The Unexpected First

The Unexpected #2

by L. Clara

Ryan & Greyson's story
Ryan

My heart wasn’t prepared for his sudden return to town. My older brother’s best friend had always been off limits and in the years since he moved away, I thought I'd moved on. However, now that he’s back, my heart is wondering if we’re getting a second chance. But can we survive a danger that lives much closer than either of us realize.

Grey

She was my best friend’s younger sister, completely off limits and completely out of my league. Moving away was the hardest thing I’d ever done, but I had to prove to myself I could make it as a tattoo artist. Ten years later I’m back in town following the death of my father and I’m faced with the beautiful woman I walked away from once before. My feelings for her over the years haven't wavered and yet things are different now, but can I keep her safe?

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 17, 2024

About the author

L. Clara is an award winning amazon international best selling author who lives in south central PA with her husband and their son. When she's not writing she's trying to convince her husband to adopt every animal - because who doesn't want a house cow, right? Her love of Gilmore Girls transcends into her day to day life in the form of a fast talking, coffee obsessed daisy lover. Although daises have been her favorite flower since she was a kid. You can catch her listening to audiobooks on the daily or when she has time to sit down and enjoy a book on her kindle she's reading all things romance.

Reviews

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored the story in the first book and this one did not disappoint. It also brought out emotions and feeling and drew you in from the beginning and kept you captured till the very end. I could not put this down from the moment I picked it up, I just knew I needed to finish it in one sitting and I definitely did that.

This was such a great depiction of the brother's bestfriend trope and it was so steamy!! 🥵
The scenes between Ryan and Greyson were *chef's kiss* 🥵😉

I truly didn't know where this book was going and when it got to the darker scenes, I was definitely shocked but I'm glad the characters got the happy ending that they deserved!

This was so good and I can't wait for the next story because this world it written so beautifully and in such a powerful way that they leave long lasting effects on you when you've long put them down.

Please, please, please, read the trigger warnings before this as your mental health is important!

This is an ARC review and is my honest review.

[LJ Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know how to explain it but this series has been absolutely phenomenal and were only on the second book! Ryan and grey were just my favorite, they both just had this real gentle vibe that came off the both of them. The circumstances of them coming back together wasn’t very pleasant for either of them. Like the worst quote ever known to humankind, everything happens for a reason.

Everything just seemed so steamy between the two of them. I mean the tattoo table???? Baha fine by me. After the other two stories that connect with this one, I wast expecting things to unfold like they did. To picture Gray in the position he was in finding Ryan. All I kept thinking the whole time was who are we getting a book about next? I won't spoil anything else. Y’all will just have to start from the beginning. I know I'll be back soon for K!!!er In My Pocket!

Until then,
XxX- Laura

[Pageturner_ Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know how I was going to function once this book ended, but it ended perfectly. This was a whirlwind of emotions, all the feels. I honestly couldn’t stop reading from the very first chapter. I love me a brothers best friend trope and this one was steamin’! I enjoy reading about a strong FMC and Ryan is certainly that, but what she goes through is unspeakable and almost breaks her. Just when you think you know how this story will end and what’s coming next, you don’t. Trust me, this book will have you guessing at each turn. Loved it!! What’s next? I’m ready.

…two days later and I’m still thinking about this book. I might just have to read it all over again. It is that good!!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfection from beginning to end. Could not put the book down once I started it. So many emotions, twists, and turns throughout the story. Definitely a book I'd recommend. Be sure to check those trigger warnings!

TW/CW include but are not limited to:
Spicy content
St@lk1ng
Detailed 0r@l grap3/sa with a w3@pon
Hand Necklaces
Tattooing
Spcy time at a tattoo shop
Deletion
Deletion in self-defense
Death of a parent
Mention of drvgs
Mention of previous self deletion attempt and sc@r covering (not MC)
Mention of previous DV (not MC)

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Unexpected First

Grey and Ryan’s story. A standalone (but richer if you read the previous book) told in DPOV.

I really liked Grayson and Ry. I enjoyed the established relationship and the best friend’s younger sister with a second chance. The plot and spice was a good combination. I felt like the “Daddy” was just thrown in there.

Over all a good read and I loved seeing more of Had and Connor.

[Jme Lea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfection is not a strong enough word, but we are going to use it! I Love this series so far, but I freaking LOVED this book! I did not want to put it down. I will be thinking about their story for a long time. Brother’s best friend trope with lots of unexpected twists and turns. The love between Grey and Ry, oh my heart, it is everything!!! I cannot recommend this book enough!

[Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book by this author! I adore Ryan and Grey together! They are great. Ryan went through some hard stuff, and Grey helped so much. I didn't like this one as much as the first one because the nicknames were icky and so overused. However, I love the characters so much it didn't affect my star rating.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! If you’re in a reading slump L. Clara can get you out. Greyson is just *swoon*. The spice was 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. There may be a tattoo studio scene 👀. I thought I had the whole thing figured out, I definitely did not 🤣. There were definitely some twists and surprises! It makes you feel as well, make sure you check for triggers. I can’t wait for more from L. Clara!

[Merrit Townsend (always1morebook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 1 in the Unexpected Series. Each story is standalone in an interconnected world that will follow a different couple. This book focuses on Ryan and Greyson.

Ryan and Greyson own my heart...Their love for each other and their chemistry is off the charts. Poor Ryan has been Pining for Greyson since she was a teen. When he comes back into her life, he can stay silent no more because he has loved her forever. His only concern is how Jack, Ryan's brother and Greysons best friend, will take their new relationship. Their romance was a fun journey as they discover who they are together and how to grow their love. When an unknown threat comes after Ryan, Grayson will do anything to protect her. Can they survive this or will it all come crashing down?

There are many moving parts tot his story and there is never a dull moment. Greyson is the tough as nails boyfriend and loves Ryan with his entire soul. You could feel it from just reading the words on a page. The suspenseful stalker angle had me engrossed in this book and I loved that little aspect to the story. The incident that causes Ryan to need Amy was hard to read but very well done. I loved how we see Amy again and her side character is amazing. I loved Ellie too and she is such a fun little tidbit in the book. I am excited too see where L. Clara takes us in the next book and I will be getting it as soon as I can.

**Please check the content warnings before diving in as there are very dark aspects to this story. I loved it and can't wait for the next book.

[BasicBookBtch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greyson mother**** Mancini!!!! Tattoo artisti, brother’s best friend, hot as f***!!!

Ryan. I freaking love this girl. She has been in love with her brothers best friend and now he’s leaving for a job. She thinks he always saw her as the annoying little sister. Ten years later he returns to town and she learns exactly how he feels about her. When I say the spice was spicing!!! Ya girl is still trying to cool down! 🥵

Now’s when you think everything is happy hunky dory. WRONG! We get thrown a plot twist on top of a plot twist on top is a plot twist!! I literally saw none of that coming!!! I was on the edge of my seat.

Ry goes through something very traumatic and is going to need the help of her friends and family to get her through. What I love about this is Conner tries to help Grey understand that while Ry is the victim what happened to her also affects him. And he’s there to help Grey understand that and work through that.

I love how Ry was able to heal and not shut Grey out through it. Freaking loved the Epilogue but even more I loved the bonus Epiloge!!!!! What a freaking ending. I cannot wait to move on to Pickles story!!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

💙 Brothers best friend
💙 Tattooed MMC
💙 Protective MMC
💙 Second Chance romance
💙 Friends to lovers

“Batteries have treated me better than any man. I don’t need one.”

“I’ve been imagining bending you over this fucking table since you walked in the front door.”

“Dr. McDouche”

“Eyes. On. Me.”

[Tishana Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series by L Clara will always be one of my favorites!
"The Unexpected First" is book 2 to The Unexpected series and it was just as good as The Unexpected Match. She always writes beautiful novels full of emotions, beautiful world-building, the right amount of spice, uniting 2 main characters who find love in the most "unexpected places" and paces the storylines perfectly!

Ryan and Greyson have the most insane chemistry that I've seen in a brother's best friend troupe romance. Ryan has always had a thing for Grey but had to admire him from a distance because of her brother Jack. L Clara threw in a plot twist that was literally insane and really got things moving quickly in the storyline. Greyson is the PERFECT book boyfriend and really did all he could to protect Ryan when things were getting tense. A great page-turner that kept me on the edge of my seat and had some delicious spice! :)

[Yesenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh who knew I needed a tattoo artist and strong photographer to be together 😮‍💨! This story was quick love, spicy, triggering, and so connecting 🖤! Ryan and Greyson are the epitome of right people, wrong time. I was sucked in from the get go, Ryan is so confident that you can’t help loving her. And Greyson is the sexy, yummy, and scrumptious artist we all need in our lives!

Love that all the characters from the first book are brought back and continue on this journey together. Ryan and Greyson grew up together so it’s no surprise how fast love grows between them, but also them spicy scenes. This book took me through the wringer of what they had to overcome. I cried for Ryan and loved the care Greyson provided!

Once again this book discusses heavy topics so be sure to read the triggers. But L Clara does a great job maneuvering the topics and the resolutions it takes to get them back to who they are safely and stronger!

[Shatana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning read the triggers they are definitely there for you and your mental health. The reason I say that is because this book is filled with so many different emotions, and the things that the main character Ryan goes through almost breaks her and would almost break anyone.

This book is amazing and so unpredictable on what is happening next. I thought I would know how the ending would go, but I was definitely taken by surprise. The connections throughout this book with a brothers best friend are definitely hot and steamy and so good that I litterly went through this story in a few days after reading the unexpected match.

You definitely will remember this book days after reading it because I still am, and I kinda want to go back and read it all over again.

[Eliza_lovesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love the world this book is set in. It’s like seeing old friends and catching up while becoming consumed by another couples love story.

As always, this is a contemporary romance with dark themes and elements but the relationship is not dark romance.

Ryan has a stalker that escalates when Greyson comes back to town, her brother’s best friend and the only man she’s ever loved - though nothing ever happened. The two quickly realize that they can’t be away from one another and get tangled up… that’s when the stalking escalates and things get dark.

I loved Ryan & Greyson’s love story, and I think you will too! Make sure to read EndGame and The Unexpected Match first to meet characters set in the same world.

[jessi_reading_corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Err, I'm sorry, Adam?! But why did you turn your cheek on our girl Hadley?! 👀
Poor Had's opening her marriage and then not seeing Andy for months cos he's with HER!
Aaaand hello Connor! A silver fox with an Irish accent, how wonderful.
The spiciness is 🥵🥵 🌶 🌶🌶🌶
I love the best friends. They are already perfect for Hadley. Andy is definitely a douche canoe. I dislike him very much!
I'm a sucker for the nickname 'baby'.

Ohh Jim 😍 I love him! It is so kind and genuine. I was pleasantly surprised to learn where 'Mono-moose came from!

Ugh, the utter douche canoe, how one hates him so much for being a fictional character.
The feels I felt m, the tears I laughed and also cried. This book was a roller coaster of emotions that I am so glad I rode!

[Liz Ranne · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!! OMG!! This book was freaking awesome!!!! It's Ryan & Greyson's story & damn they have a great one to tell! They've known each other forever & each had feelings for the other. He leaves to concentrate on his career, by the time he comes back 10 years have passed. When they see each other again, damn it sets off an inferno!!! And OMG!! The tattoo scene is🥵!! But, there's danger lurking & they don't know. It was so awesome reading & catching up to the characters from the 1st book, I loved it!! The spice is freaking fantastic & I can't even say how much I loved this book!! I highly recommend this series & author!!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great! I loved going back to Central Falls. This is Ryan and Grey's story.
Ryan is a photographer who is still living where she grew up. Grey is a tattoo artist who left town but has returned to settle his father's estate. Ryan grew up having the biggest crush on her brothers best friend, and Grey knew he couldn't touch her because she was the sister of his best friend and also younger.
It was great seeing them run into each other and how they handle everything Ryan suffers through. Her trauma is triggering, so please check the warnings before diving in! I definitely recommend this book!

[Rose Helg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Book

You did it again. 💓 this book. This book was better, than the last, for me. This is the second book, in the "Unexpected Series." 💓 Ryder and Gray. Please read the first book, to get to know these wonderful characters. I couldn't put it down. A Must Read.
This book has second chances, MMC, tattooed, brothers vest friend, friends to lovers, Steamy, wonderful characters, amazing, trauma ( in past), HEA, action packed, page turner, entertaining, romantic, unpredictable, twisted and so much more.
Definitely, on my reread list. I also, Definitely, Recommend , this book.
Awesome Book!!

[Lyndsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Unexpected First

🖤Brother’s best friend
📷it’s always been you
🖤Tattoo artist

This is the second book of the series and follows the story of Ryan and Greyson.

This was such a great example of brother’s best friend, one of my favorite tropes. Watching them finally act upon their feelings made me feel like I was right there with Hadley.

The dark twists in this book, kept coming. I know it kept me so curious on what was happening.

Watching Ryan recover and slowly heal was also wonderful.

Please be sure to read all of the TW/CW. There is some really dark, explicit scenes. The author does a wonderful job addressing those at the beginning.

[Alanys Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

💖💖 L. Clara’s latest book is a captivating story that had me hooked from the very first page. 💖💖
🥹The emotional depth and intensity draw you in, making it impossible to set the book down.

Just when I thought I had a handle on the plot, the introduction of darker themes left me genuinely shocked, yet I was thrilled to see the characters receive the happy ending they deserved. 🧐🧐

🥰🥰Clara's writing creates a beautifully immersive world that lingers in your mind long after you've finished reading. I am eagerly anticipating the next installment, as this series continues to leave a powerful impact.🥰🥰

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! Where do I even start? This book was fantastic! I was hooked within the first few pages and it did not disappoint! The ups and downs, lust and heartache, sadness and love, twists and turns, and so much more. It really feels like these are your friends so when something happens, you feel it in your gut. I loved reading Ryan and Grey’s story, revisiting Hadley, Connor and Pickle and making a few new friends along the way. I will definitely be reading this again and will recommend to all my spicy friends!

[Sherrie Kirkland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t like this book, I FREAKING LOVED IT!! Definitely had my attention from the very get go. The story of Ryan and Greyson….the level of attraction and love they have for each other would make anyone want to find“their person”. The twists and turns had me flipping through the pages like a mad woman! If you haven’t read a good love story with an insane amount of spice, the this book is for you.
Be sure to read through the trigger warnings as there are some subjects that some may find disturbing. Read this book….i promise you wont regret it.

[Megan L Harnett · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book wasn't that great for me. I felt like it was steamy with a small plot thrown in. There is something to be said about having the right balance to a story between the story and the love part. This did not do it for me and I almost gave up on it. I wish I had but I struggled through. I felt it was intsta love with spicy scenes and then all of a sudden a kidnapping that felt thrown in and not planned very well. The way it turned out was not convincing to me and seem far fetched. I will not be continuing this series.

[K’s bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another captivating page turner featuring Ry and her childhood crush Grey. I loved this book it was a great addition to the series and keeps you invested in their story from the beginning. I loved Ry in Hadley’s story and was so excited she was next. This story did not disappoint it had spicy moments between the characters that were so good. The mental health representation and challenges as a result of the trauma were well written. There are some darker parts to the book so you will want to check your trigger warnings to be safe. Can’t wait for Kat’s book next!

[jennifer langdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book deserves more than 5 stars. It was absolutely fantastic.
It had me going through so many emotions. There were so many twists that had me leaping out from my seat.

This book definitely leaves you guessing. I was on edge throughout. It was gribbing.

Grey and Ryan journey was definitely something, the tension, the lust, and the heartbreak. I was fully invested wholeheartedly.

This is one of the books that I will read over and over again.

[Darkromancebooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the The Unexpected Series and follows Ryan and Greyson.
They have been friends for years and both secretly wanted each other. Gregson moved away but came back following his Dad's death.

Please check your triggers before starting this book. Ryan goes through major trauma and recovery.

I loved this book and am so pleased with how it ended.

I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Spicy BookNook Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh this book... I read it in less than 24 hours because I was completely hooked. I loved these characters so much. Grey and Ry are top notch for me and I just love and adore them so dang much!

Their story is rocky and has some crazy and wild twists and turns, but knowing that they had each other through all of the turmoil was amazing. And they came out stronger than ever! Ugh my heart just loves them sooooo much!!!

[Saharah Vanvalkenburgh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great book. The fmc is ryan, and the mmc is Grayson or grey. Grey is ryan brother best friend and moved out of town because he wanted ryan but couldn't have her because she is his best friend, sister. The ups and downs kept me not able to put this book down that I finished it in one sitting.

[JoAnn W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading this amazing book and WOW. The Unexpected First by L. Clara was such a great read. Of course, like most books, read the trigger warnings. I absolutely love the best friend's little sister trope, ONE OF MY FAV'S! And any book with a niick-name for the FMC, oh boy! Youv'e got me hooked. There are so many twists and turns in this book, and a perfect amount of spice! 

[Haley’sBookCave · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book from beginning to end was such a good book!!!! I absolutely loved it. The relationship between Ryan and Greyson was just so cute and built so well. Everything came together and ended beautifully. There were some really good qoutes in there.

And can we talk about the cover of the book?!?!?!!!!!!!! JUST GORGEOUS😍

I will absolutely be rereading this book along with her others.