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Wild Ride To Love #3
His, Unexpectedly
A Pleasure Trip To Remember. . .
Shying away from commitment of any kind, Jenna Fallon's rules in life are to have none. So when her car breaks down en route from California to Vancouver--and she's forced to hitch a ride with a sexy stranger--she's thrilled to discover they share the same no-holds-barred views. . .
As a globe-trotting marine biologist, Mark Chambers is used to changing locations--and women. Yet as he and Jenna make their way up the Pacific coast, camping, skinny dipping, and having scorching hot sex, Mark's not so sure he wants to say goodbye. But is Jenna brave enough to meet the challenge of a man who may be perfect for her?
320 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2011
20 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
About the author
Susan Fox
36 books261 followersThere is more than one author with this name
Susan Fox, who also writes as Savanna Fox and Susan Lyons, "knows want women want in contemporary romance" (Publishers Weekly).
For complete information on Susan's books (including behind-the-scenes notes), visit her website. You can also sign up for her newsletter there.
Susan’s "Love Somebody Like You" was a 2016 finalist for Romance Writers of America®’s prestigious RITA® award. Her books have won the National Readers’ Choice Award, the HOLT Medallion, the Booksellers Best Award, the Book Buyers Best Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, the Aspen Gold Readers Choice, the Golden Quill, the More Than Magic, the Lories, the Beacon, and the Laurel Wreath. "Sex Drive" was a Cosmopolitan Red-Hot Read.
Susan’s books have been translated into French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, and German. Many are available as audio books.
Susan has presented workshops at the Romance Writers of America® National conference, the Surrey International Writers Conference, Word on the Lake (Salmon Arm), the RT Booklovers Convention, and regional RWA® conferences. She has spoken at library events and to reader groups. Her articles have been published in Romance Writers Report, RT Book Reviews, NINK (the Novelists Inc. newsletter), Love Letter (Germany), and RWA Chapter newsletters.
Susan is a Pacific Northwester with homes in Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia. She has degrees in law and psychology, and has had a variety of careers, including perennial student, computer consultant, and legal editor. Fiction writer is by far her favorite, giving her an outlet to demonstrate her belief in the power of love, friendship, and a sense of humor.
Catch up with Susan on Facebook.
Susan keeps track of her reading on Goodreads under the name Susan Lyons.
Susan Fox, who also writes as Savanna Fox and Susan Lyons, "knows want women want in contemporary romance" (Publishers Weekly).
For complete information on Susan's books (including behind-the-scenes notes), visit her website. You can also sign up for her newsletter there.
Susan’s "Love Somebody Like You" was a 2016 finalist for Romance Writers of America®’s prestigious RITA® award. Her books have won the National Readers’ Choice Award, the HOLT Medallion, the Booksellers Best Award, the Book Buyers Best Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, the Aspen Gold Readers Choice, the Golden Quill, the More Than Magic, the Lories, the Beacon, and the Laurel Wreath. "Sex Drive" was a Cosmopolitan Red-Hot Read.
Susan’s books have been translated into French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, and German. Many are available as audio books.
Susan has presented workshops at the Romance Writers of America® National conference, the Surrey International Writers Conference, Word on the Lake (Salmon Arm), the RT Booklovers Convention, and regional RWA® conferences. She has spoken at library events and to reader groups. Her articles have been published in Romance Writers Report, RT Book Reviews, NINK (the Novelists Inc. newsletter), Love Letter (Germany), and RWA Chapter newsletters.
Susan is a Pacific Northwester with homes in Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia. She has degrees in law and psychology, and has had a variety of careers, including perennial student, computer consultant, and legal editor. Fiction writer is by far her favorite, giving her an outlet to demonstrate her belief in the power of love, friendship, and a sense of humor.
Catch up with Susan on Facebook.
Susan keeps track of her reading on Goodreads under the name Susan Lyons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 29, 2011
2 1/2 stars. This book started off really good, exciting characters, Jenna was a free spirit into free love. She turned any situation into a positive. Her car breaks down, she doesn't have the money to fix it, she flirts with a fellow traveler, Mark (who is clueless), she is so much fun! He is in awe of how she lives her life, but is cautious because his mother had a lot of Jenna's philosophies and Mark grew up in a very unhealthy cult environment because of his mother. Mark is a sexy nerd that can't really tell if Jenna is serious or joking, everything that happens has some scientific theory to him, which I thought was hysterical because I think some of it was true. So Jenna hitches a ride with Mark to Canada where he is going to give a speech to some intellectual council and she is going to her sister's wedding. Jenna teaches him many positive things; not to always plan- some beautiful love scenes because of her spontaneity; enjoy the taste of food- which he never really did before; and how to open up and communicate. He loved all the changes in himself that he found because of Jenna, the problem was he wanted to change Jenna, but his changes Jenna didn't want.
Half way through I got bored. Mark was still fabulous, but Jenna's personality completely changed, maybe because her free spirit was really a result of insecurities, but her spark extinguished. Also there was so much talk about her family, but I never felt the connections, I didn't feel they portrayed Jenna's sisters in a very good light, yet when the final climax came they did support her- too late for me to rally behind Jenna's family's love. I would have said the first half of this book was a solid 4, but the second half I didn't really care one way or the other.
April 21, 2019
I read this book about 5 yrs ago; I enjoyed it then and enjoyed rereading it.
While the book had shortcomings, I enjoyed the characters and the sex was good too. It’s a good story that fits in well with the other 3 parts of the story.
I’m now reading the final installment and enjoying M&M who’s wedding brought the other 3 sisters home. It’s interesting how this follow-on story follows many of the non-fiction books on married relationships that recommend you find yourself before you engage in a committed relationship.
This story, and the previous two installments illustrate women who have found themselves, perhaps not their perfect selves, and then grow in the face of a possible committed relationship.
It’s not nonstop sex, but well worth the read.
While the book had shortcomings, I enjoyed the characters and the sex was good too. It’s a good story that fits in well with the other 3 parts of the story.
I’m now reading the final installment and enjoying M&M who’s wedding brought the other 3 sisters home. It’s interesting how this follow-on story follows many of the non-fiction books on married relationships that recommend you find yourself before you engage in a committed relationship.
This story, and the previous two installments illustrate women who have found themselves, perhaps not their perfect selves, and then grow in the face of a possible committed relationship.
It’s not nonstop sex, but well worth the read.
January 26, 2011
I'm a long-time fan of Susan Fox's books (she also writes under Susan Lyons), and HIS, UNEXPECTEDLY just solidified that position! She brings us yet again into an intensely emotional journey of a young woman who finds her way back to her real self and to love, with the help of that one special guy. Ms Fox is truly a master at character development and characterization, and her characters in this Wild Ride to Love series are all different and unique. She even makes the mundane sound interesting. Once you start reading, her fluid writing style and master storytelling just sucks you in and draws you along for the ride.
Jenna is the third sister in the Fallon family (we've met Theresa in SEX DRIVE and Kat in LOVE, UNEXPECTEDLY). She's the free spirit, the one who goes from moment to moment, guy to guy and doesn't want to be tied down. Life changes when she has to go back home in time for little sister's wedding, and she hitches a ride with Dr. Mark Chambers, a marine biologist.
Mark is a bit like Jenna in that he doesn't hold conventional ideas on certain things, but in other ways, he's this serious, responsible guy who's passionate about the environment, especially the ocean. He doesn't really "approve" of Jenna's lifestyle, as his childhood had taught him the importance of security and structures. However, when he finds himself falling for Jenna, he had to wonder if things would work out between them, and would Jenna be able to love him and be willing to settle for just one man in her life?
I have to admit that I didn't like Jenna at first, both from the previous books as based on her sisters' descriptions of her and when this book started. I think I didn't like her at first because I couldn't relate to her. She's so different from me and from the people I know. Still, I was intrigued enough to read Jenna's story, because I wanted to know about her, what makes her tick. And the more I read, the more I get to know her, the more I sympathize with her. She's a free spirit, because life and circumstances made her so. She hides a deep secret, one that makes her ache even now. Her parents and sisters "always judged", that when something bad happened to her, her "teenage self hadn't had a safe place to confess my mistakes and share my deepest sorrows". That was so sad, and surprisingly, it resonated, because I've been there. And that made me realize there's depth to Jenna, and I couldn't wait to know more.
Mark is a geek, a HOT geek, and very serious, as in jokes and sexual innuendoes fly right over his head. But would you believe that it only makes him so sexy it was all I could do not to fight Jenna for him. He's totally adorable and sweet, and like Jenna, I would've loved learning from him. The guy's a veritable font of information. I really loved loved LOVED Damien (the hero in SEX DRIVE), but Mark sure could give him some serious competition.
As I said earlier, Ms Fox has an amazing talent for character development. I like the way my perceptions of Mark and Jenna changed and changed and changed yet again as I read onward. Not only that but both characters did change and grow over the course of the book, depicting how we are influenced by the people we meet, if we are open to them.
The romantic development between Jenna and Mark was just right, in line with how they open their souls up to one another. I like how they complement one another, how Jenna taught Mark to play and have fun, even as he pointed out the benefit of planning ahead, of having a goal and purpose in life. I like that they became better persons, more well-rounded, due to the other's influence, and I especially like how they became not only lovers, but friends as well. The sex between them was explosive, super hot, and I swear I reached for ice a lot of times to cool down. Ms Fox sure does know how to write good sex scenes and although there were a few of them, each one of them moved the plot along and heightened the growing intimacy between Jenna and Mark.
Oh, and need I say I love the title? It's just perfect for this story!
A book in this series wouldn't be complete without updates in the lives of the other sisters, and I really loved knowing more about the progress in the other couples' relationships and from a different point of view.
If you don't mind a little spice in your books, this series is a must read for the great characters, sweet romance, explosive passion and thought-provoking view on life.
Reviewed by Shana
for The Romance Reviews
http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/v...
Jenna is the third sister in the Fallon family (we've met Theresa in SEX DRIVE and Kat in LOVE, UNEXPECTEDLY). She's the free spirit, the one who goes from moment to moment, guy to guy and doesn't want to be tied down. Life changes when she has to go back home in time for little sister's wedding, and she hitches a ride with Dr. Mark Chambers, a marine biologist.
Mark is a bit like Jenna in that he doesn't hold conventional ideas on certain things, but in other ways, he's this serious, responsible guy who's passionate about the environment, especially the ocean. He doesn't really "approve" of Jenna's lifestyle, as his childhood had taught him the importance of security and structures. However, when he finds himself falling for Jenna, he had to wonder if things would work out between them, and would Jenna be able to love him and be willing to settle for just one man in her life?
I have to admit that I didn't like Jenna at first, both from the previous books as based on her sisters' descriptions of her and when this book started. I think I didn't like her at first because I couldn't relate to her. She's so different from me and from the people I know. Still, I was intrigued enough to read Jenna's story, because I wanted to know about her, what makes her tick. And the more I read, the more I get to know her, the more I sympathize with her. She's a free spirit, because life and circumstances made her so. She hides a deep secret, one that makes her ache even now. Her parents and sisters "always judged", that when something bad happened to her, her "teenage self hadn't had a safe place to confess my mistakes and share my deepest sorrows". That was so sad, and surprisingly, it resonated, because I've been there. And that made me realize there's depth to Jenna, and I couldn't wait to know more.
Mark is a geek, a HOT geek, and very serious, as in jokes and sexual innuendoes fly right over his head. But would you believe that it only makes him so sexy it was all I could do not to fight Jenna for him. He's totally adorable and sweet, and like Jenna, I would've loved learning from him. The guy's a veritable font of information. I really loved loved LOVED Damien (the hero in SEX DRIVE), but Mark sure could give him some serious competition.
As I said earlier, Ms Fox has an amazing talent for character development. I like the way my perceptions of Mark and Jenna changed and changed and changed yet again as I read onward. Not only that but both characters did change and grow over the course of the book, depicting how we are influenced by the people we meet, if we are open to them.
The romantic development between Jenna and Mark was just right, in line with how they open their souls up to one another. I like how they complement one another, how Jenna taught Mark to play and have fun, even as he pointed out the benefit of planning ahead, of having a goal and purpose in life. I like that they became better persons, more well-rounded, due to the other's influence, and I especially like how they became not only lovers, but friends as well. The sex between them was explosive, super hot, and I swear I reached for ice a lot of times to cool down. Ms Fox sure does know how to write good sex scenes and although there were a few of them, each one of them moved the plot along and heightened the growing intimacy between Jenna and Mark.
Oh, and need I say I love the title? It's just perfect for this story!
A book in this series wouldn't be complete without updates in the lives of the other sisters, and I really loved knowing more about the progress in the other couples' relationships and from a different point of view.
If you don't mind a little spice in your books, this series is a must read for the great characters, sweet romance, explosive passion and thought-provoking view on life.
Reviewed by Shana
for The Romance Reviews
http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/v...
February 7, 2011
I really enjoyed this light-hearted and sexy contemporary romance. Dr. Mark Chambers is a sweet character. Opposites attract when he meets up with Jenna Fallon, a free love kind of girl.
November 26, 2022
Vou começar minha resenha com essa palavra, "adorei". No começo eu achei que era só mais um romance clichê, mais não é.
(De Repente, é ele) fala sobre Mark e Jenna, um cientista que só pensa no trabalho e uma mulher sem emprego fixo que só pensa em se divertir, em outras palavras, "aproveitar as coisas boas da vida", principalmente com caras bonitos.
Jenna vai para o casamento da irmã mais nova e seu carro quebra na estrada, quando ela ver Mark logo se interessa por ele, pois ele é muito atraente, ela decide pedir uma carona, ele então, também atraído por ela, concorda.
Já na estrada, ambos aprendem que viver sem compromisso não é bom, mais que também, viver sem sentir o momento presente, sem saborear uma bela refeição e sem seguir a vida sem rumo as vezes, era um tédio!
Os dois sentem atração um pelo o outro, mais como duas pessoas tão diferentes poderiam da certo? Como uma mulher que vive o momento sem pressa, poderia dá certo com um homem, que não sabia saborear uma torta de morango para não atrasa-lo?
Enfim, uma jornada de descobertas e aprendizados, que faz qualquer leitor parar e refletir, pois na vida, nem sempre vamos encontrar pessoas que pensam e agem da mesma forma que a gente, mas, podemos aprender e também ensinar, pois uma mistura de tudo é que faz a vida ficar mais prazerosa!
Esse é o terceiro livro da saga irmãs Fallon, comecei por esse por que comprei em uma feira de livros, nunca li outros livros da autora, mais já quero ler outro outros e comentar aqui.♥️
(De Repente, é ele) fala sobre Mark e Jenna, um cientista que só pensa no trabalho e uma mulher sem emprego fixo que só pensa em se divertir, em outras palavras, "aproveitar as coisas boas da vida", principalmente com caras bonitos.
Jenna vai para o casamento da irmã mais nova e seu carro quebra na estrada, quando ela ver Mark logo se interessa por ele, pois ele é muito atraente, ela decide pedir uma carona, ele então, também atraído por ela, concorda.
Já na estrada, ambos aprendem que viver sem compromisso não é bom, mais que também, viver sem sentir o momento presente, sem saborear uma bela refeição e sem seguir a vida sem rumo as vezes, era um tédio!
Os dois sentem atração um pelo o outro, mais como duas pessoas tão diferentes poderiam da certo? Como uma mulher que vive o momento sem pressa, poderia dá certo com um homem, que não sabia saborear uma torta de morango para não atrasa-lo?
Enfim, uma jornada de descobertas e aprendizados, que faz qualquer leitor parar e refletir, pois na vida, nem sempre vamos encontrar pessoas que pensam e agem da mesma forma que a gente, mas, podemos aprender e também ensinar, pois uma mistura de tudo é que faz a vida ficar mais prazerosa!
Esse é o terceiro livro da saga irmãs Fallon, comecei por esse por que comprei em uma feira de livros, nunca li outros livros da autora, mais já quero ler outro outros e comentar aqui.♥️
September 16, 2018
The h identifies herself as a butterfly - gets the first tattoo of it when she is 15 and thinks she has spiritually affinity to environment. Since 15 she never grew up and thinks she loses common sense when she falls in love. I think she never had any common sense, even back when she fell out of love back when her teenage ex turned out to be a loser. At 30, this 'free spirit' to fly to Bali chasing after H has to borrow money from her mom. What an adult! and she gets offended when her family calls her a flake. I don't believe in their HEA and wish the H would just move on.
January 10, 2026
🌶️🌶️ What a sweet unexpected (no pun intended) story. Dear of change and chaos can’t keep Mark and Jenna apart. Her free spirit meets his nerdy brain and the sparks fly. It was spicy, funny, and made me want to go to the beach and save the ocean. First time reading this author and would definitely read another.
Trope- opposites attract, love at first sight
Location- Pacific coast and Vancouver
Kink- public
Trope- opposites attract, love at first sight
Location- Pacific coast and Vancouver
Kink- public
March 2, 2019
Sometimes funny, Sometimes Boeing, bit ir elas cool.
Read
August 20, 2025DNF
July 11, 2012
2.5-3.5 stars
This book was... difficult, thus my vast rating range. There are definitely things I didn't like, and definitely things I did like.
I think that of the sisters, Jenna is the one I have the hardest time liking and relating to. There's a lot to admire about her "live for today" and "the universe will bring what you need" attitude. But it's obviously forced, and the more we get to know Jenna, the more we see underneath her almost desperate attempt to be such a Free Spirit.
Likes:
* I like the connection between Mark and Jenna, but see Dislikes below, too. What I like is that she's able to draw him out - there's that balance between them that this author is so in favor of. This is really reflected in the Yin and Yang of Mark and Jenna's journey.
* In some ways, their relationship reminds me of Damien and Theresa. There's hope for the future, but not a slam-dunk-no-issues-we're-totally-committed at the end. Maybe a bit more pressure on Mark and Jenna, , but more hope than it's a done deal. That was one of my nits about Kat and Nav. Yes, they've known each other for 2 years, but there are still a lot of issues to work out; and a love relationship is always different from a friend relationship - sometimes being friends for so long even hinders that switch.
* I like the feel of this book. As much as I can't relate to Jenna, I do like the freedom theme; it's so different from my well-ordered life. And even though Mark is flexible, it's a change for him, too. For once, it's the man who has to go-with-the-flow, and it's nice to see the shoe on the other foot. (Just full of cliches today, aren't I?)
* I like the sister bonding. We can really see these 4 sisters coming together, finding their own healing, finally taking responsibility for themselves, and being more flexible and open with the other sisters. Even the relationship with the mother is improving.
Dislikes:
* The "magical" connection between Mark and Jenna: As cool as it is (and very romance-book), it seems hoky. It gives the author an excuse to force intimacy and connection between these two people in a very compressed time period. OK, Theresa and Damien had even less time together; but somehow that worked. It was more like 2 mature people finding a match and pursuing it. But maybe my perception is colored by my not being sure I even like Jenna and knowing I can't really relate to her and her style. And while the quickness of their "love" seems right, I almost think that the "magic" stuff takes away from the organic progression of this relationship; it's obvious these two have a big attraction and have a good chance to be each other's The One, but somehow the hokiness of the "magic" involved when they kiss takes away from that.
* Again, the parents or grandparents taking the majority of the blame for the flaws, suspicions, and problems with relationships that the H/H have. Yes, I understand the Nature/Nurture thing, and those who raise us definitely influence our lives and our style of expressing ourselves and affection. But it seems as if the author puts too much emphasis on this. Jenna made the choices she did, and she chose not to share with her family colored by her own perception of being the "screw-up" - thinking that her family wouldn't accept or love her if they knew the truth. But that's Jenna's issue, not her parents nor her sisters. Mark's reaction to his upbringing seems more understandable.
-----------
On to book #4.
This book was... difficult, thus my vast rating range. There are definitely things I didn't like, and definitely things I did like.
I think that of the sisters, Jenna is the one I have the hardest time liking and relating to. There's a lot to admire about her "live for today" and "the universe will bring what you need" attitude. But it's obviously forced, and the more we get to know Jenna, the more we see underneath her almost desperate attempt to be such a Free Spirit.
Likes:
* I like the connection between Mark and Jenna, but see Dislikes below, too. What I like is that she's able to draw him out - there's that balance between them that this author is so in favor of. This is really reflected in the Yin and Yang of Mark and Jenna's journey.
* In some ways, their relationship reminds me of Damien and Theresa. There's hope for the future, but not a slam-dunk-no-issues-we're-totally-committed at the end. Maybe a bit more pressure on Mark and Jenna, , but more hope than it's a done deal. That was one of my nits about Kat and Nav. Yes, they've known each other for 2 years, but there are still a lot of issues to work out; and a love relationship is always different from a friend relationship - sometimes being friends for so long even hinders that switch.
* I like the feel of this book. As much as I can't relate to Jenna, I do like the freedom theme; it's so different from my well-ordered life. And even though Mark is flexible, it's a change for him, too. For once, it's the man who has to go-with-the-flow, and it's nice to see the shoe on the other foot. (Just full of cliches today, aren't I?)
* I like the sister bonding. We can really see these 4 sisters coming together, finding their own healing, finally taking responsibility for themselves, and being more flexible and open with the other sisters. Even the relationship with the mother is improving.
Dislikes:
* The "magical" connection between Mark and Jenna: As cool as it is (and very romance-book), it seems hoky. It gives the author an excuse to force intimacy and connection between these two people in a very compressed time period. OK, Theresa and Damien had even less time together; but somehow that worked. It was more like 2 mature people finding a match and pursuing it. But maybe my perception is colored by my not being sure I even like Jenna and knowing I can't really relate to her and her style. And while the quickness of their "love" seems right, I almost think that the "magic" stuff takes away from the organic progression of this relationship; it's obvious these two have a big attraction and have a good chance to be each other's The One, but somehow the hokiness of the "magic" involved when they kiss takes away from that.
* Again, the parents or grandparents taking the majority of the blame for the flaws, suspicions, and problems with relationships that the H/H have. Yes, I understand the Nature/Nurture thing, and those who raise us definitely influence our lives and our style of expressing ourselves and affection. But it seems as if the author puts too much emphasis on this. Jenna made the choices she did, and she chose not to share with her family colored by her own perception of being the "screw-up" - thinking that her family wouldn't accept or love her if they knew the truth. But that's Jenna's issue, not her parents nor her sisters. Mark's reaction to his upbringing seems more understandable.
-----------
On to book #4.
January 4, 2011
His, Unexpectedly by Susan Fox
Contemporary Romance – Jan. 25th, 2011
4 1/2 stars
His, Unexpectedly by Susan Fox (AKA Susan Lyons) in the 3rd novel about sisters who find men they love on their way to their sister's upcoming wedding. This is the story of Jenna Fallon, the free spirit of the family.
Jenna flits from one man to man and travels on a whim. But Jenna's happy go lucky ways are really a cover for the deep pain she carries from a young affair that went wrong. Now Jenna only lives for the moment. When her old car Mellow Yellow breaks down on the California Coast, she knows she has to find a ride since she only brought enough gas money for the trip to Canada (and her sister’s wedding) and she doesn’t believe in credit cards. Jenna is in luck when she finds and persuades the super serious Matt Chambers to give her a ride since he is also on his way to Canada.
Matt is enchanted by the beautiful and impetuous Jenna and can't believe he has agreed to drive with her to Canada. And a chance meeting turns into so much more….
This story starts out with a somewhat improbable beginning. I was wondering wouldn't the characters’ relationship feel a little forced and the issue of riding with a complete stranger unsafe? But Matt turns out to be super serious and responsible and the safest person to thumb a ride with. I liked how he even tried to persuade Jenna how dangerous it is and decides to have her ride with him to prevent her from meeting someone dangerous. Even the beginning he is concerned about a stranger. Jenna is very impetuous and as a more serious person myself, I couldn’t imagine hitching a ride but the author made the characters seem very plausible and realistic.
Jenna and Matt's relationship is fun to read as Jenna comes on the Matt. She feels sex is natural and definitely loosens Matt up. I enjoyed how Jenna, who seems like a carefree person, actually has deep secrets and is only able to open up with Matt (and tells him secrets that she can’t even her family). Matt soon realizes how much he cares for Jenna and wants her with him always. I liked how although they seem like total opposites, but they both actually have a lot in common, such as their love for nature and exploring and especially their deep feelings for each other. It is interesting that Matt 1st realizes he loves Jenna and tries to gently get Jenna to trust and possibly commit to him. His character made me fall in love with him! This is my favorite in the series because I really like the growing relationship between them. Plus, Susan Fox really knows how to heat up the scenes between the 2 main characters.
Romantic, sweet and with deep characters who are engaging and easy to love. This is a steamy book with a satisfying romance that is sure to please!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Contemporary Romance – Jan. 25th, 2011
4 1/2 stars
His, Unexpectedly by Susan Fox (AKA Susan Lyons) in the 3rd novel about sisters who find men they love on their way to their sister's upcoming wedding. This is the story of Jenna Fallon, the free spirit of the family.
Jenna flits from one man to man and travels on a whim. But Jenna's happy go lucky ways are really a cover for the deep pain she carries from a young affair that went wrong. Now Jenna only lives for the moment. When her old car Mellow Yellow breaks down on the California Coast, she knows she has to find a ride since she only brought enough gas money for the trip to Canada (and her sister’s wedding) and she doesn’t believe in credit cards. Jenna is in luck when she finds and persuades the super serious Matt Chambers to give her a ride since he is also on his way to Canada.
Matt is enchanted by the beautiful and impetuous Jenna and can't believe he has agreed to drive with her to Canada. And a chance meeting turns into so much more….
This story starts out with a somewhat improbable beginning. I was wondering wouldn't the characters’ relationship feel a little forced and the issue of riding with a complete stranger unsafe? But Matt turns out to be super serious and responsible and the safest person to thumb a ride with. I liked how he even tried to persuade Jenna how dangerous it is and decides to have her ride with him to prevent her from meeting someone dangerous. Even the beginning he is concerned about a stranger. Jenna is very impetuous and as a more serious person myself, I couldn’t imagine hitching a ride but the author made the characters seem very plausible and realistic.
Jenna and Matt's relationship is fun to read as Jenna comes on the Matt. She feels sex is natural and definitely loosens Matt up. I enjoyed how Jenna, who seems like a carefree person, actually has deep secrets and is only able to open up with Matt (and tells him secrets that she can’t even her family). Matt soon realizes how much he cares for Jenna and wants her with him always. I liked how although they seem like total opposites, but they both actually have a lot in common, such as their love for nature and exploring and especially their deep feelings for each other. It is interesting that Matt 1st realizes he loves Jenna and tries to gently get Jenna to trust and possibly commit to him. His character made me fall in love with him! This is my favorite in the series because I really like the growing relationship between them. Plus, Susan Fox really knows how to heat up the scenes between the 2 main characters.
Romantic, sweet and with deep characters who are engaging and easy to love. This is a steamy book with a satisfying romance that is sure to please!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
January 26, 2011
Jenna Fallon is on her way to her little sister’s wedding when her car breaks down. Short on cash and reluctant to call on her family who disapprove of her free-spirited ways, Jenna hitches a ride with Dr. Mark Chambers a serious minded marine biologists who travels around the world saving the world’s creatures. Despite Jenna and Mark’s differences, they are attracted to each other and things hit up quickly. Both hold lifelong insecurities that prevent them from truly accepting the other for who they are. They’ll have a lot of work to overcome their differences to make their relationship more than just a wild ride.
HIS, UNEXPECTEDLY is a great read. I loved Jenna and Mark as characters, they were such different creatures, but they were able to respect each other as individuals and learn to work together as they made their way up the coast to Canada. Usually with romance novels there is one person who has a deep seated issue that they need to resolve before they can enjoy their happily ever after, that was not the case inside HIS, UNEXPECTEDLY. I really enjoyed that both Jenna and Mark each went through a full character arc and while their journey to awareness took different paths, it was a full journey that made me completely believe in their happily ever after once I closed the pages.
I loved the characterization and HIS, UNEXPECTEDLY’s plot was more intricate and character focused than what I normally read in erotic romance. The erotic element had a great balance of heat, but the sex always focused on the characters and wasn’t thrown in just because of the type of romance that it was. HIS, UNEXPECTEDLY also had a great family dynamic and I loved how the story line was weaved in regarding the sisters and how their place in their family and how their parents reacted to their placed developed each sisters character.
All in all, HIS, UNEXPECTEDLY was an enjoyable read and whether Ms. Fox is writing under Susan Fox or Susan Lyons (which I totally don’t get the name change as all her books are contemporary erotica) she’s a must read author for me
HIS, UNEXPECTEDLY is a great read. I loved Jenna and Mark as characters, they were such different creatures, but they were able to respect each other as individuals and learn to work together as they made their way up the coast to Canada. Usually with romance novels there is one person who has a deep seated issue that they need to resolve before they can enjoy their happily ever after, that was not the case inside HIS, UNEXPECTEDLY. I really enjoyed that both Jenna and Mark each went through a full character arc and while their journey to awareness took different paths, it was a full journey that made me completely believe in their happily ever after once I closed the pages.
I loved the characterization and HIS, UNEXPECTEDLY’s plot was more intricate and character focused than what I normally read in erotic romance. The erotic element had a great balance of heat, but the sex always focused on the characters and wasn’t thrown in just because of the type of romance that it was. HIS, UNEXPECTEDLY also had a great family dynamic and I loved how the story line was weaved in regarding the sisters and how their place in their family and how their parents reacted to their placed developed each sisters character.
All in all, HIS, UNEXPECTEDLY was an enjoyable read and whether Ms. Fox is writing under Susan Fox or Susan Lyons (which I totally don’t get the name change as all her books are contemporary erotica) she’s a must read author for me
September 16, 2011
This was a good story, and there was something sexy about the way Mark behaved, shy and kind of dowdy, and intimidated at how hard and fast Jenna came onto him, but I couldn't take Jenna. She turned me off with her 'live for today' attitude and the way she acted so caviler about sex and turning Mark on without having serious intentions. I felt she was very self-centered. No matter how hard I tried, she annoyed the heck out of me. From the time she "blew a kiss to the waitress" she lost me. That and her "mellow yellow" automobile. And I didn't buy into the whole Jenna denying love and commitment thing, either.
Susan Fox's descriptions are so vivid and sexy though, which carried the weight of the book as far as I'm concerned. She's such a talented writer;
(excerpt)
Sunshine backlit her so he couldn’t make out her features, but saw a dazzling halo of white-gold curls, a slim silhouette, and a long, loose skirt that was so filmy the sunshine cut straight through it, outlining her long legs. All the way to the apex, where the breeze plastered the fabric against her thighs and the sweet triangle between them.
How great is this? And there are plenty more scenes like this in this short book. Ms. Fox shares precisely what's in her mind's eye with the gift of transferring it onto paper very eloquently, without overdoing or tripping over words.
The only other gripe I had, besides not liking Jenna, was the graphic sex. I guess I shouldn't read erotic novels, because I'd rather read about steamy encounters that at least leave (what I consider to be unappetizing) body parts to the imagination. When I read the four-letter-plus words, for me, it's a turn off. If Jenna had been a little more down to earth and serious, and the language had been toned down, I would have liked this book enough to rate it 4 or 5. But I have to give it a 3 for the fantastic writing.
Susan Fox's descriptions are so vivid and sexy though, which carried the weight of the book as far as I'm concerned. She's such a talented writer;
(excerpt)
Sunshine backlit her so he couldn’t make out her features, but saw a dazzling halo of white-gold curls, a slim silhouette, and a long, loose skirt that was so filmy the sunshine cut straight through it, outlining her long legs. All the way to the apex, where the breeze plastered the fabric against her thighs and the sweet triangle between them.
How great is this? And there are plenty more scenes like this in this short book. Ms. Fox shares precisely what's in her mind's eye with the gift of transferring it onto paper very eloquently, without overdoing or tripping over words.
The only other gripe I had, besides not liking Jenna, was the graphic sex. I guess I shouldn't read erotic novels, because I'd rather read about steamy encounters that at least leave (what I consider to be unappetizing) body parts to the imagination. When I read the four-letter-plus words, for me, it's a turn off. If Jenna had been a little more down to earth and serious, and the language had been toned down, I would have liked this book enough to rate it 4 or 5. But I have to give it a 3 for the fantastic writing.
January 15, 2012
His Unexpectedly is a delightful, erotic read that I could not put down once I started. The heroine Jenna Fallon reminded me so much of myself that I was engrossed from the very first page. The erotic sex scenes in this book took me to a special place…a place where I believe real love and passion can really work together.
Jenna Fallon is a free spirit; the words responsibility and commitment are not in her vocabulary. She is on her way to her younger sister’s wedding when her faithful old car breaks down on the side of the road, but thankfully near a gas station with a mechanic on duty. She believes everything happens for a reason and so walks into a nearby diner and asks the cutest guy for a ride to her hometown of Vancouver, BC. Rolling down the west coast with a self described scientific geek, she is surprised to feel strong feelings toward someone who is so opposite from her. When Mark drops her off at her parents and drives on to his destination, she is dismayed to discover she misses him beyond measure and would do anything to see him again, even sell her trusted old MGB, the car that had been with her since graduation practically. Could she do it? Was it worth finding once in a lifetime love?
Dr. Mark Chambers is on his way to a conference on marine biology in Vancouver, BC when he unexpectedly picks up a ravishing hitchhiker by the name of Jenna Fallon. Before he knows it, they’re both sharing his single bed in the back of his camper as well as life stories. Could an honest, straightforward guy like him make a relationship work with a fly by the seat of your pants woman like Jenna? He’s about to find out.
At first I did not really like this book, it started out slow for me, but as I got to know Jenna and realized we are both alike I couldn’t put it down. And then I got to the sex scenes. OMG. Amazing.
Jenna Fallon is a free spirit; the words responsibility and commitment are not in her vocabulary. She is on her way to her younger sister’s wedding when her faithful old car breaks down on the side of the road, but thankfully near a gas station with a mechanic on duty. She believes everything happens for a reason and so walks into a nearby diner and asks the cutest guy for a ride to her hometown of Vancouver, BC. Rolling down the west coast with a self described scientific geek, she is surprised to feel strong feelings toward someone who is so opposite from her. When Mark drops her off at her parents and drives on to his destination, she is dismayed to discover she misses him beyond measure and would do anything to see him again, even sell her trusted old MGB, the car that had been with her since graduation practically. Could she do it? Was it worth finding once in a lifetime love?
Dr. Mark Chambers is on his way to a conference on marine biology in Vancouver, BC when he unexpectedly picks up a ravishing hitchhiker by the name of Jenna Fallon. Before he knows it, they’re both sharing his single bed in the back of his camper as well as life stories. Could an honest, straightforward guy like him make a relationship work with a fly by the seat of your pants woman like Jenna? He’s about to find out.
At first I did not really like this book, it started out slow for me, but as I got to know Jenna and realized we are both alike I couldn’t put it down. And then I got to the sex scenes. OMG. Amazing.
February 2, 2023
Actual rating more like 2.5, but bumped up to 3 for the awesome hero.
It's tough finding erotic romances where the hero seems like a guy I would even allow into my bed, let alone want to date. The hero of this book is a sexy marine biologist, kind of a cute nerd type, with a totally nice personality. Heroine is a free spirit, way more experienced than him, and the sex is mutual, not rough or dominating, while still being explicit.
So those are all definite plusses, but unfortunately I found this book a little on the meh side. I feel bad because it wasn't the hero's fault. He's sweet and unfailingly polite and respectful and super nice, which are all things I look for in a hero. I just found the sex scenes too short and not all that passionate.
They were graphic and the descriptions were steamy, but I didn't really *feel* the heat between the hero and heroine. They're sort of instantly in love and it's the bestest, most magical sex ever. Which can be cool, but it was more like really sweet lovemaking rather than burning up the kitchen type of passion.
The sex could have been more erotic perhaps if the author had written it differently. I thought her style seemed a bit strange at times. I also could have done without the heroine's free spirit and lack of desire for marriage and children being attributed to some previous trauma, in this case
Overall, given the current state of erotic romance and the overbearing alpha men who populate the genre, this is not a bad choice if you're looking for kind, non-dominating heroes. It's one of the few I've read where I would want to be in a relationship with the guy portrayed, so that's saying something!
It's tough finding erotic romances where the hero seems like a guy I would even allow into my bed, let alone want to date. The hero of this book is a sexy marine biologist, kind of a cute nerd type, with a totally nice personality. Heroine is a free spirit, way more experienced than him, and the sex is mutual, not rough or dominating, while still being explicit.
So those are all definite plusses, but unfortunately I found this book a little on the meh side. I feel bad because it wasn't the hero's fault. He's sweet and unfailingly polite and respectful and super nice, which are all things I look for in a hero. I just found the sex scenes too short and not all that passionate.
They were graphic and the descriptions were steamy, but I didn't really *feel* the heat between the hero and heroine. They're sort of instantly in love and it's the bestest, most magical sex ever. Which can be cool, but it was more like really sweet lovemaking rather than burning up the kitchen type of passion.
The sex could have been more erotic perhaps if the author had written it differently. I thought her style seemed a bit strange at times. I also could have done without the heroine's free spirit and lack of desire for marriage and children being attributed to some previous trauma, in this case
Overall, given the current state of erotic romance and the overbearing alpha men who populate the genre, this is not a bad choice if you're looking for kind, non-dominating heroes. It's one of the few I've read where I would want to be in a relationship with the guy portrayed, so that's saying something!
March 25, 2011
The book is good, I read it in a day and a half. It was an easy read. At fist I was put off a bit by the seemingly constante sexual language in it. It was coming up so much it seemed to be there just to be there, it took me a while to realize this was how the character thought about things, Jenna had been up until meeting Mark pretty free and easy with herself and sex.... Now she has met her match. She thinks she can wander from project to jobs, place to place, man to man....with the man she meets in this book, she has met her match. She just can't admit it to herself. That is the journey the characters embark upon in this book. Both Jenna and Mark have fireworks go off when they meet and the first time they kiss. They try to deny it. The book is about their journey and whether they can accept it or if they go through this journey and part their separate ways.
Here is the verbage from the back of the book: A Pleasure Trip To Remember. . .
Shying away from commitment of any kind, Jenna Fallon's rules in life are to have none. So when her car breaks down en route from California to Vancouver--and she's forced to hitch a ride with a sexy stranger--she's thrilled to discover they share the same no-holds-barred views. . .
As a globe-trotting marine biologist, Mark Chambers is used to changing locations--and women. Yet as he and Jenna make their way up the Pacific coast, camping, skinny dipping, and having scorching hot sex, Mark's not so sure he wants to say goodbye. But is Jenna brave enough to meet the challenge of a man who may be perfect for her?
Here is the verbage from the back of the book: A Pleasure Trip To Remember. . .
Shying away from commitment of any kind, Jenna Fallon's rules in life are to have none. So when her car breaks down en route from California to Vancouver--and she's forced to hitch a ride with a sexy stranger--she's thrilled to discover they share the same no-holds-barred views. . .
As a globe-trotting marine biologist, Mark Chambers is used to changing locations--and women. Yet as he and Jenna make their way up the Pacific coast, camping, skinny dipping, and having scorching hot sex, Mark's not so sure he wants to say goodbye. But is Jenna brave enough to meet the challenge of a man who may be perfect for her?
April 2, 2011
His, Unexpectedly A Pleasure Trip To Remember. . .
Shying away from commitment of any kind, Jenna Fallon's rules in life are to have none. So when her car breaks down en route from California to Vancouver--and she's forced to hitch a ride with a sexy stranger--she's thrilled to discover they share the same no-holds-barred views. . .
As a globe-trotting marine biologist, Mark Chambers is used to changing locations--and women. Yet as he and Jenna make their way up the Pacific coast, camping, skinny dipping, and having scorching hot sex, Mark's not so sure he wants to say goodbye. But is Jenna brave enough to meet the challenge of a man who may be perfect for her?
I really enjoyed this light and sexy contemporary romance. Dr. Mark Chambers is a sweet character, and Opposites attract when he meets up with Jenna Fallon, a free love kind of girl.
I like how it starts off with Jenna's perspective on things, then switches to tell Dr. Chambers perspective on things. This was a good read with lots of good heated area. I love a good Adult Contemporary Romance book.
Shying away from commitment of any kind, Jenna Fallon's rules in life are to have none. So when her car breaks down en route from California to Vancouver--and she's forced to hitch a ride with a sexy stranger--she's thrilled to discover they share the same no-holds-barred views. . .
As a globe-trotting marine biologist, Mark Chambers is used to changing locations--and women. Yet as he and Jenna make their way up the Pacific coast, camping, skinny dipping, and having scorching hot sex, Mark's not so sure he wants to say goodbye. But is Jenna brave enough to meet the challenge of a man who may be perfect for her?
I really enjoyed this light and sexy contemporary romance. Dr. Mark Chambers is a sweet character, and Opposites attract when he meets up with Jenna Fallon, a free love kind of girl.
I like how it starts off with Jenna's perspective on things, then switches to tell Dr. Chambers perspective on things. This was a good read with lots of good heated area. I love a good Adult Contemporary Romance book.
January 5, 2011
The story skips about; first being told from Jenna’s perspective, in the first person, then switching over to Mark’s perspective, but told in third person. I found the transitions disconcerting and think the cadence and flow would have been smoother – more lyrical - written entirely from a third person perspective. Still, the sex was romantic and erotic and I definitely felt the chemistry between Mark and Jenna in their intimate encounters. This book is the third in what I assume will be a four part series but it is completely readable as a stand-alone book. I recommend this book for mature readers who enjoy heat in a professionally edited book with an engaging and believable plot. Read the Full Review
Reviewed by: Laurie-J
Night Owl Reviews
Reviewed by: Laurie-J
Night Owl Reviews
February 22, 2012
Again, more like a 3.5. I enjoyed the story, but I had a couple of concerns. Like most romance novels, the point of view goes back and forth between their perspectives. Mark's sections were written in the third person, like most romance novels. Jenna's sections were all in first person, though, and that tripped me up. It took me a little while to get used to it. Also? (and this is a minor point) Jenna is described as having almost white blond, curly hair...the girl on the cover? Brown and straight...nothing to do with the story, but it bugged me lol. I do want to read the other books in the Unexpectedly series though. I want to know how Kat and Tree hooked up with their guys...and I imagine that M's story is coming soon if it isn't out there already.
October 2, 2014
I seldom pick up a book labeled “Erotic Romance”, simply because I find lengthy, anatomically correct descriptions of the sex act boring, but this book fell into my hands. I still found the endless sexually explicit pages dull, but I found I could skip over them and the story still held my attention. Susan Fox, who also writes as Susan Lyons, does a marvelous job of character development. Her stories are intricate, her settings always interesting, and her characters grow between the first pages and the last. I recommend this book to readers of erotic romance, but I recommend Susan Fox (Susan Lyons) to all who enjoy the Romance Genre.
April 1, 2011
I really enjoyed this light read, and sexy contemporary romance. Dr. Mark Chambers is a sweet character, and Opposites attract when he meets up with Jenna Fallon, a free love kind of girl, and he a Doctor who is Rooted.
I like how it starts off with Jenna's perspective on things, then switches to tell Dr. Chambers perspective
on things. This was a good read lots of good heated area I love a good Adult Contemporary Romance book.
I rate this book a 4 out of 5 I have not read the first two books in this series but I would like to after reading this one.
I like how it starts off with Jenna's perspective on things, then switches to tell Dr. Chambers perspective
on things. This was a good read lots of good heated area I love a good Adult Contemporary Romance book.
I rate this book a 4 out of 5 I have not read the first two books in this series but I would like to after reading this one.
November 12, 2012
Great love story with a strong emotional element. Mark was charming and sexy and Jenna's passion for life was addictive. Her free spirit and Mark's scientific side made for an adorable combination.
Loved their journey of discovery: where two people who seem so wrong for each other are actually perfect. Loved the side story of the sister and mother relationship. It made me want to call my sisters and have a girl trip with them with a bottle of wine.
Loved their journey of discovery: where two people who seem so wrong for each other are actually perfect. Loved the side story of the sister and mother relationship. It made me want to call my sisters and have a girl trip with them with a bottle of wine.
April 11, 2012
A very steamy romance novel, that illustrates that falling in love is sometimes a whirlwind that catches us up and lands us in a better place. The story of two very different people that come together in a chance meeting and take a road trip together. Along the way they each discover more about themselves and open themselves up to new feelings.
If you like steamy romances, I recommend this one.
If you like steamy romances, I recommend this one.
February 5, 2021
This was my first contemporary erotica I ever read. I remember how I had gotten "A Devil in Winter" & this one from the Beverly Hills Public Library, and that's when I started really reading adult books.
I remember that the girl was sterile from STDs in her past, very sexually free, and was not into commitment. Jenna was a free spirit.
I remember that the girl was sterile from STDs in her past, very sexually free, and was not into commitment. Jenna was a free spirit.
March 7, 2012
I didn't this this started out very strong. I'm a bit of a free spirit, and had a hard time connecting to this don't wanna be tied down heroine. She seemed like a teenager at the beginning. However, over the course of the book the writing got stronger and the whole thing grew on me.
February 21, 2011
Good story. My very first kindle book. Read it in one afternoon. Loved the experience.
April 24, 2011
To read my review, check out: Nocturne Romance Reads
April 15, 2011
Unexpectedly quirky. Unexpectedly charming. Unexpectedly engaging.
April 25, 2011
Just another contemporary romance novel, a little more sexy than most, which I enjoyed but the characters fell flat for me. But all in all it was a fun, easy read.
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