One Unexpected Gift by Marianne Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was such a good read! The story line is precious. Anytime I can root for a single momma finding a happy ending, I know I’m going to love it.
Skylar reaches out to her close friends to spend some time together for the last few weeks of her maternity leave. Unexpectedly, she finds and old “friend” from her past.
One Unexpected Gift by Marianne Rice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the fourth book in the series. This book, as with the others in the series, can be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed Skylar’s story.
Skylar recently had a baby. She’s been on her own taking care of Gabriella but feels bad about shutting her sisters out so she travels to spend the rest of her maternity leave with them. She’s kept Gabriella’s father a secret this whole time. Running the summer camp with her sisters sounds just like what Skylar needs as she tries to maneuver motherhood. Nick runs a bowling alley and couldn’t be more thrilled to see Skylar walk in. He hasn’t seen her since they hooked up about a year ago. Skylar and Nick reconnecting brings up secrets from the past. Can these two face the challenges that will come their way?
Skylar is so independent and strong. She knows what she wants and she’ll figure out how to get it. I also enjoyed that in this book, Skylar is the one in the military. Guys are always portrayed as military so it was a nice change. Nick has his flaws, but doesn’t everyone. I really enjoyed these characters. The story was well written and the characters were genuine.
One Unexpected Gift by Marianne Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This contemporary romance has to be one of the best romances I have read this year. While I have not read the other books in this series trust me when I say that I will be reading them and hoping that they are as good as Nick and Skylars story. Full of fantastic characters, a great story, romance and more you wont want to put this story down.
One Unexpected Gift by Marianne Rice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
One Unexpected Gift (Band of Sisters)
I really enjoyed this book, my favorite person being Gabriella but I also really liked Nick and Skylar and two places near and dear to me were mentioned. Virginia is where I was born and raised and Austin which is home now.
Some of my favorite parts of the book involve spoilers I can’t go too much into it, but watching the relationship between Skylar and Nick grow and change as each challenge is thrown their way was very heartwarming to me.
I always get a little too invested when it’s a group of friends that I really like and that is what has happened. I love these girls and their friendship and love for one another. I’m lucky enough to have a similar relationship two friends, but we aren’t a trio.
I really hope these ladies pop up again in a different series mostly because I’m nosey and want to know what happens next.
One Unexpected Gift by Marianne Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Living in a military community and being a military ex-wife this book I could relate to and understand since I am now a single mother of 4. Sky is an incredibly independent woman and just wants to do what’s best for her baby. Nick is a generous man who still has a childish streak but don’t we all, it’s what keeps us young. I loved reading this book not only because I could relate to the characters but because Sky’s family wasn’t blood, they were her sisters and I admire that! I loved the communication and honesty no matter how hard it was between her and nick. All the passion as well and how they were instantly drawn to one another and I could just visualize them and no, they did not match the cover of the book. The ending took me for a turn though when he was surprised and with his condition, I thought the book was going to take a turn. I would love to read a sequel of this or the ones around it.
One Unexpected Gift by Marianne Rice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A heartwarming contemporary military romance which I thoroughly enjoyed. Needing the support of her best friends, Army Medic Skylar heads to Maine to think about her future. Her hook-up with a sexy stranger, in his office and in the supply closet, brought up some major consequences. Nick Pierce’s life had been boring since receiving some devastating news, which resulting in him having to stop his crazy, wild adventures. So when a gorgeous, funny, witty redhead walked into his bar he was instantly captivated, so much so he does not want to see her leave. Only problem is, Skylar does not seem interested in him, but this only makes him want her more. Meanwhile, Skylar is finding Nick pretty hard to resist, especially when he makes her feel protected and desired. But, she’s afraid to get to involved as her life and career are in Virginia with the Army. I loved Nick and Skylar and wanted them to get their HEA. The chemistry between them really came across in the narrative, and I liked how their relationship developed throughout the story. An entertaining and engaging read, which can be read either as a standalone story or as part of the series.
One Unexpected Gift by Marianne Rice
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Skylar is an active duty military nurse and a new single mom. The baby is a result of a “two night stand.” She finds that she needs her sisters and heads to see them for the last few weeks of her maternity leave. She hasn’t shared with anyone who the father of her sweet baby girl is.
Nick finds himself in a medical emergency and the only person he can think to call is Skylar. She takes him to the hospital and this is where he meets his daughter for the first time. Unsure if she wants to let Nick in, she realizes that he does want to be part of their lives. Skylar is going to have to decide if she can let him in.
With lots of decisions to make, Skylar heads back to active duty and Nick begins traveling back and forth. But is this what they both want?
One Unexpected Gift by Marianne Rice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book gave me all the emotions. I have read the other 3 Band of Sister books by Marianne Rice and will say this one was my favorite. You do not need to read the other three, but they are amazing and you should do it anyways! There is just something about a single independent mom finding her person that hits close to home and gives me the warm fuzzies.
Skylar is a strong independent army medic who just happens to get the greatest gift of her life after the greatest fifteen minutes of her life.
At first look Nick is your typical small-town playboy, carefree, business owner. After getting devastating news ending his adventures, he has no idea that his biggest adventure is about to walk through the door!
One Unexpected Gift by Marianne Rice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Skyler is a new mom that has made the trek to Maine to see her sisters. She has spent the past few months on her own…adjusting to being a single mom, a soldier, and not wanting to face her family just yet. But, when she shows up on their doorstep, they welcome her with open arms. Offering her a place to stay while she finishes out her maternity leave. Bonding time with her sisters and daughter and working at their summer camp sounds like a great way to spend the next eight weeks.
Nick runs the local bowling alley and is so happy to see Skyler walk in. He hasn’t seen her in almost a year…since they shared two hot hookups. He does what he can to be her friend, despite her constantly brining up his reckless and thrill-seeking behavior. But, when a trip to the doctor reveals a secret, his whole life is changed.
Skyler and Nick’s relationship felt so real…like they could be two friends you know. They had their ups and downs…laughs and tears…frustration and understanding….lust and love. It’s all there. Reading the story of them navigating their way through a new relationship with everything else going on was entertaining. Skyler is emotional and determined to do right by Gabby…while Nick is flawed and puts his foot in his mouth more times than I can remember…but it felt genuine. Overall, a good book that kept me entertained from beginning to end.
One Unexpected Gift by Marianne Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a story that will melt your heart and bring out all the emotional feelers. Skylar has to find her way in single motherhood. With the help of her band of sisters, she will tell Gabriela’s father about her and work through the intricacies of a relationship. She and Nick both bring baggage. Can that love survive? A beautifully written story with real struggles that just makes you smile. The characters are wonderful and feel like family. You’ll find youurself relating to them. The plot is very smooth, just like a flowing river. A romance that I would recommend to all contemporary romance lovers.
Nearly a year ago, Army medic Skylar spent fifteen glorious minutes with a sexy stranger in his office. And then again in his supply closet. But this little hook-up brought some major consequences. Needing the support of her best friends, she heads to Maine to re-evaluate her future.
Since receiving the devastating news that put his wild and crazy adventures to a screeching halt, Nick Pierce’s life has been tame, too tame. Until a gorgeous redhead walks into his bar and captivates him with her sense of humor and sharp wit. Skylar sparks the light which dimmed two years ago, and he isn’t about to let her slip away. He wants her. Bad. Only she doesn’t seem interested. But with every push back she gives, he only wants her more.
Nick’s sense of humor and devilish good looks are too hard to resist. He makes her feel protected, cherished, desired. But she’s afraid to get too close. Her life and her career are in Virginia with the Army.
Only it’s not the distance that will tear them apart. It’s their secrets.
Marianne Rice is the author of more than twenty-five small-town romance novels set in rural New England towns. She loves high heels, reading romance, scarfing down dark chocolate, gulping wine, and Chris Hemsworth. Oh, and her husband and three children. You can follow her all over social media and keep up to date with her latest releases on her website.
