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Love Unexpected
Perfect Partners
Friends to lovers
Chelsie Russell and Griffin Stuart lost their siblings in a car crash and fought over their orphaned niece in court. Now they must find a way to get along for the good of the little girl they both love.
Can an unapologetic, arrogant attorney with a soft spot for his niece find a way to open his heart to the one woman he doesn't think he can trust?
1 pages, Audio CD
Published October 13, 2020
115 people are currently reading
1404 people want to read
About the author
Karen Drogin
6 books19 followersKaren Drogin had three books published under her real name; she has subsequently published under the pseudonym Carly Phillips.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
May 15, 2020
This is a sweet read. An enemy to lover romance with a child in middle. Simple yet not over done with sweetness. Not so much twist nor drama and yet I can not help smiling.
The chemistry between the characters is build nicely with proper anticipation. There is that sweet lingering seduction.
Overall this is a wonderful read.
4 stars
The chemistry between the characters is build nicely with proper anticipation. There is that sweet lingering seduction.
Overall this is a wonderful read.
4 stars
August 30, 2014
Griff that boy knows how to hit below the belt, "he pounced without hesitation. "Next time you feel the need to mother, have a kid of your own. I'll take care of Alix from now on." Chelsie is a girl that goes after what she wants, "so," she said in a husky voice, "if I want to know how much you want me, all I have to do..." Her seductive voice trailed off at the same moment her hand cupped him through his briefs." This one was a little more emotional than what I'm used to from Carly but that doesn't mean I didn't love it. I honestly don't think I've ever read a book by Carly that I didn't love and this wasn't an exception.
September 2, 2014
I give it a 2.5
It's a ok read, nothing too exciting though.
It's a ok read, nothing too exciting though.
February 27, 2019
Wow, that was a lot of angst!
I was a bit worried to open up the book and see a typo in the third sentence ("[...] held her niece's fete in his hands."), but this actually turned out to be an engrossing read. Chelsie and Griff were both very vulnerable, damaged people who managed to find love (and healing) in each other. There was a certain stiffness about how Carly Phillips conveyed this information about her two leads, especially early in the book, but it was originally published in 1999 and not revised before this edition was put out. On one hand, I appreciate putting books back into circulation as they were. On the other, I kind of find it weird to not fix your typos and continuity errors (most glaringly Ryan's reappearing shoes).
Griff had a pretty straightforward "women = bad" back story (although his improvised family from his adolescent days was touching), but Chelsie really broke my heart with hers. Her shame and guilt resonated with me and I kind of loved seeing a heroine like this on the page. She was so strong while believing herself damaged and weak. And perhaps I should have, but I didn't see the twist coming.
Four stars, minus one for reprinting entirely preventable errors.
I was a bit worried to open up the book and see a typo in the third sentence ("[...] held her niece's fete in his hands."), but this actually turned out to be an engrossing read. Chelsie and Griff were both very vulnerable, damaged people who managed to find love (and healing) in each other. There was a certain stiffness about how Carly Phillips conveyed this information about her two leads, especially early in the book, but it was originally published in 1999 and not revised before this edition was put out. On one hand, I appreciate putting books back into circulation as they were. On the other, I kind of find it weird to not fix your typos and continuity errors (most glaringly Ryan's reappearing shoes).
Griff had a pretty straightforward "women = bad" back story (although his improvised family from his adolescent days was touching), but Chelsie really broke my heart with hers. Her shame and guilt resonated with me and I kind of loved seeing a heroine like this on the page. She was so strong while believing herself damaged and weak. And perhaps I should have, but I didn't see the twist coming.
Four stars, minus one for reprinting entirely preventable errors.
August 17, 2011
Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
Lawyers Chelsie Russell and Griffin Stuart deal with career obligations and lots of personal baggage as their lives get enmeshed with their precious two-year-old orphan niece Alix. Heartbreaking moments of Alix’s night terrors and confusion become the catalyst for major adjustments in both Chelsie’s and Griffin’s lives. The sub-story of spousal abuse and its effect on victims even after they escape the abusive situation adds a special poignancy to the story.
Chelsie, a busy lawyer, regrets that her sense of duty has put her at odds with the high-powered lawyer Griffin Stuart. Since two-year-old Alix is her niece and his niece also, she would like to have an amiable relationship with him, which isn’t likely after the stunt her parents had pulled in a custody battle.
Griffin gets custody of Alix and makes drastic changes in his law career and personal life to make a home for his much-loved niece, daughter of his dead brother. Alix, too young to understand the disappearance of her parents from her life, acts out during the day and suffers night terrors that have her, Griffin, and Mrs. Baxter worn to a frazzle. So the day Griffin hears Alix laughing and sees her happily cuddled up close to her Aunt Chelsie as they read a book, he knows he has to rethink his attitude toward her.
Griffin’s experience with women is that they are takers not givers. But if Chelsie can make Alix happy then he needs to broker a deal with her—and what a deal it turns out to be. As he takes on some of her caseload to free up some of her time and to expand his private law practice, he finds there is at least one woman in the world that is a giver. Chelsie’s pro bono workload is a shock to him.
The secondary characters stay in the background for the most part. Of course, little Alix rules supreme and already knows how to manipulate in her charming and humorous way. Ryan, Griffin’s private investigator friend, really sets the fox among the chickens with his unsolicited research report about Chelsie, but he is a godsend at other times and is always an unfailing friend. Chelsie’s parents, while miles away, still must be dealt with for Chelsie to move on with her life--as does the despicable Jeff Sutton, her former husband.
Carly Phillips creates a love story that has humor and heartache as she ties Chelsie and Griffin to each other with a breathtaking love that grows and glows even though they have some tough problems to solve along the way. The easy flow of Ms. Phillips writing style makes Perfect Partners a joy to read and her characters seem real and struggling with modern day problems that engender empathy. Good entertainment!
Lawyers Chelsie Russell and Griffin Stuart deal with career obligations and lots of personal baggage as their lives get enmeshed with their precious two-year-old orphan niece Alix. Heartbreaking moments of Alix’s night terrors and confusion become the catalyst for major adjustments in both Chelsie’s and Griffin’s lives. The sub-story of spousal abuse and its effect on victims even after they escape the abusive situation adds a special poignancy to the story.
Chelsie, a busy lawyer, regrets that her sense of duty has put her at odds with the high-powered lawyer Griffin Stuart. Since two-year-old Alix is her niece and his niece also, she would like to have an amiable relationship with him, which isn’t likely after the stunt her parents had pulled in a custody battle.
Griffin gets custody of Alix and makes drastic changes in his law career and personal life to make a home for his much-loved niece, daughter of his dead brother. Alix, too young to understand the disappearance of her parents from her life, acts out during the day and suffers night terrors that have her, Griffin, and Mrs. Baxter worn to a frazzle. So the day Griffin hears Alix laughing and sees her happily cuddled up close to her Aunt Chelsie as they read a book, he knows he has to rethink his attitude toward her.
Griffin’s experience with women is that they are takers not givers. But if Chelsie can make Alix happy then he needs to broker a deal with her—and what a deal it turns out to be. As he takes on some of her caseload to free up some of her time and to expand his private law practice, he finds there is at least one woman in the world that is a giver. Chelsie’s pro bono workload is a shock to him.
The secondary characters stay in the background for the most part. Of course, little Alix rules supreme and already knows how to manipulate in her charming and humorous way. Ryan, Griffin’s private investigator friend, really sets the fox among the chickens with his unsolicited research report about Chelsie, but he is a godsend at other times and is always an unfailing friend. Chelsie’s parents, while miles away, still must be dealt with for Chelsie to move on with her life--as does the despicable Jeff Sutton, her former husband.
Carly Phillips creates a love story that has humor and heartache as she ties Chelsie and Griffin to each other with a breathtaking love that grows and glows even though they have some tough problems to solve along the way. The easy flow of Ms. Phillips writing style makes Perfect Partners a joy to read and her characters seem real and struggling with modern day problems that engender empathy. Good entertainment!
August 31, 2014
Unfortunately this story didn't work for me. The concept was good, however the characters were one dimensional and frankly unbelievable.
October 29, 2014
Love this book
This was a great read. I love how the book had just enough sizzle between Chelsie and Griff. It is the perfect read for a relaxing day.
This was a great read. I love how the book had just enough sizzle between Chelsie and Griff. It is the perfect read for a relaxing day.
January 6, 2015
This book was almost to good, couldnt put it down. Awesome job Carly Phillips. Read it, youll love it.......
August 30, 2022
What did I just spend 8 hours of my life doing listening to this audio that is about a man he is such a woman hater it’s beyond belief and I thought like yeah it’s going to get better he’s great with the kid but he doesn’t Chelsea is great and grown with her but he’s the same a giant jerk and he has so many double standards like ‘ you should know me better than that ‘ but then have the nerve to be the biggest jerk there is and accuse her of things that he shinier better about as well the hypocrisy I swear and then yeah I get his past his trauma but it doesn’t give you an excuse to be a horrid of a person with no just cause and then you get closer to the end and rush to redeem him but it makes not sense with the time line what so ever so we have to have him make this huge grand gesture so that you forget how horrible he treated her ‘ that in the past’ honey in the past you said that to her 4 days ago and guess what a week later doesn’t change much either I mean come on , I normally love books like this and I really like this author but this book was just not it and I kept holding out hope only to be let down
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2021
Chelsie represented her parents in the custody hearing of Alix both of her parents were killed in an automobile accident. It was her sister's daughter . Griff was representing his brother's side to take custody of Alix. Griff was was successful in getting custody as the Judge ruled in his favor. Chelsie offered to help him any way she could. Since Chelsie was her mothers sister the child got along better with her than Griff. Griff realized this he ask Chelsie to come over and feed her supper and she would stay till about bed time. Griff used he both have offices there which they did and they were close and the child behaved well for Chelsie. She took a trip to Fla. to visit her parents and let them know things were working out. She thought when she got back they would end the partnership. However when she got back he wanted her to stay. and they were getting along so well that he asked her to marry him and they would also be partners in raising Alix.
March 21, 2023
Meinung:
Schöne leichte Liebeslektüre, die einen bei sich behält. Es ist zwar ein Band einer Reihe, aber man muss nicht alle lesen, da jede Geschichte für sich steht. Aber es ist eine schöne Lovestory mit Auf und Abs.
Ziemlich schnell kommt es schon zur Sprache das die zwei Hauptprotagonisten sich zueinander hingezogen fühlen, aber leider klappt das aufeinander einlassen nicht so reibungslos, wie man es erwarten würde. Für mich auf alle Fälle eine charmante Lovestory für den Frühling oder den Sommerurlaub oder einfach für zwischendurch.
Schöne leichte Liebeslektüre, die einen bei sich behält. Es ist zwar ein Band einer Reihe, aber man muss nicht alle lesen, da jede Geschichte für sich steht. Aber es ist eine schöne Lovestory mit Auf und Abs.
Ziemlich schnell kommt es schon zur Sprache das die zwei Hauptprotagonisten sich zueinander hingezogen fühlen, aber leider klappt das aufeinander einlassen nicht so reibungslos, wie man es erwarten würde. Für mich auf alle Fälle eine charmante Lovestory für den Frühling oder den Sommerurlaub oder einfach für zwischendurch.
January 27, 2024
Enemies to lovers
Big fan of Carly Phillips, been reading her books for years. This is a really great book, I couldn't put it down.
Loved the story line, what do you do when both parents die and leave a young child behind? Who should get custody of the child? How do the loved ones move on?
Domestic violence is a hard subject to deal with, I liked the way it was weaved into this story.
Big fan of Carly Phillips, been reading her books for years. This is a really great book, I couldn't put it down.
Loved the story line, what do you do when both parents die and leave a young child behind? Who should get custody of the child? How do the loved ones move on?
Domestic violence is a hard subject to deal with, I liked the way it was weaved into this story.
October 15, 2024
I was enjoying this book, but then the MMC decided to act like an idiot and it almost ruined it for me. The MMC's actions (and the fears that motivated him) somewhat made sense, given his history, but he really could have gone about addressing his fears in a better way. I don't want to spoil anything, but I felt like the way he acted the last 20 percent or so of the book didn't really match up with the first 80 percent.
March 5, 2024
Carly Phillips is a great author. Carly Classics (The Originals) Series with Chelsea Russell and Griffin Stuart and their great love story. Really enjoyed reading it. Now to read about Dylan North and Holly Evans
May 2, 2024
“Perfect partners?” BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
To the male MC, handle your (emotional) shit, and don’t get into a serious, adult relationship with someone else until you do.
To the fem MC, you’re attracted to assholes. Own it.
Suffice it to say this book was not my thing.
To the male MC, handle your (emotional) shit, and don’t get into a serious, adult relationship with someone else until you do.
To the fem MC, you’re attracted to assholes. Own it.
Suffice it to say this book was not my thing.
October 13, 2021
I liked this story from beginning to end. I love that it addressed an important issue in a very responsible way.
February 2, 2022
Audible Audiobook
March 16, 2022
"life as we know it" starring josh duhamel and katherine heigl, if it were written by nicholas sparks
December 8, 2022
While dealing with some sensitive issues, this story never shies away from love.
In the wake of painful experiences that seemed insurmountable they found love and happiness together.
In the wake of painful experiences that seemed insurmountable they found love and happiness together.
August 30, 2023
Beide Protagonisten nerven nach einiger Zeit.
February 19, 2024
Another good one.
April 17, 2024
Nice story, pretty calm.
May 6, 2024
A good plot and story. A mellow love story. It was a nice read but didn't quite pull at the heart strings.
November 19, 2025
Listened to 2nd of Carly’s classic bundle
September 13, 2016
Chelsie Russell has never gotten along with her parents who seem to think that money and status were more important than being a family. Chelsie is a lawyer and is representing her parents in a custody hearing for their 2 year old granddaughter, Alix. Since Chelsie's sister, Shannon, died in a car accident along with her husband Jared, Griffin Stuart, Jared's brother, was given custody of Alix. Chelsie's parents guilted her into pursuing the case against her own beliefs. Chelsie thought Griffin would be a much better provider for her niece than her own parents.
Griffin may be thankful he won his custody case but he rebuffs Chelsie's attempt at an apology and an offer of help with Alix. Griffin is used to working long hours being an attorney, but now his life is totally changed having a two year old and it is not going well. When Chelsie stops over to visit Alix, the little girl is drawn to her because she looks like her mommy. At first Chelsie doesn't want to get to too close to Alix because of ghosts from her past but eventually Griffin convinces her that Alix needs Chelsie in her life too.
Over the course of time Griffin and Chelsie start to realize that things they believed about each other were actually wrong and they started up a friendship in helping out with Alix. That friendship continue to grow until other feelings started to arise. Could these two attorneys work out their differences to give Alix the type of life she really needs?
It was fun watching these two go from foes to friends to lovers. It was a great, sexy read that was full of a lot of emotions. I was so glad that Chelsie finally got the happy ending she was looking for her entire life.
Griffin may be thankful he won his custody case but he rebuffs Chelsie's attempt at an apology and an offer of help with Alix. Griffin is used to working long hours being an attorney, but now his life is totally changed having a two year old and it is not going well. When Chelsie stops over to visit Alix, the little girl is drawn to her because she looks like her mommy. At first Chelsie doesn't want to get to too close to Alix because of ghosts from her past but eventually Griffin convinces her that Alix needs Chelsie in her life too.
Over the course of time Griffin and Chelsie start to realize that things they believed about each other were actually wrong and they started up a friendship in helping out with Alix. That friendship continue to grow until other feelings started to arise. Could these two attorneys work out their differences to give Alix the type of life she really needs?
It was fun watching these two go from foes to friends to lovers. It was a great, sexy read that was full of a lot of emotions. I was so glad that Chelsie finally got the happy ending she was looking for her entire life.
November 16, 2023
Just ok, didn't really hold my interest. Not terrible, but not memorable either.
September 2, 2016
As an avid Carly Phillips reader I was not disappointed with Perfect Partners one bit! My only disappointment was that I didn't read it sooner! I don't know how I missed this one when it first came out but I am so happy to have gotten the chance to read it today. As always Ms. Phillips created characters that you not just loved to read about but that you sympathized with and rooted for, you wanted to see the happy ending for everyone involved. Her characters are always very complex and tug at just the right heartstrings to keep you reading to find out what happens in the end.. This story was about Chelsie and Griffen, two people who fought in the court room as well as in life. Having lost her sister and his brother in a tragic car accident they have to put aside their differences in order to be there for their niece, to give her the best life possible since her parents are gone. There are a few twists and turns involved in their story but Ms. Phillips definitely keeps you on your toes and hoping for the happily ever after that Chelsie Griffen and Alix (their Niece) all deserve!
September 6, 2016
Perfect Partners by Carly Phillips is Book 2 in her Unexpected Love series and an updated version of one of her earliest books. In this story we meet Chelsie Russell and Griff Stuart. They are both lawyers who lost their siblings in a car crash and fight over custody of their orphaned niece. We follow these two as they work together to help with the adjustment of the little girl they both love. As they find ways to make this successful transition, these two become friends and then lovers.
This was a sweet, fun and entertaining story with very likeable and authentic characters that you want to cheer on, hoping for that happy ending. The characters were well written with complex characteristics. The story line was riveting and kept my attention to the very end. I really loved reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. Although part of a series, this book is a standalone story. I highly recommend this book to other readers.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review
This was a sweet, fun and entertaining story with very likeable and authentic characters that you want to cheer on, hoping for that happy ending. The characters were well written with complex characteristics. The story line was riveting and kept my attention to the very end. I really loved reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. Although part of a series, this book is a standalone story. I highly recommend this book to other readers.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review
August 18, 2016
Perfect Partners is one of those books that is a feel good story, but not for the reasons that you think. I actually enjoyed this book a lot more because they weren't perfect partners in the beginning!
When we meet Chelsie and Griffin, they have both just endured the death of their sister and brother respectively and are now in a custody battle over their niece. Griffin wins custody of the little girl, but it becomes apparent very early on that he is going to need Chelsie's help. As they begin to try to settle into a rhythm that is best for the two year old, they find themselves having to put aside a lot of baggage and emotions to do what is best for Alix.
The relationship between the two develops slowly and in the end it is a feel good romance that any fan of good old fashioned romance will want to pick up!
When we meet Chelsie and Griffin, they have both just endured the death of their sister and brother respectively and are now in a custody battle over their niece. Griffin wins custody of the little girl, but it becomes apparent very early on that he is going to need Chelsie's help. As they begin to try to settle into a rhythm that is best for the two year old, they find themselves having to put aside a lot of baggage and emotions to do what is best for Alix.
The relationship between the two develops slowly and in the end it is a feel good romance that any fan of good old fashioned romance will want to pick up!
September 15, 2014
The book starts in a very emotional moment in the lives of the two main characters (Chelsie & Griffin) without long introductions or explanations. The reader will be captured from the first page.
Griffin and Chelsie (in the Name of her parents) fight for the custody of their little niece Alix. Griffin wins but soon realizes that he need the help of Chelsie. They have a lot of baggage from their pasts and need to put everything aside for their little girl.
Both are easy to like. Thanks to the narrator change every chapter the reader gains an insight into their thoughts and pasts and understands their actions.
Their relationship and the whole story developes very slowly. There are no real highlights, no building up tension, just some drama and lots of emotions.
I like the idea behind the book, but the plot is plain and uninspired. It is nice, but I won't read it again.
Griffin and Chelsie (in the Name of her parents) fight for the custody of their little niece Alix. Griffin wins but soon realizes that he need the help of Chelsie. They have a lot of baggage from their pasts and need to put everything aside for their little girl.
Both are easy to like. Thanks to the narrator change every chapter the reader gains an insight into their thoughts and pasts and understands their actions.
Their relationship and the whole story developes very slowly. There are no real highlights, no building up tension, just some drama and lots of emotions.
I like the idea behind the book, but the plot is plain and uninspired. It is nice, but I won't read it again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews