Unexpected

Start Up in the City #1

by Kelly Rimmer

Co-parenting with her best friend. What could go wrong?The next three decades of Abby Herbert’s life are as carefully planned out as the last three were. Best career ever? Check. Great friends, one of whom she lives with in a stunning Tribeca apartment? Check. Perfect man to share her dream family? Surely just a matter of time. But then she gets devastating news from her doctor—if she wants to get pregnant, she needs to get started on that by…well, yesterday. On the bright side, she has the perfect person in mind to be the father.Tech entrepreneur Marcus Ross has been harboring decidedly not-friends feelings toward Abby. He doesn’t want to lose her and, knowing his feelings are one-sided, he’s been trying to move on. When he learns about the curveball Abby’s just been hit with, he promises to be there for her however she wants him to be, even if the idea of fatherhood is a little complicated for him right now. But it isn’t long until boundaries start to blur, and a deal struck between friends starts to turn into something perilously close to feelings that could change everything…

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Friends To Lovers, Audiobook, Adult

343 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 28, 2019

About the author

Kelly Rimmer is the author of historical and contemporary fiction, including The Warsaw Orphan, The Things We Cannot Say and The Secret Daughter, with 3 million books sold. Her books have been translated into dozens of languages and have appeared on bestseller lists around the world, including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today.

Since 2022, Kelly has owned and operated Collins Booksellers Orange, the last remaining bookstore in the small regional city she calls home. Her next novel, The Midnight Estate, will be released in Australia, New Zealand and the UK in July 2025.

Reviews

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, touching, and romantic!

Unexpected is an adorable, lively tale that introduces us to the gamer and planner extraordinaire Abby who just discovered her dream to become a mother needs to occur sooner rather than later, and her commitment-phobic, best friend Marcus who is more than willing to help out the girl he’s secretly in love with as long as in the end he can have it all.

The prose is witty and warm. The characters are fun-loving, hesitant, and engaging. And the plot is a playful mix of push-pull drama, chemistry, flirty banter, palpable attraction, tender moments, and steamy baby-making.

Overall, Unexpected is a contemporary, charming, entertaining tale that has just the right amount of emotion, angst, and passion to make this an easy, lighthearted, enjoyable read.

Thank you to Harlequin Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Syndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Unexpected more than I can imagine. This is NA romance story that involving Abby, the heroine trying to get pregnant with her best friend, Markus, the hero. Miss Rimmer brings the topic of fertility struggle up in front and center in Unexpected.
It is romance story, but the highlight is the the roller coaster of emotion that Abby experiencing.

The romance between Markus and Abby is also cute. Even though I have to sided with Markus at the end. Abby reaction toward Markus feeling is childish and annoying. Causing an immature childlike drama. That deduct 1 star from my review.
The awkward start of romantic feeling between Markus and Abby is cute. I can not stop giggling time to time.

Overall this is a wonderful read.

4 stars

[Jamie Rosenblit · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Kelly Rimmer released Before I Let You Go, she earned a slot on my pre-order list immediately. When The Things We Cannot Say was released, she moved into a top favorite author slot for me (and I shouted praise from the rooftops) - immediately I dove into her backlist (also nothing but praise) and then I heard she would be releasing a romantic comedy and I was THRILLED. This author has proven to me she can write contemporary fiction, historical fiction, women’s fiction and it all blows me away. Having become a huge fan of contemporary romance and romantic comedies lately, I was psyched.

Unexpected is the story of two best friends who are also roommates and decide to have a baby together. Abby suffers from fertility issues and is afraid to wait longer. Marcus, the doting best friend, offers to help - via clinical methods, of course. Now, it’s pretty clear to everyone but the two of them that they are made for each other. But it’s nothing but fun and heartwarming feels watching them figure that out.

Again, Rimmer’s writing is nothing short of spectacular and this book delivers 100%. Be sure to grab a copy tomorrow and thank me later.

Thank you to Harlequin HQN for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abby and Marcus, childhood best friends, have always managed to keep their friendship platonic. Well, except for last New Year’s Eve when they shared a passionate kiss that they still refuse to discuss. But aside from that, their friendship is perfect. Abby and Marcus share an apartment and love the routines they have together.

When Abby learns from her doctor that at 30-years old, her fertility is on the fast decline, she knows it’s either now or never to have a baby. Unfortunately for her, she hasn’t found her Mr. Perfect yet and will have to do the parenting thing alone. The cost of fertility treatments is astronomical and the idea of using a sperm bank is as unromantic as it gets, but Abby wants a baby now.

When Marcus learns of Abby’s predicament, he starts to think about what it would be like to raise a child. Due to his parents’ unsuccessful marriage, Marcus is completely uninterested in ever getting married, so he always thought kids were off the table. But Abby’s situation could be his one chance to be a dad. So he proposes that Abby and him have a baby together and jointly raise it, as friends. They could be great parents together and have a happy family, minus the relationship part.

Due to the high costs and waiting period associated with artificial insemination, Abby and Marcus reluctantly choose the old-fashioned method of conception. What they weren’t expecting was that they have amazing chemistry together. They wanted to keep their friendship exactly how it was before having sex, but that’s impossible. Abby and Marcus become addicted to each other in ways they never thought possible and the task of creating a baby becomes something they not only look forward to, but insanely crave.

This new phase of their friendship is uncharted territory for Abby and Marcus. The physical aspect is surfacing feelings they both have been harboring for months, if not years. And even though they don’t want to complicate their tight bond, the potential for unimaginable love may be too good to pass up. And putting their feelings on the line makes them more vulnerable than they’re used to, yes, but the best kind of love is always worth the risk.

Unexpected is the first book in Kelly Rimmer’s Start Up in the City series. This book is new territory for Kelly Rimmer, as her other books are harder-hitting usually and her next release this year is a historical fiction. But I’m happy to see that she can write across a range of genres and excel at all of them. Unexpected is a steamy romance, following the friends to lovers trope. I thoroughly enjoyed Marcus and Abby’s relationship and I was rooting for their happily ever after from the very beginning. Their banter is witty and they are great together. I’d read anything Kelly Rimmer publishes and can’t wait to see what book two has in store—4/5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, HQN and Kelly Rimmer for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[CristiinaReads୨ৎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been in need of sweet romances and the synopsis took me away for this one, plus the cover is so beautiful...



ARC galley kindly provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review...

➳Follow Me On:
Blog ♕ Instagram ♕ Facebook ♕ Twitter

[Amanda D. · Rating 1 out of 5]

My honest advice: don't read this one.

The romance hinges on the heroine wanting a baby due to declining infertility. The hero (her best friend and roommate) agrees to be the sperm donor, but wants to remain in the baby's life.

NEITHER OF THESE PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE A BABY. It was like watching a train wreck in slow motion, given how much sound advice they actively ignore in favor of making sure the heroine gets pregnant ASAP.

Oh, and the gamer heroine makes an offhand comment (in the year of our lord 2019) that Joss Whedon deserves an Oscar.

[Booksandchinooks (Laurie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Harlequin Books for my free review copy. This book is one of the best contemporary romances that I have read lately. This is a fun and sexy story about two roommates who decide to have a baby together. Abby and Marcus have known each other all their lives and are best friends and platonic roommates. Abby discovers she has a medical issue and she should start having children sooner than later. She is a goal driven person and she has her whole life mapped out and having children is something she has always planned. When Marcus hears about her plight he steps in to be the father. He wants a baby but not a romantic commitment so he thinks this will be perfect. The relationship between the two of them is fun and cute. Their friends and family round out the cast and they really add to the story. This is the first in a series and I’m looking forward to more of these books. I read this in one sitting I was enjoying this story so much.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unexpected is a contemporary romance. It is book one in the Start Up in the City series. The book does not end with a cliffhanger. So potentially the next book will be about a different couple (one of their friends?).

The narrators are best friends Abby (30) and Marcus (32). They are already roommates. And have been best friends since childhood. Abby finds out that if she ever wants to have a baby she needs to try now.

This book will be for romance readers who like sweet, sexy books. The book was a bit predictable and not overly substantial. But it was enjoyable.

I did like both Abby and Marcus. Although her not liking confrontations sort of drove me crazy after a while. I liked his twin brother. And I enjoyed the sub-plot with their father. Both Abby and Marcus had intriguing jobs and I liked their group of friends. The baby part was an interesting part of the story.

But I just like more from my romances. I need to feel something. I like unexpected twists and turns. This book was not that, but it was still a fun read.

Thanks to netgalley and HARLEQUIN - Romance (U.S. & Canada) for allowing me to read this book.

[Frankie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Best friends & roommates who try for a baby because heroine believes she may have fertility issues. So my biggest pet peeve was that the entire romantic tension/plot depending on a lack of communication between the characters & Hero was a Manho. Wonderful. Let’s make all Heroes sluts because that’s what we all want them to be... NOT.

I was generously given an ARC of this book by NetGalley and the publisher. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

[a. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently discovered Kelly Rimmer and went on a binge, reading three of her books in a week span. This is a cute, lighthearted, predictable romance. While not my favorite of hers, I grew to like it more after reading her authors note at the end that detailed why she wrote a predictable, happy book. After a string of heavier topics, this light hearted read was exactly what I needed! It dragged a bit for me in the middle but overall I enjoyed this book and look forward to what she comes at us with next. 4⭐️, rounded up from 3.5. Thanks to the publisher for this advance reader in exchange for my honest review!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this one but it didn't completely work for me. I loved some aspects but could not get past others. Friends to lovers is usually a trope that I love - and this one had so much promise. I think my primary issue with the story was the heroine, Abby, who I struggled with. Her inability to face things head on became very difficult for me. I became frustrated with how she couldn't see things that are right in front of her. But, I loved her relationship with Marcus and their history together. This is a fine romance - just not one that blew me away.

** Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free copy for an honest review. **

[Malli (Chapter Malliumpkin) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Arc given to me by HQN in exchange for an honest review.

Content/Trigger Warning: Cheating, postnatal depression, maternity struggles/infertility, anxiety, depression, passive-aggressive divorce, toxic relationships, and sex scenes (for those of the younger audience).

This review is going up the day of release (May 28, 2019), so Happy Birthday Unexpected by Kelly Rimmer!

Abby Herbert has had her life all mapped out. From the perfect job all the way to the perfect husband, she’s a girl with a plan and she intends to stick to that plan. But when devastating news shatters her dreams, she’s suddenly thrown into a whirl wind of chaos that she has no control over. Marcus Ross has been harboring not-friends feelings for his life long best friend Abby Herbert. Knowing his feelings have been one sided, Marcus has been desperately been trying to move on since their New Year’s kiss. But when he learns of Abby’s curveball, Marcus instantly jumps into the stirring pot to do whatever it takes to help and be there for Abby. With emotions and feelings running high, it isn’t long before all the rules start to break and the boundaries start to blur. And that deal struck between two good friends starts to blossom into something perilously close to something that will change their lives forever!

“No point beating about the bush on this. I hope you know I’ll support you whatever you decide, and I’ll be here for you whatever happens.”

Have I even mentioned how much I love books that have two different point of views? I really, really like books that have two point of views and we can get two different insights on the two main characters. Not only that, having two different perspectives for the two main characters allow us to really see how one or the other handle each situation or conflict with their own unique personalities. It’s a fun time and I’m always down for some really two point of view books.

Speaking of two point of views, we have two main characters in this book. Our first main character is Abby Herbert. Abby Herbert is a professional gamer/streamer. She does a lot of her work from the apartment she shares with her best friend, but she does have a previous history of working for a publishing company before she truly committed to her gaming full time. Abby also has some serious anxiety going on with a history of depression. Not to mention, she has to have control over everything. I want to say she may have slight OCD behavior, but she’s definitely a planner and has to have little thing under control otherwise she ends up having an outburst of from frustration or has a breakdown from panic. Which is why she has her binder full of her life long dream package and of course, everything is planned from the type of guy she wants to be with, to the house they will share, and right down the amount of children running around their home. She has it all figured out and she intends to have it happen when she wants it to happen. Also, my favorite thing that is brought up from time to time in this book is Abby having a very curvy body. While it’s not actually stated or put into full details, it’s been stated she has fuller figure than the other girls in this book (and you know I’m here for diverse body rep!). And while I’m still on Abby, the one thing this girl has never compromised on has been her life long best friend, Marcus Ross. Which brings me to our second main character, Marcus Ross. Marcus couldn’t be more different from Abby. They’re as different as night and day. Marcus is a head strong, tech entrepreneur who has never had time to truly put though into wanting a life long partner. In fact, Marcus has said no to the wedding and no to the full commitment of a life term partner. No wedding and no serious relationship. In fact, everyone sees him as the type of guy who prefers to casually date, but likes his options open. If there was ever more of a Batman, this guy is it. He’s got full on daddy issues and full blown emotions for a girl who doesn’t feel the same way for him in return. However, Marcus has a lot of self-doubt and questions himself a lot of the time with making the right moves or what’s the best thing to say. But in general, Marcus is a really good guy who’s dedicated to his job, cares deeply about his friends and family, and genuinely thinks about others. Plus, did I mention his brother? His brother Lucas is a such a sassy pants and his interactions with Marcus are just the most precious moments.

Essentially, Unexpected revolved around the whole plot of this book being our one main character, Abby, ends up being told her ovarian reserve is diminishing. So Abby begins to plan to become a single a mother as soon as possible and begins trying to find the best way to getting herself pregnant. When her first two options fall short, she ends up turning to her best friend, Marcus, and shortly after a deal is struck between them. Eventually, the rules and boundaries that were established during to them agreeing to cross-over that best friends forever line end up getting broke and boundaries blur together is a messy pot of unexplored feelings.

Yet somewhere in between the pages of this book, we see the good, the bad, and the ugly. We see how these two characters interact and navigate what is most definitely a difficult and stressful situation for both of them. We also get to see a lot of their thought process, but also them reaching out to their closest, most trusted friends about their feelings. But somehow, even though this book had some great elements that I love in a romance, it fell a bit short for me.

” We can have a reset if I move out. We can get things back to normal and stay friends. It’s the smart move.”

THE GOOD
Okay, first the good and the things I really loved. This is probably the first romance book I ever read that hits close to home for me. Granted, there have been other books that got me emotional, but most of those were either comics or fantasy. This is the first ever romance that had me sobbing with our main character, Abby. I already liked Abby because she was a gamer (as come to learn very early on in the book), I do some serious hardcore gaming when I need it, but it became so much more than that. Between her struggles with depression, having anxiety, and then topped with fertility complications, that was it for me. I felt connected with her and I found myself rooting for her. Even as I read on, she was a very relatable character to me. So this book became a faster pace read for me once I found a way to get connected and to throw myself into the book. Also really loved that we got some LGBTQIAP+ representation. As I mentioned before, Marcus has a brother, Lucas, and he’s just great! Not only is Lucas the more playful brother, but he’s married to a chef named Austin. The moments we get interactions with Lucas and Austin or when our main characters and the wonderful pair are together, they were so wholesome and warming.

We also get some talk about postnatal depression which is the very first time I’ve seen it talked about in a romance book. While there’s no in depth conversation and there definitely could have been more talk about it, it’s handled very nicely and in very realistic way especially for why it’s an issue/concern for Abby. Not to mention this book really goes into detail of the struggles a person with fertility complications has to go through if they want to have a child. This book talks about how long the process it, talks about legal actions that have to be taken with parties involved, and even some of the financial hardships that will come during and afterwards. I was really surprised that all of that was featured, but I was also overjoyed. It’s not often books (a lot of genres) talk about serious issues that aren’t often discussed. So seeing that in this book was such a pleasant surprise. I also really liked and enjoyed the way Abby relationship with Rodger was addressed. We not only got to see Marcus calling out how abusive the relationship was, but we also got to see how her friends viewed the relationship. What made my heart smile, most about whenever this toxic relationship was brought up, was how the characters addressed Abby. Both Isabel and Marcus reassured her that she was not in the wrong and that she was the one who pulled herself out of those dark days. I loved this and how beautifully it was done. That type of love and support is always so beautiful to see and read about.

“She’s the key player in all of my best memories, and now, she’s the star of all my dreams for the rest of my life.”

THE BAD
However, even though there were many wonderful things about this book, there were also plenty of things I had issues with that made it hard to look past. For starters, I definitely don’t like the fact that both of our main characters ignored the advice of the doctor. I understand that Abby wants a baby and time is of the essence, but the fact that they weren’t willing to listen to the doctor to all the details, I mean ALL of the details in what he had to say, it felt rude, ignorant, and definitely a naive thing for both of them to do. Not to mention after they went home and didn’t even talk about what was discussed in the doctor’s office and they both went straight to Googling at home, do it yourself with a turkey baster or syringe. I don’t know if this was for comedic relief or if the author was being serious, but this whole part fell flat for me. It felt like this whole thing was counter-productive and just didn’t sit well with me. Secondly, Abby’s sex scenes felt very virgin-ish. I had a better time and a more leg crossing time with Marcus’s sex scenes than I did with Abby. The thing is, Abby is a very appealing character and the descriptions we receive of Abby, she’s a very beautiful woman. So the fact that Marcus’s scenes were the most steamy, more intimate, and more leg crossing than Abby was a bit surprising. Her scenes felt safe, they felt like there was a lot of overthinking happening from the character and the author, and half the time if felt like she wasn’t even doing anything at all because Marcus would end up dominating the whole scene in the end. I just expected more from the intimate Abby scenes and expected her to let loose a little. Speaking of Abby, there were also a lot of moments where it felt like she was being extremely immature and, in all honesty, being a real jackass to Marcus. I understand that the author was trying to show Abby’s level of anxiety and just how far it could be push or show just how desperate she needs to be in control of everything, but when it boiled down to everything, there were times where it felt like she was being a child throwing a tantrum because things weren’t going her way. But those moments she would go off the rails and be totally unfair about things to Marcus were a huge problem. For me, it almost felt like it was right on the edge of becoming a toxic relationship. Considering how well Marcus and Abby’s personalities mesh, seeing how quickly it would flip and she would go off on him made me really uneasy and uncomfortable reading. Anxiety and insecurities is one thing, but to push it to the point of toxic situation just felt like it didn’t belong in this book. Now I know it feels like I’ve only been talking about Abby, but I do have my issues with Marcus. My biggest issue with Marcus is the daddy issues. So in this book during the whole Abby and Marcus thing, we have a situation brewing with Lucas and Marcus where their father comes back into their lives by sending these Facebook messages. Of course, both Marcus and Lucas are internally struggling with how to deal with this level of stress and unease, but my true issues lie with Marcus (which will tie in with my biggest and most delicate situation from this whole book). With these issues coming up as a side situation in this book, one of two things needed to happen; (the easiest thing to do) One: Remove the whole sideline, “father coming back into the picture to reconnect with his sons” situation. OR (the more complicated thing to do) Two: Don’t allow Marcus to get Abby pregnant or become a father. These seem like the only two options because once you hit that point in the book where the two brother actually do go meet with their father…it’s a hot mess (like any type of reunion would be if you haven’t seen your parent in years) that’s followed up by another hot mess of the brothers trying to sort how they feel about everything. I wasn’t that big of a fan with how Marcus was handling the whole situation and the icy tones that were coming through that whole section with, not only how he was addressing his father and the situation, but how he was addressing his mother when he called her. Even outside of of this whole section, the “father popping back into his sons’ lives” part felt very distracting to what this book is actually about. There were times where I was wondering how it was going to play into everything and it definitely felt like a minor distraction that derailed the story-line.

THE REALLY BAD
With all of this being said, it’s time to lay out the biggest issue I had with this book. I have sat on this for three days now and stating this doesn’t make it easy because I did genuinely like some parts of this book…however, this is something that by the end of the book just didn’t sit right with me. Marcus and Abby shouldn’t be having a baby. Now before you come at me with torches and knives, I didn’t conclude this overnight and it wasn’t an easy choice to make. I went back through and looked at everything I marked, tabbed, noted, and wrote down just so I could weigh all the pros and cons. But after all of that, they truly shouldn’t have a baby and so many factors went into me deciding this. For starters, Abby and Marcus, both, have some serious issues. These are the types of issues that should be worked out before you decide to have a child. For starters, Abby has serious concerns especially the postnatal depression and since she has a history with depression, it felt like that should have been taken more seriously. Also, as I stated before, there were a lot of times where Abby would start an argument and it would feel like she’s acting like a child. I feel like this conflicts because how can you truly be a parent to a child if you yourself are going to act like a child as well. Not to mention, you see no sign of her looking for a therapist or a counselor for any help with her anxiety. To me that’s a huge issue because anxiety can be a very hindering mental health condition especially if it goes untreated. And considering almost every chapter that’s from Abby’s point of view it feels like she’s about to go into panic attack, have an emotional breakdown, or she’s putting herself in emotional and mental turmoil, the fact that there’s no mention of a therapist or any professional counseling make me come from a place of concern. I’m not saying it’s the answer, but I definitely think Abby needs some guidance in the right direction before having a child. Then there’s the matter of Marcus who is dealing with own issues. He’s a busy tech entrepreneur that struggles with keeping balance between his work and personal life. Then add on top of him trying to come to terms with everything that happened between his mother and father as well as him trying to reconnect with his father. That’s a lot of stress riding on him. Plus, he has to console Abby every time she tries to start an argument or causes so much turmoil that she has a break down. He’s already dealing with so much. We also have the fact that both of them went and completely ignored a professional doctor who was giving them sound advice and genuinely trying to help our main heroine to become pregnant as safely and as quickly as possible. I have a lot of issues with this and with that whole situation being what it was, didn’t impress me at all. I understand that Abby wants everything done her way, to her pace, and on the drop of her word, but the fact she blew off the professional and then Marcus went along with her on it makes me think they’re both really naive. And even though they went home, sat on things, and then did their own research via Google, that doesn’t mean that was the smartest move for them to do and a lot of stuff on the internet is misleading. Once again, it all felt like a waste a time that could have been used in a more productive way instead of them both acting clueless and being irresponsible by not listening to a medical professional. There’s also the fact that no alternate paths to motherhood ever being discussed which is definitely a problem since there are so many other options out there for our two main characters. Abby seems to feel like if it isn’t her being pregnant then it isn’t motherhood. Not only that, but her own mother (who also suffered fertility issues) is pressuring her to settle down and breed. I’m coming to the topic as someone who wants to have kids, but can’t and I’m honestly surprise I didn’t go into a blackout rage (I’ll be surprise if anyone who is struggling with fertility complications doesn’t go into a blackout rage). With all of this being said, I truly believe they’re not ready for a baby and they shouldn’t be having a baby until they actually listen to a medical professional and have all their options before them.

Overall, I have so many mixed feelings on this book. There were some parts that I really loved and thought were the sweetest moments. On the other hand, there were parts that should have been removed or never included, parts that were frustrating and absolutely ludicrous, and then there were parts that were just absolutely awful and almost insulting. I understand romance novels are escapist. They are also capable of introducing and evaluating serious issues but Unexpected fails on all counts. I don’t think I’ll be continuing this series as this first book has stirred quite a mix of feelings. If you have read this book and plan on continuing this series, comment below and tell me your thoughts. I would love to know what you loved and didn’t love about this book and why you plan to continue on.

Blog|Instagram|Twitter|YouTube|

[Kellisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ Thank you Kelly Rimmer and Harlequin Publicity Team for providing a copy of Unexpected in exchange for an honest review ✨

Well, add this to the list of contemporary romances I stayed up super late reading! #noregrets I mean, I’m getting better! I forced myself to go to bed at 3am with 81% read. But believe me, I wanted to keep reading!

I am a sucker for a friends-to-lovers romance, and Kelly Rimmer checked all the boxes of things I love in contemporary romances with Unexpected. This is her first contemporary romance, and you cannot tell. It’s steamy, sweet, and emotional, I loved it SO much!

This book jumps right into the story, Abby has just found out if she wants to have a baby she should have started yesterday. Since she’s single, she decides to ask her best friend’s identical twin brother to be her sperm donor. Did I mention her best friend Marcus is also her roommate?! The story opens with Marcus being thrown through a loop when he finds out Abby asked his brother to be her sperm donor.

I was hooked on this story from page one. I take little notes when I read, and the first note I have is me questioning if I’ve ever shipped a couple so quickly (the answer is no!) There’s so much chemistry right from the beginning, it’s impossible not to root for these two best friends to become more! I loved that Rimmer told this story through dual perspectives, it’s a classic tale of two best friends who clearly feel more for each other, but with a twist. They’ve been friends their entire lives, thanks to their families being neighbors, and was such a delightful ride to follow them as they go from friends to so much more.

If you love contemporary romance and friends-to-lovers stories, I highly recommend grabbing a copy of Unexpected when it releases on May 28th! This was a 5 star read for me, I found it completely unputdownable! I cannot wait for book 2 of this series!

(My one tiny complaint is that Abby’s fertility doctor doesn’t suggest she freeze her eggs, getting pregnant right away certainly isn’t the ONLY option in her case! But that would make for a pretty quick story if she did that 😂)

[Samantha (WLABB) · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my FAVORITE tropes is friends-to-more, and these two had such a beautiful history together. Though they sometimes frustrated me with their inability to tell the other their true feelings, I loved watching their relationship evolve. I had the pleasure of sharing lots of fun and lovely moments with these two, and the ending was all sorts of smile inducing.

BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS

[Preri · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a fluffy read, but not quite good enough to really make a lasting impression.

And I'm out.

[Kristy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sexy, fun, and sometimes silly tale. Abby and Marcus are a great couple that you can root for--I liked them both very much and could identify with Abby. The book also presented a great framing of depression, which doesn't always happen. 3.5 stars.

[Stacey Kade]

Oh this one was so sweet! Still have a smile on my face. Definitely recommend to my fellow romance fans.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this w a big dopey smile on my face. Friends falling in love is my favorite trope. I am not ashamed.

[Simone Hagemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, den her var virkelig alt, jeg havde håbet på. Så sød, så rørende, så sexet. Bestemt ikke det sidste, jeg har læst af Kelly Rimmer.

[Alexandra Proctor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started off slow, but escalated into a steamy and delicious read. I really enjoyed the love story.

[Denise Ackers]

Didn’t like it and couldn’t finish it. For me there was too much sex and swearing. It is very rare that I don’t finish a book but I just couldn’t with this one.

[Kailey (kmc_reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Thanks to the tagged publisher for my free copy. Y’all, I think I’m officially a Kelly Rimmer fan - after loving her HF novel, “The Things We Cannot Say”, I wondered how her romance novel would be… I adored it! I’ll officially read whatever she writes. Witty banter, a great friends-to-lovers plot, lots of sexual tension… and some STEAMY scenes…. this was definitely a stand-out rom-com. I’ll admit, I was hesitant about Abby at first… she’s a video-game nerd who loves World of Warcraft (I can’t relate), but she quickly grew on me and I just loved her chemistry with Marcus. An unusual premise & some great supporting characters made this one a clear winner as well. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. Romance fans, this one is for you!

[Mariana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unexpected was a fun and sweet sorry about love and friendship. This is the second I read by Rimmer and even though I knew it was a completely different story, I do not think I was prepared to find such a different style in the story, of course, but especially in the way that the characters are written.
I really liked Abby, although she was so frustrating sometimes. I loved Marcus, he was so nice (Can I have my own Marcus, please?). I liked that Abby was into gaming and was a very different female character
The secondary characters like Luca, Izzy and Jess were interesting and added to the story. I know that the second book in the series is coming soon and Isabel and Paul’s story intrigues me, so I am definitely going to read that one.
The plot is interesting and while it discusses some serious topics like fertility issues, the author keeps it light enough and it is very enjoyable, easy and fast to read.
It was the perfect read for a Friday night with a glass of wine while you relax from a long week. It was very nice to read this story, it was funny and entertaining and I enjoyed it.
Book read thanks to Netgalley and Publisher.

[Limecello · Rating 1 out of 5]

I debated rating/not rating this book but ...
*shakes head*

IRL I'd be ranting about this book and swearing like a sailor. (Worse than a sailor?)
So.

I got 25% in. I admit it - BUT IT'S THAT BAD.
I'd already skimmed some because we have that "my parents had a bad experience when I was a kid so I will NEVER MARRY." => which yes, a very terrible experience - not really a spoiler IMO since it's disclosed so early but ... the hero's dad left the family when the hero was 7 and has been gone for 25 years. They hate him - with good reason, but also realize their horrible grandfather has been denigrating their dad AND THEM for 25 years so their view is probably colored.
(Which uh, hello, WHY DID THEIR MOM LET THEM SPEND TIME WITH THAT EVIL OLD BASTARD?) Fucking abusive mentally and emotionally ...

BUT ANYWAY. Totally ignoring all that...
I love friends to lovers stories. Love em.

It's a lot of "ships passing in the night" with their attraction/not attraction and Marcus's utter cluelessness as to his own feelings ...

And then the eyeroll of when characters who are "platonic best friends" WHO DO NOT AT ALL ACT PLATONICALLY - pet peeve there.
Added to the "OMG I MUST HAVE A BABY OR MY LIFE IS INCOMPLETE."
Like - I absolutely get some people DESPERATELY WANT CHILDREN.

... >.> but wtf is with that plot cropping up SO MUCH lately? Just as a way to "force" friends to lovers?
Like - at least [as of 25%] it wasn't "I demand to do it the natural way" - which admittedly I've read before. (And even enjoyed - although yes that was annoying .... by a few authors, actually.]

HOWEVER => what made me put the book down was the absolute IDIOCY of the heroine [and hero] with her SOUNDLY IGNORING all the advice the doctor was giving her.
He was bringing up EXCELLENT legal points - and not just that, psychological, emotional... and she's all "WHATEVER I NEED BABY NOW."
... EVEN IGNORING suggested medical practice/ACTUAL PRACTICE. Waving the testing and such. WHAT'S THE FUCKING POINT OF ALL THIS - TO SEE IF YOU CAN HAVE THAT BABY YOU'RE SO DESPERATE FOR YOU IDIOT.

... it made me hope they split up just to have to suffer through all that insane legal nightmare of custody etc.
She's just INCREDIBLY PAINFULLY STUPID about it.
SO.
DUMB.

Especially annoying what with her "epic research and binders" and her "Dr. Google."

...
AND THEN - like another review said - SAYING JOSS WHEDON DESERVES AN OSCAR!? REALLY? REALLY?!!??!!??!?!?!?! I don't know when this book was written - but it was PUBLISHED in May 2019 and ... yo.
No.

... No.
Why not just throw in some gushing about Mel Gibson too?

Seriously.

THIS IS WHY YOU DON'T NAME DROP.

Also - the heroine is a giant selfish asshole, with her shitty stuff she says and demands of INSTANT RESPONSES TO IMs while the hero is LITERALLY not just working but doing MAJOR PRESENTATIONS AND CHANGES TO THE COMPANY HE OWNS AND RUNS.

... omfg.

[Shirley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well it was okay, i enjoy reading it but there's time where i started getting frustrated towards Abby and her repetition of insecurity? confusion? overthinking? mix of them that i jump/skim few pages after specific scene. Marcus share some similar vibe with Paul, both totally invest & loyal to their partner. Still liking the dynamic between characters and the family/friendship dynamic. I really would like to read Jess's story.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcus likes to give his girl free reign at times, “sweetheart… just about anything you want to do to me at this point is going to be okay with me.” Marcus can be a go with the flow kind of man, "Abs, I’m up for it. As often as you want. You just seduce me with that “let’s have * ***” move you pulled on me after dinner and I’m there." I liked this book, I liked Marcus.

[Giselle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I honestly liked most of this book a lot besides the main plot point which is if she doesn't have babies come from her body then they aren't her children. Doesn't even think of adopting. She's fairly well off, she could afford it.

[Romancebooksandmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abby Herbert wants a baby, but is it to late? Marcus Ross loves Abby Herbert but does he love her in that way? suddenly his father who has been out of his life for 25 years tries to contact him and his twin brother and Abby gets him mixed up in her baby making plans. (Not that he's complaining ;)) will these two get their happily ever after.

I loved, loved loved this book, friends to lovers is one of my fav troupes and ones where they have always been friends yes please sign me up. there are so many layers to this book, so many obstacles and emotions that you honestly don't know where it's going to churn next. I liked the subtle LGBTQ+ story line in the back, and would love to see more of Luca and Austin in the future.

the issues that arise were handled in an organic way, even if I did find Warwick's explanation for his long absence hard to swallow and wish that relationship had been flushed out a bit more it was still handled way better then many similar plot lines I've seen in other books.

this is book one in a new series and after already getting to know the couple that book two will revolve around I can't wait to read it. book out now.

in full disclosure I was sent this book from Harlequin publicity team in exchange for an honest review. all thoughts here are my own.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I need to give a big thanks to Harlequin Publicity Team for sending this book my way.

I really enjoyed Unexpected. It has two things I adore in a good romance: friends to lovers trope and a curvy nerdy heroine. Marcus and Abby are life long best friends. But, Abby has a problem. She is struggling with infertility. Her ovulation production is decreasing as she gets older. At thirty she needs to get on the baby train quick if she wants to have kids. So, she asks her best friend to help out. Marcus is down for the baby but doesn’t want a relationship so what is supposed to uncomplicated sex definitely gets complicated when feelings start getting involved.
I really liked Unexpected because it deals with issues of infertility normally. Abby also had an ex boyfriend who cheated on her and combine that with infertility issues she cries a lot and is depressed. I love the line Abby says, “I’m a self-rescuing princess.” Because, no knight in shining can save you from your mental health problems. It takes a strong individual to admit they need help and rescue themselves. I liked how Abby and Marcus support each with love, trust, and understanding. I like that in the end they have to be the one to pull themselves out of depression. A good partner will be the one driving to your mental health therapist not trying to be one.