Zach Mason wants in on the ever busy veterinary practice that Stella Lane runs. However, Stella wants nothing to do with him and Zach realizes winning her over will be harder than he thought. Yet, he's persistent and figures he'll be able to wear her down sooner or later. Will Zach be able to convince Stella to take a chance on him or will their shot at happy ever after never be?

I absolutely love Ms. Holford's writing and I've got to say that this second book of her Love Unexpected series was a wonderfully-written, fast-paced, entertaining read that I really enjoyed from start to finish because of the well-developed main characters that have interesting back stories and compelling dialogue that had me loving the hero's determination to win the heroine over. The way this story started had me liking the hero and heroine immediately, as the hero doesn't mean to deceive the heroine, but she doesn't make it easy for him not to. Will he be able to get a word in edgewise?

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories and I could understand why the heroine finds it hard to trust after what she went through with her ex. Will she let Zach in? How long will it take Zach to win Stella over? Moreover, both the main characters were fascinating due to their back stories and had me reading quickly, determined to discover whether these two would be able to help each other heal from their pasts, especially since the hero is good for Stella. She needs someone that will stay by her side through thick and thin and love her unconditionally.

With the heroine, I couldn't help but sympathize with all she's been through because her ex did a real number on her. Yet, in saying that, I thought she was a little too stubborn in not letting someone else in all because of her ex. To me, that felt as if she was letting her ex win and hold her back from the sort of happiness she deserved. While the hero, he's confident, charming, persistent when it comes to getting what he wants and I liked how determined he was to win the heroine over because it's palpable she needs help at her clinic. She's running herself ragged to do everything she can to keep her family legacy alive. I also liked the close relationship the hero has with his mother and that he would do anything for her, which is proven by what his mother convinces him to do at one of the town events.

Overall, Ms. Holford has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was strong; the romance was delightful and had me glad that the heroine took a chance on the hero; the secondary characters entertained me just as much as the main ones and I loved the advice they offer; and the ending had me loving the hero's determination to make things right with the heroine after their relationship goes awry. No way will he let the woman he loves get away. Not without doing everything in his power to prove to her that they belong together. However, it was the epilogue that left me smiling long after I finished this story because of something the heroine tells the hero that makes him so happy. I would recommend Never Expected You by Jody Holford, if you enjoy contemporary romance, workplace romances or books by authors Vivian Arend, Barbara Freethy, Victoria James and Sinclair Jayne.

Rating: 3+ Stars

When I read the blurb for Never Expected You I was stoked to give this new to me author a try. And although I really loved some things about it, overall it was just an alright read.

Stella is running her late father’s veterinarian clinic on her own. In a small town her dad was loved by all and great with the animals, but he wasn’t the best at finances and administration of the business side of things. She’s struggling to keep afloat and pay the debts, but with just so many hours in a day and people paying her in casseroles, she is drowning.

Zach is back home after over a decade in the military and working in a veterinarian super clinic to save up some money. His plan was becoming partners with Stella’s father, but now he must adapt to the new reality. Only Stella wants no outside help and men, in general, are not on her good side so he’ll have his work cut out for him.

Zach and Stella had an amazing chemistry. Their connection and their shared love for animals was adorable and watching them becoming a couple was cute as hell. Zach was sexy, attentive and once he realized his feelings for Stella, he set on winning her over. He had some issues from his past that he really struggled with and at certain points, it was like he would lose all his confidence in one fell swoop. This was at times confusing, making him seem like a totally different person.

Stella’s last relationship didn’t end on a good note and it left her trust broken. After all she went through, she built up some mighty walls and she didn’t make working through them easy on Zach. While I really liked her, she was so closed off it became a bit hard to really connect with her. When she let herself open up, she was funny, sweet and caring.

While some parts felt a bit overlong or dragging, I enjoyed my time reading Never Expected You . And though I felt the angst at the end was totally unnecessary it was balanced by having some fun characters I wouldn’t mind reading more about, and I liked the overall story.

I have always loved the books I've read by Jody Holford, and Never Expected You is another wonderful story.

Stella came back to her hometown of Brockton Point with plans to work with her father in his veterinary practice. It is something she has wanted to do since childhood. When he passes away unexpectedly, she is left to try to keep it afloat on her own.

Zach knew Stella's father and admired him greatly. He also grew up in Brockton Point and has come back hoping to become a partner in the veterinary clinic. When Zach finds out he has passed away, he hopes to work with Stella instead.

I liked Stella and Zach from the beginning. However, the author did a great job of making me love them by the end. This story is as much about them overcoming difficult experiences in their past as it is about romance and love. It doesn't feel unnecessarily angsty or overly dramatic. Instead, the plot unfolds in a realistic and heartfelt way.

I am looking forward to reading more from this series!

This is a great small town romance. Zach is a former soldier, now a veterinarian who returns home. Stella is the only vet in town and Zach wants to work with her. Super sweet story! Definitely recommend and will be checking out more books by Jody Holford.

When Zachary was growing up, he spent a lot of time at the local Vet’s offices. Doc Lane was his mentor when things got rough. Zachary left town after high school, joining the military. There, he grew even more interested in animal medicine and Vet school. He returns home as a Vet. He is hoping to get a job in Doc Lane’s practice. But he doesn’t realize, the practice is now run by Doc Lane’s daughter Stella after he passes away. The practice is in a financial mess with Stella and she is working herself crazy trying to keep herself solvent. Zachary proposes partnering with Stella. He has the business plan and he has a plan for the finances. But Stella doesn’t want anything to do with Zachary and particularly his ideas for her practice. Stella talks herself down at every turn, but eventually she lets Zach try to bring in some additional income for her practice. She eventually leaves Zach in charge for a day! Everything goes well, until... well Stella loses it and all her self recriminations come flaring back. I felt bad for her, but I really felt for Zach!

I enjoyed this book, but I found all Stella’s self recrimination was too much for me. I skimmed over part of it as I don’t like seeing people complain, but aren’t willing to do or try anything to fix the situation. Of course, that’s just my pet peeve, and unfortunately, I could not get past that.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and Entangled Publishing. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely.

Never Expected You by Jody Holford is a charming, beautiful romance that was a pleasure to read. It is a bit different from the usual returning home veteran which I found refreshing and original. Zach Mason is a wonderful character, a true hero and the kind of man any community would be proud to have. Stella Lane is a harder sell, but she certainly kept the story interesting.

Of course, I was pulling for Zach all the way but also for Stella since her happiness was ultimately at stake too. Still Zach makes the story! So it is a story that has a marvelous mature character, one who has baggage she needs to put behind her, but a heartwarming feeling in spite of her huge doubts, and a romance that is worth fighting for.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a nice slow burn, small town romance that kept my attention (and lately I have reading blockage) and I finished it in almost one sitting. I loved how the characters were built realistic almost like everyday people that I meet in real life, with baggage and life struggles. The attraction between main characters is just from the start but it is interesting how both of them are trying to resist. They are both likable even with their flaws.
I am not used to write long reviews, so in overall this book made me emotional, I laughed with the humour and I felt good with the romance. Simply great reading material for this cold day over a hot tea or chocolate and since this is my first book by Jody Holford, I have a feeling it won't be my last.

This book is a good sweet romance. Well written but I found the characters had a little too much angst at times. If all you are looking for is an easy sweet read you will like this book.

First book I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it.

Stella is a vet, having taken over the practise from her Father after he passed away. Zach is also a vet and wants to join the practise. They are both stubborn and have issues in their past which the need to address.

Looking forward to reading more in this series.

3.5
This story was nicely layered. It had a bit of everything: drama, romance, sadness, humor, old wounds... The characters (Stella and Zach) were fleshed out well and the dialogue felt genuine. Both feel an instant attraction but resist it for various reasons. Once they start working together the slow burn begins and that was a nice change from the usual, too much/too soon, then try to put together a relationship.

I enjoyed the small town setting. I also enjoyed seeing the characters grow and heal together. The conclusion was satisfying. This was a sweet story; I would recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Entangled Publishing, LLC for a copy in exchange for a review.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own*

This book started out really good for me. I loved the set up and I have such a soft spot for animals. Reading about vets especially just after I adopted my own dog, was just what I wanted at the moment. I liked the setting.

I liked the characters and there are real problems behind them. The thing is, you could tell what the big conflicts were going to be from almost the beginning. We see it coming, the leads can practically almost see it coming too since it is mentioned a few times. It was so frustrating. And the stubbornness... I don't mind characters being stubborn, but I suppose I don't understand that kind of extreme thinking-- I prefer characters who don't mind talking and discussing things out, even when angry.

But, besides my issues with the conflict, I think the book is pretty sweet and it is heartwarming. It was a great book to read on a cool fall day. I will also be going back and reading the first book because it sounds adorable and we do see that couple in this book and they are so cute. If you like reading romance and like the small town charm with cute animals thrown in the mix, you should check this book out.

Zach helps Stella find joy and love in life again. A lovely romantic tale of small town love mired in street gossip and family drama. The characters are wholesome and charming. The scenery is bright and cheerful. It is a well written, full bodied tale with a well deserved HEA.

Stella Lane and Zach Mason are two of a kind. Stella has come home to heal a broken heart and Zach has finally decided to go home and put down roots. Stella is Miss Independent. She lets no one in to help. Her shield is up protecting her from everybody, including her friends. Zach knows what he wants and his theory is to keep plowing ahead till he achieves his goal. The two of them working together at the veterinary clinic is funny. He is all smiles and she is just ornery. They are like oil and vinegar but the sparks are flying. Neither wanting to ruin the professional relationship they have. As the saying goes, "A kiss is just a kiss".All bets are off. Before they get to their HEA, the two must face their demons.

I really liked the hero of this novel. Zach has returned to his small hometown after having served as a military veterinarian (I didn’t even realize that that was a thing) with the desire to buy into the veterinary practice that Stella runs. Stella’s father had been kind to Zach when he was a teenager and facing tough times and bullying by other kids. Now he’s literally a vet vet and he’s a totally nice guy who has grown up into a kind, funny man. And not only does he want to buy into Stella’s practice, he also falls for her right away and would like more. Stella is drowning in all the work she’s doing and the debts her father left. But she doesn’t want to admit her problems or accept any help. She shuts down Zach’s offer without any discussion then ends up offering him a place to stay by renting out part of her house. Yup, that’s the way to get a guy she has the hots for out of her life. He goes on to demonstrate page after page what a great guy he is and she just keeps blowing hot and cold with him. I felt she was very unfair to him and then, later on, she blows him off for no real understandable reason. I just got fed up with her.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

Back to Brockton Point.

What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: Love Unexpected
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue

I hope Declan and Taylor get their own stories.
I look forward to reading more from this author.

Beautifully Romantic Ending.
Zach returns to his hometown hoping to become a partner in a veterinary practice, only to find his mentor has died and his beautiful (but independent and obstinate) daughter now runs the show. Stella has been badly hurt in the past and has no intention of relying on anyone other than herself. Unfortunately for her the clinic has too much business for one person and needs new equipment that she cannot afford due to her father’s debts. Slowly Zach wends his way into the clinic and her life, until that is a bombshell hits!
Could have done without the profanity which didn’t add anything to the story but apart from that I enjoyed it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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*

This is one of those books that just hit every emotional button and left me happy and satisfied. I has wonderful strong characters in Stella and Zach and the slowly developing relationship between them just made my heart swell. This is a story of loss and heartache but also new beginnings, love, and hope. The writing is exceptional and pulled me into the story right from the start. This one needs to be on the must read list. I highly recommend it.

Stella is running ragged trying to keep her dads veterinary practice afloat. She is an independent girl, wanting to do it all by herself. The practice was her focus and she couldn’t forget that. But Zach was the kind of man who could make her forget.
Zach is also a vet and would like to work with Stella. But convincing her is not going to be easy.
Never expected you is a feel good read based in a small town. Both Stella and Zach have baggage, and I found Zach more open and wiling despite it than Stella. The writing was good and I look forward to reading more from the author.

I don't know what made me more excited to read this book: The adorable cover, the irresistible blurb, or the fact that I can always count on Jody Holford to deliver beautifully layered, heartfelt romances.

And, deliver she did - on every level. As with most of this author's books, there is more than a love story going on here. Both Zach and Stella are working through their own baggage. They both bear these incredible weights and the story is just as much about their own healing as it is about their happily ever after. They tugged on my emotions, and sometimes made me want to give them a good shake, but I loved the way their stories arced, and witnessing all that delicious emotional growth - separately and together.

Never Expected You was a sweet, touching, lovely story that sort of straddled the line between light and heavy. There are heavy-ish themes and moments for sure, but lots of light, flirty, funny ones as well. It was a bit of a rocky road, relationship-wise, but the ending? The ending was sheer adorable perfection. ~ Shelly, 4 Stars