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smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 rounded up.
I REALLY enjoyed this debut Indie romance from new Booksta friend turned author, Megan McSpadden! While the premise was a bit insta-lovey for me (they fall in love after only a few days), the characters were so well-developed and felt so real I didn't even care.
Full of heart, humor and HEAT, this book sees conflict photographer Marley stranded after spraining her ankle and finding herself rescued by absolute cinnamon roll hero, Bennett who runs an animal rescue in his secluded country property. After days of forced proximity and bonding, Marley and Bennett each realize they might have found something special worth fighting for.
I loved the banter, the spice, the emotional depth, the meddling neighbors, ALL the animals, the disability rep (dyslexia, her ; chronic traumatic encephalopathy, him) and that the story didn't just end with an easy HEA but that the characters each grow and come to terms with their own issues before making their way back together.
In particular, I especially loved that a significant part of this story takes place in Syria and the author showcased what a complicated situation ongoing conflicts like that are and the importance of work like Marley's is in bringing attention to the real humans stuck dealing with it.
All in all I was truly impressed with this debut novel and I cannot wait for what Meg writes next! Highly recommended especially for fans of authors like Tarah DeWitt and Elodie Colliard. I voluntarily read and reviewed an early copy of this book and all opinions are my own.
I REALLY enjoyed this debut Indie romance from new Booksta friend turned author, Megan McSpadden! While the premise was a bit insta-lovey for me (they fall in love after only a few days), the characters were so well-developed and felt so real I didn't even care.
Full of heart, humor and HEAT, this book sees conflict photographer Marley stranded after spraining her ankle and finding herself rescued by absolute cinnamon roll hero, Bennett who runs an animal rescue in his secluded country property. After days of forced proximity and bonding, Marley and Bennett each realize they might have found something special worth fighting for.
I loved the banter, the spice, the emotional depth, the meddling neighbors, ALL the animals, the disability rep (dyslexia, her ; chronic traumatic encephalopathy, him) and that the story didn't just end with an easy HEA but that the characters each grow and come to terms with their own issues before making their way back together.
In particular, I especially loved that a significant part of this story takes place in Syria and the author showcased what a complicated situation ongoing conflicts like that are and the importance of work like Marley's is in bringing attention to the real humans stuck dealing with it.
All in all I was truly impressed with this debut novel and I cannot wait for what Meg writes next! Highly recommended especially for fans of authors like Tarah DeWitt and Elodie Colliard. I voluntarily read and reviewed an early copy of this book and all opinions are my own.
apuckingbibliophile's review
5.0
What a fantastic debut from a fellow bookstagram friend!
This is a contemporary romance that includes things like: forced proximity, honest and lovable characters, lots of dogs including one named Yogurt, tension!, fall vibes, hilarious moments, emotional depth, and so much more.
One of the biggest standouts to me about this story were the characters in Marley and Bennett. They’re thrown together due to unforeseen circumstances They each have their own backgrounds as well as struggles and I really admired the connection they had to be able to share their vulnerabilities and just communicate! — it made me love them even more! I also found so much value in the topics brought up around being a conflict photographer, PTSD, mental health, and the dangers of CTE. Nothing felt super forced, but just… authentic. While I was of course invested into the romance plot, I also found myself equally into both Marley and Bennett’s individual journey’s of healing and growth.
I also have to hand it to Meg for thawing my cold heart on the idea of insta-love. Historically it’s a trope that I’ve struggled with, but I knew and could appreciate heading in that this kind of love story is dear to her because of her own experiences! Usually I have a hard time because I just don’t feel that connection between love interests, but this one was done sooo well where it felt truly genuine where it didn’t seem that fast and you couldn’t help but root for Marley and Bennett!
Overall this felt like such a feel good and wholesome read! Plus it had some clever jokes and one-liners that had me giggling! I absolutely cannot wait to see what is next!
This is a contemporary romance that includes things like: forced proximity, honest and lovable characters, lots of dogs including one named Yogurt, tension!, fall vibes, hilarious moments, emotional depth, and so much more.
One of the biggest standouts to me about this story were the characters in Marley and Bennett. They’re thrown together due to unforeseen circumstances They each have their own backgrounds as well as struggles and I really admired the connection they had to be able to share their vulnerabilities and just communicate! — it made me love them even more! I also found so much value in the topics brought up around being a conflict photographer, PTSD, mental health, and the dangers of CTE. Nothing felt super forced, but just… authentic. While I was of course invested into the romance plot, I also found myself equally into both Marley and Bennett’s individual journey’s of healing and growth.
I also have to hand it to Meg for thawing my cold heart on the idea of insta-love. Historically it’s a trope that I’ve struggled with, but I knew and could appreciate heading in that this kind of love story is dear to her because of her own experiences! Usually I have a hard time because I just don’t feel that connection between love interests, but this one was done sooo well where it felt truly genuine where it didn’t seem that fast and you couldn’t help but root for Marley and Bennett!
Overall this felt like such a feel good and wholesome read! Plus it had some clever jokes and one-liners that had me giggling! I absolutely cannot wait to see what is next!
dawnsworldblog's review against another edition
5.0
Now I know I’m not really the author’s target audience, I’m not a huge romance reader, I have a few romance authors that I love but for the most part I don’t gravitate towards romance books. So when I tell you that I loved this book know that I mean it, I really loved it! I was totally immersed in the story and the characters!
Bennett and Marley are both fantastic, well developed, and most importantly, believable characters and ooft their chemistry was off the charts!!
The first half of the book allowed me to fall in love with Bennett (and don’t even get me started on how much I love Yogurt!) but the second half of the book was when I felt I really got to know and love Marley and really understand her as a person and I think for that reason it was my favourite part of the book.
And that ending, ugh it was just perfection and I’m not ashamed to say I had happy tears in my eyes at the last line! Love, love, loved it!
Bennett and Marley are both fantastic, well developed, and most importantly, believable characters and ooft their chemistry was off the charts!!
The first half of the book allowed me to fall in love with Bennett (and don’t even get me started on how much I love Yogurt!) but the second half of the book was when I felt I really got to know and love Marley and really understand her as a person and I think for that reason it was my favourite part of the book.
And that ending, ugh it was just perfection and I’m not ashamed to say I had happy tears in my eyes at the last line! Love, love, loved it!
simpleexplorations's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I loved this book so much! I laughed, I cried, I swooned and I rooted the characters on. I’m so excited to read more from this author!
jennrobyn's review against another edition
5.0
First off: Meg I’m so proud of you. To read something that I know you poured your heart and soul into was just the coolest experience.
Secondly: this book is a gem. It was page after page of warm fuzzies and smiles. And yes, Meg, I definitely hugged it when I was done.
I am so in love with Bennett and Marley and their whole dynamic. First off, this book is how all insta love needs to be written. There was not a dang second where I questioned the authenticity, or the motive. It was obvious and made sense. It took a trope I normally struggle with and made me not even think twice.
I loved how gentle and attentive their relationship was and how it allowed them both to be there for one another while also healing and finding themselves again. Ugh I get the warm fuzzies just thinking about it. ‘Scuse while I go give the book another hug.
And to top it all off Bennett collects stray dogs and stray cows so forgive me if I’m drooling a bit over this fictional man.
I loved this book with my whole heart. Marley + Bennett + dog pack + Pip and Yogurt 4ever. And Simon. Simon must be protected always.
Secondly: this book is a gem. It was page after page of warm fuzzies and smiles. And yes, Meg, I definitely hugged it when I was done.
I am so in love with Bennett and Marley and their whole dynamic. First off, this book is how all insta love needs to be written. There was not a dang second where I questioned the authenticity, or the motive. It was obvious and made sense. It took a trope I normally struggle with and made me not even think twice.
I loved how gentle and attentive their relationship was and how it allowed them both to be there for one another while also healing and finding themselves again. Ugh I get the warm fuzzies just thinking about it. ‘Scuse while I go give the book another hug.
And to top it all off Bennett collects stray dogs and stray cows so forgive me if I’m drooling a bit over this fictional man.
I loved this book with my whole heart. Marley + Bennett + dog pack + Pip and Yogurt 4ever. And Simon. Simon must be protected always.
em_mcd's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
magsisreadingagain's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I fully admit that romance is not my go-to genre. But when the book is the debut novel written by a fellow reader and wonderful person, I will pick it up every time. An Unexpected Path represents my favorite kind of pleasant surprise.
Two main characters, both broken and a bit oblivious to it. Supporting characters who are funny, supportive and fully imagined. A dog… or twenty-one. Put them together with a storyline that is unique and creative, and you have the perfect feel-good story.
Reading this going into the holiday season helped get me out of a reading slump, and definitely boosted my overall mood.
Meg, I am so proud of you! You reached for the stars, and reached them! Can’t wait to read Nellie and Teddy’s story.
Two main characters, both broken and a bit oblivious to it. Supporting characters who are funny, supportive and fully imagined. A dog… or twenty-one. Put them together with a storyline that is unique and creative, and you have the perfect feel-good story.
Reading this going into the holiday season helped get me out of a reading slump, and definitely boosted my overall mood.
Meg, I am so proud of you! You reached for the stars, and reached them! Can’t wait to read Nellie and Teddy’s story.
annaestelle's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A solid, lovely romance! Like Hallmark, but with a great deal more depth and interest, and a great deal less bad acting. Very lovely to read, comfy prose, enjoyable characters.
linda_ressler's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The story line and character development kept me reading more than any book I can remember reading, as it was filled with insight and warmth throughout challenging situations.
flowersfavouritefiction's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75