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I Never #2
I Never Expected You
Zachary Jacobs feels as though his life is spiraling out of control as he deals with the aftermath of losing his childhood best friend, Emmett Hanks. When his sister, Danielle, disappears without a trace, he finds comfort in the only person who truly knows what he is going through: Haylee Hanks.
What he least expects is to fall for her. She went from the silly girl next door to the beautiful woman he can’t get out of his head. For the first time, he wants more than just a notch on his bedpost. Will his past be too much for her to handle, or will she let him catch her as she falls?
What he least expects is to fall for her. She went from the silly girl next door to the beautiful woman he can’t get out of his head. For the first time, he wants more than just a notch on his bedpost. Will his past be too much for her to handle, or will she let him catch her as she falls?
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2019
45 people are currently reading
561 people want to read
About the author
Stefanie Jenkins
16 books404 followersStefanie Jenkins is a contemporary romance author and stay at home mom. Born and raised in Maryland, she has called Surf City, North Carolina home since 2018 with her husband, two sons and black lab. When not bringing the characters to life in her head, Stefanie enjoys reading, watching true crime or cooking shows, browsing Pinterest and collecting coffee mugs with funny sayings. You can always put a smile on her face with a Dunkin Donuts iced coffee, photos of Grant Gustin and inappropriate memes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
November 17, 2019
This. Is. Different. You. Are. Different.
Just when you think Stephanie Jenkins isn’t going to put you through the emotional wringer with this book like she did book 1, she strikes again, leaving me staring into space with a lump in my throat trying to sort through my emotions.
Bravo Jenkins, because not only did you wreck my world with I Never Planned on You, you’ve just made me rip the bandaid off of my heart, to relive it all over again through Zach and Haylee.
She's my Haylee. And that’s my man! God Zach is soooooo swoony!
If you are looking for a book to ruin you, gut you and leave you speechless then you need to read this series. I’ve stood along side these characters and wallowed in their grief with them, I’ve cried for them, I’ve rooted for them, laughed with them and loved them. I don’t know how much more my heart can take from the emotional terrorist that is Stefanie Jenkins.
Read this series!
Just when you think Stephanie Jenkins isn’t going to put you through the emotional wringer with this book like she did book 1, she strikes again, leaving me staring into space with a lump in my throat trying to sort through my emotions.
Bravo Jenkins, because not only did you wreck my world with I Never Planned on You, you’ve just made me rip the bandaid off of my heart, to relive it all over again through Zach and Haylee.
She's my Haylee. And that’s my man! God Zach is soooooo swoony!
If you are looking for a book to ruin you, gut you and leave you speechless then you need to read this series. I’ve stood along side these characters and wallowed in their grief with them, I’ve cried for them, I’ve rooted for them, laughed with them and loved them. I don’t know how much more my heart can take from the emotional terrorist that is Stefanie Jenkins.
Read this series!
December 9, 2019
How the hell Stefanie makes me feel so many emotions in one book I have no idea. Like book 1 there are part that will have you crying ALL the ugly tears, then you’ll laugh then need to sit in your fridge to cool down.
Zach and Haylee are couple goals and holy burnt dinner Batman do I love their story.
Graf your tissues and wine, lots of wine, and 1-click this today
Zach and Haylee are couple goals and holy burnt dinner Batman do I love their story.
Graf your tissues and wine, lots of wine, and 1-click this today
November 28, 2019
Zach Jacobs ( fanning myself) Hottie McHotterson
A more apt name could bit be found
I did myself an injustice by taking my sweet time to read this
I had myself turned inside out with Anxiety due to my emotional breakdown and response to I never planned on you.
We start 5 weeks after Emmett’s passing and i for one was relieved. We get straight into the aftermath of dealing with the grieving from Hailee and Zachs POV and both sets of parents.
It was amazing to see the same storyline of Emmett’s passing seen in a totally different way.
Zach had me at “ Manwhore” LoL
The best friend of Emmett Brother if Dani Long Time friend of the family Hailee.
Stefanie definitely held back in these two characters in book 1, and fir 1 loved their story.
I laughed and giggled at the funny antics, I held my breath and blinked away the tears at the memories remembered and at the ones that would no longer be made in the future that would include Emmett.
As I was reading I would remember certain scenes from I never Planned in you that took place with these characters
I fell in love with Kyle again , but this time as the room mate of Zach’s
Thank you Stefanie for once again showing me that it is possible for people to find each other despite them knowing each other all their lives. Also for helping people to understand that No! You don’t get over loss
You just learn to live with it everyday and cope as best you can.
Thank you
A more apt name could bit be found
I did myself an injustice by taking my sweet time to read this
I had myself turned inside out with Anxiety due to my emotional breakdown and response to I never planned on you.
We start 5 weeks after Emmett’s passing and i for one was relieved. We get straight into the aftermath of dealing with the grieving from Hailee and Zachs POV and both sets of parents.
It was amazing to see the same storyline of Emmett’s passing seen in a totally different way.
Zach had me at “ Manwhore” LoL
The best friend of Emmett Brother if Dani Long Time friend of the family Hailee.
Stefanie definitely held back in these two characters in book 1, and fir 1 loved their story.
I laughed and giggled at the funny antics, I held my breath and blinked away the tears at the memories remembered and at the ones that would no longer be made in the future that would include Emmett.
As I was reading I would remember certain scenes from I never Planned in you that took place with these characters
I fell in love with Kyle again , but this time as the room mate of Zach’s
Thank you Stefanie for once again showing me that it is possible for people to find each other despite them knowing each other all their lives. Also for helping people to understand that No! You don’t get over loss
You just learn to live with it everyday and cope as best you can.
Thank you
December 9, 2019
We met Zach and Haylee in book one and get ready, they'll steal your hearts!!!! With everything that happened with Emmett, Haylee's brother and Zach's best friend, they're just living life without him. Taking it hard, and day by day. The grief of a loved one is extremely hard and they learn to navigate life after they leave the world. I knew I had to read book one before I dived into this one and I'm glad I did. It was so worth it and just have tissues nearby. Stef broke me several times but these two stories were so beautiful, heartbreaking and I LOVVVVED THEM.
Zach and Haylee's love story from friendship to love felt so complete. Zach feeling everything with Haylee, the girl he never ever expected to be his one. LOVED THIS STORY.
Zach and Haylee's love story from friendship to love felt so complete. Zach feeling everything with Haylee, the girl he never ever expected to be his one. LOVED THIS STORY.
December 9, 2019
A day later and I'm still trying to process.
This book was simply.... stunning.
I loved seeing the developing feelings, the shift in their relationship and the journey they travelled.
Was it easy? No
Was it simple? No
But the best things in life rarely are and I think that's why I just couldn't put it down.
Zach and Hails were beautiful, raw, sexy and sweet. There were so many different emotions running through me I couldn't tell up from down once I was done.
I am so thankful to have found Stefanie's work. She has been one of my favourite discoveries this year and I am absolutely looking forward to the next book from her.
This book was simply.... stunning.
I loved seeing the developing feelings, the shift in their relationship and the journey they travelled.
Was it easy? No
Was it simple? No
But the best things in life rarely are and I think that's why I just couldn't put it down.
Zach and Hails were beautiful, raw, sexy and sweet. There were so many different emotions running through me I couldn't tell up from down once I was done.
I am so thankful to have found Stefanie's work. She has been one of my favourite discoveries this year and I am absolutely looking forward to the next book from her.
February 11, 2020
I read book one in the series by this author and she totally blew me away and this book is no different, she will have you hooked right away. This is book two in this series and they are both phenomenal.
Book #1 I Never planned on you.
Book #2 I Never Expected You.
Zach and Haylee have been through alot. We watch there relationship grow between each other and it's so strong and powerful that it has you going through it with them.
They go from strength to strength through love, they go through struggles and their relationship is strong. But they both have to go through thing's before they can blossom together. There love is from friends to lovers and before they know it there's no going back. There connection is so strong it totally pulls them in, we see how their relationship develops and how their journey progress.
This book does carry straight on from book 1 only now it's with Zach and Haylee's point of view, I do like it when we see characters from previous books in the next instalments it makes it all the more special.
This book is told from separate points of view, which I always prefer.
This story is gripping and is quite emotional reading it and really relatable. This story is very real and very raw and this author writes so good that she has you feeling all these emotions too. These books in this series will stay with you for a long time.
I really like this author writing style and this book is beautifully written. The characters in this book are written so good that they feel like real people. I highly recommend that you read the first book in this series so you know where your up to and who everyone is.
Thank You to the author and publishers for allowing me to read a copy of this book.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
This book is out now.
Book #1 I Never planned on you.
Book #2 I Never Expected You.
Zach and Haylee have been through alot. We watch there relationship grow between each other and it's so strong and powerful that it has you going through it with them.
They go from strength to strength through love, they go through struggles and their relationship is strong. But they both have to go through thing's before they can blossom together. There love is from friends to lovers and before they know it there's no going back. There connection is so strong it totally pulls them in, we see how their relationship develops and how their journey progress.
This book does carry straight on from book 1 only now it's with Zach and Haylee's point of view, I do like it when we see characters from previous books in the next instalments it makes it all the more special.
This book is told from separate points of view, which I always prefer.
This story is gripping and is quite emotional reading it and really relatable. This story is very real and very raw and this author writes so good that she has you feeling all these emotions too. These books in this series will stay with you for a long time.
I really like this author writing style and this book is beautifully written. The characters in this book are written so good that they feel like real people. I highly recommend that you read the first book in this series so you know where your up to and who everyone is.
Thank You to the author and publishers for allowing me to read a copy of this book.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
This book is out now.
May 29, 2020
Another amazing emotional book by Stefanie Jenkins! I loved every second of this book! Zach and Haylee’s story is the same timeline as the first book I Never Planned On You but in Zach and Haylee’s POV. We got to see how their relationship developed and how they built each other up when all they wanted to do was crumble into a black pit of sadness from Emmett dying and Danielle running away. They formed this beautiful unbreakable bond starting as friends supporting each other after such a tragic loss. But as time went on their feelings changed and a great love story was created. Stefanie Jenkins sure know how’s to chew your heart up, spit it out, stomp on it and set it on fire but she also knows how to glue the pieces back together. Bravo Stefanie on another beautifully written book!
December 19, 2019
All. The. Feels.
I would recommend this book to every reader I know! The first book in the series captured my attention, but this one stole my heart. The attention to detail and crossover memories reminded me how much I loved Book 1 and the twists (and carnivals!) have me looking forward to more! Kudos Stef- you are amazing! —Jennie Reed
I would recommend this book to every reader I know! The first book in the series captured my attention, but this one stole my heart. The attention to detail and crossover memories reminded me how much I loved Book 1 and the twists (and carnivals!) have me looking forward to more! Kudos Stef- you are amazing! —Jennie Reed
December 1, 2019
I loved catching back up with the Jacobs and Hanks families! In this book, the second in the I Never series, we learn how Haylee and Zach ended up together over the years after Emmett died and Dani left. I loved this book for multiple reasons...it’s a friends to lovers book, we find out the story from Zach’s and Haylee’s points of view, and we still get Dani and Kyler in this book too! This book was written so well in filling in the missing pieces about Zach and Haylee. With this book and the first one, I Never Planned on You, we have the complete story up to a certain point about the Jacobs and Hanks kids! Haylee and Zach are perfect together! How they figured out their feelings and how their relationship started was perfect! And the sexy times are hotter than hot! Altogether a great second book in the series and I absolutely cannot wait for me in this series and from Stefanie Jenkins!
Reviewed by: Alexis B.
Reviewed by: Alexis B.
November 30, 2019
Reviewed for A Book Nerd, A Bookseller, and a Bibliophile
I loved catching back up with the Jacobs and Hanks families! In this book, the second in the I Never series, we learn how Haylee and Zach ended up together over the years after Emmett died and Dani left. I loved this book for multiple reasons...it’s a friends to lovers book, we find out the story from Zach’s and Haylee’s points of view, and we still get Dani and Kyler in this book too! This book was written so well in filling in the missing pieces about Zach and Haylee. With this book and the first one, I Never Planned on You, we have the complete story up to a certain point about the Jacobs and Hanks kids! Haylee and Zach are perfect together! How they figured out their feelings and how their relationship started was perfect! And the sexy times are hotter than hot! Altogether a great second book in the series and I absolutely cannot wait for me in this series and from Stefanie Jenkins!
I loved catching back up with the Jacobs and Hanks families! In this book, the second in the I Never series, we learn how Haylee and Zach ended up together over the years after Emmett died and Dani left. I loved this book for multiple reasons...it’s a friends to lovers book, we find out the story from Zach’s and Haylee’s points of view, and we still get Dani and Kyler in this book too! This book was written so well in filling in the missing pieces about Zach and Haylee. With this book and the first one, I Never Planned on You, we have the complete story up to a certain point about the Jacobs and Hanks kids! Haylee and Zach are perfect together! How they figured out their feelings and how their relationship started was perfect! And the sexy times are hotter than hot! Altogether a great second book in the series and I absolutely cannot wait for me in this series and from Stefanie Jenkins!
December 9, 2019
I absolutely love this book. Stefanie Jenkins has done it again taking us through this rollercoaster of emotions with I Never Expected You.( I NEVER SERIES BOOK #2) I love how in this book we get to see Hails and Zach's POV regarding Em's passing , all the emotions that they went through and how each of them grow as adults overcoming the tragedy they both experienced. I love that their friendship grows to something more meaningful and that without realizing it , they fall deeply in love with each other. Zach and Haylee's chemistry it's so unique because before anything they were best friends and that makes it so much interesting in the story because we get to see how this relationship develops. We get to see Dani and Kyler from" I never Planned on You " and I really enjoyed how the two stories overlap, So YES I definitely recommend reading book one because I assure you don't want to miss anything of this incredible journey that takes us through a learning experience (at list for me) of how to put together a broken soul. And I leave you with this : "Through Em's death, I found Zach. Yes It've known him my whole life, but it wasn't until we were both so broken and lost in the darkness and consumed by our grief that we found light in each other."
November 18, 2019
And she does it again! Once again I have been left speechless by Stefanie Jenkins! She came into the author world with an emotional bomb and continued her assault on our emotions with I Never Expected You.
We meet Zack and Haylee in I Never Planned on You, and couldn't really help but love them both. Dani lost her boyfriend, Haylee her brother, and Zack his best friend and sister. The one thing we learn from these books is everyone grieves differently.
Stefanie Jenkins is an emotional terrorist, she goes straight after your soul with her wrecking ball and doesn't let up until your a crying mess. But will leave you begging her for more! The absolute raw emotions that Jenkins is able to deliver is like anything else I have read. She has this amazing ability to make you feel each and every emotion these characters feel not only in your heart but deep down in your soul as well.
The characters she has created are absolutely perfect! Each and everyone of them is just as important as the other, no matter if they are the main or the side. But let's talk about Zachary Jacobs for a minute, I LOVE HIM!!!!
The realness of this storyline and the relatability of these characters just was able to get my emotions that much more into it.
Everyone NEEDS to read this series! Stefanie Jenkins is just one of those authors you don't want to miss out on.
We meet Zack and Haylee in I Never Planned on You, and couldn't really help but love them both. Dani lost her boyfriend, Haylee her brother, and Zack his best friend and sister. The one thing we learn from these books is everyone grieves differently.
Stefanie Jenkins is an emotional terrorist, she goes straight after your soul with her wrecking ball and doesn't let up until your a crying mess. But will leave you begging her for more! The absolute raw emotions that Jenkins is able to deliver is like anything else I have read. She has this amazing ability to make you feel each and every emotion these characters feel not only in your heart but deep down in your soul as well.
The characters she has created are absolutely perfect! Each and everyone of them is just as important as the other, no matter if they are the main or the side. But let's talk about Zachary Jacobs for a minute, I LOVE HIM!!!!
The realness of this storyline and the relatability of these characters just was able to get my emotions that much more into it.
Everyone NEEDS to read this series! Stefanie Jenkins is just one of those authors you don't want to miss out on.
November 19, 2019
I'm sure that I'm in the minority here, but I Never Expected You just didn't hit the mark for me. It started out with such promise, and I really liked the first half. I liked getting a better understanding of how Haylee and Zach got together. I loved how they found love through tragedy. Unfortunately, a good chunk of this book was repetitive of I Never Planned On You because much of the timelines overlapped. Yes, it was from a different character's POV, but much of the retelling was way too similar for me; in fact, I found that I skipped over much of the second half of the book (at least until the last few chapters) because of this.
Please do understand that I really enjoy Stefanie Jenkins' writing, and will definitely read more from her. Definitely (she is a great storyteller)! But I Never Expected You was a miss for me.
Please do understand that I really enjoy Stefanie Jenkins' writing, and will definitely read more from her. Definitely (she is a great storyteller)! But I Never Expected You was a miss for me.
December 11, 2019
“Stefanie has once again given us a remarkably beautiful story with all the emotions!”
Knowing how I Never Planned On You was written, I couldn’t help but be cautious of my heart! That being said, this puts that story in a totally different perspective that was so needed!
Zachary and Haylee’s friendship that is developing into a relationship was absolutely beautiful to read! And to know how much of a playboy Zach was, you have some seriously laugh out loud moments!
With the laughter comes the tears of trying to move past life changing events. The story line was flawless, with so much depth to the characters!
Stefanie gave us an amazing debut with I Never Planned On You. Although after reading I Never Expected you, I have to say she’s with out a doubt an extremely gifted author!
Knowing how I Never Planned On You was written, I couldn’t help but be cautious of my heart! That being said, this puts that story in a totally different perspective that was so needed!
Zachary and Haylee’s friendship that is developing into a relationship was absolutely beautiful to read! And to know how much of a playboy Zach was, you have some seriously laugh out loud moments!
With the laughter comes the tears of trying to move past life changing events. The story line was flawless, with so much depth to the characters!
Stefanie gave us an amazing debut with I Never Planned On You. Although after reading I Never Expected you, I have to say she’s with out a doubt an extremely gifted author!
May 29, 2020
Original review
This book was provided by the author through Give Me Books Promotions in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Stefanie Jenkins and Give Me Books Promotions!
I Never Expected You is the second book in the I Never series and tells the story of Zach and Haylee. Although this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a standalone.
I Never Expected You was such an amazing book and I didn’t expect anything less from Stefanie Jenkins! Something that I really liked about I Never Expected You, was that this storyline happened more or less at the same time as the storyline of I Never Planned On You, the first book in the series. It was nice reading about Zach and Haylee’s thoughts while you know what happened in Dani and Kyler’s head.
I really loved Zach and Haylee. At first, Zach seems like a man whore but when he finally falls in love with Haylee, he’s a different man. He’s so caring and understanding, and did I say sexy?! I think Haylee and I could be best friends!
I Never Expected You was such a beautiful and emotional book! I’m a sucker for best friends to lovers Romances and this book was everything that I needed! I cannot wait to read the next book in the I Never series!
This book was provided by the author through Give Me Books Promotions in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Stefanie Jenkins and Give Me Books Promotions!
I Never Expected You is the second book in the I Never series and tells the story of Zach and Haylee. Although this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a standalone.
I Never Expected You was such an amazing book and I didn’t expect anything less from Stefanie Jenkins! Something that I really liked about I Never Expected You, was that this storyline happened more or less at the same time as the storyline of I Never Planned On You, the first book in the series. It was nice reading about Zach and Haylee’s thoughts while you know what happened in Dani and Kyler’s head.
I really loved Zach and Haylee. At first, Zach seems like a man whore but when he finally falls in love with Haylee, he’s a different man. He’s so caring and understanding, and did I say sexy?! I think Haylee and I could be best friends!
I Never Expected You was such a beautiful and emotional book! I’m a sucker for best friends to lovers Romances and this book was everything that I needed! I cannot wait to read the next book in the I Never series!
January 6, 2020
Oh wow! I was in emotional bits at the start of this book because it brought back all the emotions from I never planned on you and add Zach and haylee's heartbreak and sadness in their povs =Total mess
This starts with Zach and haylee loosing Emmett, how they manage their grief and how they come to be. Months, years go by with loosing Dani and then when she comes back. So much more happens then and was lovely to see beautiful things happen for all four of them.
This is beautiful, endearing, sweet and passionate. The raw emotions of their grief at the start and throughout it they come to deal with their grief subtly but never forgetting Emmett and always carrying him in their hearts.
Beautifully written and can't wait for more from these amazing character's.
This starts with Zach and haylee loosing Emmett, how they manage their grief and how they come to be. Months, years go by with loosing Dani and then when she comes back. So much more happens then and was lovely to see beautiful things happen for all four of them.
This is beautiful, endearing, sweet and passionate. The raw emotions of their grief at the start and throughout it they come to deal with their grief subtly but never forgetting Emmett and always carrying him in their hearts.
Beautifully written and can't wait for more from these amazing character's.
February 24, 2020
My man (unofficially) Zach story is amazing! Full of fire and swoon. Him and Hails story is emotional, you get to see how they fell in love and its truly beautiful. Miss. Jenkins is a total emotional terrorist but h so worth it.
December 9, 2019
I read this book without reading the blurb first so I blinded by what happened. I will warn you, when you open this book and read the happy moment that happened among friends/lovers remember that throughout the book. This book will destroy your emotions or at least it did mine. I cried so many times including right before I went to bed. I stayed up late reading this, which now due to the crying I kinda regret doing. I loved the story despite the many tears that rolled down my face. I am a sucker for characters who knew each other in childhood but never really saw each other in that light only later to figure out they were the one they needed all along. This one was beautifully written with characters that will destroy you. Everyone is handling grief different ways. Zach was Emmett's best friend and roommate in college. They had plans and then tragedy happened. He doesn't know what to do. He knows he needs to keep going to do what his best friend wanted. He's trying to keep his sister and his family in line along with handling college. This is hard to do since his sister just leaves and radio silence for the family. He is watching over Haylee and her family as well. It was obvious how close these two families were. The heartbreak is felt throughout both families. They have a very close connection. Other then the heartbreaking, gut wreching times, there was a romance brewing between Zach and Haylee. This helped heal the families in a way. It broke back that love that was missing in the families. I loved hearing all the times that they shared and how they were able to laugh about it. Haylee and Zach shared a lot of good times together. Haylee has to make some tough decisions in this book. She's a fighter and tough girl but also has a sweet side to her. Having Zach in her life and having that connection helped sealed the bond between them even more. He needed her and vice versa. She gave him the courage to keep going with his plans. You know how in some books you love every character but one.. In this book I can't say that. Everyone had a reason for doing what they did. I mean you want to hate Dani, but honestly the grief was just to much and she needed to get away. She redeemed herself and found love again. I want to read her story but I'm letting my heart heal a little bit before I do. Stefanie was a new author to me and I didn't know what to expect from her but now I find myself wanting to read more from her. She has this way of pulling emotions out and falling in love with all the characters. I'm not sure what's to come from this author but I'm gonna be reading more from her now.
December 19, 2019
Stefanie Jenkins created a debut that was a heart-breaking masterpiece. Her latest is another tear jerker that will have you wallowing in grief, laughing alongside and swooning with the characters just like in I Never Planned on You. It’s time for Zach and Haylee’s story and OMG! It was everything and more.
I loved seeing more about Zach, Haylee, Dani and Emmett when they were younger, seeing the devastating events from the first book from more perspectives, seeing what happened whilst Dani was gone from those she left behind and life once Dani came back (again from a different perspective). But what I loved most of all was the magnificent soul crushing story of two broken friends who cared for each other falling in love amidst the aftermath of tragedy.
Stefanie can write! Her writing style is beautiful and you go through a whole roller coaster of emotions before getting to the end of the book. I can’t wait to see where this series is going to be taken. If the carefully crafted mix of funny, tear-jerking, family filled and sexy moments continue this series will become a smash hit. Counting down the days until I Plan on Forever.
I loved seeing more about Zach, Haylee, Dani and Emmett when they were younger, seeing the devastating events from the first book from more perspectives, seeing what happened whilst Dani was gone from those she left behind and life once Dani came back (again from a different perspective). But what I loved most of all was the magnificent soul crushing story of two broken friends who cared for each other falling in love amidst the aftermath of tragedy.
Stefanie can write! Her writing style is beautiful and you go through a whole roller coaster of emotions before getting to the end of the book. I can’t wait to see where this series is going to be taken. If the carefully crafted mix of funny, tear-jerking, family filled and sexy moments continue this series will become a smash hit. Counting down the days until I Plan on Forever.
January 14, 2021
I Never Expected You.
I wasn’t sure about this one after reading book one, I Never Planned On You as I thought this read would essentially be the retelling of Dani’s story which it was but it’s from Dani’s brother Zach and her best friend Hayley’s points of view and boy was I pleasantly surprised and glad my assumptions were wrong.
Zach’s funny, gorgeous, sexy and hot but hurting deeply as he’s lost his best friend and his sister. Hayley’s kindness and all things good but also hurting and while she lost her brother and best friend Dani she’s never bitter, only sad. We travel along with them both as they find love in their shared sadness and grief and the secondary characters we met in book one are once again strong and engaging. We get more of a glimpse into their parents lives too. Lol I love their parents.
The crossover from author Amanda Carol is very clever. Amanda is an author I’ve not read so as soon as I’ve finished this series I’ll be reading The Awakening Series so thank you for adding that detail in your acknowledgments.
This is a very enjoyable read set amongst sadness and loss but also about finding love and overcoming grief. Thank you KU Australia for recommending this new author to me.
I wasn’t sure about this one after reading book one, I Never Planned On You as I thought this read would essentially be the retelling of Dani’s story which it was but it’s from Dani’s brother Zach and her best friend Hayley’s points of view and boy was I pleasantly surprised and glad my assumptions were wrong.
Zach’s funny, gorgeous, sexy and hot but hurting deeply as he’s lost his best friend and his sister. Hayley’s kindness and all things good but also hurting and while she lost her brother and best friend Dani she’s never bitter, only sad. We travel along with them both as they find love in their shared sadness and grief and the secondary characters we met in book one are once again strong and engaging. We get more of a glimpse into their parents lives too. Lol I love their parents.
The crossover from author Amanda Carol is very clever. Amanda is an author I’ve not read so as soon as I’ve finished this series I’ll be reading The Awakening Series so thank you for adding that detail in your acknowledgments.
This is a very enjoyable read set amongst sadness and loss but also about finding love and overcoming grief. Thank you KU Australia for recommending this new author to me.
January 2, 2020
And the tears continue.
There were a lot of times when I was reading I Never Planned on You when I wondered how Zach was taking everything. How did he feel about Dani disappearing for years and then just suddenly wanting to come home? How did he feel about how she handled herself when she got back? How did he feel about her reaction to his relationship? And, how in the heck did Zach and Haylee end up together in the first place???
Well, now I don't have to wonder anymore. Because this book tells all! It tells a beautiful story about a young man who lost his best friend, a young woman who lost her brother, and how out of that tragedy, a beautiful love blossomed and thrived. I cried all over again at the loss of Emmett, and I cried happy tears so many times too. As much as I LOVED Kyler (and he's still one of my very favorite book boyfriends ever), Zach is a VERY close contender. He's sexy, sweet, alpha, dirty-talking, and holy hell does he BRING IT in the bedroom! Hot damn! But really, my very favorite moment of Zach and Haylee's was their first kiss. It was such a long time coming, and when it happened, it was everything I was expecting and more.
I need the rest of the books in this series NOW, Stefanie! Please and thank you. 😜
There were a lot of times when I was reading I Never Planned on You when I wondered how Zach was taking everything. How did he feel about Dani disappearing for years and then just suddenly wanting to come home? How did he feel about how she handled herself when she got back? How did he feel about her reaction to his relationship? And, how in the heck did Zach and Haylee end up together in the first place???
Well, now I don't have to wonder anymore. Because this book tells all! It tells a beautiful story about a young man who lost his best friend, a young woman who lost her brother, and how out of that tragedy, a beautiful love blossomed and thrived. I cried all over again at the loss of Emmett, and I cried happy tears so many times too. As much as I LOVED Kyler (and he's still one of my very favorite book boyfriends ever), Zach is a VERY close contender. He's sexy, sweet, alpha, dirty-talking, and holy hell does he BRING IT in the bedroom! Hot damn! But really, my very favorite moment of Zach and Haylee's was their first kiss. It was such a long time coming, and when it happened, it was everything I was expecting and more.
I need the rest of the books in this series NOW, Stefanie! Please and thank you. 😜
December 22, 2019
I enjoyed this story for the most part. Haylee & Zach have a sweet (and yet semi-antagonistic) history. They develop more of a friendship after a tragedy touches them both, and that friendship falls into love pretty seamlessly. I love both characters - their banter, their sexy times, their support of one another! Zach is pretty swoony for a reformed manwhore, too. Heh.
A few things kept popping up as annoyances - there are some time skips that gloss over events that could have been used to tighten the story up a bit more & give some insight into Kyler & Dani's characters. I found out after reading this that Kyler & Dani's story is actually told in book 1, so I understand that the pieces I felt were "missing" were probably a part of their story. So, for those looking into this series, I would recommend reading book 1 first - even tho Haylee & Zach's story absolutely can be enjoyed read first!
And I did - I enjoyed their story a lot! : )
A few things kept popping up as annoyances - there are some time skips that gloss over events that could have been used to tighten the story up a bit more & give some insight into Kyler & Dani's characters. I found out after reading this that Kyler & Dani's story is actually told in book 1, so I understand that the pieces I felt were "missing" were probably a part of their story. So, for those looking into this series, I would recommend reading book 1 first - even tho Haylee & Zach's story absolutely can be enjoyed read first!
And I did - I enjoyed their story a lot! : )
May 17, 2022
Wow! This book was everything. Thankfully, after reading book 1, I was able to expect the sadness and utter heartbreak of Emmett as well as Danielle, but it wasn't AS bad as book 1. (Thank goodness)
Together, Haylee and Zach are a bomb of emotions and the back and forth is everything. I enjoyed their story, it followed along perfectly with Danielle's and I knew what was coming. I really liked the ending and how the author decided to give Haylee something first that wasn't Danielle's. TBH - I felt like in this story, Danielle was always first and even though the circumstances were different, Haylee was living under her shadow. That being said, this was still a great story and I absolutely loved Zach and Haylee together.
Best friends big brother romance is ALWAYS a plus and I was HERE FOR IT!
*Overall 4/5
*Heat? 3/5
*First person POV
*HEA? YES!
Together, Haylee and Zach are a bomb of emotions and the back and forth is everything. I enjoyed their story, it followed along perfectly with Danielle's and I knew what was coming. I really liked the ending and how the author decided to give Haylee something first that wasn't Danielle's. TBH - I felt like in this story, Danielle was always first and even though the circumstances were different, Haylee was living under her shadow. That being said, this was still a great story and I absolutely loved Zach and Haylee together.
Best friends big brother romance is ALWAYS a plus and I was HERE FOR IT!
*Overall 4/5
*Heat? 3/5
*First person POV
*HEA? YES!
December 20, 2019
5 stars for I never Expected You by Stefanie Jenkins. This is book two in the I Never Series. This is the first book I have read from this author and she now has a fan in me. This book put me into an emotional overload. Zach and Haylee ,I don’t even know where to start with these two and this book. If I say to much it could ruin the experience for you and I do not want to do that. Zach is a hero that will have you swooning and Haylee will grip your heart. While reading this book I felt like I was experiencing the grief along with them This book should come with a warning. You may need a first aid kit for your heart that will be ripped out by this book.
Genre- Contemporary Romance
Feels-5/5
HEA-I don’t even know where to start
Heat- 5/5
Cliffhanger-NO
Cover-5/5
Hero-5/5
Heroine-5/5
Overall-5
Genre- Contemporary Romance
Feels-5/5
HEA-I don’t even know where to start
Heat- 5/5
Cliffhanger-NO
Cover-5/5
Hero-5/5
Heroine-5/5
Overall-5
June 27, 2020
This is the 2nd book in this amazing series and is Zach and Haylee’s story. This book starts off when Zach loses his childhood best friend, and with his sister Dani disappearing. Zach and his next-door neighbour Haylee are brought together by their grief at losing Emmett, and how their relationship evolves over time. This author is a genius at bring all the emotions and feels into her stories which lead the reader down the path of an emotional roller coaster which pulls at the heartstring. This is a beautifully written story which is raw, gritty, heartbreaking, endearing, and is an entertaining and humorous tale. I cannot wait to read more in this captivating series, and recommend this talented author’s work for all.
January 1, 2020
Heartbreak and Romance
This is a great story of love and loss, and finding love in unexpected places. I loved seeing Zach and Haylee's POV. Wonderful characters and story. I enjoyed this story very much. From the moment of tragedy, Zack and Haylee have to learn to cope. Finding each other to lean on they find love. I love their chemistry, funny, and sexy. Great HEA.
This is a great story of love and loss, and finding love in unexpected places. I loved seeing Zach and Haylee's POV. Wonderful characters and story. I enjoyed this story very much. From the moment of tragedy, Zack and Haylee have to learn to cope. Finding each other to lean on they find love. I love their chemistry, funny, and sexy. Great HEA.
December 9, 2019
Oh, wow! This book hurt so much; I knew from having read book one what I should have expected but I was not prepared for this. Nothing prepared me for the painful, touching story of Zach and Haylee. This author has a way of pulling you into the story to where the grief is so realistic that you feel the loss and you go through the grieving process along with the characters. However, this book was more than just that, there were some lighter, funny and sweet moments, which I appreciated so I could dry my eyes. It is a heartbreakingly heartwarming and healing story that has touched me deeply.
Zach and Haylee are adorable together. It’s been a long and painful journey for both of them but being able to lean on each other during their daily struggles helped strengthen their bond. Their love, support, and respect for each other’s needs is powerful and sweet. I couldn’t help but fall in love with them.
Before you read this one you have to read book one or you will miss out on some important information about the series of events that brought these two closer together. Don’t forget the tissues, you’ll need them. It looks like there is more to this series coming soon and I am so excited!
Zach and Haylee are adorable together. It’s been a long and painful journey for both of them but being able to lean on each other during their daily struggles helped strengthen their bond. Their love, support, and respect for each other’s needs is powerful and sweet. I couldn’t help but fall in love with them.
Before you read this one you have to read book one or you will miss out on some important information about the series of events that brought these two closer together. Don’t forget the tissues, you’ll need them. It looks like there is more to this series coming soon and I am so excited!
April 2, 2020
Once again Stefanie takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions, this one wasn't as gut wrenching but it still pulled at the heartstrings.
I love Zach and Haylee as individuals but together, I loved them even more.
Stefanie is an amazing author, I can't wait for more from her
I love Zach and Haylee as individuals but together, I loved them even more.
Stefanie is an amazing author, I can't wait for more from her
January 21, 2020
Zach and Haylee's story was full of sizzling hot encounters and moments of absolute heart break. But they also had a lot of fun and felt like people I'd hang out with in real life. This was my first book by Stefanie and I definitely plan on reading more from her!
March 6, 2020
SO.MANY.EMOTIONS!!! After reading the first one, which had me crying after a first few chapters, this one did not disappoint. I loved reading Zach and Haylee’s story. It was heart wrenching and lovely all at the same time.
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