When one man’s death exposes a complex web of lies, three couples discover the true meaning of love, loss and redemption.CrystalI was the strong one, they said, until two words brought me to my knees.It was a secret I didn’t share with anyone. A secret that made me promise I’d never fall in love. I no longer wanted that white picket fence of every woman’s dreams.Until the unthinkable happened.Gabe white picket fence of every woman’s dreams.
Until the unthinkable happened.
Gabe
I thought I had it all with the best medical practice in the state and the woman of my dreams.
I wore a smile on my face every single day. I couldn’t wait to watch her walk down the aisle and start our forever, except she never did. My runaway bride made me realize love isn’t worth it.
What happens when your dreams unexpectedly come true?
This is the story of unexpected love.
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What happens when the unexpected hits your eReader? You get follow up story to Perfect Love Story that brings the storyline to full arc for the four friends.
NOTE: I do not recommend you read this as a standalone. This book is a companion to Perfect Love Story. So much is interconnected that you MUST read them in order. PSA out.
Perfect lead you to believe there was so much more to Crystal and Gabe than just some handsy behind the scenes. Unexpected gives you just that: Their unexpected back stories, unexpected meet up and one-sided unexpected desire to be in a relationship. Who? Well, read to find out.
WARNING: There is a tragic murder scene. Do not read if you are sensitive to the Louboutins getting whacked.
Natasha Madison gain delivers a read to keep you engaged to see how all the missing parts you saw in Perfect Love Story fit in.
* A review copy was provided by the author for the Blog Tour *
~ 4.5 Stars ~
Unexpected Love Story is the second book in Natasha Madison’s Love Series. I enjoyed this one just as much as the first book in the series.
I found this story to be captivating and heartbreaking all at once. I loved the characters, but I knew I would since I loved them in the first book. I think my only real complaint about this story was that the first 1/4 of the book was pretty much a retelling of book 1 (Perfect Love Story) I would’ve liked getting to the heart of Crystal and Gabe’s story right away. I really didn’t think all the build up of the past book was necessary. I did like however that as the story moved on and focused more on Crystal and Gabe, that the story was still intertwined with the first book. We got to see some of the scenes in that book from Crystal and Gabe’s POV, which I though made the connection to all the characters that much stronger. This story filled in some blanks for questions that arose while I read the first book.
I don’t know if I would say this is a complete standalone, but I guess you don’t have to read the first book to still understand and enjoy this book. I only suggest reading them in order, because the stories are so intertwined that things will make more sense if read in order.
I will say I didn’t find this story as heartbreaking as the first story, just because storylines are slightly different. Now that doesn’t mean this book isn’t an emotional rollercoaster and you will be yelling one minute and either crying or laughing the next. You just hit some other emotional spots in this book compared to book 1. I thought this book moved at a little faster pace then book 1 but it worked for Gabe and Crystal. It showed that some unexpected things can be great!!!!
As you can tell we follow Gabe and Crystal. Gabe is the local doctor and cousin of Jensen’s (Hero in book 1). Crystal is the cousin of Hailey (heroine in book 1) and has just taken on a new position in the local clinic as a nurse. What she wasn’t expecting was to run into Gabe again and to find out he is her new boss. Gabe and Crystal first meet totally unexpectedly, so random that they don’t know each others real names. When they are face to face again, things don’t go so smoothly. Will they get over their past issues to find their HEA?? What happens when an unexpected meeting turns into something even more?? Read this story to find out.
If you love a romance story about chance meetings, then this is one you will want to read.
If you’ve read Perfect Love Story which is the first book in this series by Natasha Madison you’ve already been introduced to Crystal and Gabe and some of their hilarious antics.
Crystal is Hailey’s hilarious best friend, she’s an amazing nurse and followed Hailey to this small town when her friend was mending her broken heart. She has this secret that she carries deep down, she’s infertile, she was diagnosed at nineteen and vowed then and there never to let anyone romantically close.
Gabe is one of Jensen’s best friends and was recently left at the altar literally. Gabe is mending a broken heart and the last thing he needs is his new nurse Crystal the only one that can make him even remotely interested in romance after what he’s been through.
Gabe and Crystal are so full of humor and they each give as good as they get! I was constantly laughing at these two or something they were doing, each of them are headstrong and independent yet having to work together day in and day out forces these two together and the chemistry just continues to build. Once these two give in let’s just say there are plenty of fireworks to go around. Crystal and Gave weren’t looking for love but sometimes you find it in the most unexpected ways!
I loved this story beginning to end! The steamy moments are almost as regular as the humor and constant bickering! I highly recommend you start at the beginning with Perfect Love Story but even if you dive right into Crystal and Gabe you won’t be disappointed!
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Hilarious, fun and sexy.
I laugh so hard reading this book my belly ached. Gabe and Crystal love/hate relationship is very comical, I enjoy them a lot.
I am really loving and enjoying this series! This is the second book and the story of Crystal and Gabe. I enjoyed their journey and how sometimes love can come into your life when you least expect it!
After Crystal received some devastating news, she devotes her life to become the best nurse there is. But when her best friend gets some really bad news, they leave town to try to build a new life. When Crystal starts working at the family practice, she can’t believe her eyes, the one man who gave her the best night of her life, is standing right in front of her. But even though their chemistry is undeniable, she doesn’t want more. But life has a way of intervening and the more she gets to know him, the more she falls for him…
Gabe was left at the altar by his fiancée and is still recuperating but when he sees Crystal again, there’s something about her that makes him want to try again. But Crystal is keeping him at arms length. Although he is slowly tearing down the walls around her heart, he’ll learn a devastating secret. But life has a way of throwing us off and heading us to the path we were meant to be and something unexpected happens. Maybe, just maybe, they’ll find their true happy ending?..
Loved Gabe and Crystal! They made me laugh at every turn. Crystal is a spit-fire and Gabe is probably the only man who could handle her.
What can I say, I am in love with Crystal and Gabe and their story! These two have a love/hate relationship. They drive each other crazy but it’s so much fun watching it unfold!
This book had the ability to have me laughing one minute and crying the next. Throwing humor and heartache all in one book and doing it as beautifully as their journey was done, made for an amazing read! This is a MUST READ!! 5 STARS!!
I was really looking forward to Crystal and Gabe’s story. We meet this couple in the first book in this series, Perfect Love Story. No worries though… if you have not read Perfect Love, this book can stand completely on its own. The timeline of this book runs parallel to the timeline in the first book in the series. In Perfect Love Story we know something is going on between Gabe and Crystal and here we get the sizzling details.
Gabe and Crystal each have their own relationship demons. Gabe was, quite literally, left standing at the alter when the woman he believed to be the love of his life abandons him. Crystal’s issue runs a bit deeper. Without revealing it, I will say that it has adversely affected her view on marriage and children. Never for her, she thinks.
One of my favorite things in this book is their banter. Amusing and combative at the same time, this is where Ms. Madison shines. Their attraction is intense and their first intimate encounter is smoking hot. The book kept me fully invested and engaged and I was rooting for their HEA throughout. I loved this second book in the series and eagerly await the third, Broken Love Story. And speaking of….. the end of Unexpected reveals the hero and heroine of Broken Love Story. Can I just say…Holy Crap!!!! Would never have seen that one coming! Bring it on, Ms. Madison! Bring. It. On.
Reviewed by: Jamie B.
Unexpected Love Story is the second book in the Love series and I think that Natasha Madison may have topped her last release in my heart! After meeting Crystal and Gabe in Perfect Love Story I was super excited to get my hands on their story because we were left with some major clues at the end of the first book and I needed to know what was going to happen between them as soon as possible!
The moment I noticed that this book downloaded onto my kindle I immediately began to read and didn’t put it down until I reached the very end because I couldn’t put it down. I freaking adored every single moment of this story and loved getting the opportunity to relive certain events described in Hailey and Jensen’s story as well as other events that were occurring at the same time the first book took place. It was nice to see some important scenes in a new light.
Crystal and Gabe have both experienced some unexpected circumstances recently and the last thing either one of them expected was to find themselves attracted to one another. Their love story was unique and chaotic at times, but that just added to the experience of this beautifully written story! The author has once again captivated my whole heart with her brilliant storytelling and I cannot wait for the final book in this standalone series!
The spelling, punctuation, and grammar aren’t that great (bad editing?), but the writing overall is very good and the story grabs you.
4.5 STARS
What an unexpected delight to read! I knew Crystal was a special woman, but I had no idea how special she really was until now!
Like I wrote earlier, I knew Crystal was a unique, beautiful, and caring woman. However, I had no idea underneath that giving person, she carried a secret that determined the way she looked at relationships. She vowed never to fall in love.
Gabe is every woman’s dream. He’s good looking, sexy, funny, and sweet. Too bad the woman he was willing to give himself to didn’t want him. So, like Crystal, he has vowed to never fall in love again. Neither one of them have a clue that fate has other plans for them. Love always finds you when you least expect it.
Madison did a phenomenal job in developing her characters. Gabe and Crystal both deserved love and each other, even if they fought it. I liked their banter with one another. They could never decide whether they wanted to hit each other or kiss each other. Gabe was a great character, but the stand-out character for me was Crystal. Other readers will know what I mean when they read the book. She was such a giving, loyal person, yet she was carrying so much pain around with her that no one knew about. Yet, instead of being bitter, she gave a hundred percent of her love to those she cared about.
Madison amazed me in how she wrote the story. The book was written from both of their POVs. A lot of times it was the same events but told in Crystal’s voice and then Gabe’s. It was the same event yet their perspectives and thoughts made it so different; therefore, making the story very unique. In addition, you see the progression of Hailey and Jensen’s love story (Perfect Love Story) but through Crystal’s eyes. That made the book special as well.
Madison also gave us not one but two epilogues which I loved. As much as I enjoyed these two books, I have to say that the next book in the series is THE ONE I’m waiting for. I can’t wait to get my hands on that one!!!!!
I still can’t believe that I’ve read a Natasha Madison soooo late in the game, I’ve completely fell in love with her books as soon as I read the Something So series. And this series has easily become one of my newest favorites with constantly pulling out the feels and just enough angst to keep you hungry for more. I was so curious to see what kind of story would unfold between Crystal and Gabe. Crystal has been holding onto a painful secret that could possibly diminish any chance of finding love, all while Gabe is dealing with a broken love and being left at the altar.
I absolutely loved how protective and fierce she was with her loved ones especially Hailey (which her story is told in the first book of this series … and I obviously need to read it). With Hailey dealing with a heartbreaking story of her own and needing to move away and start a new. Crystal decides to go with her, to the countryside and new people. And where her story with Gabe begins.
With Crystal being the super nurse extraordinaire and Gabe being the doctor that she works alongside with. It’s just a recipe for all sorts of banter and instant attraction. However, meeting at the medical clinic wasn’t actually the first time they’ve met. A one night stand where names weren’t exchanged is something neither one could forget. It’ll be interesting to see how long these two will be able to fight the pull.
The title of this book is so darn fitting, love was obviously something that they weren’t looking for, but I loved how easy it was for both of them to fall for each other. I loved watching it unfold as you get deeper and deeper into their story. It felt so natural and it was so clear that they were meant to be together.
Unexpected Love Story pulled every emotion possible out of me. I was completely hooked and devoured every word. I am such a fan of Natasha Madison and I need to read this series from the beginning. Plus I’m already anticipating the next book in this series, Broken Love Story.
A must read for all romance lovers!
This can easily be read as a standalone. There is some re-telling of Perfect Love Story, but it won’t ruin your experience of that book and I highly recommend you pick that one up as well.
The love between Gabe and Crystal was unexpected, but sometimes things happen in life, people move, people get left at the altar and cross paths and find each other. Even though these two had insta-love, it was super hot.
There was a “issue” in the story that I wished went a different route. I think it may be more my problem as a reader because I sometimes crave messy outcomes. Real life outcomes. Nice, neat, tied in a bow is not always what I want. A different outcome would have torn my heart to shreds, but instead I gave it a bit of side eye and just kept flipping pages because I do think everyone should gobble up everything Natasha writes. She is amazing.
Yet another 6 read from Natasha Madison.
I love Crystal. She’s fun, outgoing, and while she was dealt a blow, she doesn’t let that hold her back from living life. Gabe is a sexy, alpha type hero who you can’t help but fall in love with, especially when he doesn’t quite come out on top in all situations. Seeing these two interact together had me cracking up a lot of the time. Crystal knew just what buttons to push with Gabe, and how to get him riled up (in more ways than one) Add in the perfect amount of suspense, and a tragedy that will have you in tears, and you won’t find a better read! I would highly recommend this book!!
Oh my heart!! Natasha has done it again!! This series is just heartbreakingly beautiful wonderfully magical at the same time. This story will pull at your heartstrings from the very beginning to the very ending!! You will see glimpses of the first book Perfect Love Story through Crystal’s eyes in this book so it is wise in my opinion that you have read that book. So you will relive some very sad things from that book as well. What I love most about this series is that it is so real, that this could be your sister, cousin, or friend. That it’s not so far fetched that it’s not something that couldn’t happen. And that she’s not afraid to really get in there and tell it like it is no matter how real it is. And whether you will laugh at it or end up using an entire box of Kleenex because of it. These are the types of stories that I love and Natasha Madison has knocked them out of the sky with this series!! And although the men are far from perfect they are absolutely amazingly perfect for their partner and that’s what everyone is looking for. So I highly highly recommend this book!!!!! – By Tina
I think when you’ve decided you’re not looking for love, you find it. Crystal moves far away from home to help her best friend/cousin start over after a life-altering tragedy. Crystal even found a job at a small town clinic, so she’s set! But when she realizes the man she had a one night stand with is her boss, she’s mentally running scared. Gabe isn’t your typical small town doc. He has tattoos all over. He thought he knew what love was, but being left at the altar kind of changes your perspective. Gabe thinks Crystal is the total package, but she’s got a secret that will mess everything up. Can Gabe help her understand how much he loves her before Crystal does something stupid? Also, there’s a surprise twist near the end of the story that I didn’t see coming.
Another sweet love story by Natasha Madision, Unexpected Love Story gets 4 stars.
Natasha never disappoints this story has you riding the up and downs with the characters. You feel the pain of the hero and heroine. if you love angst and HEA this is the series for you.
4.5 Stars
If you have’t Started this series you are truly missing out on an awesome series. This book delivers on the heart and feels. It also had the humor and heat I love as well. I can’t tell you how much I laughed while reading this one. I just loved Crystal and Gabe together. This book overlaps a little with the first book because Crystal intertwined with her cousin in Perfect Love Story. Gabe and Crystal will have you hooked right from the beginning. These felt that Happily Ever After was not in the cards for them, but then fate works her magic. Be prepared for the epilogue because it has all the feels! It was the perfect touch to this great book.
After reading Perfect Love Story, I was so excited to get Crystal and Gabe’s story. Their side dalliances were so intriguing in that book; I wanted to know how they looked from the inside. Unexpected Love Story was okay but didn’t quite capture my heart the way its predecessor did.
I loved Crystal (though I hate the name, it reminds me of a stripper) in Perfect Love Story, and she was a great character in this book. My heart broke for her in the first chapter of this book. She was strong, though, and did everything she could to protect herself and those she loved. I loved her snark and her refusal to back down when she was certain of herself. I would have liked to have seen a little more organic growth from her, as I felt she only allowed herself to change when the choice was taken away from her. Gabe was the far more interesting character, in terms of growth, in Unexpected Love Story. Watching him change from the jaded, surly man he’d been at the beginning to the passionate, considerate man he was, in the end, was wonderfully heartwarming.
After reading Perfect Love Story, the plot of Unexpected Love Story was fairly predictable. There weren’t a lot of new scenes, just retellings of the scenes established in PLS, which lent to the feeling of knowing exactly what was coming. That being said, I did love getting to see what Crystal and Gabe were doing in all those secret moments from the first book. It was obvious – in both books – that their connection was explosive and unrestrainable. Their back and forth was exciting and served to show how well they really knew each other.
I have a few wishes for this book. First, it needs another round of editing. There were a lot of grammatical and continuity issues. Second, Crystal’s personal struggle and how that all planned out was too far-fetched – even for fiction – for me to be able to suspend my beliefs for. Finally, I felt like recapping the entirety of what had happened before Crystal and Hailey moved was redundant. Very little of it had anything to do with Crystal and Gabe’s story, and those pages could have been far better used in helping flesh out Crystal and Gabe’s journey.
Unexpected Love Story is the second book in Natasha Madison’s Love series. These books are technically interconnected standalones, as they each deal with a different couple, but reading them in order gives a better experience in understanding the nuances of what has happened to bring them to the point they’re at. Unexpected Love Story is written in dual first-person perspective, narrated by Crystal & Gabe.
Natasha Madison blew me away with when I read her first novel. This one didn’t seem to have the same magic as that one, however. There were glimpses of that same intense storytelling, and I loved those. As I was reading, I felt as if this book was an obligation, a bridge to reach from one story she wanted to tell, to the next, but not something that had the author’s heart and soul in it.
Book 2 in the Love Story Series
Told in the same timeline as book 1, we get Crystal’s perspective and accounting of the trauma and tragedy that her cousin Hailey, experienced following the death of her husband. After Hailey decides on relocating to a small southern coastal town to recover, and Crystal surprises her by going along with the move to support her cousin in her time of need.
We finally get the low down on the story of what and why there was so much ‘tension’ between crystal and Gabe.
Gabe being Crystals new boss, her hawt new boss that she had the pleasure of meeting up close and personally prior to him becoming her boss…when they were just ‘Jane and John Doe’ who happened to meet in a bar where medical professionals had met after a medical conference.
Gabe had sworn off women, after being left embarrassed and heartbroken at the alter by the love of his life…his dreams of a future together and children smashed to dust…he wasn’t expecting to meet anyone and certainly didn’t expect that someone to the his newly hired nurse.
Crystal is no stranger to loss, her own dreams of the future were destroyed at 19, she is focused in what she wants and will never show her disappointment.
not even to someone so important..someone that has become part of her unexpected love story.
I knew this book was going to be great when I was reading the first in the series, only two people so madly in love with each other could have such chemistry.
I adored their interactions and despite their ‘spats’ hoped that they would have as great a story as Hailey and Jenson.
This book did not disappoint. Unlike the slow gentle burn of Hailey and Jenson chemistry …Crystal and Gabe had a engulfing fire of chemistry for a story. I adored the raw feelings they tried to keep secret for each other…and that ending was a beautiful one!!
all hail the Happy Ever After Epilogue