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Love Unexpected #2
Never Expected You
When Zach Mason, former army sergeant turned veterinarian for war-wounded animals, returns home, the decision to stay is easy. But convincing the only other vet in town to hire him is a good deal harder. It doesn’t help that the beautiful, intelligent, and stubborn Stella Lane is determined to make his life hell.
Stella doesn’t take outside help easily—she’s been let down in the past, most recently by her ex, just as she’d begun to plan their wedding. Trusting Zach with her animals is one thing, but trusting him with more is a hard pass. Too bad the handsome vet is nothing but temptation. And her new roommate...
Each book in the Love Unexpected series is *Let It Be Me*Never Expected You
Stella doesn’t take outside help easily—she’s been let down in the past, most recently by her ex, just as she’d begun to plan their wedding. Trusting Zach with her animals is one thing, but trusting him with more is a hard pass. Too bad the handsome vet is nothing but temptation. And her new roommate...
Each book in the Love Unexpected series is *Let It Be Me*Never Expected You
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 24, 2018
9 people are currently reading
347 people want to read
About the author
Jody Holford
45 books649 followersa wife* a mom* a reader and a writer* a friend* a daughter* a teacher* a sister* a blogger and follower* a worrier and word twister* a gemini*
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
September 13, 2018
3.5 Stars!
Never Expected You is based in a small town setting around Stella and Zach who grew up there, went away after school and both coming back home to settle down. Usually these small town settings are like the Hallmark channel where everyone is friendly and help each other out. While we did have that, I also like that the author threw a bit of reality into this one.
Zach was bullied as a kid and the effects it had on him as an adult coming home was part of his struggles in his character. He enlisted in the army right out of high school. He's grown up into a very capable man. He's bigger, stronger and not that helpless boy anymore despite the memories that haunt him.
Stella is the daughter of the town vet. She followed her fathers footsteps but not before getting her heart crushed by her ex-fiance who also happens to have been her mentor in her own veterinary studies. She's also dealing with her father's recent passing and the piling of debt from his veterinary practice. Both of our main characters are dealing with a lot of baggage.
I love the storyline. I love how they meet, start working together and needing to rely on each other. The attraction between these two was there from the start but both resisted. Stella because she refuses to get burned again and Zach because he doesn't want mess up the business opportunity. Due to this, this was a nice slow burn romance.
Zach's character is very charming and likable. Despite his baggage, he was more open and willing. Stella, not so much. She was closed up tighter than a vault. She was my only issue with the story. She was way too guarded, fighting even the small things. It was pretty frustrating as a reader and yet I still liked her. I just wish she fought a bit less.
Overall this was a feel good, small town romance. We got to see characters from a previous standalone book and I wonder if we will get Declan's story. He was an intriguing side character that would make a great hero. ARC provided by NetGalley.
Never Expected You is based in a small town setting around Stella and Zach who grew up there, went away after school and both coming back home to settle down. Usually these small town settings are like the Hallmark channel where everyone is friendly and help each other out. While we did have that, I also like that the author threw a bit of reality into this one.
Zach was bullied as a kid and the effects it had on him as an adult coming home was part of his struggles in his character. He enlisted in the army right out of high school. He's grown up into a very capable man. He's bigger, stronger and not that helpless boy anymore despite the memories that haunt him.
Stella is the daughter of the town vet. She followed her fathers footsteps but not before getting her heart crushed by her ex-fiance who also happens to have been her mentor in her own veterinary studies. She's also dealing with her father's recent passing and the piling of debt from his veterinary practice. Both of our main characters are dealing with a lot of baggage.
I love the storyline. I love how they meet, start working together and needing to rely on each other. The attraction between these two was there from the start but both resisted. Stella because she refuses to get burned again and Zach because he doesn't want mess up the business opportunity. Due to this, this was a nice slow burn romance.
Zach's character is very charming and likable. Despite his baggage, he was more open and willing. Stella, not so much. She was closed up tighter than a vault. She was my only issue with the story. She was way too guarded, fighting even the small things. It was pretty frustrating as a reader and yet I still liked her. I just wish she fought a bit less.
Overall this was a feel good, small town romance. We got to see characters from a previous standalone book and I wonder if we will get Declan's story. He was an intriguing side character that would make a great hero. ARC provided by NetGalley.
September 12, 2018
I'm such a sucker when it comes to romance books. This story is one of those sweet romances you never knew you needed until you read it and fall in love with it. I love animals being present in books, I love these ranch-settings and coming across well developed main and minor characters. Combined with some stellar writing, this makes for a perfect romance read with amazing depth added to the story and characters. This story is full of lost, struggles and sometimes sadness present, but there's also hope, humor and laughter, friendships and love to be found as well.
Stella and Zach are two amazing characters and I loved following their story. Whether I was reading about their developing romance or everything else, like their work as veterinarians for example. I loved seeing how both of these characters could be so stubborn and closed-off to others - mostly because of fear for things that happened to them in the past - but slowly found solace with one another and became each other's ankers. These two characters bring out the best in each other and I loved their friendship and romance development. It was such a beautiful and enticing story.
I loved how they're both not flawlessly written and how realistic their behavior felt regarding how they processed everything that happened in their past and how they still struggled with their own 'demons' in the present and try to overcome it all - and I loved reading about how this all affected their developing romance and how deep their (romantic) relationship was coming to be because of it.
Stella is a really loveable character. I love how independent she is- even though it may be her downfall and all at one point or another - and for the fact that she has such a big heart. I can totally understand her closing herself off because of the things that happened to her and sometimes she can be a bit too hardheaded because of it I think, but thankfully there's Zach...
Zach is kind of perfect book boyfriend material to be honest. Well actually; there's no KIND OF; HE JUST IS haha. He's an ex-military (my fave) so that made me fall for him right away, lol. But seriously.. I especially loved how vulnerable he actually was underneath his confident demeanor, how he's willing to fight for Stella who keeps her heart close to herself, how he's so amazing at his job being a veterinarian and how he made something of himself despite his troubled past. Sure, he still needs to fight some demons of his own, but thankfully, there's Stella ;)
There wasn't a single thing I didn't love reading about so it's definitely deserving of a 5-star rating I think. I can't wait to read more books by this author. This was my first read by Jody Halford and I fell in love hard with her writing in general and the fact that she's capable of making me feel so intensely connected to this story and these characters. I loved spending time on this ranch and in the clinic with these two amazing vets, I loved spending time with Stella's and Zach's friends and family and most of all, I just loved spending time with Stella and Zach. They are simply amazing!
I'm so glad I got to review this book by receiving an e-arc of it from the publisher. If you love a beautiful romance with amazing characters, great depth written into the story as well as the character development and the romance, this is one you definitely need to add to your wishlist! This is a beautiful and amazing romance read at its best!
"We have to review the roommate rules tonight."
He laughed.
"Okay, Sheldon Cooper."
Stella and Zach are two amazing characters and I loved following their story. Whether I was reading about their developing romance or everything else, like their work as veterinarians for example. I loved seeing how both of these characters could be so stubborn and closed-off to others - mostly because of fear for things that happened to them in the past - but slowly found solace with one another and became each other's ankers. These two characters bring out the best in each other and I loved their friendship and romance development. It was such a beautiful and enticing story.
I loved how they're both not flawlessly written and how realistic their behavior felt regarding how they processed everything that happened in their past and how they still struggled with their own 'demons' in the present and try to overcome it all - and I loved reading about how this all affected their developing romance and how deep their (romantic) relationship was coming to be because of it.
Stella is a really loveable character. I love how independent she is- even though it may be her downfall and all at one point or another - and for the fact that she has such a big heart. I can totally understand her closing herself off because of the things that happened to her and sometimes she can be a bit too hardheaded because of it I think, but thankfully there's Zach...
Gods, she was tired of fighting through every minute. Since her father's death-hell, before then-she'd been trying to get through, keep up, and not fall apart. And here was this man, this gorgeous, funny, solid man offering her so much and she couldn't even figure out why...
Zach is kind of perfect book boyfriend material to be honest. Well actually; there's no KIND OF; HE JUST IS haha. He's an ex-military (my fave) so that made me fall for him right away, lol. But seriously.. I especially loved how vulnerable he actually was underneath his confident demeanor, how he's willing to fight for Stella who keeps her heart close to herself, how he's so amazing at his job being a veterinarian and how he made something of himself despite his troubled past. Sure, he still needs to fight some demons of his own, but thankfully, there's Stella ;)
There wasn't a single thing I didn't love reading about so it's definitely deserving of a 5-star rating I think. I can't wait to read more books by this author. This was my first read by Jody Halford and I fell in love hard with her writing in general and the fact that she's capable of making me feel so intensely connected to this story and these characters. I loved spending time on this ranch and in the clinic with these two amazing vets, I loved spending time with Stella's and Zach's friends and family and most of all, I just loved spending time with Stella and Zach. They are simply amazing!
He yanked off his T-shirt, revealing washboard abs-the kind she'd only read about-and rendered her speechless. She stared at the sculpted flesh, imagined running her fingers up over the curves and lines.
Her lips parted, and her breathing slowed. Not her heart though. It revved up like she'd pulled a string and set it free. She'd obviously seen a six pack before, and she knew he had great arms, but good God, he should have given her a warning. Giver everyone a warning. Just a heads up of a hey, I'm about to make you salivate.
He tugged the other shirt over his head and she immediately missed the sight of those cut abs and defined pecs.
"You don't close your mouth, something might fly in," Zach said.
When he leaned down, into Stella's breathing space, she slammed her lips shit. "There you go. You okay, Doc?"
I'm so glad I got to review this book by receiving an e-arc of it from the publisher. If you love a beautiful romance with amazing characters, great depth written into the story as well as the character development and the romance, this is one you definitely need to add to your wishlist! This is a beautiful and amazing romance read at its best!
September 18, 2018
I don't know what made me more excited to read this book: The adorable cover, the irresistible blurb, or the fact that I can always count on Jody Holford to deliver beautifully layered, heartfelt romances.
And, deliver she did - on every level.
As with most of this author's books, there is more than a simple love story going on here. Both Zach and Stella are working through their own baggage. They both bear these incredible weights and the story is just as much about their own healing as it is about their happily ever after. They tugged on my emotions, and sometimes made me want to give them a good shake, but I loved the way their stories arced, and witnessing all that delicious emotional growth - separately and together.
Never Expected You was a sweet, touching, lovely story that sort of straddled the line between light and heavy. There are heavy-ish themes and moments for sure, but lots of light, flirty, funny ones as well. It was a bit of a rocky road, relationship-wise, but the ending? The ending was sheer adorable perfection. ~ Shelly, 4 Stars
And, deliver she did - on every level.
As with most of this author's books, there is more than a simple love story going on here. Both Zach and Stella are working through their own baggage. They both bear these incredible weights and the story is just as much about their own healing as it is about their happily ever after. They tugged on my emotions, and sometimes made me want to give them a good shake, but I loved the way their stories arced, and witnessing all that delicious emotional growth - separately and together.
Never Expected You was a sweet, touching, lovely story that sort of straddled the line between light and heavy. There are heavy-ish themes and moments for sure, but lots of light, flirty, funny ones as well. It was a bit of a rocky road, relationship-wise, but the ending? The ending was sheer adorable perfection. ~ Shelly, 4 Stars
September 24, 2018
This was a nice slow burn, small town romance that kept my attention (and lately I have reading blockage) and I finished it in almost one sitting. I loved how the characters were built realistic almost like everyday people that I meet in real life, with baggage and life struggles. The attraction between main characters is just from the start but it is interesting how both of them are trying to resist. They are both likable even with their flaws.
I am not used to write long reviews, so in overall this book made me emotional, I laughed with the humour and I felt good with the romance. Simply great reading material for this cold day over a hot tea or chocolate and since this is my first book by Jody Holford, I have a feeling it won't be my last.
I am not used to write long reviews, so in overall this book made me emotional, I laughed with the humour and I felt good with the romance. Simply great reading material for this cold day over a hot tea or chocolate and since this is my first book by Jody Holford, I have a feeling it won't be my last.
September 19, 2018
This is one of those books that just hit every emotional button and left me happy and satisfied. I has wonderful strong characters in Stella and Zach and the slowly developing relationship between them just made my heart swell. This is a story of loss and heartache but also new beginnings, love, and hope. The writing is exceptional and pulled me into the story right from the start. This one needs to be on the must read list. I highly recommend it.
September 28, 2018
Zach Mason wants in on the ever busy veterinary practice that Stella Lane runs. However, Stella wants nothing to do with him and Zach realizes winning her over will be harder than he thought. Yet, he's persistent and figures he'll be able to wear her down sooner or later. Will Zach be able to convince Stella to take a chance on him or will their shot at happy ever after never be?
I absolutely love Ms. Holford's writing and I've got to say that this second book of her Love Unexpected series was a wonderfully-written, fast-paced, entertaining read that I really enjoyed from start to finish because of the well-developed main characters that have interesting back stories and compelling dialogue that had me loving the hero's determination to win the heroine over. The way this story started had me liking the hero and heroine immediately, as the hero doesn't mean to deceive the heroine, but she doesn't make it easy for him not to. Will he be able to get a word in edgewise?
As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories and I could understand why the heroine finds it hard to trust after what she went through with her ex. Will she let Zach in? How long will it take Zach to win Stella over? Moreover, both the main characters were fascinating due to their back stories and had me reading quickly, determined to discover whether these two would be able to help each other heal from their pasts, especially since the hero is good for Stella. She needs someone that will stay by her side through thick and thin and love her unconditionally.
With the heroine, I couldn't help but sympathize with all she's been through because her ex did a real number on her. Yet, in saying that, I thought she was a little too stubborn in not letting someone else in all because of her ex. To me, that felt as if she was letting her ex win and hold her back from the sort of happiness she deserved. While the hero, he's confident, charming, persistent when it comes to getting what he wants and I liked how determined he was to win the heroine over because it's palpable she needs help at her clinic. She's running herself ragged to do everything she can to keep her family legacy alive. I also liked the close relationship the hero has with his mother and that he would do anything for her, which is proven by what his mother convinces him to do at one of the town events.
Overall, Ms. Holford has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was strong; the romance was delightful and had me glad that the heroine took a chance on the hero; the secondary characters entertained me just as much as the main ones and I loved the advice they offer; and the ending had me loving the hero's determination to make things right with the heroine after their relationship goes awry. No way will he let the woman he loves get away. Not without doing everything in his power to prove to her that they belong together. However, it was the epilogue that left me smiling long after I finished this story because of something the heroine tells the hero that makes him so happy. I would recommend Never Expected You by Jody Holford, if you enjoy contemporary romance, workplace romances or books by authors Vivian Arend, Barbara Freethy, Victoria James and Sinclair Jayne.
September 26, 2018
I have always loved the books I've read by Jody Holford, and Never Expected You is another wonderful story.
Stella came back to her hometown of Brockton Point with plans to work with her father in his veterinary practice. It is something she has wanted to do since childhood. When he passes away unexpectedly, she is left to try to keep it afloat on her own.
Zach knew Stella's father and admired him greatly. He also grew up in Brockton Point and has come back hoping to become a partner in the veterinary clinic. When Zach finds out he has passed away, he hopes to work with Stella instead.
I liked Stella and Zach from the beginning. However, the author did a great job of making me love them by the end. This story is as much about them overcoming difficult experiences in their past as it is about romance and love. It doesn't feel unnecessarily angsty or overly dramatic. Instead, the plot unfolds in a realistic and heartfelt way.
I am looking forward to reading more from this series!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC for an honest review.
Stella came back to her hometown of Brockton Point with plans to work with her father in his veterinary practice. It is something she has wanted to do since childhood. When he passes away unexpectedly, she is left to try to keep it afloat on her own.
Zach knew Stella's father and admired him greatly. He also grew up in Brockton Point and has come back hoping to become a partner in the veterinary clinic. When Zach finds out he has passed away, he hopes to work with Stella instead.
I liked Stella and Zach from the beginning. However, the author did a great job of making me love them by the end. This story is as much about them overcoming difficult experiences in their past as it is about romance and love. It doesn't feel unnecessarily angsty or overly dramatic. Instead, the plot unfolds in a realistic and heartfelt way.
I am looking forward to reading more from this series!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC for an honest review.
September 23, 2018
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own*
This book started out really good for me. I loved the set up and I have such a soft spot for animals. Reading about vets especially just after I adopted my own dog, was just what I wanted at the moment. I liked the setting.
I liked the characters and there are real problems behind them. The thing is, you could tell what the big conflicts were going to be from almost the beginning. We see it coming, the leads can practically almost see it coming too since it is mentioned a few times. It was so frustrating. And the stubbornness... I don't mind characters being stubborn, but I suppose I don't understand that kind of extreme thinking-- I prefer characters who don't mind talking and discussing things out, even when angry.
But, besides my issues with the conflict, I think the book is pretty sweet and it is heartwarming. It was a great book to read on a cool fall day. I will also be going back and reading the first book because it sounds adorable and we do see that couple in this book and they are so cute. If you like reading romance and like the small town charm with cute animals thrown in the mix, you should check this book out.
This book started out really good for me. I loved the set up and I have such a soft spot for animals. Reading about vets especially just after I adopted my own dog, was just what I wanted at the moment. I liked the setting.
I liked the characters and there are real problems behind them. The thing is, you could tell what the big conflicts were going to be from almost the beginning. We see it coming, the leads can practically almost see it coming too since it is mentioned a few times. It was so frustrating. And the stubbornness... I don't mind characters being stubborn, but I suppose I don't understand that kind of extreme thinking-- I prefer characters who don't mind talking and discussing things out, even when angry.
But, besides my issues with the conflict, I think the book is pretty sweet and it is heartwarming. It was a great book to read on a cool fall day. I will also be going back and reading the first book because it sounds adorable and we do see that couple in this book and they are so cute. If you like reading romance and like the small town charm with cute animals thrown in the mix, you should check this book out.
August 28, 2018
A lovely, sweet romance with great characters and a great story. Stella and Zach pulled me in right from the beginning. I didn't want to put the book down!
September 29, 2018
I'm not sure why i thought contemporary romances weren't for me, i keep on trying them lately and not one has disappointed me. Jody Holfords "Never Expected You" was a 4/5 in my books.
Thank you NetGalley first of all for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. The fall cover with the dogs drew me in right away, my two favorite things! Dogs and fall time! <3.
This is a second in a Series Love Unexpected. I have not read the first one in the series, and though i will most defiantly be checking out the first in the series i don't feel like i missed any by reading the second one first, and i like that about a book! I don't mind a series where you need to read in order, but sometimes you never know its a series when you pick up a book and its nice to know the author can fill in the lines so you don't feel like your missing much at all.
The Hero and Heroine of this story where such likable characters right off the start, i wishing i was part of their friend zone! lol. Stella is a strong girl who thinks she needs to carry the worlds weight, well in her case the town she grew up in vet practice after her dad dies. She carries a lot of sadness, hurt, and resentment in her from the death of her dad and the mess of things he left behind, a bad ex engagement and feeling like she stayed away from home to long and missing out on years with her dad. I felt like she was really easy to like, and feel for her as a person. She does a lot of growth through the book, and you really see her own into her own.
Than Zach our Hero comes in his big shiny pick up truck ready to save the day. He had a special connection to Stella's dad as a teenager and has come home to work with him in his vet practice as a partner vet. But what he finds is Stella instead and sees all the hardwork shes been doing, and can sense the hurt in her and offers to work with her. Stella is not for this at all, and doesnt want to accept his help at all. But thankfully Zach does not give up on her or the vet practice.
Zach is fighting a lot of his own demons especially being back in his hometown where alot of hurt has happened to him in the past, from being bullied as a kid to losing his best friend senior year, with stellas help he works through it and really starts to finally heal and can give him self the life hes always dreamed off.
The real beauty of this book to me at least is how Zach helps Stella, he works at her and shows her that she doesn't have to be alone and that people are trust worthy in all aspects of life. Reading their journey was lovely and i would so recommend this book to others!
Thank you NetGalley first of all for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. The fall cover with the dogs drew me in right away, my two favorite things! Dogs and fall time! <3.
This is a second in a Series Love Unexpected. I have not read the first one in the series, and though i will most defiantly be checking out the first in the series i don't feel like i missed any by reading the second one first, and i like that about a book! I don't mind a series where you need to read in order, but sometimes you never know its a series when you pick up a book and its nice to know the author can fill in the lines so you don't feel like your missing much at all.
The Hero and Heroine of this story where such likable characters right off the start, i wishing i was part of their friend zone! lol. Stella is a strong girl who thinks she needs to carry the worlds weight, well in her case the town she grew up in vet practice after her dad dies. She carries a lot of sadness, hurt, and resentment in her from the death of her dad and the mess of things he left behind, a bad ex engagement and feeling like she stayed away from home to long and missing out on years with her dad. I felt like she was really easy to like, and feel for her as a person. She does a lot of growth through the book, and you really see her own into her own.
Than Zach our Hero comes in his big shiny pick up truck ready to save the day. He had a special connection to Stella's dad as a teenager and has come home to work with him in his vet practice as a partner vet. But what he finds is Stella instead and sees all the hardwork shes been doing, and can sense the hurt in her and offers to work with her. Stella is not for this at all, and doesnt want to accept his help at all. But thankfully Zach does not give up on her or the vet practice.
Zach is fighting a lot of his own demons especially being back in his hometown where alot of hurt has happened to him in the past, from being bullied as a kid to losing his best friend senior year, with stellas help he works through it and really starts to finally heal and can give him self the life hes always dreamed off.
The real beauty of this book to me at least is how Zach helps Stella, he works at her and shows her that she doesn't have to be alone and that people are trust worthy in all aspects of life. Reading their journey was lovely and i would so recommend this book to others!
October 10, 2018
Stella is holding a lot inside, never getting over her ex and still hurting from her father's recent passing. She definitely needs' help around the office, but she might not be willing to take it from Zach. Zach kinda just showed up in her life, and while her heart wants to trust him and let him in, her brain says otherwise. Which one will turn out to be right?
I, personally, didn't find this couple to have a lot of chemistry. Even when they finally started letting each other in, it sorta seemed like "well since you are the only one here, I guess I will like you." Zach seemed rather annoying by just showing up and starting to run things. He even snuck his way in, pretending to be an intern until the intern showed up and he had to explain himself.
The one thing that truly enjoyed about their relationship was when the two finally let go of their own personal baggage and learned to trust each other. This didn't happen until the book was nearly over, but they did eventually open up! I also did like the fact that there was no stereotypical "damsel in distress" scenario. She was never attacked in a back alley or by an ex and had to be "saved" by Zach. Technically he helped her business, but this was still a breath of fresh air from the cliched "save the girl" scenes of adult romances. Actually, Stella already broke many of these "rules" by having her own business in the first place. She didn't rely on Zach to help her off the street, he wasn't her boss, and without him, she might still be able to pull her business together.
Zach wasn't overly pushy, the only time he even tried to be around Stella when she didn't want to be around him was when they had their first real fight in the last 20% of the book. He was different from a lot of the romance male love interests, and I liked him for that.
My last issue with the book was that it seemed to be a little slow at the start and then sped up intensely in the last 30-35% of the book. It took me forever to get into the characters, and then when I finally did, the story was already coming to an end.
Overall, I would still recommend this book. It was still a pleasant romance read, and it was pretty unique in the ways that it tried to go about things. Definitely something that I would have read if I had just seen it at a library.
I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
I, personally, didn't find this couple to have a lot of chemistry. Even when they finally started letting each other in, it sorta seemed like "well since you are the only one here, I guess I will like you." Zach seemed rather annoying by just showing up and starting to run things. He even snuck his way in, pretending to be an intern until the intern showed up and he had to explain himself.
The one thing that truly enjoyed about their relationship was when the two finally let go of their own personal baggage and learned to trust each other. This didn't happen until the book was nearly over, but they did eventually open up! I also did like the fact that there was no stereotypical "damsel in distress" scenario. She was never attacked in a back alley or by an ex and had to be "saved" by Zach. Technically he helped her business, but this was still a breath of fresh air from the cliched "save the girl" scenes of adult romances. Actually, Stella already broke many of these "rules" by having her own business in the first place. She didn't rely on Zach to help her off the street, he wasn't her boss, and without him, she might still be able to pull her business together.
Zach wasn't overly pushy, the only time he even tried to be around Stella when she didn't want to be around him was when they had their first real fight in the last 20% of the book. He was different from a lot of the romance male love interests, and I liked him for that.
My last issue with the book was that it seemed to be a little slow at the start and then sped up intensely in the last 30-35% of the book. It took me forever to get into the characters, and then when I finally did, the story was already coming to an end.
Overall, I would still recommend this book. It was still a pleasant romance read, and it was pretty unique in the ways that it tried to go about things. Definitely something that I would have read if I had just seen it at a library.
I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
September 23, 2018
3.25 Stars
Meet vet Zach Mason and prepare to swoon over him in Jody Holford’s new story in “Love Unexpected” series. He was a former army and veterinarian (so, a double vet) who returned home to Brockton Point to stay and to join Stella Lane’s clinic. But more than a chance to go gaga over the hunky too good to be true vet, “Never Expected You” is a story of redemption and second chance. Both lead casts had to come to terms with their personal grief to move forward. It was an emotional, run-of-the-mill tale.
“Never Expected You” told the story of town’s single and newly-lost-her-father vet Stella Lane. Left with a rundown farm and busy but far from lucrative veterinary clinic, Stella had to find a way to stay afloat and kept her father’s legacy going. Enter Zach Mason, a Brockton Point born and raised who left town on the heels of a tragedy to become soldier and studied to become vet. Believing he had overcome his grief and anger over the past, he showed up in Stella’s clinic to join force and soon got entangled in her personal and professional life.
The story was dominated with gloomy tone, mostly from Stella’s POV. For an animal-loving person, she struck me as gloom-and-doom personified. Her friends called her formidable; me, I’m just gonna say Stella Lane was a self-righteous, judgmental human being. Not to dismiss her pain, but everybody lost someone they love, everyone you met is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Her wanting people to respect her wish yet disregarding others’ was not cool!! Stella’s attitude had me sided with Zach as for all the mistakes he made, his intention was good. He was practically being a saint in dealing with Stella, down to acknowledging his attraction to her but vow not to act on it (at first) as she needed friend and financial aid first and foremost. A matter of priority, he was more focus on her needs instead of his own. Though once they got involved (and did the bed tango), it seemed there was nothing he wouldn’t do for her! Zach was so sweet and Stella-oriented (in a non stalkerish way) that I wonder how she could ever doubt him.
Having witnessed Zach’s mostly good character, I was not particularly pleased with how he handled the almost-scandal that involved his old friend/former mentor. To me that incident drove the fact how Stella was rubbing on him and how stereotypical the book characterization was. It’s okay for either MCs to made mistake then fixed it, but woebegone to merely secondary character who (from what I saw) being set as the fallen guy from the start!
Nevertheless, the conclusion saved the story for me. I loved it when our lead casts made a huge step and “sacrificed” what they could to make amend, to show their sincerity and good will moving forward. If nothing, “Never Expected You” engulfed a beautiful journey of two wounded souls in an ordinary setting and emphasize the sentiment there is silver lining in every cloud.
-Advanced copy of this book is kindly given by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Meet vet Zach Mason and prepare to swoon over him in Jody Holford’s new story in “Love Unexpected” series. He was a former army and veterinarian (so, a double vet) who returned home to Brockton Point to stay and to join Stella Lane’s clinic. But more than a chance to go gaga over the hunky too good to be true vet, “Never Expected You” is a story of redemption and second chance. Both lead casts had to come to terms with their personal grief to move forward. It was an emotional, run-of-the-mill tale.
“Never Expected You” told the story of town’s single and newly-lost-her-father vet Stella Lane. Left with a rundown farm and busy but far from lucrative veterinary clinic, Stella had to find a way to stay afloat and kept her father’s legacy going. Enter Zach Mason, a Brockton Point born and raised who left town on the heels of a tragedy to become soldier and studied to become vet. Believing he had overcome his grief and anger over the past, he showed up in Stella’s clinic to join force and soon got entangled in her personal and professional life.
The story was dominated with gloomy tone, mostly from Stella’s POV. For an animal-loving person, she struck me as gloom-and-doom personified. Her friends called her formidable; me, I’m just gonna say Stella Lane was a self-righteous, judgmental human being. Not to dismiss her pain, but everybody lost someone they love, everyone you met is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Her wanting people to respect her wish yet disregarding others’ was not cool!! Stella’s attitude had me sided with Zach as for all the mistakes he made, his intention was good. He was practically being a saint in dealing with Stella, down to acknowledging his attraction to her but vow not to act on it (at first) as she needed friend and financial aid first and foremost. A matter of priority, he was more focus on her needs instead of his own. Though once they got involved (and did the bed tango), it seemed there was nothing he wouldn’t do for her! Zach was so sweet and Stella-oriented (in a non stalkerish way) that I wonder how she could ever doubt him.
Having witnessed Zach’s mostly good character, I was not particularly pleased with how he handled the almost-scandal that involved his old friend/former mentor. To me that incident drove the fact how Stella was rubbing on him and how stereotypical the book characterization was. It’s okay for either MCs to made mistake then fixed it, but woebegone to merely secondary character who (from what I saw) being set as the fallen guy from the start!
Nevertheless, the conclusion saved the story for me. I loved it when our lead casts made a huge step and “sacrificed” what they could to make amend, to show their sincerity and good will moving forward. If nothing, “Never Expected You” engulfed a beautiful journey of two wounded souls in an ordinary setting and emphasize the sentiment there is silver lining in every cloud.
-Advanced copy of this book is kindly given by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2019
Never Expected You
by Jody Holford
Never Expected You is one of those sweet, and touching, love stories, that straddled the line between light and heavy; one that you never knew you needed, until you read it and fall in love. An extremely pleasant romance story, light, flirty, and funny that is a little slow at the start; but once it picks up momentum the reader gets pulled in and cannot help wanting to see what will happen next. A story is full of loss, struggles and at times sadness; but there is also hope, humor, laughter, friendships and love to be found.
The characters are well developed and when the two finally learned to trust each other have some intense chemistry. It's obvious that hero and heroine are interested in each other, and things had heat up between these two sooner or later. Our heroine has broken many of the "rules", while she burns the candle at both ends, has a scenario of the "damsel in distress"; which is far from the truth. Our hero is different from a lot of the romance male love interests; he sneaks his way in, pretending to be someone he is not; but wanting to help the heroine’s family business, left to her in a financial mess, truly fitting of the cliched "save the girl". The story as much about their own healing, as it is about their happily ever after; which, tugs at the reader’s emotions, witnessing all that delicious emotional growth.
Never Expected You has an adorable cover, with an irresistible blurb letting the readers know that they can count on Jody Holford to deliver beautifully layered, and heartfelt romances. Jody Holford has stellar writing skills, this makes for a perfect romance read with amazing depth and has more than a simple love story going on here. I was gifted a copy and feel that not only the book; but the author both deserve 4.5-stars each.
by Jody Holford
Never Expected You is one of those sweet, and touching, love stories, that straddled the line between light and heavy; one that you never knew you needed, until you read it and fall in love. An extremely pleasant romance story, light, flirty, and funny that is a little slow at the start; but once it picks up momentum the reader gets pulled in and cannot help wanting to see what will happen next. A story is full of loss, struggles and at times sadness; but there is also hope, humor, laughter, friendships and love to be found.
The characters are well developed and when the two finally learned to trust each other have some intense chemistry. It's obvious that hero and heroine are interested in each other, and things had heat up between these two sooner or later. Our heroine has broken many of the "rules", while she burns the candle at both ends, has a scenario of the "damsel in distress"; which is far from the truth. Our hero is different from a lot of the romance male love interests; he sneaks his way in, pretending to be someone he is not; but wanting to help the heroine’s family business, left to her in a financial mess, truly fitting of the cliched "save the girl". The story as much about their own healing, as it is about their happily ever after; which, tugs at the reader’s emotions, witnessing all that delicious emotional growth.
Never Expected You has an adorable cover, with an irresistible blurb letting the readers know that they can count on Jody Holford to deliver beautifully layered, and heartfelt romances. Jody Holford has stellar writing skills, this makes for a perfect romance read with amazing depth and has more than a simple love story going on here. I was gifted a copy and feel that not only the book; but the author both deserve 4.5-stars each.
September 25, 2018
Happy Release Day!
Make sure you add it to your Want to Read shelf!
When I first got Never Expected You by Jody Holford, I was a little skeptical. This was my first time reading a book that included so many animals. I wasn’t sure what that element would bring to the story. This was also my first book by Jody Holford so I did not have a clue what kind of writing to expect. What I ended up finding was a quite enjoyable read. I am so happy with how it turned out.
Never Expected You follows the story of Zach Mason and Stella Lane. Zach is a former army sergeant turned veterinarian who comes home hoping to get a job at the animal clinic where he found refuge growing up. Stella is veterinarian trying to prove she is capable of running the clinic her father built after his devastating loss. Zach and Stella are both no stranger to loss and hurt, but will they be able to get past the fear, mistakes, and stubbornness that is not only holding them back from each other but also from the future they want?
I found the story super engaging. I finished the whole book in one night, which I am only able to do if I am really into it. I loved that Zach was not scared of commitment or this ruthless player. So often in romance, men are made to be scared to settle down or sleeping with everyone. It was refreshing to see someone wanting that connection with someone and I think we need more stories like this, so men know wanting love does not make you weak. I ended up loving the part the animals played into the story especially Stella’s dogs. The subtle movements of the dogs, for me played such a huge part of the story. That scene where her dogs, that throughout the book seem so taken to Zach and loving towards him, turn their back on him after that fight with Stella and they follow her back to her room and curl up with her was such a profound moment for me. You really see this loyalty to her and that bond they have formed with her. It is this heartbreaking but really beautiful moment.
The one thing I wished was a little different about this book was the amount of time we got to see them together in comparison to the time we saw them apart. So much of the book was spent trying to build a friendship then create a relationship that we did not get to live in it much. I ended the book wanting a little more. It did not in that way fulfill what I had wanted to see of them.
Overall in the grand scheme of things that’s such a small complaint compared to all this book gave me. I hope you read this book as well. Comment below and let me know what you thought of the animals in this book and what scenes stood out to you.
I received this ARC from Entangled Publishing and Netgalley
Make sure you add it to your Want to Read shelf!
When I first got Never Expected You by Jody Holford, I was a little skeptical. This was my first time reading a book that included so many animals. I wasn’t sure what that element would bring to the story. This was also my first book by Jody Holford so I did not have a clue what kind of writing to expect. What I ended up finding was a quite enjoyable read. I am so happy with how it turned out.
Never Expected You follows the story of Zach Mason and Stella Lane. Zach is a former army sergeant turned veterinarian who comes home hoping to get a job at the animal clinic where he found refuge growing up. Stella is veterinarian trying to prove she is capable of running the clinic her father built after his devastating loss. Zach and Stella are both no stranger to loss and hurt, but will they be able to get past the fear, mistakes, and stubbornness that is not only holding them back from each other but also from the future they want?
I found the story super engaging. I finished the whole book in one night, which I am only able to do if I am really into it. I loved that Zach was not scared of commitment or this ruthless player. So often in romance, men are made to be scared to settle down or sleeping with everyone. It was refreshing to see someone wanting that connection with someone and I think we need more stories like this, so men know wanting love does not make you weak. I ended up loving the part the animals played into the story especially Stella’s dogs. The subtle movements of the dogs, for me played such a huge part of the story. That scene where her dogs, that throughout the book seem so taken to Zach and loving towards him, turn their back on him after that fight with Stella and they follow her back to her room and curl up with her was such a profound moment for me. You really see this loyalty to her and that bond they have formed with her. It is this heartbreaking but really beautiful moment.
The one thing I wished was a little different about this book was the amount of time we got to see them together in comparison to the time we saw them apart. So much of the book was spent trying to build a friendship then create a relationship that we did not get to live in it much. I ended the book wanting a little more. It did not in that way fulfill what I had wanted to see of them.
Overall in the grand scheme of things that’s such a small complaint compared to all this book gave me. I hope you read this book as well. Comment below and let me know what you thought of the animals in this book and what scenes stood out to you.
I received this ARC from Entangled Publishing and Netgalley
September 25, 2018
An engaging, funny and sweet, small town read
Book 2 in the Love Unexpected series, this is my first read by this author, and while I figured out when Stella's soon-to-be married best friend Megan showed up part way in that this book was probably part of series, I didn't feel I was missing anything by starting here. Note there are some minor spoilers for book 1 here.
As an animal lover and someone who loves stories about military/former military guys, I couldn't resist the blurb, and I'm glad I didn't. I was pulled into the story immediately and I loved both Stella and Zach. I loved how Zach was so caring towards both people and animals, and how determined he was to fight for what he wanted, particularly Stella. Stella was intelligent and fiercely independent but has been hurt by people she cared about, while Zach has his own scars. A more sweet than heat story, there was plenty of chemistry from the start, but they both had reasons not to take it to the next level, and I liked watching their relationship grow.
There were several great secondary characters that added to the story, and plent of humor to keep things light--Zach cringing at the thought of his mom with her boyfriend was epic, lol. There were a couple of times where the plot could have gone with the stereotypical but thankfully didn't, and while I expected some of the plot twist, it didn't actually come in the form I was expecting.
I enjoyed this story about two people who both need healing and who are both looking to live out their dreams coming together. An engaging, funny and sweet, small town read 4.5 stars
B2B Kelly
Book 2 in the Love Unexpected series, this is my first read by this author, and while I figured out when Stella's soon-to-be married best friend Megan showed up part way in that this book was probably part of series, I didn't feel I was missing anything by starting here. Note there are some minor spoilers for book 1 here.
As an animal lover and someone who loves stories about military/former military guys, I couldn't resist the blurb, and I'm glad I didn't. I was pulled into the story immediately and I loved both Stella and Zach. I loved how Zach was so caring towards both people and animals, and how determined he was to fight for what he wanted, particularly Stella. Stella was intelligent and fiercely independent but has been hurt by people she cared about, while Zach has his own scars. A more sweet than heat story, there was plenty of chemistry from the start, but they both had reasons not to take it to the next level, and I liked watching their relationship grow.
There were several great secondary characters that added to the story, and plent of humor to keep things light--Zach cringing at the thought of his mom with her boyfriend was epic, lol. There were a couple of times where the plot could have gone with the stereotypical but thankfully didn't, and while I expected some of the plot twist, it didn't actually come in the form I was expecting.
I enjoyed this story about two people who both need healing and who are both looking to live out their dreams coming together. An engaging, funny and sweet, small town read 4.5 stars
B2B Kelly
September 26, 2018
Rating: 3+ Stars
When I read the blurb for Never Expected You I was stoked to give this new to me author a try. And although I really loved some things about it, overall it was just an alright read.
Stella is running her late father’s veterinarian clinic on her own. In a small town her dad was loved by all and great with the animals, but he wasn’t the best at finances and administration of the business side of things. She’s struggling to keep afloat and pay the debts, but with just so many hours in a day and people paying her in casseroles, she is drowning.
Zach is back home after over a decade in the military and working in a veterinarian super clinic to save up some money. His plan was becoming partners with Stella’s father, but now he must adapt to the new reality. Only Stella wants no outside help and men, in general, are not on her good side so he’ll have his work cut out for him.
Zach and Stella had an amazing chemistry. Their connection and their shared love for animals was adorable and watching them becoming a couple was cute as hell. Zach was sexy, attentive and once he realized his feelings for Stella, he set on winning her over. He had some issues from his past that he really struggled with and at certain points, it was like he would lose all his confidence in one fell swoop. This was at times confusing, making him seem like a totally different person.
Stella’s last relationship didn’t end on a good note and it left her trust broken. After all she went through, she built up some mighty walls and she didn’t make working through them easy on Zach. While I really liked her, she was so closed off it became a bit hard to really connect with her. When she let herself open up, she was funny, sweet and caring.
While some parts felt a bit overlong or dragging, I enjoyed my time reading Never Expected You . And though I felt the angst at the end was totally unnecessary it was balanced by having some fun characters I wouldn’t mind reading more about, and I liked the overall story.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book*
When I read the blurb for Never Expected You I was stoked to give this new to me author a try. And although I really loved some things about it, overall it was just an alright read.
Stella is running her late father’s veterinarian clinic on her own. In a small town her dad was loved by all and great with the animals, but he wasn’t the best at finances and administration of the business side of things. She’s struggling to keep afloat and pay the debts, but with just so many hours in a day and people paying her in casseroles, she is drowning.
Zach is back home after over a decade in the military and working in a veterinarian super clinic to save up some money. His plan was becoming partners with Stella’s father, but now he must adapt to the new reality. Only Stella wants no outside help and men, in general, are not on her good side so he’ll have his work cut out for him.
Zach and Stella had an amazing chemistry. Their connection and their shared love for animals was adorable and watching them becoming a couple was cute as hell. Zach was sexy, attentive and once he realized his feelings for Stella, he set on winning her over. He had some issues from his past that he really struggled with and at certain points, it was like he would lose all his confidence in one fell swoop. This was at times confusing, making him seem like a totally different person.
Stella’s last relationship didn’t end on a good note and it left her trust broken. After all she went through, she built up some mighty walls and she didn’t make working through them easy on Zach. While I really liked her, she was so closed off it became a bit hard to really connect with her. When she let herself open up, she was funny, sweet and caring.
While some parts felt a bit overlong or dragging, I enjoyed my time reading Never Expected You . And though I felt the angst at the end was totally unnecessary it was balanced by having some fun characters I wouldn’t mind reading more about, and I liked the overall story.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book*
September 30, 2018
Zach knows he made the right decision not only becoming a veterinarian for animals wounded in war, but also in returning to his hometown to do it. He just has to convince the town's other vet to hire him to do so. Stella is beautiful and stubborn, and despite how attracted he is to her, Zach has his own reasons to be wary and refuses to do anything that could mess with his job opportunity.
Stella is wary to trust anyone, especially as those she should've been able to have let her down. She knows it isn't fair to paint Zach with that same brush, but you can only be hurt so much before you guard yourself against everyone. However, she sees Zach in action and knows he's a good man, at least where the animals are concerned.
As Zach and Stella begin spending time with each other, and are unexpectedly roommates, the attraction grows steadily until they can no longer deny it, nor do they want to.
Can Stella let her guard down and trust Zach to be the man she hopes he is? Can Zach let Stella in and know what's between them is separate from their jobs? Can these two work through their individual baggage to find a HEA together?
One-click now and follow along as two people, both broken in their own ways, find the other half of their soul when they least expect it.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
Stella is wary to trust anyone, especially as those she should've been able to have let her down. She knows it isn't fair to paint Zach with that same brush, but you can only be hurt so much before you guard yourself against everyone. However, she sees Zach in action and knows he's a good man, at least where the animals are concerned.
As Zach and Stella begin spending time with each other, and are unexpectedly roommates, the attraction grows steadily until they can no longer deny it, nor do they want to.
Can Stella let her guard down and trust Zach to be the man she hopes he is? Can Zach let Stella in and know what's between them is separate from their jobs? Can these two work through their individual baggage to find a HEA together?
One-click now and follow along as two people, both broken in their own ways, find the other half of their soul when they least expect it.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
October 2, 2018
Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books, on 10/2/18.
A sweet romance!
Having read the first book in the series, Let it Be Me , I was really looking forward to Stella's book. She's Megan's best friend, but seemed to hold herself a bit apart--even from her BFF-so I wasn't quite sure what to expect but was ready to get on board with her HEA.
Overall, Stella and Zach's story was sweetly satisfying, even if it was more than a little aggravating at times. Stella especially was very stubborn and tended to be quick to judge, and at times it made her a bit hard to sympathize with. (Her everyone's-going-to-leave-me 'tude seemed a bit excessive--wasn't it just one mentor/fiance who actually betrayed her? She made it seem like it was a done over-and-over thing in her life, and I don't think it was...) Still, it was fun to see Meg, Adam, and Charlie (from book #1) again, and Stella and Zach do eventually pull everything together in the end to come to a highly satisfying HEA, which made it all worth it.
Fingers crossed that Ms. Holford has more books in store for us in this series!
Rating: 4 stars / B
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
A sweet romance!
Having read the first book in the series, Let it Be Me , I was really looking forward to Stella's book. She's Megan's best friend, but seemed to hold herself a bit apart--even from her BFF-so I wasn't quite sure what to expect but was ready to get on board with her HEA.
Overall, Stella and Zach's story was sweetly satisfying, even if it was more than a little aggravating at times. Stella especially was very stubborn and tended to be quick to judge, and at times it made her a bit hard to sympathize with. (Her everyone's-going-to-leave-me 'tude seemed a bit excessive--wasn't it just one mentor/fiance who actually betrayed her? She made it seem like it was a done over-and-over thing in her life, and I don't think it was...) Still, it was fun to see Meg, Adam, and Charlie (from book #1) again, and Stella and Zach do eventually pull everything together in the end to come to a highly satisfying HEA, which made it all worth it.
Fingers crossed that Ms. Holford has more books in store for us in this series!
Rating: 4 stars / B
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
September 17, 2018
This book has no on-page sex, but it has a lot of f-bombs. If copious use of the f-word bothers you, this is not the book for you because it is definitely overused in this one. Although this book is the second in a series, you do not have to have read the first to enjoy this one – it completely stands alone.
Stella and Zach's story was really great. I liked that both characters were a little bit broken but that they brought out the best in each other, even if they couldn't see that through their individual pain. Stella was independent to the point of being a little off-putting, and Zach was broken but well-intended, and when they were together, their chemistry was undeniable. Without spoiling anything, I loved the solutions to the drama, and the way that both characters grew and changed as the book went on. I really enjoy a book where both characters give a little rather than one person being the one to do all of the bending.
Stella and Zach's story was really great. I liked that both characters were a little bit broken but that they brought out the best in each other, even if they couldn't see that through their individual pain. Stella was independent to the point of being a little off-putting, and Zach was broken but well-intended, and when they were together, their chemistry was undeniable. Without spoiling anything, I loved the solutions to the drama, and the way that both characters grew and changed as the book went on. I really enjoy a book where both characters give a little rather than one person being the one to do all of the bending.
November 26, 2018
This book has been sitting on my TBR in my Kindle for months. Literally months. I'm not sure why it has taken me so long to read it. I wish I has read it sooner.
I loved this sweet romance!
Stella has inherited her father's veterinarian practice and his home only to learn he was way into debt. She doesn't want help until Zach somehow talks her into needing him. Evidently, Zach looked up to her father when he was younger before he left town to join the Army and also become a vet.
*Sigh*
Zach is dreamy!
One thing leads to another and not only is Zach working as a fellow vet alongside Stella (hoping to be partner), but he is also her roommate. (He was going to stay with his mom until he learns she practically has a live in boyfriend and the walls of her home are thin. Oh - and he shares a bedroom wall with her bedroom. Eek!)
This is my first book by this author.
This is book 2 in the series, but I read it on it's own with no issues.
I highly recommend it!
I loved this sweet romance!
Stella has inherited her father's veterinarian practice and his home only to learn he was way into debt. She doesn't want help until Zach somehow talks her into needing him. Evidently, Zach looked up to her father when he was younger before he left town to join the Army and also become a vet.
*Sigh*
Zach is dreamy!
One thing leads to another and not only is Zach working as a fellow vet alongside Stella (hoping to be partner), but he is also her roommate. (He was going to stay with his mom until he learns she practically has a live in boyfriend and the walls of her home are thin. Oh - and he shares a bedroom wall with her bedroom. Eek!)
This is my first book by this author.
This is book 2 in the series, but I read it on it's own with no issues.
I highly recommend it!
September 23, 2018
What a beautiful character Zach is! He had everything you could want in a man and partner. He was accepting, supportive, honorable, vulnerable, sweet, and funny. But my favorite part of him was that he cherished every moment he could have with those he loved and yearned to find his place to belong. Their story was beautiful. I loved how Zach was with Stella. Stella finally learned to let others in and help her. She was independent and strong, but overwhelmed. It was heartwarming to read their bonding and forming an honest, genuine connection. But it was all the more sweeter with Zach's actions towards Stella. His words to her when coming back to her - major swoon! And their conversation in the epilogue - perfect and loving!
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher through Netgalley.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher through Netgalley.
September 24, 2018
Never Expected You by Jody Holford is a charming, beautiful romance that was a pleasure to read. It is a bit different from the usual returning home veteran which I found refreshing and original. Zach Mason is a wonderful character, a true hero and the kind of man any community would be proud to have. Stella Lane is a harder sell, but she certainly kept the story interesting.
Of course, I was pulling for Zach all the way but also for Stella since her happiness was ultimately at stake too. Still Zach makes the story! So it is a story that has a marvelous mature character, one who has baggage she needs to put behind her, but a heartwarming feeling in spite of her huge doubts, and a romance that is worth fighting for.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Of course, I was pulling for Zach all the way but also for Stella since her happiness was ultimately at stake too. Still Zach makes the story! So it is a story that has a marvelous mature character, one who has baggage she needs to put behind her, but a heartwarming feeling in spite of her huge doubts, and a romance that is worth fighting for.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 27, 2018
Never expected you is the second book in the Love Unexpected series and it's much better! I did not like Let it be me, but this one was more appealing and easier to read. Stella was a little pain in the arse because she was always fighting Zach about every single thing, but in the end, she admitted that she was mostly the wrong party and matured as a character which was good. She and Zach took their sweet time before getting together which was a little frustrating. But I guess, they needed time to get through each others armor and get to know each other in order to build something that would last. Both of them are humans with flaws and I liked that about them, even if Stella got sometimes on my nerves because I just wanted her to let Zach in.
The book is an easy and light read and it was perfect for reading it while I was under a warm blanket on a cold September afternoon.
The book is an easy and light read and it was perfect for reading it while I was under a warm blanket on a cold September afternoon.
September 22, 2018
Beautifully Romantic Ending.
Zach returns to his hometown hoping to become a partner in a veterinary practice, only to find his mentor has died and his beautiful (but independent and obstinate) daughter now runs the show. Stella has been badly hurt in the past and has no intention of relying on anyone other than herself. Unfortunately for her the clinic has too much business for one person and needs new equipment that she cannot afford due to her father’s debts. Slowly Zach wends his way into the clinic and her life, until that is a bombshell hits!
Could have done without the profanity which didn’t add anything to the story but apart from that I enjoyed it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Zach returns to his hometown hoping to become a partner in a veterinary practice, only to find his mentor has died and his beautiful (but independent and obstinate) daughter now runs the show. Stella has been badly hurt in the past and has no intention of relying on anyone other than herself. Unfortunately for her the clinic has too much business for one person and needs new equipment that she cannot afford due to her father’s debts. Slowly Zach wends his way into the clinic and her life, until that is a bombshell hits!
Could have done without the profanity which didn’t add anything to the story but apart from that I enjoyed it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 24, 2018
Stella Lane and Zach Mason are two of a kind. Stella has come home to heal a broken heart and Zach has finally decided to go home and put down roots. Stella is Miss Independent. She lets n one in to help. Her shield is up protecting her from everybody, including her friends. Zach knows what he wants and his theory is to keep plowing ahead till he achieves his goal. The two of them working together at the veterinary clinic is funny. He is all smiles and she is just ornery. They are like oil and vinegar but the sparks are flying. Neither wanting to ruin the professional relationship they have. As the saying goes, "A kiss is just a kiss." All bets are off. Before they get to their HEA, the two must face their demons.
September 23, 2018
3.5
This story was nicely layered. It had a bit of everything: drama, romance, sadness, humor, old wounds... The characters (Stella and Zach) were fleshed out well and the dialogue felt genuine. Both feel an instant attraction but resist it for various reasons. Once they start working together the slow burn begins and that was a nice change from the usual, too much/too soon, then try to put together a relationship.
I enjoyed the small town setting. I also enjoyed seeing the characters grow and heal together. The conclusion was satisfying. This was a sweet story; I would recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Entangled Publishing, LLC for a copy in exchange for a review.
This story was nicely layered. It had a bit of everything: drama, romance, sadness, humor, old wounds... The characters (Stella and Zach) were fleshed out well and the dialogue felt genuine. Both feel an instant attraction but resist it for various reasons. Once they start working together the slow burn begins and that was a nice change from the usual, too much/too soon, then try to put together a relationship.
I enjoyed the small town setting. I also enjoyed seeing the characters grow and heal together. The conclusion was satisfying. This was a sweet story; I would recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Entangled Publishing, LLC for a copy in exchange for a review.
October 1, 2018
A very cute read. I love the finding love when you least expected reads and Never Expected You is wonderful. Stella is strong willed, guarded and a bit feisty. She is doing everything she can to keep her fathers practice running on her own. Once she meets Zach hang on and enjoy the ride. Zach is back after years away and is looking for a fresh start working at the one place he loved as a kid. Little does he know he is going to be put through his paces when it comes to Stella. Watching them slowly grow together is so beautiful. Never Expected You is a heartfelt read with a little bit of those emotions that might lead you to grab your tissues along the way. I loved every minute of this read.
September 16, 2018
I loved this sweet romance story. The thing that stood out to me about this story is how much Zach and Stella truly needed each other both professionally and personally. I loved the scenes where they were learning to open up to one another and learning how to comfort one another. I felt such a real connection between these two. Once I started reading this it became obvious that this was part of a series but it worked as a standalone story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 16, 2018
I liked this book. Stella had a vet practice she took over for her dad but it was in dire need of money to improve it and just flourish. Zach comes in and wants to become a partner, but she resists all the way. She's not the most trusting person. They tangle at every turn, but eventually, she starts to let him in. They even start to have feelings for one another until something blows that up in their faces. The writing was very good and I look forward to more of this authors books I got this book from NetGalley for an honest review
September 28, 2018
4.5 Stars
I will admit he cover drew me to this book because I love animals, but the blurb sold me on the book. Both Zach and Stella are veterinarians and truth the was the selling point for me. I love the small town and the quirks that come with it. I really liked Zach and Stella together. Great personalities that fit so well together. Stella has a hard time accepting help because she doesn't trust the motive behind that help, but Zach's going to show her he means his every word. It's definitively a make you feel good story that has a really easy flow to the book.
I will admit he cover drew me to this book because I love animals, but the blurb sold me on the book. Both Zach and Stella are veterinarians and truth the was the selling point for me. I love the small town and the quirks that come with it. I really liked Zach and Stella together. Great personalities that fit so well together. Stella has a hard time accepting help because she doesn't trust the motive behind that help, but Zach's going to show her he means his every word. It's definitively a make you feel good story that has a really easy flow to the book.
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