“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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Love is bigger than this planet. Much Much bigger”
If I could place this book in a category, it’d be BIG LOVE story. The kind that spans years & continents, the kind that withstands time, the travails and the gauntlets.
It starts with a promise, a contract signed on a paper napkin but it may well have been a Divine Ordination and legally binding cause the two young hearts believe in it with all their senses.
Leigh has her finger set firmly on the pulse of her dedicated readers, she writes for them, to them and they lap up every angst soaked, heart tearing word she spills from her pen. She has created Hot Assholes in the past and she keeps that production line going with Malachy Doherty in ITUE.
“This guy is sleek, charming. The worst type of heartbreaker—not compassionate enough to let you know he’s an asshole by actually behaving like one. I bet he leaves a string of half-beating, bleeding, broken hearts in his wake wherever he goes”
He’s an embittered, broken and betrayed soul, carrying a burning torch within him, looking for the worlds to set fire. He’s rightfully pissed at the universe, it’s people who have dealt his the worst hand ever. Giving him a glimpse of heaven, they’ve all conspired to snatch it from his gabby hands.
His object of desire, his soulmate – Princess Aurora Belle Jenkins of New Jersey (Thank you!) is equally smitten and suffers from the same affliction of the heart. Unbeknownst to her, forces that conspire to tear them apart and ruin their lives are all Family!
“So many coincidences happen when we’re together. It’s like we’re sewn into one piece, entwined in the same pattern, on the same path, and every time someone else tries to get close to us, life rips it to shreds.”
The story has enough twists and turns to fill another Irish legend, Leigh keeps you on tenterhooks throughout, nail-biting becomes a coping mechanism while reading it. She made me curse out loud and my kindle just about miraculously survived when it fell on the floor or hit the wall.
Pace is slick and steady, friction at its optimum level – angry and sexy….sometimes together! The intense sizzle of the chemistry toasted Roy’s body and heart, it thawed Mal’s icy armour and their inevitable love story survives.
I may have winced a few times at the frustrating miscommunication part or cheat-fest but that adds spice to the already bursting with flavor story.
Pick up the book and let the love tide take you away in its swell
4.5 stars for Pissy Poet & Sex Slave
From USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author L.J. Shen comes a new star-crossed lovers contemporary romance about love, loss and letting the love of your life go…just so you could win them back.
In the Unlikely Event by LJ Shen is unlike any other book you’ve read all year! It’s incredibly unique, and refreshingly different. With an enemies to lovers/second chance romance vibe, this book checks off so many boxes.
My favorite thing about In the Unlikely Event was the highs and lows and emotional range. This book had me legit laughing out loud one minute, and jaw-dropping, o-my-goshing the next. It’s sure to send you swooning as often as you’d like to throw your kindle from frustration. I loved the multi-layered value to the story, and the additional perspectives as well.
All of the characters are a little jaded, a little broken, and somewhat tough to love. Everyone played somewhat of a leading role, which is part of what’s so unique about In the Unlikely Event. I absolutely LOVED Mal a hundred times over. For some reason I have a major love hate for Rory. I think it’s a me thing, totally not a book thing. Just couldn’t fully connect with her. Some aspects of the plot kept me from totally going all in with my love for this book. I did however overall really enjoy it!
Get ready for a wild and angsty ride you simply can’t predict! One-click In the Unlikely Event by LJ Shen today!
From USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author L.J. Shen comes a new star-crossed lovers contemporary romance about love, loss and letting the love of your life go…just so you could win them back.
This book weaved together a brilliant mix of turmoil, comedy, steam, and clever storytelling to deliver a unique tale that reveals many kept secrets.
Mal wore his torment like a finely tailored suit. It clung to him and manifested into an angsty read that will have book whores salivating till the very end.
Rory’s quest for the truth led her on an interesting journey that has a heart warming ending.
The side characters add so many layers to this story that you want to discover their personal journies as well.
Side note! Mal’s expertise with chocolate should not be taken for granted. I’m sure to have a Pavlovian response to every chocolate bar I see from now on that will result in the need for a panty change.
Happy Holidays!
I try and avoid using the analogy of rollercoaster when describing how a story made me feel, but after much deliberation it is fair to say there’s no other way to identify all the emotions this book evoked.
The author skillfully translated her insightful observations of the human condition into something extraordinary on paper, and I was completely caught up in the raw emotion and passion experienced by the main characters.
I was thrilled that the perspectives of both Rory and Mal were included, but I must also mention the irony and social comment provided by other participants in the story, adding not only an alternative perspective on the events playing out but also a layer of humor to counterbalance some of the more raw and emotional moments.
An intense,intriguing, and truly captivating 5 star read….I received an advanced copy of this book from the author.
If you want to read a book that is completely different from anything you’ve ever read, but crafted into a beautiful, messy, complex love story, In the Unlikely Event is what you’ve been waiting for. It is at times heart wrenching, laugh out loud, and such an indulgence to experience. LJ Shen always seems to weave stories with larger than life characters, and Malachy and Aurora are no different. Their words need to be savored and enjoyed. Please read this book! You will not be disappointed. A Million Stars!
I was so intrigued about this book that when I got it in my greedy hands I started plowing through the chapters. Then as I read the first few pages I knew this story was going to be extraordinary. And because of that it needed to be savored. As much as I wanted to know all the secrets and unravel all the twists I didn’t rush and the experience was unforgettable! The plot is complex but so well thought out and conveyed. There are multiple POV’s that help develop the layers and it only adds to the humor, angst, drama, anger and hot sexual tension!!! Even the twists have twists.
This beautiful story will bleed into your soul, wrap you up tight and you will be so very happy to stay in Dublin with Mal & Rory. Get ready to fall in love with one of your all time favorite reads of 2019!
Life is too short not to kiss the one you want.”
Such a good book. There was so much to the story and it was not predictable, slow or boring at any point. I really liked the way it was written. It was dual POV, but intermixed with the two main characters were these notes where you would get insights about the relationship between Mal and Rory or even some laughs. The notes were from supporting characters, a cow and even inanimate objects, like the napkin that Mal and Rory used as a contract that said if they ever meet again in the future, they would be together.
There was a bit of serendipity at work when they first met. They came together when Aurora (Rory) went to Ireland to see if she could find out more about the father she never knew after hearing that he died. She was only there for one night and both Rory and Malachy fell for each other hard. But they were both young and selfish and it just wasn’t their time. Mal wanted Rory to give up college and move to Ireland to be with him, while Aurora couldn’t give up her whole life and future plans for a guy that wouldn’t give up anything for her.
”Understand, Rory, next time I see you, I’ll have you. I won’t care if you have a boyfriend, or a husband, or a harem of men vying for your love. If you have children, I’ll raise them as mine.”
They both suffered quite a bit and missed each other terribly. Eight years later, they meet at a social event and things have changed quite a bit. Aurora has a great boyfriend, a job she loves, a terrific roommate. The entire situation with Malachy is fraught with many obstacles and complications. The story is beautiful and tragic, but also hilarious at times and you can’t help but have strong feelings for some of the characters. I loved Mal, he was sweet and funny and not afraid to show his emotions. He is also smart confident and cocky at times.
There were several great supporting characters as well. Including a drug addicted rock star, a sister Rory meets on her trip to find out about her Dad, some conniving mothers, Rory’s best friend Summer and her rich shiny boyfriend Callum. I really loved this book. I have seen a few poor reviews and though I don’t understand why, to each his own. We all have the right to our own opinions when it comes to books we read.
There are times when you are just not feeling a book, because of your mood or whatever, when a book just isn’t working for you, even though if you had read it at another time, you probably would like it. Also, it seems to me that some of the low reviews were due to a few things in the book that are spoilers so I won’t mention what they are, but to say the things a few of the reviewers are mentioning are such grey areas in this book. By that I mean you could take it like those things happened, but also in ways they kind of didn’t or if they did it isn’t really a black and white situation based on things you learn later.
I know a lot of people like reading about relationships where everything is pure and the love is true and deep and nothing really goes wrong, but real life isn’t that way. This book has the characters going through tough times and not always being nice to each other or to everyone else. And bad things do happen. It is part of what makes the book unpredictable and real. Mal and Rory don’t just make a promise on a napkin and meet years later and all the sudden they can live happily ever after. Life is messy sometimes.
“Life’s morbid. Spoiler alert—we all die at the end.” Malachy shrugs.
After much anticipation, ITUE did not disappoint. Rory and Mal’s story had humor, angst, and a beautiful love story. Highly recommended!
It’s officially official…L.J. Shen can do no wrong. Yes, In the Unlikely Event was a different type of book for her, but from the first page I was completely captivated. There was still the drama and angst and steam that I’ve come to love but there were bits of humor laced throughout that made this one impossible to put down.
From the first time Rory and Mal met, I knew it was going to be something special. Something that changed them both. Their connection was instantaneous. I felt it. It breathed life into both of them. Inspired them. Moved them. But time wasn’t on their side. It was working against them from the start.
I wasn’t expecting what all transpired in the time that they were apart. The twists. The life. The carefully constructed lies that were woven with the truth. The hate. The scheming. It was a love-hate relationship when Mal and Rory were thrust back into each others world. And it was only a matter of time before all that animosity combusted…
This book was wildly sexy and angsty to a T. Mal and Rory’s love journey took my heart on a ride that made it break and mend and break and heal again. In true L.J. Shen fashion, In the Unlikely Event had me hanging on every word.
This was totally unexpected from L J Shen. Not what I usually read from her at all. And kudos to her for this book! It’s part hot romance, partly sad and often hilarious. Like getting the point of view from a cow and a napkin hilarious. I very much enjoyed it and do recommend it.
I don’t think I could fall in love harder with this author as I am right now. This book was so different, yet it felt quite like an L.J. Shen book. I think this author can pull off any type of book and she will, without a doubt, move us in one way or another.
Rory and Mal are such unique characters and they are definitely the type of characters you fall in love with instantly….with that said, I couldn’t put my kindle down for a second!
Everything about this story is captivating, the love of these characters are undeniably cute.
You know who you love no matter how many years can go by without any form of contact, but that love is still there. It may be dormant or it may be alive but no matter what it’s still there and that’s exactly how it was for Rory and Mal, regardless of all the obstacles and consequences that kept getting in their way.
Although Rory’s life hasn’t always been peaches and cream, she still manages to keep going and while she’s trying to go on with her life she continues to find out more and more things about her life that she wasn’t remotely close to even knowing that existed or was somehow part of her life.
The back and forth, the pull and push between these characters are definitely what kept me going with this story. I needed more and more I got.
L.J. Shen has definitely a talent for coming up with such unique story lines and her characters are certainly characters that stay with you for a long time.
This was different from you usually get when you think of an L.J. Shen book. I loved it! After seeing the cover and reading the blurb I knew I was going to need it.
This was a fun quick read that once I started, I couldn’t put down. If you’re a fan of second chance romance with some angst you will love this book. Malachy and Rory met when they were younger and had a short lived romance. They made a promise to each other that night but neither thought they would see each other again. The chemistry these two have is off the charts. It doesn’t matter that Rory has moved on and started a new life, when she sees him she feels that pull.
I really loved ITUE. This book was everything I was looking for and I can’t wait for of L.J. Shen’s work. This is a MUST read!
This book surprised me. I mean, I’ve read a bunch of books written by this author, but I wasn’t expecting what I found here. ITUE is romantic and intense, the characters are flawed, jaded… real! The story is witty and romantic, it feels personal, it resonates into your heart and mind and never lets you go.
Mal and Rory’s tale started as a young romance, and has every single element we love about it. But then they became adults, and adulthood changes people. Life changes people. Now they have to face their mistakes and find their way back to the other. I adored the story. Every twist and turn. And in the unlikely event you haven’t decided to try it, just hit the orange button already and fall in love the same way I did. I see you on the other side.
L. J. Shen is one of my favorite authors and she wrote one of my favorite books The Kiss Thief. In the unlikely event by L.J. Shen is a unique and angsty read.
Aurora and Mal meet one night and neither of them wasn’t ready for the connection between them and because they didn’t want to lose this wonderful and magic connection they made a contract that when they meet again, they have to drop everything and to be ready to be together. That night changes their lives forever.
Fast forward eight years, they are reunited but they changed too much in these eight years. Aurora had a career and beautiful life in America and Malachi had a life in Tolka. They didn’t want to be together but the connection between them is still there and the chemistry is hot and sexy.
In the unlikely event is a crazy book with so many secrets, intrigue, twist, and characters. In the unlikely event is different from the author’s other books. I don’t like some aspects of this book but I love the connection between the main characters Aurora and Mal. In the unlikely event, it’s a unique and wonderful read. I will not forget this book.
I stayed up late and hardly slept because I needed to finish it. I cannot say enough good things about this book. It’s not often I’m blown away from a story but this one just did me in. I’ll be honest and say I was a little skeptical as I haven’t read this author before but have heard good things. Let me just say, that you will not be disappointed. This is like a mixture of a rom-com, contemporary romance, and a lot of crazy thrown in. There’s drama and mystery and angst and some funny moments, especially with those different points of view.
There’s also family and love. Not just romantic love, but the love people have for each other as friends and family and the need to protect those you love. There are some intense moments that may have you crying. But above all, no matter how many miles apart they might have been, Rory and Mal were always destined for each other and reading their journey pulled at my heart.
The supporting characters also catch your attention and I am hoping Summer gets her own book at some point. They all have their own demons and reasons for doing things and having those points of view is what adds so much depth to the story.
Oh my! This book had typical LJ Shen written all over it but, at the same time, there was a humorous quirkiness added to it to make it a pretty unique read.
“You burn under my fingertips, Rory. How do I give you up?”
Eight years ago, Rory went to Ireland to discover her history but she found Malachy instead. One magical day and night spent together leave an indelible mark on them both. Fast forward to the present and the two characters have changed a lot, especially Mal. He’s no longer the sweet, sexy dreamer of Rory’s memories, the man who has held her heart for almost a decade. He’s bitter and hateful and intent on punishing her for misdeeds unknown to her.
“This girl was put in my life to change it.”
Mal wants his revenge on the girl who ruined his life. The maddening thing of all is how much he still wants her even though he hates her. However, the more time he spends with her, he realises that things aren’t adding up and when a stunning revelation occurs to him, it turns his perceptions and beliefs upside down, and he’s suddenly fighting to keep her any way he can.
“There wasn’t one moment in time, from the second we met, that you weren’t mine. Just like I’ve always been yours.”
This story had many things – a brilliant initial connection between the characters and a promise of something more. As we flip back and forth between the present and the past, we see how Mal has become the man he is in the present. It’s a heartbreaking and angsty journey for them both, pitted with obstacles. Mal and Rory were made for one another and their chemistry was off the charts. Throughout the story, it’s clear that no matter what has taken place, they are both totally hooked on the other. The little bit of quirkiness in the story was funny and sometimes downright weird! LOL. It was also an excellent device to get a fully rounded story with a twisty plotline. A fantastic, excellent read!
Its no secret that I love LJ’s books and I was excited to start this one. Whilst I really enjoyed it, it wasn’t my favourite of hers. I loved the characters and the storyline but something for me was missing and I cant for the life of me put my finger on it which is annoying the hell out of me as I love her writing and would and will happily read anything she brings us.
LJ did give us a unique story that will draw you in. The chemistry between the characters is intense filled with passion and angst, which is an gripping mixture. If your looking for a book that will put you through a range of emotions then this is the one for you.
There are no true words to fully explain how powerful and mind blowing this story is. I am in complete awe of this author. The way she tells this story will make you sad and hopeful and all kinds of emotional. All signs of an amazing story. Mal and Rory will imbed themselves so far into your heart and soul that you will love them forever. So many twists and turns and heartache and happiness all rolled into one phenomenal book. This book deserves so much more than than 5 stars, and if you don’t read this, you will definitely be missing out. My absolute favorite to date of this author’s books. Just brilliant!