it in a day. 5 stars!!

[Juniper L.H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel was fine. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t amazing. It was a quick and easy read that was enjoyable, but didn’t leave much of an impact. There were some fun moments, and lots of jokes about the couple’s height differences. There were some good depictions of characters dealing with anxiety. The novel was particularly light on details however, and I just didn’t connect with it. I found that not very much happened in this novel, and the second the romance got going the novel ended. This was a case study for a bad communication trope, which was frustrating and makes for a weak conflict/plotline.

I don’t really have much to say, because there wasn’t a lot that happened for me to talk about.

If you are reading this series then you should read this one, because it’s a piece of an overall good series and it’s a quick read. There were some fun cameos from past characters. This was, so far, the least impressive entry in the series, and if it was a standalone, I absolutely wouldn’t recommend it.

[Searchr.23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here the writing Chelsea M Cameron's talent reminded me a little bit of her colleague Georgia Beers's. Namely the book "On the Rocks". I thought after the third book, I would be bored reading about the girls from the mainly book club. But it was wrong, I want more and more... Chelsea serial books are easy and comfortable for me to read. The fourth part of this series of heroines are very wise, cute, sexy, beautiful. Their love is beautifully described. Plus, I really liked the Everly's moms, both are cuties and born to be matchmakers.

[&]

def best mainely couple

[Veda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm maybe fav book of the series hmmmm actually probably top 4 even thought this is the 4th book top 2 actually lol

[J.R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scared of her own shadow!

Everly has social anxiety and it takes a lot for her to adjust, she needs someone who won't take offense if Everly needs me time! Being short 5 feet tall and meeting someone who is 6' 3", Ryan, takes some adjustments for Everly. But will they adjust together? Enjoy!

[Angela Rassette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smooth read, great book

Another great book by Chelsea. The characters are great and as always in her books, funny. I look forward to the next one.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

This series seriously gets better and better.
Nicely written main characters and the mention of previous ones makes them just seem like one long book.
I’m sure a lot of people with relate to the MC’s struggle with anxiety, it was refreshing to see it not ridiculed or pushed aside.
I loved the inclusion of so many books I have read before by different authors. Only one of which I couldn’t place so I’m glad a list was included at the end.

Looking forward to the next Mainely book club book.

[Megan Kenney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great one!

I have enjoyed all the author's series and I am really enjoying this one. This last book was so cute and very relatable. I enjoyed reading it and cannot wait for the next one.

[Carolyn G. Manuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wishing Stones.

Everly is managing the Pottery Barn while Sydney and her wife are away. When a very tall beautiful woman comes in she spills coffee all over her. Helping her in the bathroom the woman suddenly kisses her with blazing passion. Never expecting to see her again she’s surprised when she appears at her book club. Ryan is spending the summer and Everly is drawn out of her overwhelming anxiety into a summer fling. Great series.

[Kymbe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

An engaging story with an interesting cast of characters ( some, you will remember from previous stories) is just enough to pique your interest and have you wanting to see who's next. I really enjoyed how the romance seemed to develop so organically with Everly and Ryan. I liked how the author portrayed Everly''s social anxiety as an important part of the story without it being all of the story. This book is definitely worth the read.

[sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another home run!

This one was so good. And I related so much to the main character in this one, it almost felt like it was a story about me. But there was so much romance, and passion, and love in this book... And how dare you make me cry three times in one book. The nerve!😤

[Nishan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this one but the MCs just don't talk about what they are doing and what their future holds. They only actually talk about their feelings for one another in the last two pages before the epilogue. That means that the first 95% of the book, Everly continues to wonder if this is just a summer fling. She has social anxiety and talking and confrontations are difficult for her but it was very frustrating reading about her confusion over whatever she and Ryan were doing.

Sydney was still a shit person. I was very unfavorable to her in my review of the previous book Tempted by her and it seems the trend continues. There are a few instances where Sydney gives advice to Everly that I absolutely hated. One being she tells Everly to have a casual summer romance with Ryan. This leads to Everly accepting that this thing with Ryan is just a summer fling and nothing will ever come out of it. The second is where Summer tells Everly that Ryan is loaded af and Everly should spend her money and live it up. In my mind I'm going, do you have no respect for Ryan? Are you really insinuating that Everly should go after Ryan for her money? Ugh. Sydney is just the worst. I'm sure they were meant to be humorous but I didn't care for it.

The one plus side of this story is the relationship between Everly and her parents. Mom and Mama were absolutely amazing. I'd actually love to read about Mom and Mama living out their happy lives as a separate book. All their interactions with each other and with Everly were very wholesome.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

• 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 •

𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: Surprised By Her
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Chelsea M. Cameron
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: ☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Spice :🌶️ 🌶️🌶️

Swipe to see some of my favorite quotes ➡️

I’m obsessed with anything Chelsea M Cameron writes. This one blew me out of the water. This is the fourth book in The Mainely Book Club series and I loved it as much as the others if not more!! All the characters have a special place in my heart. I t’s so nice to see others from previous in the series and how they’re doing.

This story is about Everly and Ryan(omg heart eyes) it has everything you need. I caught myself smiling, laughing, blushing and feeling the spice. The chemistry is unmatched.

Everly just got a job at the Bluebird pottery store in town. While her boss Sydney is on vacation, she has to run the store. While working an extremely attractive tall and stunning girl comes in. Even Ryan Jewell she is a heiress and is every women’s dream. Everly gets nervous and ends up spilling coffee all over Ryan. She tries to help her clean it up and there seemed to be instant sparks with a complete stranger. Ryan ends up randomly kissing Everly and it leaves her completely speechless.

I love how the story turned out. I loved how Ryan respected Everly and didn’t think less of her with her anxiety. She made her nothing but comfortable. The writing is beautiful and witty. Chelsea M Cameron seems to write the best sapphic romances to me. I can’t get enough. AHHHHH ITS SO GOOD. Go read it now! I already have the next one downloaded on my kindle ready to go because I love this series so much.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everly never expected her hot but chaotic first encounter with sexy heiress Ryan to turn into a summer fling, but when it does, she tries to sit back and enjoy the ride for as long as it lasts. But that’s easier said than done when the whole town seems to think they’ll make a good long term couple…especially when her heart begins to think the same thing.

Surprised by Her is easily my favorite book in the Mainely Books Club series so far, and it may even be my favorite of all the Chelsea M. Cameron books I’ve read. Everly is an adorable, bright, and funny main character. Her anxiety is portrayed authentically and compassionately, not as a flaw to be overcome but as a real part of life to be managed. It’s beautiful how gently her friends, moms, and Ryan approach it and support her. The romance between Everly and Ryan is a perfect blend of steamy and sweet. The instant chemistry between them loops through the story, but it��s also deepened by their growing mutual understanding and respect. These two characters are very different thanks to an age gap and a disparity in their backgrounds, yet Cameron does an excellent job of building the romance and connection in such a way that the reader really comes away believing love conquers all.

If you enjoy hot, whimsical, and heartwarming sapphic romance with a vibrant setting and side characters, you’ll adore Surprised by Her.

[Toni LibraLover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Lose Your Wishing Rock 🥰

This is the fourth of the Mainly Books Club series That I have had the pleasure of reading and I look forward to enjoying the remaining tiles as much as I have these four.
I have to confess that the last few pages of Everly and Ryan’s story brought tears of joy to my eyes.
I was so happy for these two, very special, socially challenged lovers.
their very basic passion and respect for each other reminded me to cherish and appreciate the ability to see each moment as precious, and how important it is to live in the now.
Ms. Cameron has a marvelous ability to fill her novels with supportive characters who fill each page with love and gobs of humor.
Remember to always look for your Wishing Rock, and should you find one with two bands, that your future will be filled by someone very special.
Thank you Chelsea, Everly, and Ryan
💕💕💕💕💕💕

[Mercedes Rogayan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect happily ever after

So I hesitated on reading this book for a while. I didn’t think it would be so good, but this was better than I expected. I absolutely love the relationship and the chemistry between Everly and Ryan. First of all, Everly is hilarious. I love her quirky sense of humor. I mean, I rarely laugh with the sapphic novels I indulge in, but it was really sweet. It was a great pace in their relationship building. The sex was hotOh my gosh, I love this book. It’s one of my favorites, and I highly recommend it. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

[Cara Ramsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Delightful Different Romance

Ryan’s life was unforgiving. Her parents demanded more from her relentlessly. But no matter what she did, it was never enough. Everly was kind to a fault but her social anxiety made social situations so very hard for her. When these two meet, can they form a connection? And if so, can they keep it? This was a great read!

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved This Neurodivergent Story

Loved this story just as a great character given story but also loved the insights it provided into the lives of these equally "different" main characters. After all, we each have areas of our lives that are unique to us. Let's all be loving and helpful so we can be blessed by each other.

[Sylvie Montreaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I didn't have diabetes before reading this story, I do now. Such a wonderful, wholesome read. Low-angst and painfully heartwarming. Realistic, likable, and highly-relatable MC. Superb steamy scenes that were just the right length. What else can I say? If you need a well-written injection of fluff and love, you should read this book! Absolutely stellar.

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet

I totally understand Everly's draw to Ryan and a lot of that has to do with how strong Everly is as a narrator. The narration is strong and the characters felt so well-written and real. I definitely feel for the social anxiety, it's too real (in a way that was great and validating to read).

[Doug Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice addition to the Mainely Books Club series. The tale features a sweet couple with a few minor issues but no major angst or melodrama. Overall, a pleasant read with a satisfying conclusion.

[Maya Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just adore this series!! I do not care about any issues with it, it is just so cute!! This book is no exception!!

Ryan kissing Everly on page, like, five, is strange, but everything from there is great!! I love how little conflict there is!! Perfect to just relax and enjoy!!

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

My least favorite so far, I am sad to say. I felt zero chemistry between them, and once they got together, everything just sailed along so smoothly and so fast, I felt like I whipped through their story. I even slowed my own reading to try to make it feel normal! It didn't work....

[aisha bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 I love this series

Every book in this series so far has been a 10/10 read. Even though they are all in the same small town, every story is so unique and interesting. I just can’t seem to stop once I start

[Eliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very special to me because of the way the author dealt with the panic attacks that Everly went through, and that it shows her sweet and close relationships with her moms.

[Margaritas Cherena · Rating 4 out of 5]

No man or woman is an island, love is important to us humans and this story compares a loved one with an unloved person. How the ladies were raised. Excellent story, recommended.

[Andrew Shirshac · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lightweight reading. Has a host of modern maladies and stereotypes.
I had the audio version, but can't find that listed on Goodreads: the narrator was so so.

[Barbiegirl24 · Rating 5 out of 5]

M new Fav!

I love these characters so much. I love all her characters but there is just something about this couple. The sweetness of the relationship is so endearing.