* ARC Review *
(Un)Planned by K.C. Brooks
Book 2: Saint Stephens Lake
Calla Winters and Theo Ayad are back, and they’re bringing all the vibes in the sequel to (Un)Expected. Calla is on a journey of self-discovery after her family gives her an ultimatum: get serious about life or get cut off. So, she moves to the bustling city that never sleeps, trying to figure out her passion. Enter Theo Ayad, her grumpy new boss and a cut-throat talent agent who’s laser-focused on making partner at Wallace and Associates.
Calla and Theo seem like polar opposites at first—he’s all business, while she’s got a sweet with a bit of sass. But as they work together, they start to see they’re not so different after all. Despite the agency’s strict no-fraternization policy, their professional relationship quickly heats up into something more. Both of them are navigating their own personal struggles and past hurts, and it’s fascinating to see how their stories unfold and intertwine.
I absolutely LOVE these characters! K.C. Brooks does a fabulous job of adding real life aspects and takes time to build the relationship between Calla and Theo while also allowing us to dive into their individual stories. The plot and pacing are great, keeping you hooked and eager for more. And let’s not forget one of the best parts: the spice! K.C. really turned up the heat with this one—hello, Mr. Ayad! The smut is deliciously written.
You can definitely enjoy this as a standalone—there are some fun cameos and life updates—but I’d recommend starting with (Un)Expected to get the full experience.
I am giving this a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Blurb:
The first rule of starting over? Never fall for your brand-new boss. But I’ve never been very good at following the rules.
Calla Winters is starting a brand new chapter in her life. After four years of wandering around Saint Stephen’s Lake without a purpose, her family has had enough and given her an ultimatum: get on board with their program or get cut off.
Refusing to give in to their demands, Calla moves to the city that never sleeps, determined to discover her true passion. Pursuing her independence, however, comes with a steep price tag, one she can’t afford without her family’s support. With her confidence waning and her options dwindling, Calla starts to get desperate. Thank goodness for friends with connections, right?
Theo Ayad has spent the last decade climbing the ladder at the Wallace and Associates Talent Agency. Making partner has been his top goal, really his only goal, since he started, personal life and other responsibilities be damned. His hard work finally pays off when he’s gifted the keys to the new New York office and six months to prove that he can lead a team.
However, when his best client and close friend asks for a favor, Theo can’t say no, even if the favor means hiring a new assistant with absolutely no experience and a smile that throws him off-kilter.
As they work together, Calla and Theo develop a connection, one they’re both trying to ignore due to the agency’s strict no-fraternization policy. However, the more they get to know each other, the harder that becomes. When their relationship deepens, Calla and Theo have to decide if it is worth the risk, even if falling in love was never part of the plan.
Tropes:
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Workplace Romance
- Forbidden Romance
- City Meets Small Town
- Boss x Assistant
- Found Family
Have you read either of the Saint Stephens Lake books yet? Share your thoughts in the comments below! If not, are you planning to pick it up?
XOXO, Courtney
(Un)Planned by K.C. Brooks
Published on June 27, 2024
Genres: Romance
Pages: 312
Rating: 4.5 Stars
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