“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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This book, y’all! Man it was good! I loved the story! The characters were hilarious and I was so immersed in their banter I was reeling and giggling the entire time. It was fun to read. And the deep feels had me tearing up a couple times. Shen nailed it! I can’t help but want more from this couple. This is definitely one I won’t be forgetting anytime soon!
Love love loved this!
An undeniably phenomenal read, In The Unlikely Event by L.J. Shen was beyond heart warming, witty and an unbelievably amazing read. I’m so blown away by this novel I just want to read it over and over!
In a search for answers, Aurora finds herself in a foreign country having a one night stand with a devastatingly handsome young man.
Malachy Doherty has a certain whit about him that’s hard to resist, so it’s understandable the chemistry that burns between them. Making a contract before their time ends seems like a silly and overly ridiculous thing to do, especially when they’ll never see each other again. However eight years later he’s there, right in front of her. Can Aurora find it in herself to give up her apartment, boyfriend and career for the one she’d never think to see again or will life crumble around her and shatter her inner snow globe?
There were so many instances I was on the edge of my seat, or laughing at some entertaining banter while falling in love with Malachy and Aurora’s story. I’ve never known a book to be written the way this one is and love it so so much!
I highly recommend this, it’s an experience not to be missed.
This is a difficult review to write, I love L.J. Shen’s words. She always delivers us a broken and damaged guy that we instantly take to our hearts and route for. This time, not so much for me. I can’t put my finger on why.
It wasn’t as angsty as I was anticipating and for the most part I worked out a lot of the plot so there was no complete surprises. I think I just didn’t buy in to the way the second chance romance was orchestrated and as a consequence I wasn’t racing to get back to it.
I liked the book I just didn’t love it as much as previous works.
Soul… are you still intact?
What a different style of writing from one of my favorite authors, but oh how it worked.
Amongst all the cluster-fk’s, heartbreaks & jawdrops, she somehow still managed to bring out a chuckle & smile, here and there, with the quirky POV’s.
L.J. Shen always puts so much emotion into her writing.
Her Characters are three dimensional and all consuming, that she breaks us, then mends us.
**** A MUST READ OF 2019 ****
Second chance and crazy and totally irreverent, is what this book is. Even Napkins and Chocolate Bars had a chance to share their POV’s in this book. We get a POV version from all fronts about what happens to this couple who imprinted on each other when they met, wrote a marriage contract on a paper napkin, and meet again eight hears later. History catches up with them and finds them still in love as always, but heavily invested in secrets, hidden desires and misconceptions that threaten to keep them apart.
Aurora Belle Jenkins travelled to Ireland to visit her father’s tomb. All her life she wanted contact with her father, but her mother always denied her this. She received letters and gifts but no personal contact. After visiting her father’s grave, a priest sends her to Malachy Doherty for more information on her father. Once she gets to where he busks in Drury Street, she’s mesmerized by his presence.
“I’ve never seen someone like him before. He is beautiful, true, but that’s not what stands out to me. He is radiant. It’s like his presence has a presence. He sucks the air out of everything in his vicinity, making it impossible not to look at him. Malachy is tailor-made for a huge, colossal heartbreak.”
They spend a scant 24 hours together, visit her half-sister Kathleen who gives her nothing except hostility, they spend the night together, and she leaves for the US, to college life. Fast forward eight years, she’s a photographer, he’s a famous songwriter, they meet in New York and he hates her guts.
When they separated eight years ago, she was gutted, and it took her years to move on, but she never got over him completely. Now she has a boyfriend, and Malachy arrives to make demands on her time. She’s forced to travel to Ireland for two months to photograph a documentary on the writing process of a rock music album. And here is where everything goes crazy and wild.
Malachy hates her and wants revenge. There are a lot of secrets so we’re kept in the dark for a long while. Meanwhile, he’s being a jerk, she’s trying to get the job done, the rock star who is supposed to be singing the songs that Malachy writes is a drug addict that’s constantly bent and acting crazy. The action gets complicated by the hour until it starts to clear up. Meanwhile, we’re treated to chapters with the POV’s of everything and everyone they come in touch with, including: a cow, a napkin, dead people, chocolate bars, all the current characters and some secondary actors. It’s like a POV free for all!
One thing is constant throughout the book: Mal and Rory love each other, and literally climb over others in order to be together. They have a rocky relation with many people against them and more importantly, a lot of secrets. Everyone in the village knows about Rory except her. I got annoyed at all the secrecy and letting her stew in ignorance. I also felt that Mal overdid it in the jerk department, and Rory was a liiiittle too forgiving. Even so, they had such a huge connection and pull to each other that it was impossible for them to stay mad for long.
“The idea that I’ve been sick with guilt over everything I hadn’t told her, everything I couldn’t say—promised not to tell her—makes me want to laugh now. Yes, I kept things from Aurora. But she went the extra mile and ripped things from me.”
This was a wacky but yummy read, hugely entertaining and at times a bit annoying because of the secrets and undeserved hostility towards Rory from some village inhabitants.
Leigh did it again. I‘ve read several books of her yet and THIS book is not like her others! Disclaimer: Nothing like any book she has eeeever writen, but in it‘s own way very very good.
This book destroyed me. Leigh chew me up and spit me back out again. Honestly! I was texting a friend all the time about this book telling her my theories and wtf-moments that I couldn‘t believe and believe me there are a lot!
The characters Mal and Rory in itself were soo goddamn well writen you just had to fall in love with them instantly and I personally loved the day they met the most. It‘s just so sweet and wonderful.
Coming back to the reality I got whiplash at how Mal had changed in the past few years and it hurt! Why would you do that! I wanted to cry all the time! But I couldn‘t put the book down for too long because I just had to know what happens and what all the secrets are and why Mal is acting the way he is.
Leigh‘s writing is amazing as always and like I said before you can‘t/don‘t want to put the book down.
Before you read it you should know there are a few topics in the book that might not be everybodys cup of tea like for example: cheating and death.
For me personally this book was amazing but not even close to what I expected and I‘m glad. I could figure out some things before the end though but it didn‘t hurt my reading in the slightest.
5/5 stars well deserved
This book was so original! Loved every second of it!
I loved all of the different POVs.
I wasn’t sure what to expect with the concept, but I was not disappointed!
This is a second chance romance with lots of drama and hate/love relationship.
Would you have signed a napkin saying if you meet again you will drop everything and be together?
5 STARS
I positively FLOVED this book! The story was different than what I’m used to from L.J. Shen, but that just made it more appealing. My feelings were all over the place while reading this book.
Even though years have passed, the feelings that Rory and Mal shared are deep and their intense chemistry is still scorching hot. All I can say about the following quote is…..SWOONWORTHY!!!
“You’re the four seasons, Rory. And I promise to be your shelter in the winter. To bask in you in the summer. To crash into love with you in spring like it’s the first time we’ve met. And when you fall? I promise to always pick you up.”
I appreciated the additional points of views from side characters, not excluding the deceased, animals and objects; it was truly unique. My favourite one was from the chocolate bar… “BEST DAY EVER”
I highly recommend reading this book! In the Unlikely Event by L.J. Shen is an EPIC read and will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!
Wow, wow, wow!!! You know, I was not really sure what to expect while going into reading this book and I am glad that I didn’t because it is a mixture of so many things. It is funny, it is heartbreaking, it is sweet, it is uncomfortable, it is OH SO HOT, and it is gut wrenching. Sometimes all of the emotions at one time and sometimes you get those feelings separately. I can tell you that In the Unlikely Event is unlike ANY book that you have ever read before and I totally had tears in my eyes towards the end of it (the good kind!).
What happens when you meet the right person at the WAY wrong time of your life? You sign a contract that states in the unlikely event that you meet again then you both would drop whatever relationship you might be in/job that you have and be together, BUT this has to happen organically. NEVER did Rory expect to see Malachy again, she also wasn’t expecting him to hate her guts, but what will her boyfriend think of him being back in her life? READ THE BOOK TO SEE!!
All in all, I loved this book. Like I said, it made me feel a plethora of emotions and there are some really tough situations listed in here, some I respect, some I do not, but you have to be open minded when reading a book about SOMEONE ELSE’S CHOICES. I might not like it, but I will give the author a chance to explain what is going on and after reading TONS of (ok, maybe all) books by LJ Shen, I know there is always a purpose behind her characters actions. If you can be a bit judgy, this book MIGHT not be for you, but if you are open to a whole ‘nother level of a romance book, you need to read this ASAP! 5 stars from this girl!
PS: A HUGE thank you to LJ Shen and Social Butterfly PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!
Rory travels overseas to Ireland to try to get some closure on the father she never met. But everyone she meets only seem to make her ask more questions and understand less of the man he was. Then she meets Malachy, she has never met a more infuriating human. That is until she meets her half sister who hates her and wants nothing to do with her. But she can’t pull her self away from Mal! Rory falls into a world she never knew existed, she can’t look away from him or ignore how he makes her feel. But she’s leaving tomorrow and has all the responsibilities in America and can’t fall for a man in Ireland. Or can she?
I dont know about Kismet and such… but ITUE was a different story from Shen. Rory’s visit to Ireland was unexpected and the nervous feelings to meet a past stranger. This love romance was unique.. heartbreaking second chances??? Crazy world..
Malachy Doherty and Aurora Belle Jenkins had made a contract. I think it was awkward cute! Never thought that it will bring a whole lot of tears and joy. ITUE was a chaotic with love story that will hurt you to the core. It will spun your mind so fast beyond madness. The ideas of story laid out perfectly with the each character emotions and the untold secrets.
ITUE’s had a strong hold with the past and it didnt hold back with so many emotions. The outburst love.. fiery loathing hate .. You find it all within little town TOLKA..
Fate, Kismet, Inevitable. These are just some of the words that immediately come to my mind when I think of how to describe this fantastic book. Now, this book is a departure from what we have come to expect from L.J. Shen as of late. But, instead is uniquely beautiful all it’s own. So I loved it just as I have loved all of her other writings. Rory and Mal’s story was fun and exciting and flirty and hot. It was also devastating and gut wrenching and angsty and full of redemption and hope.
“You were a beautiful mistake, but that doesn’t mean I don’t regret you.
Aurora”Rory” Belle Jenkins comes to Dublin, Ireland in search of her roots, her history after a death in her family. What she finds is Malachy Doherty, a street musician with enough talent to play his way right into her heart and her panties. They get one night, twenty-four hours. That’s enough for them to form a bond so strong that it seals both of their fates for years to come. So heartfelt promises are made, but will Rory actually have the opportunity to honor those, and what will happen in the unlikely event that it does? Where will she be in her life at that point? How will Rory handle finding out the truth when she discovers that everyone she loves has been keeping secrets from her?
Malachy Doherty is gorgeous and so talented. He falls hard and fast for the beautiful American Rory and after their amazing night together he will do whatever it takes to get her to agree to come back to Ireland and be his forever. He’s that sure she is it for him. So he draws up a contract and swears he will honor it. He kisses her farewell and tries to abide by all the rules but decided he needed to contact her. Malachy and Rory fall victim to lies, manipulations and misunderstandings, someone fecked with their futures (that’s the most I will say #SpoilersSuck) and they have no contact for eight years. They both move on with their lives and LOTS of things change for both of them but especially for Mal.
When the two are reunited for a work project. Years of pent up anger, rage, aggression, sexual tension, hurt and about every emotion you could name is unleashed between these two. Mal is set on revenge and Rory is clueless. And Boy oh boy, with her amazing writing L.J. makes sure you feel every.single.one of those emotions right along with Rory and Mal.
From the second they are around each other, you know it’s gonna be a fight to control the underlying feelings they have for each other with all the other stuff going on around them. That whole thin line between love and hate thing. Everyone else (significant others included ) best get out da way!!
“No matter the casualties or consequences.”
I really loved the uniqueness of having the POV’s from dead characters and inanimate objects, it brought the entire story together and brought it full circle from where it all started to how Rory and Mal ended up where they did. I loved their journey. Now it wasn’t always easy. There was lots of deception and lies and covering up of lies so it created lots of drama for the story which was great.
Rory and Mal we smokin hot together. But they were funny too. I promise you will never look at a chocolate bar the same again, or you might find yourself inspired. So I would most definitely recommend you taking a chance on this one. If you are already a L.J. Shen fan or a first timer definitely check this one out because… I give this one five stars and chocolate bars !!
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced complimentary copy of this book!
My cr8zysockbookblock blog wrap up for this book!
-This was beyond what I could have ever imagined. It was such an emotional ride and I’m so glad I got to take it!! .
– The Things Mal did to our Rory!! OMG!!
Cliffhanger Warning- No Cliffhanger. But a journey of ups and downs, blood ,sweat, tears and casualties for a well earned #HAPPYENDING
Different but oh so good…
I have read a lot by this author, have come to love her style and way of interpreting the world. With ITUE, she offered a slightly different take on said world but brought with it all the drama and emotion, the “get lost in” characters, I’ve come to love…
Mal and Rory were close to being a “what might have been”. They had a second chance to get it right and they made the most of it with humor and heat, secrets and shocking revelations. Their relationship was full of back and forth that felt so right, even as hurt and uncertainty followed them.
It was a roller coaster ride through their past, their present and epilogues of their future that capped it off perfectly. The only question I had needed no answer – how could these two not be together?
*Reviewed for 1-Click Addict Support Group
Forget the blurb because In the Unlikely Events is its own kind of crazy Christmassy fur ball. The story gripped me right from the start and held me in its magical arms until the very end. Ms Shen showed us a different side of her writing skills. A side so silly, yet addictive. The concept of this book? F-ing brilliant! The sex scenes? My panties are burning in hell… One of the things that had me a little disconnected was the characters’ morals which were at war with mine. Also, I didn’t dig the notes. But I know many readers who loved them! Actually, I think I’m the only one who didn’t. If you enjoy Helena Huntings rom-coms, the chances of you loving this book are pretty high.
FINAL RATING: 4.25 – 4.5 stars
Aurora Belle “Rory” Jenkins was broken the first time she met Malachy Dohert eight years ago in Ireland when she found out about the death of her father. Their one night stand ended up with a contract between the two on a napkin that if the two were to meet up again that they would be together, regardless of any other relationships that the two may be in.
Rory is now a freelance photographer for Blue Hill Records and in a relationship with Callum Brooks. Malachy is now a well known songwriter whom has gathered the attention of all of America and they all want a closer look at the Irish poet.
When Rory and Malachy are forced to work together will they be able to overcome all of the secrets from the past and the betrayals? Will Rory want to give up her relationship with Callum for a contract from the past?
This was such a great book with so many twists and turns that I never saw coming and there were so many laughing moments that just made the book.
I thought Rory was a great character and it was sad that her life was so manipulated by so many different people over the years. I gave her credit for moving on from the drama and finding herself and a career that she loved in spite of everything. Callum appeared to be a great guy who supported her but you could almost see that he really wasn’t too happy with her new job.
I loved Malachy when he first met him 8 years ago but I absolutely hated the one in the present. He was so cruel to Rory and I had no idea why as she hadn’t done anything to him over the years. The stuff he did to Rory to make her uncomfortable was intense yet he still held onto the napkin.
There was so much chemistry between Malachy and Rory but both were in relationships and Rory was mad that Malachy married her half-sister Kathleen who tormented her in Ireland 8 years ago.
Gradually secrets began to be revealed which opened up the reader’s eyes to so much more things that I couldn’t possibly have imagined. This allows everything to fall into place and clears up so much of the tension.
I liked that Malachy and Rory were able to clear up so much stuff when they actually discussed everything. This opened up a couple of other conflicts but I was glad that Rory and her mom were also able to discuss everything.
One of my most favorite parts were the notes from several people/things. The notes from the cow, Kathleen and the candy bar were absolutely epic!!! I laughed so hard and will never forget the candy bar – ever!
The end was awesome and I loved the way that everyone was able to overcome the past and work together for a future that included all of them.
In the Unlikely Event by LJ Shen was not like other books I have read by this author. I struggled with some parts but enjoyed others. We meet Mal and Rory who have a short and steamy romance, with a promise if they ever meet again, they would be together. Then life happened and years passed. But they do meet again. But now both are older and different. There is no way they can be together, right?
Mal knows he wants her back, regardless of any circumstances in her life. He was a man determined. Rory was just as determined. Their time had passed, right? Though I did not always like Rory and Mal, they seemed destined for each other. Theirs was a different kind of second chance romance. In the Unlikely Event by L.J. Shen we get a story full of angst, a rocky journey and second chances.
Happy reading!
ITUE is just fabulous!! Shen once again outdid herself. But really…..is that a surprise its LJ Shen!
Im insanely in love the premise if this story. It’s so different from anything she has written.
I loved Mal and Rory right from the start. Rory and Mal are amazing. Their chemistry is off the charts. Then when the Unlikely Event is agreed upon, I couldnt help but swoon.
When they meet again, it’s like a sucker punch to the heart. Mal is soo angry for some unknown reason. Rory is shaken about that, as she was thinking this was their moment. And when they are pushed together their secrets painfully come to light. When they do, I was soo upset at certian characters, and couldnt imagine wtf was going through their heads at the time. But with the Notes, you get glimpses as to why and you begin to understand the other characters more.
In The Unlikely Event by L.J. Shen is like a snow globe. You are admiring it from the afar, seeing the beautiful content and when you shake it, everything changes, become more vibrant, colorful and alive. The author outdid herself with this story! It is unique, deliberately written and most importantly, different from everything I have read so far!
“(…) he makes my reality better than my dreams.”
In The Unlikely Event is a story about two people, who shared one wild night filled with passion, memorable moments, laughs, and tears. Two young and reckless people from completely different worlds. Rory and Mal signed an unbelievable contract because their chance at seeing each other again was unlikely to happen. But eight years later they meet again. Mal and Rory matured, are more experienced, have secrets and failed to keep their promises. But the heart wants what it wants. Even though they changed, Mal and Rory’s feelings toward each other are even fierier and uncontrolled. But will it be enough to resign from everything they have and finally be together?
The author completely hypnotized me with this book. I devoured Rory and Mal story at one go! It is not only an unforgettable tale about star-crossed lovers. But it’s also a story about making assumptions and judging someone based on their behavior, gossips and not caring about the truth. It’s a story about making mistakes and forgiveness. About loving someone unconditionally.
Did I mention I fanned myself and laughed so hard while reading it? (I won’t look at certain things the same again)
You need to experience this book!
“My life is contained in a round, beautiful snow globe.
The kind no one has bothered to pick up from the dusty shelf in years. Unshaken. Quiet and still. From the outside, my manicured Swiss village looks perfect. And it is. Kind of. At twenty-six, it appears I have my life together.
Perfect job.
Perfect apartment.
Perfect roommate.
Perfect boyfriend.
Perfect lies.”
LJ Shen has written some of my favorite romances over the last four years. I have no shame…I am all but feral when it comes to getting my hands on her words like a complete junkie who can’t get enough of her stories. I’ve read every word she’s written to date, and more than once. Her books are beautifully written. The stories are exquisitely woven to ensure readers are hooked from the get-go with fantastic plots. The characters are beautifully flawed, their romances are insanely sexxxy, and always original. I’m equally drawn to the prose with which she delivers her stories and the sharpness of the sarcasm that she’s written into every fiber of the pages. Oh, and let us not forget the delicious appeal of her alphaholes—with whom almost everyone in Romancialand loves these days.
“He is beautiful, true, but that’s not what stands out to me. He is radiant. It’s like his presence has a presence. He sucks the air out of everything in his vicinity, making it impossible not to look at him.”
And knowing all of that, I was still absolutely blown away by In the Unlikely Event. Completely mind blown. Utterly captative from beginning to end and in the worst book funk after I finished. While there is absolutely no denying the fact that Shen wrote this story—as it contained those aforementioned standards to which I hold LJ Shen to—In the Unlikely Event was also vastly different from every book she’s delivered into her fandom’s hands. This second chance romance was a fairytale—with a prince and a princess who fall irrevocably in love at first sight and the angst of unrequited love. LJ Shen has not only risen the bar for the stories that she will pen after this, but she’s set a new standard for others within her genre. In the Unlikely Event was riveting. At one moment, I cried with the utter helplessness I felt at times for both the hero and the heroine. And new to readers, was the outright humor I found within the pages of In the Unlikely Event—I repeatedly found myself laughing out loud, however, I would like it acknowledged that this is by no means a rom-com. Prepare yourselves to be unable to move, or to put down LJ Shen’s latest book. Grab snacks, a coffee (or a great glass of wine if you’re like me) and one-click this book immediately. Do not wait to read what is one of my favorite reads of the year.
“Malachy is tailor-made for a huge, colossal heartbreak.”
“A completely unhinged, typhoon-souled, damaged Romeo who would break your bed, heart, and resolve if you let him.”
“Mal makes me burn. Crackle. Melt. My love for him is thick and sturdy. Metallic and alive. A beating organ, co-existing with my heart.”
I’ve been a fan of LJ Shen’s for a while now, and I’m always curious about what she will write next. She mentioned that this was going to be unlike anything we’ve ever read before, and I should’ve figured that when we started getting POVs from side characters, but also inanimate objects like: a napkin, a chocolate bar, etc. It kind of reminded me of Nicola Yoon’s The Sun is Also A Star with all the different perspectives! That being said, I’ll admit, the last few by Shen haven’t really grabbed me the way Vicious did. While I can read bully romances, I really prefer when we have an alphamale who isn’t a bully. Someone who is alpha but also vulnerable, and that’s totally what we got with Mal in this book. I loooooved Mal, but I also loooooved Rory.
This book follows Mal and Rory who meet on a chance happening, they spend an amazing night with one another, but due to circumstances they realize they can’t make it work. Instead, they make a pact on a napkin that if they were to meet again, they make it work. Years later, they meet again, but Rory is happily in a relationship, Mal apparently got married, and somehow they are forced to work with one another: Rory, a photographer, and Mal, a songwriter. I loved seeing how they spent that one night together and just seeing them fall so quickly for one another, but I also loved seeing them 8 years later and how they were grappling with who they were now, the secrets of their past, and all the complications surrounding their relationship. They made it work and there were so many moments when both just bared their souls to one another that made me swoon. I did also like that there was mention of her other book, Midnight Blue, and the main characters from that – that was a nice easter egg surprise.
I also really felt like the world buillding was done really well, because I felt like I was in Ireland while reading this (not gonna lie, I want to get on a plane to Ireland after reading this book ASAP). All in all, it had all the things I’ve come to know and love from LJ Shen’s books: intense and deep love, angsty moments, alphamales, but also really strong heroines that stand up for themselves and what they want, and just really sweet romantic moments. If you are a fan of Shen’s writing, you’ll love this one. It reminded me of Dirty Headlines and Midnight Blue, and I just loved seeing how Mal and Rory’s story came together! Please do yourself a favor and pick it up today, you will not be disappointed!