Book Review: Unexpected by Faith Sullivan

Summary: 

One day forever changes the destiny of college overachiever, Michelle Rhodes.

Shattered, confused and alone, no one understands the trauma consuming her until she meets Connor Donnelly.

A native New Yorker, he believes he can aid in getting her life back on track. But what if he's even more broken inside?

Offering her a chance at a fresh start, Connor convinces Michelle to move in with him. Hiring her to waitress at his bar, their mutual attraction only complicates matters.

As more details surrounding Connor's past emerge, Michelle uncovers the full magnitude of the loss he's trying to hide. Refusing to let her feelings for him hinder his recovery, she makes a decision that winds up hurting them both.

By sacrificing her heart, Michelle thinks she is helping Connor come to terms with his grief. Little does she know, Connor is gambling everything for the sake of having a future with her.

What happens is truly unexpected.

Release Date:  April 2, 2013

Age Group: New Adult

Source:  Purchased

Review:

I have recently discovered New Adult author Faith Sullivan and have made it my mission to read all of her work.  I adore her Heartbeat series, and while I wait for book three, the conclusion to the series, to be released in October, I'm reading all of her other books. 

I really, really liked Unexpected.  The book starts with Michelle, new to college at NYU, witnessing the events of 9/11.  She's all alone in New York, completely new to the city, and knows no one.  She is so terrified and shaken after the terrorist bombings that she returns home to her parents.  

Unexpectedly, she meets Connor at a friend's party.  Connor hires Michelle to waitress at his bar in New York, and offers her a room in his apartment above the bar.  Michelle accepts his offer, desperate to get away from her well-meaning but overbearing parents and hoping to get over the events of 9/11.  

There is a constant attraction between Connor and Michelle but nothing happens between them for what felt like forever (for me).  I liked the slow build to their relationship and the fact that they were friends first.

My favorite part of Unexpected was how Connor and Michelle deal with the emotional trauma of being in New York on 9/11.  That made the book very affecting and moving for me.  Like everyone else, I still remember where I was when I heard the news, and it's something I'll never forget.  Unexpected is not a book about 9/11, it's about how two people come to terms with their experience and loss.  I thought Sullivan did a great job with both Michelle and Connor's emotional recovery.

I loved the way the book ended, it was not what I was expecting would happen, but it was perfect for the story.  I was so happy to have closure: that's something I love about stand-alone novels.  I highly recommend Unexpected, and all of Faith Sullivan's work!