Never Expected You

Jody Holford

Sep 2018 · Love Unexpected Book 2 · Sold by Entangled: Amara

About this ebook

When Zach Mason, former army sergeant turned veterinarian for war-wounded animals, returns home, the decision to stay is easy. But convincing the only other vet in town to hire him is a good deal harder. It doesn’t help that the beautiful, intelligent, and stubborn Stella Lane is determined to make his life hell.

Stella doesn’t take outside help easily—she’s been let down in the past, most recently by her ex, just as she’d begun to plan their wedding. Trusting Zach with her animals is one thing, but trusting him with more is a hard pass. Too bad the handsome vet is nothing but temptation. And her new roommate...

Each book in the Love Unexpected series is STANDALONE:
* Let It Be Me
* Never Expected You
* Story of Us

Ratings and reviews

4.5 Stars I will admit he cover drew me to this book because I love animals, but the blurb sold me on the book. Both Zach and Stella are veterinarians and truth the was the selling point for me. I love the small town and the quirks that come with it. I really liked Zach and Stella together. Great personalities that fit so well together. Stella has a hard time accepting help because she doesn't trust the motive behind that help, but Zach's going to show her he means his every word. It's definitively a make you feel good story that has a really easy flow to the book.

The whole time I was reading Let It Be Me, Love Unexpected Book 1, I wanted Stella's story. I wanted to know everything about her. Stella is back home trying to keep her father's vet practice alive while keeping everyone around her at an arm's length. Zach is back home and wants nothing more than to join the practice of the man who was always there for him. Stella and Zach really needed each other. Both need someone who can shoulder a load and still stand and both proved to be more than capable of doing just that. This book is sweet and endearing. I loved Zach so much. I really like Stella but her standoffishness kept me from connecting to her as much as I wanted to. I am really enjoying this series and am keeping my fingers crossed that Declan get his HEA! *This is my voluntary review of an advanced reader copy*

Zach returns home after ten years of running, trying to prove himself. Zach has very few happy memories of home as he was son to an alcolhic, abusive father who spent all their money on booze. Zach was labeled the "poor" kid at school and bullied endlessly. Then he meets Travis. Travis and Zach were best friends until tragedy struck, sending Zach running. Zach enlisted in the Army and became a veterinarian to animals injured in war. Zach spent ten years saving and investing his money wisely so that he could someday come home to work alongside Dr. Lane--the man who was more of a father to him than his own. Instead, Zach finds Ms. Dr. Lane... Stella Lane left town to become a veterinarian in hopes of someday working alongside her father. Instead, Stella is drowning in the debt her father left after passing away unexpectedly. The equipment at the clinic is outdated and in need of repairs. Customers come in without making appointments, then want to pay for services rendered with a casserole or pie, not cash. What Stella lacks in business sense, she more than makes up for with her love of the animals. When presented with the opportunity for a way out of debt via a new partner, Zach, Stella allows her stubborn streak and pride to overrule good sense. She turns Zach, but for how long? This was my first Jody Holford novel and I loved it! It had all the feels. I loved how Zach was able to turn his bad experiences as a young child into something positive and productive. I enjoyed how Zach was able to tear down Stella's walls enough to allow her to grieve the loss of her father. Zach allowed Stella to breathe and let go. Zach showed Stella that her dad was "not the building or his home or his office, but was in her heart. In return, Stella was there to help Zach grieve the loss of his friend so that he could let go of all his anger. As a team, they're unstoppable--until Zach's mistake. While I truly loved this novel, Stella's inability to forgive bothered me--especially after all Zach did for her. Zach's intentions were good, not malicious. With that said, this story does give you a HEA! I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.

About the author

Jody Holford has a soft spot for happily ever after, in what she reads and what she writes. She's a huge fan of Rainbow Rowell, Nora Roberts, Carly Phillips, Rachel Gibson, Sophia Kinsella, and Emily Giffen. Her stories blend a bit of heat and humor with a lot of heart. She lives in British Columbia, Canada with her husband and two daughters.