In C. Chilove's "Unexpectedly Yours," Carrah Andrews, a chemist stifled by family expectations, secretly pursues her dream of becoming an author. Her success lands her a book deal, but a crucial conflict arises: her entertainment attorney is Christopher Chenault, the son of her family's bitter rivals. This forbidden romance between two prominent Black families ignites a passionate connection, challenging years of animosity. As Carrah and Chris navigate their undeniable attraction, long-buried secrets threaten to tear them apart. Will they defy their heritage for love, or succumb to the weight of family legacy? This captivating tale of star-crossed lovers explores themes of ambition, self-discovery, and the power of defying expectations, perfect for fans of Kimberla Lawson Roby.
Review Unexpectedly Yours
"Unexpectedly Yours" swept me away! It's the kind of book I devoured in secret during high school, the kind that made me forget all about algebra tests. The comparison to Kimberla Lawson Roby in the blurb is spot-on; the novel has that same delicious blend of drama, romance, and family secrets that kept me hooked from page one.
The setup immediately grabbed me: two rival Black elite families, the Andrews and the Chenaults, locked in a cutthroat cosmetics battle, summering (of all places!) in Florida – a detail that perfectly foreshadowed the impending chaos. The central romance between Carrah Andrews, a chemist secretly yearning to be a romance novelist, and Christopher Chenault, her family's rival's attorney, is beautifully complicated. Carrah's internal conflict – balancing her family's expectations with her own dreams – felt incredibly relatable, even if her communication skills sometimes left a little to be desired. I found myself empathizing with her struggle to break free from the suffocating pressure of her family's legacy, especially with her manipulative ex-boyfriend, Miles, lurking in the background.
Christopher, initially presented as a reluctant hero, provides a compelling counterpoint to Carrah's internal turmoil. His initial resistance to becoming involved with her, born from family loyalty, only served to heighten the tension and build the anticipation of their inevitable connection. However, I did find his personality shifted a bit too sharply mid-way through; a slight coldness crept in that wasn't entirely consistent with his earlier charm.
The family drama is, without a doubt, a major highlight. The long-standing rivalry between the Andrews and the Chenaults fuels so much of the conflict, adding a layer of intrigue that goes beyond the typical romantic tension. I found myself completely invested in the secrets and betrayals simmering beneath the surface of their polished social lives. The author masterfully weaves these secrets into the narrative, gradually revealing them to keep you guessing. The stakes are constantly raised, not just for Carrah and Chris's relationship, but for the future of both families.
While the central romance is undeniably captivating, there were moments where the plot felt a bit overwritten, slowing the momentum. Carrah's passion for writing, while a crucial element of her character, sometimes felt underdeveloped, leaving the ending feeling somewhat abrupt on that front. I also wished the storyline involving Miles had been explored more fully; his actions carry significant weight, yet the resolution felt somewhat rushed. The romantic scenes themselves were surprisingly light, which was a welcome change of pace in a genre often defined by explicit content.
Despite these minor quibbles, "Unexpectedly Yours" is a thoroughly engaging read. C. Chilove's writing is captivating, drawing you into the world of New Orleans high society and the complex relationships at its heart. The characters, despite their flaws, felt authentic, and their journey towards self-discovery and love resonated deeply. Ultimately, the novel's strengths far outweighed its weaknesses, making it a satisfying and compelling story that will stay with me long after finishing the final page.
Information
- Dimensions: 5.2 x 1.1 x 7.95 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 352
- Publication date: 2024
- Publisher: Forever
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