In the Unlikely Event by L.J. Shen Published by L.J. Shen on November 12, 2019
Pages: 338
Genres: Contemporary, Romance
Amazon
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 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?
I read In the Unlikely Event in one sitting so the story definitely sucked me in, but my reactions were a bit all over the place.
I really enjoyed the beginning. I’m not a huge believer in love at first sight, but in this case it feels genuine when Rory and Mal fall hard for each other virtually instantly. Somehow the one day they spend together feels like more.
I accepted most of the misunderstandings and I totally got Mal’s bitterness, but I couldn’t look past the immature and over the top way he approaches their reunion. Why not just confront Rory directly like an adult and give her a chance to defend herself? Why doesn’t she make more of an effort to figure out why Mal has such animosity towards her?
Throughout the entire book, Rory has to wade through a sea of secrets and lies created by everybody and their grandmother. Mal selfishly strings Rory along while keeping her in the dark. It’s so frustrating.
Their magnetic chemistry is insane, though, and it results in some seriously spicy sexy times! Despite their flaws, I loved these two passionate artists together. The importance that Mal places on their napkin contract made my heart melt over and over again.
In terms of writing style, I didn’t care for the kooky sidebar observations that are interwoven throughout the story. They are written from the point of view of everyone from Rory’s best friend to a cow and even the napkin. I think the author was going for some lighthearted humor, but it just seemed cheesy and false to me.
On the whole, I would call this an intricate and steamy second chance romance with a heavy dose of drama. Give In the Unlikely Event a try if that’s your cup of tea.
Recommended for fans of:
Second chance romance
Irish musicians
Punk princesses
Insta love
About L.J. Shen
L.J. Shen is an International #1 best-selling author of Contemporary Romance and New Adult novels. She lives in Northern California with her husband, young son and chubby cat.
Before she’d settled down, L.J. (who thinks referring to herself in the third person is really silly, by the way) traveled the world, and collected friends from all across the globe. Friends who’d be happy to report that she is a rubbish companion, always forgets peoples’ birthdays and never sends Christmas cards.
She enjoys the simple things in life, like spending time with her family and friends, reading, HBO, Netflix and internet-stalking Stephen James. She reads between three to five books a week and firmly believes Crocs shoes and mullets should be outlawed.
Loved your review, I felt exactly the same you did. They both got on my verve’s at times.
I’ve read other reviews of this book. Some people love it. Some people hate. I haven’t read too many in the middle reviews like yours. I’m glad you found something to appreciate amidst the messy stuff. Personally, I think I’m going to skip this one. At least for now. Great review!
Great and nuanced review Angela!
Thanks, Sophie!