An Unexpected Kind of Love

3.5 stars--AN UNEXPECTED KIND OF LOVE by first time Hayden Stone is a contemporary, adult, LGBTQ, MM romance story line focusing on American actor Blake Sinclair, and twenty-three year old, London bookstore owner Aubrey Barnes. NOTE: AN UNEXPECTED KIND OF LOVE focuses on a sexual relationship between two men that may not be suitable for some readers. Told from first person perspective (Aubrey) AN UNEXPECTED KIND OF LOVE follows the building romance and relationship between American actor Blake Sinclair, and London bookstore owner Aubrey Barnes. Blake Sinclair is in London, England filming a movie, cast as the best friend to the leading star. A change of location to the streets of SoHo brings Blake up close and personal with bookstore owner Aubrey Barnes, when Aubrey’s store becomes a part of the story. Aubrey Barnes is in no position to turn down the cast and crew as he continues to struggle to make ends meet at the store, but the added bonus of catching the eye of American actor Blake Sinclair begins to place the focus on a new relationship that is about to implode when the truth is revealed. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Aubrey and Blake, and the potential fall-out as Blake’s time in London, comes to a close, and his relationship with Aubrey becomes the focus of the media and paparazzi back home. Aubrey Barnes currently owns and operates his family’s struggling bookstore, a business in which Aubrey places all of his heart, soul and money , leaving nothing for himself. Meeting actor Blake Sinclair forces Aubrey to reconsider everything about his current situation, a situation in which he battles to make ends meet. Falling for Blake was completely unexpected but Aubrey will be blindsided when Blake pushes away the man with whom he is falling in love. The relationship between Aubrey and Blake begins as a series of misadventures from an unhappy client to a coffee shop mishap, a mishap quite possibility orchestrated by one of our heroes. Aubrey’s ex Eli continues to meander in and out of Aubrey’s life, a meandering that threatens his relationship with Blake Sinclair. Although Blake’s time in London is temporary at best, our couple make plans for a long distance relationship, a relationship that may not survive the gossip and fodder. The $ex scenes are passionate and seductive without the use of over the top,sexually graphic language and text. We are introduced to Aubrey’s ever-present employee Gemma; art curator and friend Lily; his ex Eli and his new boyfriend Ryan, as well as several members of the film crew. AN UNEXPECTED KIND OF LOVE is a story of friendships, relationships, secrets and love. The premise is inviting but I did have a few issues with the overall presentation. As the story was told from a single point of view, I think it would have added a layer of interest with a dual perspective. We know little to nothing about Blake Sinclair, and in the aftermath of their fall out, we know even less about what happens back home. Also, the story line does leave a few of the ongoing plot points open ended- some conflict resolutions that would have been better, addressed.

Aubrey is a grumpy London bookstore owner trying to make ends meet. Blake is a darling American B-list actor looking for his big break. While filming in London, Blake pursues Aubrey. It seems too good to be true - Aubrey doesn’t have that kind of luck. Are the hurdles of Blake’s Hollywood life too much for them to overcome? This is a cute, fluffy gay romance that reads like a male version of chick lit (aka lad lit). Aubrey’s struggles running the bookstore are almost as important to the story as the romance. Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This my honest and voluntary review.

I'm still deciding what made An Unexpected Kind of Love by Hayden Stone such an unexpected delight. Is it the quaint indie book store in London with the awkward, adorable and all kinds of awesomely nerdy owner? Is it the exotic feel of an American film shooting in London with the charming and gorgeous Hollywood actor? Or is the effortless, sizzling hot and unexpectedly expected connection between them? I will let you know when I decide. But you need to grab this story as soon as possible.An Unexpected Kind of Love by Hayden Stone is definitely one of my top MM read of 2021. I reviewed an early copy voluntarily. Thank you Netgalley and Entangled : Embrace for my copy.