TITLE: An Unexpected Turn
AUTHOR: Stephanie Rose
PUBLISHED: 08/12/2022
AVAILABLE ON KU: Yes
GENRE: Small Town Romance
RATING: 4/5
BLURB:
Peyton
After a risky affair cost me my self-respect, my credibility, and almost my job, I jump at the guidance counselor position that opens up in Uncle Keith’s small town. He’s the only father I’ve ever really known and the one I can turn to—even when I can’t tell him why.
No one here knows what a mess I am, and this clean slate seems perfect. At least until I run into my old crush, who’s only gotten better looking with age.
I won’t be another man’s dirty little secret, even if that crush I had as a teenager blossomed into something much more—something I can’t face.
Reasons Why Absolutely Nothing Can Happen Between Us:
1. Jake is the single dad of one of my new students.
2. Age gap. Age gap. Age gap.
3. He’s my uncle’s best friend.
Jake
I didn’t realize the curvy brunette I flirted with outside my son’s school was my buddy’s sweet, shy niece, all grown-up now. I know better than to get involved.
My marriage crumbled, leaving me and my son with damage we’re still repairing. The last thing I need is to start something with someone fourteen years younger. Did I mention she’s the police chief’s surrogate daughter?
I’m old enough to know better, but I can’t keep my hands off her. I never expected to fall this hard. Even though it’s all wrong, nothing has ever felt this right.
Author’s Note: This deliciously scandalous, small-town, single dad standalone includes steamy times in front of a kitchen sink, a hot new use for a chocolate ice cream cone, and an alpha cinnamon-roll hero who’s very good with his hands.
“Jake and I did fit. My unexpected turn had led me straight to him—where I was supposed to be.”
MY REVIEW:
I read this book because it was a part of a reader group’s book club selection for the month, and because the author is going to be attending Indies Invade Philly.
For the most part I enjoyed this single dad, age gap, forbidden love story. Jake and Peyton’s chemistry was scorching hot and I enjoyed all their (steamy) scenes! That kitchen sink, if it had eyes, would be scandalized for life over what those two did in front of it! 🔥🔥🔥
In addition to Jake and Peyton, I loved their scenes with Mike (Jake’s son) and Keith (Peyton’s uncle), as well as Peyton’s friendship with the other teachers at the school she works at.
While I appreciated that there wasn’t a big blow out fight between Jake/Peyton and Keith when their relationship was revealed, I wasn’t a fan of how long it took for them to finally reveal their relationship to him. I understand that they wanted to tell him together, and that Keith was busy with his job, but the story kept dragging and I had to force myself to keep reading.
I did like the ending, and the bonus epilogue.