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In the Unlikely Event

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Who Would Like This Book:

This roller-coaster romance from LJ Shen is perfect for fans who crave angsty love stories with a twist of fate and a dash of the unexpected. You’ll find snappy banter, strong chemistry, and an array of unique voices told from multiple points of view - including some surprising ones. If you like your second-chance stories with emotional highs and lows, secrets, and a wild ride set against an Irish backdrop, this novel delivers. Shen’s distinct style shines through, making it a must-read for those who love unconventional, drama-packed romances.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers found the book too over-the-top, with certain plot twists and dramatic conflicts feeling forced or easily avoidable. The story features a controversial and much-discussed scene involving a chocolate bar, which many found more cringe-worthy than sexy. Additionally, the way serious topics like trauma and consent are handled didn’t sit well with everyone. If you’re easily frustrated by miscommunication tropes or sensitive to certain subject matter, this might be a tough read.

An emotional, unique, and polarizing romance - if you enjoy offbeat storytelling, intense drama, and don’t mind some eyebrow-raising moments, it’s worth a read. But be warned: this one definitely isn’t for everyone.

About:

'In the Unlikely Event' by L.J. Shen is a contemporary romance novel that follows the story of Aurora Belle Jenkins, an American photographer with a wild spirit, and Malachy Doherty, an Irish poet and musician. The book explores their explosive chemistry, tumultuous relationship, and the journey of unraveling secrets, seeking forgiveness, and finding redemption. The plot is filled with twists, lies, and betrayals, keeping the readers engaged until the very end. The writing style is described as beautiful, emotional, and engaging, with unique points of view from dead characters and inanimate objects that bring the story full circle.

Characters:

The characters are unique and well-developed, including a strong female lead and a charming male protagonist, whose journey together highlights growth and emotional complexity.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by a blend of humor, emotional depth, and unique story elements that include various perspectives, creating an engaging and sometimes intense reading experience.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a complex second chance romance filled with misunderstandings and elements of fate, featuring a humorous and unconventional narrative.

Setting:

The setting is vividly portrayed in Dublin, Ireland, enriching the narrative's romantic and cultural nuances.

Pacing:

The pacing is fast and engaging, filled with twists and emotional tension that keeps the reader invested, though some moments may feel tedious.
The kind no one has bothered to pick up from the dusty shelf in years. Unshaken. Quiet and still. From the outside, my manicured Swiss village looks perfect. And it is. Kind of. At twenty-six, it appe...

Notes:

L.J. Shen's books are highly anticipated, with readers eager to add them to their to-be-read lists even before titles are announced.
The book "In the Unlikely Event" features multiple points of view, which some readers felt enhanced the story.
The main characters, Rory and Malachy, have a bond that lasts years despite a long separation of eight years.
The story involves themes of fate, serendipity, and the search for true love.
One notable, controversial scene involves the use of a chocolate bar in a very intimate way, which became a topic of much discussion among readers.
The characters are described as unique and well-developed, with a strong chemistry that many found captivating.
The narrative is filled with humor, angst, and emotional depth, resulting in a roller-coaster reading experience.
The book touches on serious themes like trauma and betrayal but also includes light-hearted moments and comedic situations.
L.J. Shen is known for her fresh take on romance, but readers noted that this book felt different from her previous works.
Some readers found the book to be a guilty pleasure but had mixed feelings about various plot choices and character actions.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers include discussions of male rape, unwanted pregnancies, borderline sexual situations, and hygiene issues, presenting potential challenges for sensitive readers.

Has Romance?

Yes, there is a significant romantic element within the story that drives much of the plot.

From The Publisher:

"The perfect blend of soul-crushing angst, laugh out loud wit, and heart-melting romance." - Helena Hunting, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author.

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?

November 2019
367 pages

Ratings (13)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (4)
Liked It (2)
It Was OK (1)
Did Not Like (3)
Hated It (2)

Reader Stats (21):

Read It (16)
Want To Read (4)
Not Interested (1)

About the Author:

L.J. Shen is USA Today and Washington Post bestselling author of contemporary romance books. She lives in California with her husband, son and lazy cat.

 
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