User Reviews
Rating: really liked it
5 STARS 
All is fair in love and war, and I'm certainly prepared for battle
This book came out of left field and slapped me over the head with all of the feels. This is so completely different from anything I've read by LJ to date. A unique and angsty emotional roller coaster that was addictive from beginning to finish.
If there's one thing that I've come to expect from LJ Shen, it's her knack for the unexpected, and ITUE was definitely unexpected. If you're fans of second chance romance that offers up angst with a splash of humor, this will deliver on all fronts.
Malachy Doherty came into Rory's life like a silent storm. She didn't see him coming. They shared a steamy short-lived romance and a promise on a napkin that would be put to the test years later when they crash into each other's worlds again. Malachy was an enigma that I couldn't get enough of. He goes from sweet and enigmatic to aloof and cruel in the span of the eight years they spent apart. But when he sees Rory again, it doesn't matter that she has a new life and a boyfriend. He's determined to make her hold up her end of the bargain that she signed away on a napkin in a pub years ago. If they see each other again, all bets are off.
In The Unlikely Event blends quirky humor with emotion and angst flawlessly. It gives us a brooding rockstar and a sassy heroine that will bring him to his knees. It delivers on a second chance romance full of feels that I adored from beginning to end; addictive in a way that LJ Shen has now perfected in her writing.
*beta read*Find me on:
Rating: really liked it
“Can you please stop being so beautiful and real and alive all over my house like you own it or something?” 
I finished this in a day and now the bags under my eyes are Gucci.
_______________
A Note From Alex (after reading all the notes in this book, especially the chocolate one). Whenever I finish a book, Goodreads (my number one cheerleader) always sends me an email telling me that I have actually finished the book (as if I didn't know it myself, you'd think). But this time when GR sent me this;
I felt like Goodreads just
knew (call it kismet) that this book and I are undergoing some challenges. Initially, I gave this four stars but upon looking back, I'm sticking with my 3 star rating. This is honestly the hardest rating I have
ever had to debate. Because, if I'm being honest with myself... I probably enjoyed this a lot but I know that I shouldn't have.
Here's the thing. This book was fucking addicting. I burned lasagna while reading this book... I didn't hear the oven ding and then my lasagna burnt. So in order to truly know this book's rating for me; I'm asking myself now:
"What it worth burning the lasagna, Alex? Was it worth having to scrape all that cheesy goodness into the bin and feel immense guilt whilst doing so?"Here's the dilemma. During the time, yes. It was very worth it. Now? Not so much.
In The Unlikely Event is something so different to what Shen normally puts out that I couldn't help but pick it up. It's not really a "christmas" romance, but it's a winter one. We follow Mal and Rory's story of love, loss and heartbreak. It was comical and didn't take itself seriously at all, and I loved it even more because of that. It was hot, captivating and so nail-bitingly, page turningly addictive that I really didn't get much sleep.
I loved the different narratives and I found myself laughing out loud during some moments. That is also to say though, that this book is not all comedy. It deals with really sensitive issues and in true LJ fashion, the angst is so unbearably thick, it's better than any soap opera or reality TV show I've ever watched. It's also safe to say, that I unfortunately can no longer look at chocolate the same way. This is not a bad or a good thing. Just
different. The banter between Rory and Mal was probably my favourite aspect of this book. Also, if there is any one romance writer that can take the same trope (enemies to lovers) in all her books but still manage to keep me captivated... it's this one. I rooted for so many different people in this book and although it drained me when I came to the end chapter, I felt like I went on a really long holiday.
"Want to know if you love someone? Watch them suffer and see how much it tears you apart."
But then why do I also feel like I wasted such a great (it was mediocre, I fuck up cereal on my best days),
awesomely-dished lasagna? For one thing, it's always heartbreaking when you have to compost carbs. But, for reasons more suited to this review; this book frustrated the fucking lights out of me.
Yes, we already know that Shen writes up the most problematic, toxic and dysfunctional relationships but still manages to make you hooked over wanting to know what happens. I knew this going in, I came prepped for the assholes and the triggers. Just to let you know, the hero in this book is manipulative, conniving and so rude for a good part of the book. The heroine is also frustratingly juvenile and oblivious to so much. Half the time, I wished Rory would have just demanded to understand what was going on. Regardless, Rory and Mal end up being sickly cute and this book definitely amped up the steam.
But I'm going to lay some other things out.
Spoilers Ahead ❄︎ The relationship in this book is based on insta-love. This usually never works for me but I looked past it in this book.
❄︎ The amount of miscommunication in this book could give an airline company's customer service rep a run for their fucking money.
❄︎ If LJ Shen ever writes a book with 100% women supporting women, I might actually slip into a coma. There is so much animosity between female relationships in this book that just hurt my heart immensely.
❄︎ Something that would have been so mindblowingly unique is if the topic of "loving someone whilst being in a relationship" was tackled with no cheating involved. It was so obvious that I actually thought that no one would cheat in this book.
I was so wrong.❄︎ Another thing I really wished for was for Callum (Rory's boyfriend) not to be villainized in order to cop out of the relationship. I cant stress this enough but breaking up with someone because you don't have feelings for them anymore
is a very valid reason. I wish authors didn't villainize the significant other in order to "make up" for the fact that they are being broken up with because suddenly if they're not the best person, then it's okay for the MC to move on and be with someone else.
❄︎ This last one is probably the most important one. There is a rape scene in this book, and I won't put this section under a "hide spoiler" thing because this is an important trigger warning to anyone that is going to read this book. I wish it was given as a caveat in the book itself but *sigh.* The rape scene in this book needed to be dealt with so much more care and importance, rather than just being an event that occurs in the storyline.
Through all those problems... I still soldiered on. LJ Shen is really truly my biggest guilty pleasure. I know that all of the tropes and aspects of her books are so fucking problematic and controversial, but I still read this like a fanatic. This book is far from perfect but I swallowed it entirely.
Rating: really liked it
Utterly breathtaking!! This book is a work of art. Complex, intricately designed, and stunningly beautiful. It’s unlike anything else I’ve ever read in this genre, yet so romantic and full of hope. Malachy and Aurora’s chemistry jumps off the page!
Here’s what I loved:From the very first time I met Mal, I was enamored! He’s so charismatic and charming, I just want to snuggle him. He’s fun, carefree, and sexy. Exactly what Aurora needed at that time in her life.
Aurora is vibrant and sweet, yet feisty. A great balance to Mal’s character. When these two meet, sparks fly!
I loved loved loved the notes!! I’m sitting here laughing just thinking about BEST DAY EVER!
The multiple POVs and insights into characters motivations and actions kept me entertained. I love multifaceted views and ITUE is certainly abundant in those.
This authors signature style of writing and storytelling is always a treasure. She is so versatile and her lyrical prose is like a siren’s song. I cannot get enough!
And last but not least, Ashton! I loveeeee!
In The Unlikely Event is unique, fresh, and an ABSOLUTELY AMAZING read. It is by far one of the wittiest books L.J. Shen has ever written. I don’t know that I’ve laughed so much while reading in a very long while. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
***BETA READ***
Rating: really liked it
***LIVE EARLY - FULL REVIEW***
5 SHAKE MY SNOW GLOBE CROWNS
So different, and yet uniquely L.J. Shen! I absolutely loved this new world and characters. IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT is going to shake up your snowglobe.
What I love most about any L.J. Shen book is that her characters are flawed, maybe a bit broken or jaded from the hand they have been dealt, but what I also love about her characters is that they find love. Always. The love is in someone whole or some just or more broken than they are. But her stories show me that love is out there for everyone, and ITUE exemplifies this in so many ways.
Mal and Rory are everything we love about a young romance - the epic, whirlwind love. Through them we feel the incorruptible purity of romance and the pure innocence of love. The serendipitous nature of their initial meeting has all the swoon-worthy moments readers die over.
The Mal and Rory we meet as adults have become a bit jaded because it’s life. Things happen. We make assumptions. We cast people as villains. We make excuses for those we love. We make mistakes. All of these things shape who we are and the futures we carve out for ourselves. What is epically romantic about it all is that these two are still drawn to each other, that through the muck of life, their hearts and souls still call to each other.
In the Unlikely Event, though, is something special. I don’t know if it is the setting or the way they meet or the fact that these two still find each other, but there is something that sits in your soul, that has you feeling bereft when you read the final line because it’s over. There is something unique and witty and funny and romantic that grips onto your heart and doesn’t let go. And as with any Shen novel, there are lasting themes that relate to the way we love the resonates in not just my heart but my mind. And that is magical in and of itself.
In the Unlikely Event is different. It is. Will you find all the signature things fans love about her books? Absolutely. LJ’s stamp is all over this book, but it is something different in the romance world right now. I know I’ve never read a story like it, and I don’t think I will for some time.
BETA read
Rating: really liked it
[
The biggest issue I had-The hero was legit raped and it was treated as no big deal… HOW was this okay?? This is a real quote from the
Rating: really liked it
English/spanish version ITUE IS BRILLIANT, MAGIC, PURE PERFECTION!, I don't have enough words to describe the magnificence of this story, it hooked me from the first words, and I WAS NOT ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN a single second, it is so entertaining that I practically inhaled the pages. The plot consumed me and stole my breath, gahhh! IT'S KINDLE CRACK.
The author brings her game A and gives us a mind-blowing story, EPIC BEYOND THE WORDS. The intricate storyline has her unique writing style, but it's still SO DIFFERENT FROM WHAT SHE HAS WRITTEN BEFORE, it's sooo hilarious, I laughed out loud throughout the story, but also anguish overflows every chapter, typical of L.J. Shen. It's witty, original, and interesting, with secrets, intrigues and unexpected events that had me with my heart in my mouth and left me speechless. AMAZEBALLS!
Our hero Malachy is my new favorite book boyfriend, I'm so obsessed with him, he is a poet / singer Irish (insert sigh here), oh God, he is so sweet, cocky, and soooo sexy, he will melt your panties and heart gahhh, I swooned so much with him, he owns my soul. Aurora Belle, ahhhh, she is so beautiful, sassy, brave, and headstrong, she is a force to be reckoned with. I love her to pieces!
Mal and Rory were pure delight!! Their explosive chemistry is instantaneous and matchless, their scenes are so steamy and sexy, wow, I swear they could burn a room, my kindle almost makes spontaneous combustion with them!! And their banter, OMG, is on another level.Their romance is so passionate and intense, I couldn't get enough of them!
Something that I loved were the different POVs, they allowed me to have a broader vision and fall in love more with the story. And the epilogue is the BEST EPILOGUE EVER, it warmed my heart and made me cry with happiness.
L.J. Shen once again creates a masterpiece that spoke to my soul and my heart. I am in awe of the author's talent; her words always give me life, run through my senses and hypnotize me. But with ITUE she set such a high bar for new stories, I feel that she will end up ruining me for all the other authors. THIS CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE IS THE BEST OF THE BEST!
GET READY FOR THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE!
Versión en español ¡Tu nueva adicción está aquí!
In the Unlikely Event es brillante, mágico, pura perfección, me encantó, no tengo suficientes palabras para describir la grandeza de esta historia, me atrapó desde las primeras líneas y NO PUDE PONERLO ABAJO un solo segundo, es tan entretenido que prácticamente inhalé las páginas. Su trama me consumió y robó mi aliento, gahhh ES SIMPLEMENTE KINDLE CRACK.
La autora trae su juego A y nos entrega una historia asombrosa y EPICA MAS ALLA DE LAS PALABRAS. Esta intrincada trama tiene su estilo de escritura único, pero aun así es totalmente diferente a lo que ella ha escrito antes, me hizo reír a carcajadas a traves de toda la trama, pero también angustia se desborda de cada página, al mejor estilo L.J. Shen. Es ingeniosa e interesante, con secretos, intrigas e inesperados eventos que me tuvieron con el corazón en la boca y me mantuvieron al borde del asiento durante toda la lectura.
Nuestro héroe Malachy es mi nuevo novio literario, estoy tan obsesionada con él, es un poeta/cantante irlandés (inserte suspiro aquí), oh Dios, es tan dulce, arrogante, sexy, él derretirá tus bragas y tu corazón y el ama con tanta fuerza, él definitivamente posee mi alma. Rory, ahhhh es tan bella, atrevida y valiente, y amo su forma de ver la vida, enfrenta todo con coraje, me encanta.
Mal y Rory fueron puro deleite! Su intensa química es instantánea e incomparable, alcanzó niveles inimaginables, guau, juro que ellos podían quemar una habitación, mi kindle casi hace combustion espontánea con sus escenas. Su romance es tan apasionado, dulce e intenso. No pude conseguir suficiente de ellos.
Algo que me encantó fueron los diferentes POVs, ellos me permitieron tener una visión más amplia y enamorarme más de la historia. Y el epílogo es el MEJOR EPÍLOGO DE TODOS LOS TIEMPOS, me calentó el corazón y me hizo llorar de felicidad.
L.J. Shen crea una vez más una obra maestra que le habló a mi alma y mi corazón. . El talento de la autora me dejó asombrada, sus palabras siempre me dan vida, recorren mis sentidos y me hipnotizan, pero con ITUE ella pone una barra tan alta para otras historias, que siento que ella terminará arruinándome para todos los demás autores. ¡ESTE ROMANCE CONTEMPORÁNEO ES LO MEJOR DE LO MEJOR
PREPARATE PARA EL VIAJE DE TU VIDA!
Rating: really liked it
NO WAY IN HELLLLLLL!!!’
Is it just an illusion uuuaaaa? Did I read it correctly or did somebody pull prank on me by changing the right copy of the book? Hero is raped by half- evil incarnation of sister of heroine and accidentally conceived a child. Is it right?
And it continues like Reagan pukes green mix a.k.a. possessed by evil/ a.k.a half sister of heroine dies and goes to hell and attends limbo contest with Lucifer Morningstar (you lucky bitch!) and hero keeps the baby’s existence as secret from heroine. This can’t be real! NO! NO! NO! Is this candid camera show? Did somebody shoot my widen eyes and distorted face during my reading?
There is also meaningless cheating… OH COME ON! Give us a break! Is this the same author I love so much. Impossible! She must have hired (and should be immediately fired) the worst ghost writer on the universe (maybe she is a real ghost) to write this book! And you called this second chance romance….
Oh hell no! Over my death body! Do you consider this chocolate bar intercourse as a dirty fantasy!
(Well what a waste of delicious chocolate!)
Arrgghhhk! That’s enough! I gotta stop right now! Or I’m gonna puke and waste a delicious bottle of Malbec! Somebody help me! Get this book out from my hands nowwwww!!! They’re burning! Argghhhkkk!
BANG!The reviewer dropped her keyboard and left the building!!!!!
blog
instagram
facebook
twitter
Rating: really liked it
[
1. the rape of the hero could have been a real teaching moment had it been handled well. it's glossed over. i know a child was conceived so the hero tries not to think about the circumstances but he was raped. period. and it's brushed aside.
2. i don't actually mind cheating in books if the reasons are there. but our heroine is a fcking moron. she knew BEFORE she reunited with the hero that she didn't like her current bf that
Rating: really liked it
*Spoiler Alert*
2nd Update: I decided to finish so yay me; nevertheless, the lies and the rape and the stupidity of ALL the characters made this "love" story tortuous to read.
1st update: DNF@50%. FRTC
Rating: really liked it
This book was so surprising, different than what I expected, better than what I expected. There's something about Leigh's writing that sucks you in, and you know when you open the pages to one of her books, you're in for a wild ride. 10000000% recommended.
Rating: really liked it
Ahhhhhh!!! You guys!! Remember that time L.J. Shen dropped a book promising that it was different from anything she has ever written? Well that day is today and I can 100% wholeheartedly attest that this is one of her best books. It is SO unlike any of her previous books but no less incredible. It, without a doubt, has that PERFECT LJ touch that I die for. Malachy and Aurora were nothing short of magnificent! They are one of my favorite couples from this author!!
When Aurora "Rory" Belle Jenkins and Malachy Doherty made a contract to marry years earlier she could never have expected that the charming young musician she met in a foreign land would make such a lasting impression on her heart and mind. Fast forward eight years later and the man she remembers has turned into a cold, callous and genius musical lyricist with secrets and anything but forever on his mind.
In The Unlikely Event (ITUE) was absolutely magical!! Malachy and Aurora's story was so different but it still has the unflinching honesty, raw angst, spitfire fiery banter, intelligent writing and the sexual tension and love affair we DIE for. Their love was tumultuous and delicious, smothered in warmth, secrets and lies and topped with a love that can rival any Disney fairytale. Read this story to end your year with a BANG!! 5 stars! ~Ratula
Rating: really liked it
I.TUE, IT.UE, ITU.E… I.T.U.E., In the Unlikely Event. Oh I’m likely gonna love this.
LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
Rating: really liked it
I'm really torn on this one, because I never wanted to put it down, but holy moly was this so very messy. The chocolate bar scene will forever be in my prayers.
Trigger and Content Warnings: talk of domestic abuse in the past, dub-con, loss of a loved on in the past, cancer, alcoholism,, drug use, grey area cheating, talk of suicided, talk of abortion, mention of mascaraing in the past.
Blog | Instagram | Youtube | Ko-fi | Spotify | Twitch
Buddy read with Amy! ❤
Rating: really liked it
This book is being promoted as a modern day fairy tale romance - a star-crossed lovers romance...
Let me enlighten you about it so that you can decide how romantic it is! This is what I have gathered from some good reviewers...
The hero gets raped by a virgin girl while he is drunk... and as she doesn't use a condom, she gets pregnant. Our hero continues to have sex with his rapist and then gets married to her because she is gonna have their baby.
Oh oh, this woman is the half sister of the heroine. And they say the romance is dead. Huh!
Some day, this adorable half-sister (view spoiler)
[dies, (hide spoiler)]and later, our lovely couple name their own child after her to always remember what a nice sister/wife she was.
Please read the 1-star-reviews for more delightful information about this romance! book; I just don't have the patience or enthusiasm to write all the absurdity it includes.
*********************************************
Now, hear this because this is good... really good :)
The book involves point of views of not only people but also objects such as a napkin, a cow and a chocolate bar.
And having mentioned about the chocolate, let me say that the hero f*cks the heroine with a chocolate bar.
I think the writer should have been kind and considerate enough to also add footnotes on that page and include cleaning instructions for afterwards. Shame on her for not thinking about it... Tsk tsk tsk...
Sorry but I am really obsessed about the mess it will leave; WTF kind of a fantasy is this?? And the pathetic part is that I cannot erase it from my memory, what now??!!
*********************************************
P.S. My humble advice... If you like the idea in the blurb, then go watch Before Sunrise / Before Sunset. If you have already watched them, then watch them again, they are that good with Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy's awesome acting!
And you can also watch Serendipity starring John Cusack; it tells the decent and romantic story of a couple who search for each other years after the night they first met, fell in love, and separated, convinced that one day they'd end up together..
Rating: really liked it
What.
The.
Fuck.
Did.
I.
Just.
Read.
CL can't come to the review section yet, because she's ... dead.
Bai.
EDITED:
Unique. Spellbinding. Whimsical. In the Unlikely Event is a seamless book beyond my comprehension. The angst, pull, and giggles it drew from me will be seared into my mind forever.
