Unexpected

by Lori Foster

This was not what Eli Conners had expected. With a name like Ray Vereker, the mercenary he'd hired to rescue his irresponsible brother should have been a tank of a guy with forty tattoos and a prison record. But the gorgeous creature demonstrating her considerable karate skills - on an unfortunate bar troll who just grabbed her below the black belt - is all woman and all business. While Eli certainly needs Ray's help, he thinks she could use a little of what he's offering...a down-and-dirty, body-scorching passion of the forever kind...

Ray's as good as any man when it comes to storming enemy compounds and loading an AK-47. What she's not prepared for is the way Eli's strong, masculine sensuality and gentle touch leave her shaken and stirred. And really, who could blame a girl for succumbing to temptation (unbelievable, mind-blowing temptation) in the steamy jungle? But now it's back to business. If only Eli's presence didn't have her feeling hot, bothered, dizzy and just a little bit, well, queasy...

The las thing either of these unlikely lovers expects it to be expecting. Suddenly Ray's precise, no-nonsense mission is veering wildly off course, derailed by raging hormones, out-of-control desire, and a delicious love that is completely unexpected...

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Fiction, Chick Lit, Military Fiction

266 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 28, 1999

About the author

Since first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette, Samhain, and Berkley/Jove. She is currently published with HQN.

Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.

Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/

Career Highlights
•In 2001, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy.

•In 2002, Lori’s book Too Much Temptation was the top-selling romance title for Amazon books.

•In 2003, Say No To Joe was the second “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for Waldenbooks.

•In 2004, Lori Foster was a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle.

•In 2004, The Secret Life of Bryan was the “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for the BGI group.

•In 2005, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Contemporary Romance.

•In 2006, Jude’s Law was the “Bestselling Romantic Comedy” romance title for the BGI group.

•In 2007, Lori launched a new “urban fantasy” series under the name L.L. Foster. See more on her “dark side” at www.llfoster.com.

•In 2007, Causing Havoc was among Amazon’s Top Ten Editor’s picks in Romance.

•In 2008, Hard to Handle made #2 on The New York Times.

•In 2009, Servant: The Acceptance was Amazon’s #1 Editors’ Pick in Romance.

•In 2010, Lori was a clue in the USA Today Quick Cross puzzle.

Reviews

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, sweet read. Loved Ray and Eli and the thumb twist thing she had going was hilarious. The back sets this up as a surprise baby, but the bulk of the book was Ray and Eli falling in love. Yes it was fast, but it felt organic to the storyline and not insta-love. Sorry it took me so long to pick up this little gem.

[Pamela(AllHoney) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eli Connor's brother is kidnapped and he hires Ray Vereker to find him and rescue him. Only instead of a man, Ray is a woman and an attractive one at that. They head out to Central America to rescue the brother and things get a little hot.

This book by Lori Foster, one of my favorite Romance authors, is not a favorite. It wasn't bad but it didn't grab me like many of her books do. It had all the right elements and should have worked for me. I didn't hate it, though. It had some good scenes and quite a bit of spice and I think most LF fans will enjoy it.

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Girl Rambo meets Boy Executive. Ray is a female mercenary hired by Eli to rescue his brother from a band of South American guerillas. Eli is skeptical of Ray's abilities when they meet until she lays two drunks out for him. This girl has some moves. Eli is instantly attracted and so is Ray, which is a big problem for her. She starts breaking her rules: she never gets involved with a client and she always works alone. Eli makes her want him and he insists on accompanying her on the rescue.

It has been a long time since Ray has felt anything for a man. As part of a secret military operation, she got too close to her partner and he broke her heart and made her feel that she somehow failed him. Ray also had issues from her childhood that made her feel less desirable as a woman. Eli sees her as radically different from the females he has met who all want a piece of him for his wealth. Ray sees this as a mission that, once completed, is over. Eli is on a mission to keep Ray with him.

Ray splits after the mission, except, Ray has some extra baggage to take home - she is pregnant. Eli has made noises about not ever letting her go, but it takes him 5 weeks to get around to finding her and she is not very receptive because she has her head in the toilet a lot of the time. Eli has his work cut out for him to convince Ray that he wants her for herself and not just because she is pregnant.

[Bukcrz · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a waste of potentially good and strong female character. Unfortunately, the supposedly strong and independent heroine became a double-minded mess after she had s3x with the hero. She says one thing just to say prove she is in command only to do the opposite after the hero coaxed her into his way of thinking which made the heroine to my way of thinking as full of bluster with no force behind. Add her over the top insecurities and the fact that the hero’s family had to convinced her with praises and bribes before she allowed them to coaxed her into their house....definitely lots of eye-rolling for me while reading this.

[Lisa Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★½ One of my favorite Lori Foster’s; a nice, quick read. Ray Vereker is a hired mercenary who makes the mistake of agreeing to take Eli Conners along with her to rescue his younger half-brother, Jeremy, a photography student, out of Central America. Not much birth control available in the jungle and this tough Rambo-ette ends up knocked up by her client; the tone of the book changes slightly then, but it’s still a fun read to see if she, her younger brother, Matt, and her dog, Precious, can mix with his wealthy family.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book like all her other books this one was great I loved it from the beginning he thought he was meeting a man lol but surprise it's not just because she has a man name people always thought the worse when they find out she is a woman but she does a work like a man and has to prove her self can't wait to read more Lori foster ones just have to figure out which one I haven't read lol

[DemetraP · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was easy to put down. It didn't grab my attention.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

review posted on Got Fiction? books

3.5

I really enjoy Lori Foster's Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor and Love Undercover series, so I was super excited for a chance at one of her backlist. This one is slightly different than her others, though.

When Eli Connors needs to get his brother back after he was kidnapped for ransom in Central America, the agency he contacts that specializes in mercenaries sends him the meanest and the best soldier they’ve got. Ray Verekner.

What Eli doesn’t know is that Ray is a woman.

Ray is basically a mercenary for hire. She’s 31 and stubborn, and mouthy, and really good at what she does.

Until Eli comes along.

He’s a distraction she doesn’t want or need. She’s never ever let anyone come along on one of her missions before, but she can’t figure out why she let Eli.

Eli is a great hero. He is tough when he needs to be, but he’s also gentle when Ray needs him to be. He has her pegged within a day, and he goes after her. As soon as his brother is safe, she’s his.

This has a lot of things going for it. I love having an older heroine. (Sad that 31 is “older,” isn’t it?), I loved having the heroine be the former Special Forces character who saves the day, and I really enjoyed Ray’s tough side. I also like that there are repercussions for sexytimes in the jungle.

I will say that it’s not much of a Romantic Suspense, because the rescue mission is ridiculously easy, although that’s sort of the point. But it still is a quick and exciting read.

I am really glad they changed the cover to this book, not just because of the sexy man on the cover, but mostly because the first cover is a giant spoiler. I’d have never thought that would happen, but after glimpsing the original cover on goodreads, I was kind of bummed at being spoiled. I’ll link it here for you curious readers, but I won’t actively spoil it.

If you’re looking for a different twist on the military hero, look no further. A woman for the hero is a refreshing change.


***ARC courtesy of Kensington books

[Charlene · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a very light, chick-lit type book...not that there is anything wrong with that, I've just found myself wandering past those types of books. Lately I've been reading some really dark, depressing types books and I thought I would change it up a bit and throw in this light read just for fun. I'll admit that there were a few parts that I literally laughed out load but mainly I just flew right through it unentertained. Apparently I've moved on from these types of books and didn't even realize it.

The reason I rated it as only 'ok' is it didn't leave me with any kind of feelings...except maybe disgust with the male character (I'll get to that in a minute). The book is about this tough, super bad woman who works as a mercenary - and she's really good at it. She is hired by a man who needs help rescueing his brother. Long story short, there is major attraction between them and they wind up sleeping together while in Central American to save his brother and she gets pregnant, "unexpectantly".

Now I don't have any real problem with the story...my only issue is totally just my opinion about the male character. He is made out to be this tough, no-nonsense type of guy who is smoking hot, etc. I was totally on board with that and even in the begining of the book I was ok with how his character was progressing, but towards the middle/end he suddenly takes on the soft side that I didn't think suited him at all. I kept getting annoyed with his dialouge b/c every other word was 'Honey' or 'Sweetheart' and it just got so tiresome.

But that's my two cents. If you are looking for a really light read or maybe just something easy, this is the book for you...but if you were looking for something meaningful, look somewhere else - this isn't it.

[May · Rating 1 out of 5]

Found at a used bookstore, the blurb on this + knowing I've liked a few of this author's books + needing some contemporary reading = win.

Unfortunately, the book was a total and utter fail. The set up takes 3/4 of the book, so what you're left with is a poorly put together boring "rescue" and then a "oh I'm pregnant. Let's deal with all my insecurities". It was bizarre to me that the cover material was what happened at end of book.

The heroine of our tale has "special skills" that nobody believes. I was expecting something like mind reading or that she's psychic. Turns out her skill is that she was in a special military unit so she's very well trained in weapons and fighting. I found it borderline offensive that skills that would be normal for a similar experienced male (if roles reversed in plot) were considered SO freaky.

Overall, I'm sorry to say, it was a big fail for me. I was really looking forward to a story with a kick ass heroine, and while technically she was able to kick ass, it didn't make sense why she acted like she was raised in some back alley. None of the characters rang true for me, the plot sucked, and yeah. I guess i'll say it one more time: for me this book was a fail.

[Paula Legate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The banter between Eli, and Ray kept me laughing throughout the story. Eli needed a guide to help him navigate the jungles of Central America. His kid brother has gotten in trouble and ended up as a prisoner. It was up to Eli to rescue him. Eli contacted a agency, and asked for the meanest, mercenary that the agency had. He was shocked, when he met Ray for the first time in a smoke filled bar. Ray was a woman. She was not just any woman. With her skill set, she could take down any man that got in her way. With her sexy curves, she took Eli's breathe away. I thought it was funny how Ray, and Eli battled for control. The passion between Ray, and Eli sizzled the pages of this book. This is a must read. I laughed so hard at some of the situations, and the banter. The romance was hot. Over all it was just a great romance.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading "Saving Brian" and not quite liking it, I gave Foster a second chance as most of the reviews said it did not seem like her typical work. They were wrong! "Unexpected" had the same eye roll moments, where the main character is so unrealistic, the plot predictable and humor is far and few between. Foster is good at coming up with fresh and original story lines (although unrealistic) and a definite pro at writing sexual scenes. It's your modern day Harlequin romance novel so if that is your thing, this is up your alley. However, if you are into more of the chick lit scene, I suggest Janet Evanovich or Whitney Gaskell.

[Lizzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I usually love Lori Foster books but this one, I found myself waiting for it to be over skimming through wordy paragraphs and just trying to get it over with. I was not a fan of really any character in the book besides Eli and Matt. The main girl Ray was rude and wishy washy the entire read which got really old after 200 pages of the same old stuff (especially knowing they get together in the end). I’m happy that I finished the book but I don’t think I will be reaching for this one again anytime soon. If youre into light action and mostly a lifetime movie like feel, then this might be an enjoyable read for you.

[Carisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great, entertaining story. Loved the hero and his relentless but gentle way to make the heroine fall in love with him. Loved the heroine - a nice surprise- and her actions and reactions, especially her feelings about her pregnancy.
HERO is a Leader, assertive, sexy, who hires a guide/bodyguard to rescue his kidnapped brother. The bodyguard is a tough woman, tomboy, a loner, very different to any woman he's ever met and he sets out to make her see they belong together.
SCENES/CONTENT: several/steamy
GENRE/TONE: contemporar/action
LENGTH: 382 pages

[jenjn79 · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, steamy story but a little on the superficial side. Some of the issues the characters had could have been explored a little better.

Good light reading, but by far not one of my favorites from Foster.

[Tracey]

I'm calling it quits on this one. I just couldn't get interested. Which is surprising since Lori Foster is one of my all time favorite romance authors. Don't worry though, I won't let this cloud my judgement for any future Foster reads.

[A-reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eli’s brother has done some stupid stuff in the past but this takes the cake, he’s gotten himself kidnapped while on vacation in Mexico. He contact and agency that helps with recovery and asks for the meanest, biggest, scariest guy they have. They send Ray, she’s a petite little thing, Eli’s surprised and mad. What he doesn’t know is that she is deadly. She promises to get his brother back, she already knows who has him but they need to move fast. She’s not happy that Eli insists on joining her for the op, she works alone, and things are further complicated because she has a strong attraction to him. She has turned that part of herself off since losing her partner in Mexico years ago. He was captured and the government would not try to rescue him. She goes off on her own with support from a friend and saves him. But he can’t deal with the capture and being rescued by her, so he leaves her. Eli is intrigued by her and wants her bad, but there is a woman who his family wants him to marry and she makes herself a nuisance. They rescue the brother and the rest of the book is about Eli getting Ray to accept herself as a woman who deserves love and has value. When the mission ends and he doesn’t come for her right away she thinks everything was a lie. Then she finds out she pregnant. Eli does come for her, he finds out she’s having his baby and is thrilled. It takes her a while to warm up to the idea of being with him and his family. His grandmother helps her come to accept her fear of motherhood. She gives her love and welcomes her into their family. I love yous all around and a hea.

[PepperP0t · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eli Conners knew he’d need help rescuing his kidnapped brother from South America. Contracting an agency, Eli got the unexpected, emotionally damaged, confidently swaggering, seemingly tough as nails merc Ray Vereker. Rather than her resume talking, Ray gets an opportunity to show Eli why she’s a great choice at the end of their meeting.

Before the night’s over, Eli sees the damage simmering underneath vulnerable Ray’s bravado and doesn’t try to hide how much he’d like to help her through it. Prickly Ray tries to stay focused on the job but finds her mind and body wanting to dwell on thoughts and actions of Eli, a man who has intrigued her as no other.
Rating: 4stars

[Poppy Minnix · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unexpected was a fun romp with two strong personalities that found their match as soon as they met.

I did get frustrated with being told how everyone was feeling, often and repeatedly, when their actions did a fine job of showing me what was happening.

Some of their issues of staying apart seemed contrived, and there were a lot of moments where Ray didn't feel like a woman, but was kinda okay with that, but not really.

It's a romance that follows the Romance novel formula and you know from the start they'll end up together just fine.

[Renee Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The back and forth between the two main characters Ray and Eli. Imagine Eli’s surprise when he hired Ray to rescue his kidnapped brother, when he saw her and realized Ray is a woman, a very pretty woman. How can she travel across the world, wander into the jungle and save his brother. Now Eli feels the need to protect Ray, and Ray knows she can protect herself. I loved them going back and forth , each trying to be in control. Not only control of the mission, but the control of the attraction they each know is there.

[Tiffany Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. I absolutely love Lori Fosters work. Granted I haven't read all of them, but I have read a great handful of them. I remember reading this for the first time years ago and it being one of my favorite books, and even coming back after time has passed, it is still one of my favorite books especially in this genre. I really love the characters and coming back to this story makes it feel like coming back home. I couldn't recommend it enough.

[Nona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lori Foster writes it all

If it's a story by LF, it doesn't matter what the genre is... I'll buy it. I'll read it. I'll really, really like it. This one has a KICKASS heroine and a hot guy, of course. And as usual the writing is top-notch.
Unexpected flows at a good pace. There is a good depth to the level of emotion, and the sex is bouncy. Really great read.

[Debby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eli and Ray meet when he hires a mercenary (her) to help rescue his brother in South America. The two rescue the brother and become lovers and Ray unexpected becomes pregnant and sick. Several weeks after their return, Eli finally locates Ray and her brother and persuades them to give his family a try.

Eventually, they do work it out and agree to marry. Ok book.

[Daleen Beyleveldt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started off good but fell a bit flat. In saying that, I am an action junkie and expected more female Rambo action. The twist, however was “Unexpected” and actually refreshing. I did not see that coming. It was a nice “listening” experience. The narrator is great. One of the few male narrators that does not sound gay when doing the female voices.

[Belinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ray is a mean one. She is also a female mercenary. Eli needs help getting g his brother back and hired her. He thought he was getting a guy though. They butt heads at first. Ray holds her life close to the best but Eli keeps wearing her down. When the mission is over she sneaks away during the night. Will Eli find her. Another great book by Lori Foster

[Denise Kettering · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two people meet, form an unlikely attraction, have sex, get together, and so on and so forth. Despite the title, there wasn't a whole lot that was unexpected in this book. It followed a pretty clear formula. Ray Vereker is a female mercenary, which is a potentially great main character, but she isn't really developed in a way to make her fully realized.

[Cynthia Marcus · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an adequate suspense romance. Nothing great here. The prose is average, if a bit wordy. There is some clever repartee between the main characters and there are some hot sex scenes. The suspense aspect of this book is really lacking, so the plot dragged. Neither of the main characters really appealed to me.

[Lindsey Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book felt too predictable. It is a love story. Two characters- Ray and Eli have a baby unexpectedly. Eli wants to be married, but Ray seems jaded. This is a quick read, but felt like an older book. It was written in 2003 and the events of the time made it feel like an older book. Overall, if you like this genre- I would recommend Colleen Hoover books which feel more up to date.

[Kathy Greever · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be my new favorite by Lori Foster. I loved this book. Eli was everything a man should be and Ray was tough as nails but she was soft for Eli. I laughed so many times. What a great read. I also liked Buddy, Jeremy and Matt. Hoping they will have stories later. Lori has done it again!!

[Dustie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend! It was refreshing to read about a strong women who holds her own against others. The romance was on point and had you pushing for a relationship! The only thing I wish was that there was an epilogue that was like 2 years later! But still a really great read.