Friday, April 13, 2018

Review: MY UNEXPECTED LOVE by Heidi McLaughlin






MY UNEXPECTED LOVE
The Beaumont Series: Next Generation #2
by Heidi McLaughlin
Publication Date: April 12, 2018
Pages: 240
Source: Buoni Amici Press
Cover Designer:  Sarah Hansen Okay Creations
Purchase Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks






Synopsis

Ben Miller met the love of his life the day he crossed paths with Elle James in their high school cafeteria. New to Beaumont, he took a chance when he approached her. Their first encounter was everything his mother ever read to him about fairy tales. He saw the girl who would be his forever.
From the moment Elle James met Ben Miller they’ve been best friends. Everything they did, they did it together, from late night study sessions, family vacations, throwing bottles off the water tower, going to prom and finally moving to California for college.
However, after the almost tragic accident where she nearly lost her twin sister, Elle’s life hasn’t been the same, and neither has her relationship with Ben.
One fateful decision changes the scope of Ben and Elle’s relationship. For one, it means a new beginning. For the other, it means change.

My Thoughts

I always look forward to reading a new Beaumont book and MY UNEXPECTED LOVE was no exception. Pretty much as soon as I had this book in my hands, I started flipping pages. Elle's and Ben's story is full of angst and heartbreak. They have a moment that seems like their beginning only to become the beginning of their end - before they ever really get started.

Ben was first introduced in HOLDING ONTO FOREVER - these books do need to be read together to appreciate the connection and love that Ben has for Elle. While reading HOF, I was already rooting for this couple - best friends to more. Yes, please! Ben's love for Elle is evident and they needed to be together. She just needed to see it. It takes her a while to figure it out and hearts are will be shattered. Mine included. 

What I loved:
  • Overwhelming sense of family. The Powell-James family are tight. I liked how, at different times, Quinn and Elle share their feelings about becoming a family. 
  • Moments with Elle and Peyton - their bond and protectiveness is undeniable
  • Elle reflecting on her situation and taking control and making a change. She's the only one who can do it and she has to want it.
  • Getting glimpses of Jimmy, Jenna, and Eden (I can't wait to read Eden's story!)
Since Ben didn't appear in the original Beaumont books, I would have liked more of his and Elle's experiences as teens - whether those moments appear in flashbacks or reminiscing about those times. They are there, I just wanted more. This is the young adult reader in me coming out - I live for that. 

MY UNEXPECTED LOVE made my heart hurt for Elle as she dealt with the aftermath of almost losing her sister and then losing best friend. Her unexpected love. But she had some growing to do and really being honest with herself. And that is what I love so much about these books - all of the love, the imperfections, and ultimately the Forevers. 




About Heidi:
Heidi McLaughlin is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of The Beaumont Series, The Boys of Summer, and The Archers.

Originally, from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell, Buttercup and a Highland West/Mini Schnauzer, JiLL and her brother, Racicot.

When she's isn't writing one of the many stories planned for release, you'll find her sitting court-side during either daughter's basketball games.

Heidi's first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Roth, in theaters January 19, 2018.

To stay connected with Heidi visit www.facebook.com/authorheidimclaughlin  or heidimclaughlin.com

Social Media:

Tour Wide Giveaway:
$100 Amazon Gift Card

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