From the Bookshelf of Turning Pages At Midnight…

In the Unlikely Event

L.J. Shen

Start date: December 1, 2019

Finish date: December 5, 2019

Discussion: Buddy Reads

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What Members Thought

Nov 28, 2019 Anne OK rated it liked it

Shelves: 2019-reads, 2019-kindle-unlimited

I seem to run hot or cold with Shen’s books. Her writing can definitely be equated with diversity and uniqueness and, at times, totally unexpected. I have absolutely loved some and others not so much. I’ve never detested any of them, but have walked a fine line.

And now, In the Unlikely Event leaves me straddling the fence. It comes with an overload of angst – sometimes to the point of ho-hum, WTF? And plenty of irritation -- can’t characters ever just communicate and get on with some solid dialo ...more

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Nov 18, 2019 Cyle rated it liked it

Shelves: romance, contemporary, mature

L.J, Shen is one of my top authors, I love her beautifully artistic writing and the emotion she puts in each and every word. I was super excited to read In the Unlikely Event and who doesn't love a second chance romance! This is a step in a different direction from her other books but its still all Shen, the emotion, smoking hot romance and characters that will keep you hooked.

In the Unlikely Event follow Aurora aka Rory who when we first meet her in on a journey to discover where her roots come from. Her father passing brings her to Ireland where she visits his hometown. While there she meets Mal, whom she instantly connects with, and even though they have a one night stand sort of relationship, they both create a bond that will last for years to come. Until the one day where they unexpectedly meet again and their lives take a turn for emotion.

I love second chances and after the connection between Rory and Mal at the beginning was so intense, so intriguing and held some light humor, I was so looking forward to how these two met again. Rory after so many years is a hard working woman, in a good career and has a boyfriend who is everything her mother wanted for her. Mal is in a different situation when they meet again, successful and angry.

There was so much intensity in their meeting I was rearing to go. Now don't get me wrong, I love Shen and I'm a big fan of all her books and fantastic characters. But for me Rory and Mal's connection I just couldn't get into after meeting again. Miscommunication that I felt was unnecessary was the major point of this story. But if there wasn't miscommunication the story would of taken a whole other path and I get it, I kind of was angry with the characters at certain points. It does show however that the story got me hooked because I had an emotional pull with them, I just wish it was a more positive one. The story also has little side notes from characters and objects that I found quirky and absolutely fun, so I was totally able to binge this story no matter how I felt in the end.

In the end I don't want to discourage anyone was tryng this story, it may not of been my cup of tea but I feel it will connect with others. I'm a huge fan and will forever be and can't wait for more from Shen and her fabulous stories.

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