“The perfect blend of soul-crushing angst, laugh out loud wit, and heart-melting romance.” – Helena Hunting, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author.From #1 Amazon Bestseller L.J. Shen comes a new, star-crossed lovers romance about loss, love, and meeting The One when you are too young to know how to keep them.Sometimes you meet people who are out of this world, so you make them a part of … this world, so you make them a part of yours.
A one-night stand born from vengeance in a foreign land.
An explosive chemistry neither of us could deny.
We signed a contract on the back of a Boar’s Head Pub napkin that said if we ever met again, we would drop everything and be together.
Eight years and thousands of miles later, he’s here.
In New York.
And he’s America’s music obsession.
The intangible Irish poet who brings record executives to their knees.
The blizzard in my perfect, unshaken snow globe.
Last time we spoke, he was a beggar with no intention of becoming a king.
But a king he became, and now I’m his servant.
I’m not the same broken princess Malachy Doherty put back together with his callused hands.
I have a career I love.
A boyfriend I adore.
An apartment, a roommate, a life.
I changed. He changed, too.
But Mal kept the napkin.
Question is, will I keep my word?
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In the Unlikely Event is the type of novel that contains enough angst and intense emotions to burn an entire village to the ground. Rory and Mal meet in Ireland and have one all-consuming night together, a night that leaves an indelible mark on them both. When Mal shows up in Rory’s life eight years later, every belief they’ve both held about the past will be tested, and truths will be revealed that will affect them both. [Some spoilers below.]
This book packs one heck of an emotional punch. Parts of it are so infuriating because the miscommunication between the protagonists and the supporting characters is so deep, and the consequences so dire. The rational parts of my brain wanted to scream, all the while the emotional parts were helplessly hooked and wholly invested in the story. I will say that the HEA is quite poignant and feels earned… but it’s difficult not to feel the pain of how much Rory and Mal were cheated out of a deeper and longer happiness, without so much collateral damage.
Also, this novel isn’t totally “safe,” in that there are elements of cheating and sexual assault. While I do appreciate Shen’s more concrete acknowledgement that what happens to Mal is, indeed, rape, there’s a missed opportunity to discuss the implications of the act and to give it the space and acceptance that it deserves. I also dislike the vindictive, manipulative woman trope (be it Kathleen, Whitney, etc.) and wish that there wasn’t so much of that in this story. And while vilifying Callum (rightfully so) makes Mal’s and Rory’s actions more palatable, I didn’t care for all of the betrayals in the novel. Perhaps this humanizes the characters more, but I didn’t love it. All that being said, the multiple POVs and the narrative arc of this story are masterful. Shen crafts a wholly immersive story that digs so deeply, you can’t help but feel emotionally invested. And it stays with you even after you’ve finished.
While this is a departure from Shen’s typical format/style, I think this is her most successful and beautiful work to date.
AH-MAZING! Truly! This book has to be one of my absolute favorites from L.J. Shen. How she mapped out this story and created these characters is mind boggling. L.J. Shen weaved such a complex story – so many people involved and perfectly put together. Rory – I love her! She is hands down a new favorite heroine of mine. And Mal – sultry, cocky, persistent, playful, and possibly even a tad bit charming….SWOON! Convolution never looked so good!
ITUE is an unusual story that I am finding difficult to review. I am giving this story four stars because I do love L.J., and the story is lovely in many parts. BUT I did have a couple of issues with it that are my issues. ITUE is a review you have to watch writing because you don’t want to give away to much, and you want people to read this story so that they can make up their minds. That is what I want people to do. Please read this story. Don’t read the reviews if they have spoilers. ITUE is not a typical story that will make your heart gush. ITUE is heart-wrenching, hard to read, and is why we read romance.
Hands down my Favorite Book from L.J.Shen!
Rory & Mal’s story was a whirlwind of emotions!
Loved every minute of it!
The cover drew me into reading In the Unlikely Event and I’m thrilled it did. We are given a glimpse of real life including it’s ugly imperfections. The emotions are so raw, bleeding and honest that you can feel your own heart shattering like a snow globe. LJ Shen wrote this book giving us snippets, POV’s of many characters along the way. There’s a hidden lesson, to not always see things at
face value, to listen because there is always at least two perspectives. Don’t judge someone until you’ve lived in their shoes, because you can’t possibly grasp the how or why they make decisions.
When Aurora’s father passes away she travels to Ireland to visit his grave. She hopes to discover what kind of man he was, because she’s never met him. All she has are memories of his gifts and the tiny crumbs her mother has shared. Rory is led to the open guitar case of Malachy a local busker who was close to her father. They seem to fit together like two intricate puzzle pieces, as if their souls have been waiting to be reunited. After spending an amazing afternoon and night together they pen a contract on a napkin…to listen to the universe should kismet bring them together again. 8 years later they’ve been brought together again, but a lot of water has travelled under the bridge. Will they be able to mend all of the broken fences once all of the secrets have been revealed.
Wow. This book was so much more then I expected. With ups and downs that threw me for so many loops I wasn’t sure how it was going to end. It’s one of those books that had me glued to my kindle from the start. There was no slow down, there was only angsts, steamy, suspense, humor, more angst and the cycle went. I did love it. My jaw dropped during revelations, my heart cringed when Mal was a jerk, my heart broke when Rory learned different things about what was going on and the past. It was one big mystery that kept me guessing from start to finish. Some things were pretty predictable (which I’m sure the author intended) and then other things really threw me off. I can’t give it anything other then 5 stars. It gave me all the feelings I want a book to give me and I just couldn’t put it down. 5 stars #2OCCJD
This book, a tangled web of angst, instant chemistry, just a shear pleasure to read. If only the story could never end, so I could stay in Mal and Rory’s little paradise of drama and passion forever!! The characters are realistic, the story completely unique, the writer is talented beyond words!! This book sucked me in instantly as all Leigh Shen’s books do. I was hooked right from the start. Grab your copy today!!!
“Malachy is tailor-made for a huge, colossal heartbreak.”
I’m struggling writing my review. Because this book split my heart and soul in half. I really loved and enjoyed the first part of the book. It was heaven. But the story took some twists and turns I’m not OK with. And that makes it hard to rate and review it.
There are many things that feel wrong to me, yet I still enjoyed reading this book much more than I probably should have.
“This guy can move me without touching me, and touch me without laying a finger on me.”
In The Unlikely Event is something different to LJ Shen’s other books. It has a unique approach on how to spin off the first encounter, the first fast falling. It was promising, taunting and captivating until it wasn’t. It held so much potential and I came out a little disappointed at the end.
Nevertheless, LJ Shen again shows off her skill in writing enemies to lovers/second chance romance. Even after what feels like the millionste book of this trope, she’s still able to captivate the reader.
“It’s not fate; it’s us. From start to finish. Twisted, screwed, obsessed, destructive, wonderful us.”
I’m having a very hard time writing this review, even when I rated I didn’t know if I wanted to leave it in 3 stars or 4. I’m a huge fan of LJ’s work and that’s why I still don’t know where my feelings are when it comes to In the Unlikely Event.
In The Unlikely Event is a story of lies and a past that keeps lurking around Malachy and Aurora’s life making it hard for them to even come close.. People around have so much baggage and back agendas that are influencing so much in the future of these two.. but it is only time that will help them to finally see all the lies and misunderstandings that are keeping them apart.
Two lost souls in search of answers, answers their own family kept locked for years making them believe they were not good together.
“Loving someone is willingly accepting that they can destroy you.”
In The Unlikely Event, it was very different from what I’ve read before by LJ, I’m still not sure where my feelings are, the story was good. the characters were good but somehow I felt like something wasn’t there. that’s the only reason I’m giving it 3 stars
I encourage you to give this book a chance and come with your own conclusions, what may be for me maybe is not for you and Viceversa.
Looking forward to the next LJ’s story.
It starts with loss, a one night stand, a napkin and an unforgettable love that binds you even when it is turned to hate. Aurora went to Ireland to say goodbye to the father she never got to meet, maybe learn something about him and then go home and start College. Fate however has a mind of her own and she spends a deeply personal and emotional day and night with a man who makes her heart soar. But home she must go, and though it hurts and tears her apart she does. Carrying some pictures and a promise that one day, if fate allows they will meet again and be together no matter what .
Life however gets in the way, misunderstanding and vicious lies might just be the end of them before they even get the chance to decide for themselves. It has some darkness in it, just a little, some laughter, definitely some tears and an air of fate woven throughout its pages that captivated me. I simply could not put it down and I must admit it is one of my favorites! I loved every minute of it. Aurora and Mal are perfect for each other, it was well written and had so many fascinating characters and storylines going on! Thank you so very much to the author!
This was my first book by LJ Shen and while I didn’t 5-star love it, I still really liked it and I can see why she has such a huge fan base. Others have summarized this fairly well so I’m going to skip that and just write my thoughts on the book.
I didn’t like the way that Mal went about reconnecting with Rory. So many times things can be cleared up if people would just communicate. You can’t have 24 amazing hours and then suddenly think it was all for naught. (though the letter I can completely see as the dealbreaker).
But why not question it? Why stew for years and be like, well now that all this time has passed, let’s torture her. I don’t know, it wasn’t for me in that regard and I didn’t like how he went about doing it. I also didn’t like how Rory was just keeping her boyfriend because it was handy to have someone around. It doesn’t matter that he was suddenly turned into the bad guy, I just didn’t care for it.
I liked the opposing viewpoints and I loved that these two could experience a love so powerful in such a short time period, that could span so many years apart. I’m picky about insta-love so I thought this was well done in that aspect. The fun added notes from random people and objects added some good comic relief and a bit of an inside scoop, I thought it was a fun addition. I do want to check out some more of her books, The Kiss Thief has been on my list for a while so I’m going to try that one next.
L.J. Shen gives readers a new reason to love her with this unexpected witty, sexy, emotional story. In the Unlikely Event whisks readers away to Ireland for a story unlike any other. I was captivated from the first page and could wait for all of the secrets in the story to be exposed. Shen built the story at the perfect pace and just when I thought I had it figured out, I found the story moving in a different direction. The story itself is angsty but still had me laughing. Shen balances the emotional parts of the story with just the right amount of humor. And don’t get me started on the steam factor….whew! Mal and Rory were incendiary! They were destined for one another and as their story developed I rooted for them hard. I loved all of the characters and Shen’s non-traditional use of other POV’s had me snickering. It added the perfect lightness to this deep story. I adored this one hard!
Such a heartfelt story!!!
Umm… So… Yeah, this one is a hard no from me.
I normally love LJ Shen’s books and the leads and with this one, I was so excited because it was a holiday romance with an Irish musician and yet, it wasn’t.
I loved the beginning and the entire premise of the book, especially the honorary members of this book — the napkin, the cow and the chocolate bar.
However, there were a lot of things I did not like. Like a very good chunk of this book and characters that I don’t care even an iota about. I’ve put them down as spoilers, and you can find them if you scroll down a little bit, you have the option to completely skip it but with this particular instance, I just might urge you to read and have knowledge beforehand.
The spark and excitement that usually comes when I am reading an L.J. Shen book was hugely absent. This is one book of hers that I will always be honest and say skip it. However, I am excited about her next book and what she had in store for us. Hopefully, it will be Angry God with my favourite tothole.
1.5 Stars!
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*** SPOILERS: DO NOT READ AHEAD IF YOU DON’T WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS! ***
[ My main concerns were — 1) The male lead, Mal, was raped by the female lead’s half-sister and his childhood best friend, Kathleen. Now, it is not graphic or violent in any terms but Mal says no multiple times. Karma is a bitch and Kathleen deserved what she got. I can’t even be bothered to feel sympathetic towards the ending she got
2) Kathleen was a two-faced manipulative b**ch who not only got pregnant, which I will always believe to be intentional but also forced him to marry her. Also, a big ass f**k you to their mom’s as well who jumped on the ‘they should marry’ wagon.
3) I hated Kathleen’s mother and the whole town in general, barring a few people. The immediate hate they had for Aurora, the female lead. Sure, her mother was the other woman but that child was the most innocent party in everything that had happened and I hate the way they treated Rory like a pariah with their holier-than-thou attitude.
4) I loathed how Kathleen was being put into the good light. That character didn’t have one redeemable quality about her and for her to be portrayed like some sort of an angel because her dead ghost had some epiphany… Yeah. No. ]
Another example of LJ Shen’s skill and versatility as a writer. While ITUE has all the entertainment, strong-willed heroine and snap of Shen’s style, she manages to create characters and a story so unique that it all feels totally fresh. That after so many books she can still keep an avid fan on their toes is a testament to true talent. It’s why I keep coming back.
5 He Kept the Napkin Stars
LJ has created a completely one of a kind romance, that will overwhelm you with all the feelings it conjures, in the most delicious ways. She pulls at each of your emotions like the strings of a guitar, until your left drifting in the song that her words have created, trapped and unwilling to let go. This book is something so different and so wonderful. But filled with all the things that we love about LJ including her dirty and cheeky humor. I could not get enough of this story and I’m sad to see these characters go. This is definitely going to be a book I will reread again and again.
**The first flakes of snow fall around us. On my nose. Eyelashes. Shoulders. A storm is brewing inside my snow globe.**
One of the things I love most about LJ are the imperfections she gives her characters; it makes them so much more relate-able. And Mal and Rory are no different. They are both broken in their own ways due to their individual circumstances. But from the moment they meet it’s as if they were destined to be. Their connection is instant and so incredibly strong, it doesn’t feel forced it just is. They are two completely different people from two different worlds who found each other due to circumstances beyond their control.
**This guy can move me without touching me, and touch me without laying a finger on me. His grandfather was right. He’s trouble.**
I love that they must fight to be together. Relationships are hard and they are messy. People make mistakes and things happen that you can’t be control. But it’s what you do with those experiences that define who you are. And it’s the relationship cultivated out of those same experiences that shows how strong your love is. Mal and Rory’s love is not easy it’s messy and raw. LJ brings out all the angst with their story. But that just makes you want them to figure it out that much more.
**“Well, I’m a pacifist, so don’t worry about me. I’ll never kill you.”
“You already have.”**
My heart broke for each of them for completely separate reasons. But the brokenness of them is what endeared me to them. Their individual struggles and the unwillingness to truly let go of the other make your heart soar. LJ makes you fall in love with them as individuals and then as the couple you so desperately want them to become.
**The familiar chill turns hot again, and I know he is my lighter. Ready to set me on fire with a flick of his fingers.**
This book is unlike anything LJ has written but on the same token has her signature all over it. I’ve never read anything quite like this story and I don’t think I will. This book will fill the void of finding something a little different to read. It’s one of the best second chance romances I’ve ever read, and I’m not usually a fan of second chance romances. I was completely consumed from the prolog all the way until the very last sentence. I am utterly obsessed with this new world that LJ has created
This was a different read from LJ Shen but still had her kind of style. This was a second chance romance that left me kind of speechless. And I don’t know how to feel about it. I was really looking forward to this one and was having high hopes when I started reading how the main characters first met. But once the story shifts to years later, I feel weirded out about the characters. And I was having problem with why and how Mal “punish” Rory for something she didn’t do that resulted his life to changed tremendously. He should’ve just straight up asked her but he didn’t. And there’s a lot of things he kept from Rory too. Therefore, I don’t see why he felt victimised by that.
I have loved every single one of LJ Shen’s books. This story is such a wonderous and beautiful story. The narrators brought it to life with amazing precision of each word and chapter. Redemption and forgiveness. True love and fate. Loved every moment of this book
There’s just something about LJ’s writing that sucks me in and never lets go. This book was no exception. It had all the comedy, angst, twists and turns, and smoking hot scenes, and the happily ever after that I look for in a book. If you have been living under a rock and have not read this author, then you’re missing out. Five thousand melted chocolate bar stars!!!
LJ Shen has been one of my all time favorite authors. She’s got a way with her storytelling – with her characters – with her excellent writing – that leaves you utterly captivated from page one. There hasn’t been an LJ Shen book that I didn’t absolutely love.
I went into this book knowing very little about it. The blurb definitely intrigued me, but admittedly left me longing for more. What’s going to happen? Who are these people? I NEED TO KNOW!
Mal and Rory’s road is a bumpy one. Both incredibly flawed, beautifully broken in their own way individuals. When these two have a magical encounter that spans 24 hours; they didn’t expect it to impact their entire lives. And boy did it! 8 years later – both still have allllllll the feels and more. Their growth as adults, what their time together did to them and how it made them who they are today. Ugh. Seriously so perfect.
While these characters and their story definitely feels like LJ Shen, she did something completely different with them. I loved how intense their tale was, but with the PERFECT amount of humor that left me grinning – wondering what would happen next.
I love, love, LOVED this book. It’s raw, passionate, beautiful, sad, and funny. I’m madly in love with Mal. Rory was definitely one lucky girl. And you couldnt help but feel so heartbroken for her when all is said and done.
What am I talking about? Well… You’ll just have to read it and find out!
I highly, highly recommend this book. It’s unlike any other you’ve read. I absolutely LOVED it. I’m about to go listen to the audio now. 😉