This was such a fun, comedic, and sweet romance novel! Unexpected follows two best friends whose feelings get complicated when Abby learns she must get pregnant ASAP if she wants a child. Abby and Marcus start a physical relationship, which evolves into something more. Unexpected was such a quick read and one I couldn’t put down. At times, Abby’s tendency to avoid deep conversations annoyed me, but didn’t affect my enjoyment too much. 4 out of 5 stars!

I am really sad that this didn't work for me. I loved Before I Let You Go by Kelly Rimmer so I was really excited to hear that she was writing contemporary romance. My issues with the book aren't so much with the writing - I still think Rimmer is a great writer - but with the overall plot and characters.

So my biggest pet peeve was that the entire romantic tension/plot depending on a lack of communication between the characters. If Marcus & Abby had spoken to each other at the beginning of the book, then this book would have been about 15 pages long. Their feelings were both already there, so the plot was just them overcoming their denial and talking to each other about it. I know this may be realistic, but honestly, it just got on my nerves. I just wanted them to TALK TO EACH OTHER. Especially Abby - her character overall really got on my nerves because she insisted on living in denial, was non-confrontational to the point of allowing issues to ruin her relationships rather than confront them, and had a really weak personality. And I don't even think she really overcame that by the end of the book!

Okay, I'm getting a little ranty so I'll sign off with the hope that if Rimmer tries romance again, next time it will work a little better for me.

Abby had a strange edge to her voice . She was Marcus’s best friend and roommate and she said she wanted to talk to him. Marcus had just put in thirteen hours at the office and was hungry. Marcus had to get organized before he talked to Abby. He called and ordered take out food. Abby had just found out that for fertility reasons if she wanted a child she better get pregnant right away as her fertility was in a fast decline. Abby had asked Luca to be a sperm donor for her as she knew after his parents marriage marcus wasn’t interested in kids or marriage. . Than there was a ping on her IPad and Abby told Marcus to check it. The message was Warwick Chester wants to connect with you. After Abby saw the message she gasped. Than Marcus said now let’s forget that ever happened. Than Abby said no they weren’t talking about her thing right now open the message and see what he had to say for himself. Warwick Chester was Marcus and his brother Luca’s biological father . he had been an excellent parent up until just a couple weeks before Marcus’s seventh birthday. When one day he left for work and never returned. It had been twenty five years and this was the first attempt to contact him. Warwick did show up at his grandfather Don’s funeral last month. But he sat at the back and left right after the service was done. Marcus would have not known Warwick was there but he went up with his mother as she did the eulogy. He didn’t acknowledge marcus or his identical twin brother Luca. His grandfather Don loved his family but he had a mean streak when it came to marcus and his brother Luca. Abby said it was a group message to him and Luca from Warwick. Abby, Luca and marcus grew up together . marcus mom remarried jack and they still lived in the house Marcus and Luca grew up in. It was fitting Abby helped marcus navigate this as she had been there all the other key moments in marcus’s life. Warwick asked the boys to call him. Marcus told Abby he was fine. He had a great apartment and friends and was the co-owner of a software startup that was growing very fast. Marcus felt confused, resentful, upset, and...hopeful. He needed to squash that last feeling. Abbey mentioned the message made it sound like Warwick had kept in contact with Don for all these years to keep tabs on marcus and Luca. Marcus didn’t believe it. Than Abby asked what he was going to do and marcus said he didn’t know . did Warwick even deserve a reply? Than he he did need to talk to Luca. An odd look passed over Abby’s face and she started to fidget. Marcus asked if her and Luca had a fight and she said they always fight. Their bickering is always innocent but there is nothing innocent about the guilty look on Abby’s face. Abby made her living creating digital content about video games. Marcus called Luca and left him a message . Luca texted Marcus he needed to talk to him and had seen the message, what about drinks tomorrow night? Abby and Marcus had a passionate kiss on new years Eve but the refused to discuss it. Marcus says he will be her baby daddy. Abby finds out the fertility treatments are very expensive and Abby doesn’t want to call a sperm bank. But marcus said they could have a child and raise it together with no romantic relationship just best friends. Because of time and money they try for a baby with regular sex . But they didn’t expect to have such a great chemistry together.
I really loved this book. I thought it was a great read. It got my attention right from the start and kept it right up to the end. I loved Marcus and Abby together and how they interacted. I was cheering for Marcus and Abby. they had hot chemistry and they fit together so well. After sex feelings started coming out that had been deep inside them maybe why they were both single and Abby haven't found the one and Abby wanted children and a husband. I loved the plot and pace. . i loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I highly recommend it.

This was my first read by this author and, while I can see what she was attempting to do, the execution did not live up to the expectations.

At first I was mystified as to why the book wasn't grabbing my attention. The female lead suffers from anxiety and I always appreciate a story that showcases less than perfect characters. Also, Friends-to-Lovers is a time honoured trope and is usually quite enjoyable for me. Then there was the reason for them being together in the first place, and that is usually enjoyable for me, too. So why was I constantly putting this book down and hesitant to pick it back up? The answer is varied.

First, as I've said, this book utilises many tropes. (I've only touched on the top two.) But in each case I was reminded of another book that handled it more smoothly, so that it works better. None of the ideas were fresh, and the writing wasn't stellar enough to elevate it to an acceptable level. Quite disappointing.

And secondly, we spend so much time in the characters heads and nothing else happens. No forward momentum. I was going through pages and pages where the only dialogue is a sentence or two. As I complained to a friend whilst reading: If I wanted this much introspection and self-reflection I'd just buy a f**king self-help book.

Which leads me into my next point. Her mental issues are used as a plot device rather than with any respect. She's desperate to have a baby, but she can't even have an honest and adult conversation about the smallest thing. She's rigid with her routine and schedule, and yet she thinks having a baby - one that can't even communicate for years - is going to be okay? If she child is being bullied at school, how would she handle it if she gets too emotional and can't stand confrontations? They had their first honest conversation at approximately 80% of the story. I almost didn't care. The more I read of her, the more issues she had, and the more I just felt it was all too much.

(To be clear, I fully realise that there are people with issues this severe. I'm not saying that they don't deserve representation, just that THIS book doesn't do them justice. She suffers from debilitating depression and when she gets some harsh medical news she just deals with it? Why isn't she talking with her therapist? This bit of throw-away plot is what annoyed me time and again throughout the book.)

I was actually more interested in Paul and Isabel's story, to be honest. (When the secondary characters are more attention grabbing than the main characters, you know you've got a problem.) It seemed to me that he might be on the Autism Spectrum, most likely undiagnosed, which is another fascinating premise for a character. But again, I've read some stellar books with ASD characters and I just don't think this author has the capabilities for writing this well or properly. While I'd love to know how things work out for Paul and Izzy, I just can't force myself to slog through another book like this.

this was cute, i liked it. i admit, friends to lovers isn't my favourite trope because sometimes it's like 'we know each other and love each other (as friends) and now we magically love each other as more-than-friends' and the reader doesn't always get to feel that with the characters, we are just told.. and i felt that way a bit with this one. i felt their attraction, sure, but never really felt them falling in love, was just told they did. but it was cute and i liked the characters, though they both ended up frustrating me later in the book. i admit i didn't care for the sub-plot with the father. i think something was missing for me, though i'm not quite sure what - more angst, more build up? i don't know. i liked the writing though, and will definitely pick up the next one (especially if it is about who i think it is about., fingers crossed!)

I enjoyed the two main characters, Abby and Marcus and watching their friendship develop. I found it to be a fast read that has you wanting to keep reading until the last pages so you can find out what the ending is going to be. Though the story was a bit predictable, it was a very cute, fun read. If you are in the mood for a contemporary romance, this is the book you should pick up.
Kelly Rimmer is a new author to me and I will definitely be getting more of her books. Many thanks to NetGallery, Harlequin and, Kelly Rimmer for the opportunity to read and review “Unexpected.” I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for my honest review.

Being fertility-challenged would definitely lead us to our childhood best friend as a sperm donor. Can this idea keep this friendship platonic or does the universe have other plans? I loved Abbey and Marcus separately and together. Just barely into it and I was rooting for these two to break out of the friend zone. Hilarious and sexy makes for this to be the start of a great series.
I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest opinion.

UNEXPECTED, by new-to-me author Kelly Rimmer, is a friends-to-lovers romance that tugged at my heartstrings. It is nicely written and the characters are easy to get to know. This is the first book from the author’s brand new series, START UP IN THE CITY, and it can be read as a standalone.

About thirty years ago, Abby Herbert and Marcus Ross were neighbors. They became best friends while growing up together in Syracuse New York, and their friendship remains just as strong today. Their respective parents would be absolutely thrilled if their amazing friendship evolved into a romantic future.

Abby is a successful gamer and gaming commentator. She earns a good living from her videos and live streams. About 1.5 million subscribers tune in each week to view her videos. Marcus found his niche in the tech industry. He and a couple of good friends founded their own software development company, which is doing quite well. Due to a bad breakup, Abby moved in with Marcus a while back. They get along splendidly, because they know each other so well. They shared a passionate kiss a few months ago, which they both think about quite often. Sadly, Abby finds out that her fertility is declining, so she enlists Marcus’s help in getting pregnant. Naturally, their deep rooted friendship evolves into much more when they start sleeping together.

This book is all about Abby and Marcus’s road to forever together. I immediately connected with both of them as individuals and as a couple. Their sexy times were a bit subdued, however, I truly felt their desire for each other. The secondary characters are unique in their own right, which added a lot of background to the present happenings. I especially liked Marcus’s mother, because her happiness was so genuine. Overall, a solid friends to lovers romance.

Unexpected is the first book in the series Start Up In The City. I love love love reading friends to lovers romance. This is the book of two roommates that have been friends forever. It’s cute and fun and romantic. It also has passion and boundaries that are pushed.

Abby, she is quiet and geeky. She keeps to herself pretty much. She is that video game girl that does blogging for a living. I can relate to that. When she hears the news she is even quieter.

Then you have Marcus. He doesn't believe in commitment. He has seen how his parent's relationship tuned out so he doesn't want that. When he finds out what is happening with his best friend and roommate he wants to help.

These two know each other like no one else. They have been best friends since childhood. They never wanted to be with one another that they know of. Deep down I think it was there just denial or really don't see how they are with each other. When Abby learns her dreams of having a baby need to be rushed she looks into fertility and has Marcus go with her. He proposes they do it together. When they find out that the waiting period for testing and such will takes months and months. Abby is afraid of what will happen then. Her doctor even advises her that it can be risky and she should wait.

Slowly but surely, as you can expect things change for them. The craving they have for each other just keeps growing. No matter how hard they want it to stay platonic. What is it they expect after the kiss that was not ever mentioned before on New Years. I loved the sweetness of this book. I needed it after what I had been reading. It was a bit predictable but still fun. I loved their friendship. The writing was good and the people you can relate to.

I am excited to read the next book in the series.

When Kelly Rimmer released Before I Let You Go, she earned a slot on my pre-order list immediately. When The Things We Cannot Say was released, she moved into a top favorite author slot for me (and I shouted praise from the rooftops) - immediately I dove into her backlist (also nothing but praise) and then I heard she would be releasing a romantic comedy and I was THRILLED. This author has proven to me she can write contemporary fiction, historical fiction, women’s fiction and it all blows me away. Having become a huge fan of contemporary romance and romantic comedies lately, I was psyched.

Unexpected is the story of two best friends who are also roommates and decide to have a baby together. Abby suffers from fertility issues and is afraid to wait longer. Marcus, the doting best friend, offers to help - via clinical methods, of course. Now, it’s pretty clear to everyone but the two of them that they are made for each other. But it’s nothing but fun and heartwarming feels watching them figure that out.

Again, Rimmer’s writing is nothing short of spectacular and this book delivers 100%. Be sure to grab a copy tomorrow and thank me later.

Thank you to Harlequin HQN for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Unexpected is a sweet and spicy romance novel; perfect for contemporary romance lovers. This novel will not pack a punch like Rimmer’s previous novels, however if you’re in the mood for friends to lover’s sweet romance you should pick up this first novel in the Start Up in the City series.

This book proves Kelly Rimmer can write any genre of book! This was a great Rom-Com and I can't wait for the next book in the series! Abby and Marcus are best friends and even share an apartment. When Abby finds out she has fertility issues and needs to have a baby now, Marcus offers to be the dad. What follows is hilarious!!! The characters are amazing and I would love to see more of Marcus's twin brother Luca! I received and advanced readers copy and all opinions are my own.

I thought this was just an okay romance. Wasn't connected with any characters and it was hard the read this arc with the font format being askew. The main characters weren't even the ones I was interested in the most. It was his twin brother and husband.

i love friends to lovers romance and this was adorable.

My only complaint is that for some reason this book can be a little bit shorter if both characters would talk things through. I was annoyed by the lack of communication.

Overall it was cute and I will read the next book in the series.

First and foremost, I want to start off with the love I have for this cover. It is absolutely gorgeous, and it fits Marcus and Abby so well, down to what they look like. So props to Kelly Rimmer for choosing such a profound cover, that displays them so perfectly. Okay, now on to the important stuff. This is my first read by this author, and I am seriously impressed. She has a unique sense when it comes to her writing style. In my opinion, there was maybe even a little too much writing if that makes sense. It was just little odds and ends I felt that could have been left out, so it kinda dragged for me. Overall I would prefer too have too much versus less than, so that's always a positive. Now on to the positives, the whole book felt natural. Which means it flowed pretty well too me, nothing felt like it was rushed, or the main characters were pushed together. I absolutely adored the characters and their overall relationship. Marcus and Abby is seriously relationship goals and friendship goals. It was nice to see how supportive they were. These characters had some serious developments and it was nice to see the maturity in them. The chemistry was one of a kind. As I mentioned above, it felt natural and like some real life stuff. I can't wait to see more from this author.

Abby is an introvert that is very indecisive. She is also so in to her head and can not stand confrontation, and I seriously felt that. She is me and I am her. The only thing she has truly wanted in life is a husband and children.

Marcus is a control freak but in the best of ways. Being a twin he knows how to share nicely. He is a very intuned person that loves food. He is not made for marriage and family other than the one he already has.

What is the worst that could happen when two friends take their friendship to the next level so one can make their dream a reality?

I was sent this book from the publisher. My ratings and reviews will be my own personal opinions and are in no way influenced by publishers or authors who may have sent me books to review.

I love Kelly Rimmer, so when I saw she was coming out with a romance I knew I wanted to read it. Better yet, this is a friends to lovers romance which made it even better.

I really enjoyed that this involved older characters as Abby is 32 years old. I actually loved the friendship between Abby and Marcus. The friendship is developed prior to the emotional/physical relationship happening and I really appreciated it. You really believe they were best friends. Most stories will say they were best friends, but they are throwing themselves at each other by the end of the first chapters. I liked that this is not what happened with this couple.

This does deal with fertility issues, but not really. It does not get into the emotional trauma or hit that emotional level as it really is only the on the surface. I know this is the main thing around why the romance happens, but it was not as emotional as I thought it would be. I am a person in my 30s struggling with infertility and it did not trigger me. I was able to connect a little more with Abby though due to my own struggles. I did cry in the end based on this connection.

Yes, this was a little slower paced and there is not too much going on besides the building of their relationship. There is a little extra drama thrown in with the father of Marcus coming into the picture. The story itself was predictable, but I still enjoyed it.

Overall, this one was good and I liked it.

This one was only ok. I really couldn't connect to either one of them and couldn't really bring myself to care. I was much more interested in Marcus's coworkers and when he dropped the bomb on them about having a baby I could understand just how they felt. This could have been so much better if the characters had been even slightly more interesting.

Unexpected is a contemporary romance. It is book one in the Start Up in the City series. The book does not end with a cliffhanger. So potentially the next book will be about a different couple (one of their friends?).

The narrators are best friends Abby (30) and Marcus (32). They are already roommates. And have been best friends since childhood. Abby finds out that if she ever wants to have a baby she needs to try now.

This book will be for romance readers who like sweet, sexy books. The book was a bit predictable and not overly substantial. But it was enjoyable.

I did like both Abby and Marcus. Although her not liking confrontations sort of drove me crazy after a while. I liked his twin brother. And I enjoyed the sub-plot with their father. Both Abby and Marcus had intriguing jobs and I liked their group of friends. The baby part was an interesting part of the story.

But I just like more from my romances. I need to feel something. I like unexpected twists and turns. This book was not that, but it was still a fun read.

As soon as I read the blurb I was intrigued. I wanted to love it. But in the end I DNFed it around 53%.

I think what bothered me the most, was Abby's habit of being hot and cold. There was clearly attraction between both, Abby and Marcus, but the back and forth drove me nuts. The second guessing. The pulling back. The insecurities. It gave me whiplash and that's just not something I enjoy. It didn't help that the two main characters were intensely flawed, and were pushed into something that they were clearly emotionally not ready for. It all became too much in the end.

The storyline and plot was what made me pick this book up, in the end the execution was what made me put it down again.

But I would love to see if Paul is getting a second chance on a HEA.

This was an Unexpected joy to read! This is my first experience reading this author's work, and if this is any indication of how she writes, I will be reading more from her because it hit all the marks of a contemporary romance for me. I loved Marcus immediately and then fell more in love with him as the book progressed -- he's sweet, understanding, loyal, sexy and the best friend any girl could ask for. The way he treated Abby throughout this book was nothing short of amazing. I loved the dynamic among the secondary characters as well, not to mention their families are hilarious! I love this genre and this book was everything I look for and enjoy. I would definitely recommend this read if you love contemporary friends-to-lovers romance. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.