I always jump at any stories this author has because I know I will really enjoy them and this one was no exception. This is a MM Romance. It is a second chance small town romance with danger and Suspense inside. It is definately a page turner. Elijah has moved with his son after problems in his past. Now he’s starting again and isn’t planning on a relationship or romance until he meets his neighbour Jude. Jude is struggling with coming to terms with his past after losing his husband. So far he has his work and the bottle keeping him going but that all changes when he meets Elijah and his son. But things aren’t going to be plain sailing and when something from Elijah’s past returns threatening his and his sons safety, Jude is going to use all his skills and training to protect the new man in his life.
Elijah is a young man who is a single father to his son Griffin, he has not had it easy with his ex-girlfriend causing him a lot of grief and nearly a prison sentence, but he is needing a fresh start and so he moves to a small town away from his past. Jude is a man who has experienced all the highs and lows one man can during his life with his husband Marcus, that is until he was ripped away from him, since his death, all Jude has been doing is working and drinking himself into oblivion.
On the day that Elijah moves into his new home, he hasn’t got the energy to unpack, never mind anything else, but he knows that he needs food, so he goes to the local diner, but when he returns home, Griffin will not settle, and they end up crying together on the front porch. Jude is about to start his time with the contents of a new bottle until he hears the crying of a baby next door and goes to investigate and finds Elijah and Griffin, he offers to help, and the offer is accepted, although warily, but as all parties calm down, a tentative new friendship forms.
Over the next few days Elijah, Jude and Griffin spend time together, but Jude cannot help but feel that something is wrong, and he follows his instincts, even if it risks losing the two people who have come to mean a lot to him in such a short space of time. Meanwhile, Elijah is begining to form a routine in his life and make friendships he doesn’t expect, however, when his past comes a calling and danger makes itself known, he is terrified and doesn’t know where to turn. As soon as Jude finds out what has happened, his protective nature takes over and he will do anything to keep Elijah and Griffin safe, but will he be able to, and will Elijah let his heart open up to Jude? This is a romantic suspense which will suck you in and leave you wanting to know what happens as you follow along with this sweet romance and the twists and turns within it.
I am a huge fan of this author so I knew I had to read Unexpected Heros. I was definitely pleased I did! I enjoyed the story being written in both povs. Naomi Valkyrie made me feel connected to the characters and had me hooked from the first chapter. It was a really good love story without the X rated, in your face love scenes. I would highly recommend this book as well as this author.
Unexpected Heros by Naomi Valkyrie is a M/M Romance. This is the second book I’ve read by Naomi, and with how much I loved that one, I knew i had to read this immediately. The characters were lovely, Elijah and Jude were so refreshingly written, and Griffin was just a treasure. I also want to mention, the cover art is what really drew me in, and then I knew it was a must read when I saw the authors name! This book will definitely keep your emotions running high, and definitely worth the read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Finn Cunninghamhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFinn Cunningham2024-07-29 12:04:232024-09-26 12:48:03Unexpected Heroes by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Finn Cunningham
I first read the story Unexpected Heroes when it was part of a collection of short stories entitled Saved by the Everyday Hero written by thirteen different authors. One of my favorite stories in that collection was by one of my favorite authors, Naomi Valkyrie. Her story entitled Unexpected Heroes is a M/M Romance that centers around the characters of Elijah and Jude. Elijah moves in next door to Jude with his infant son. When Jude sees Elijah struggling late one night to soothe his baby and get him to sleep, he offers to help. From there a friendship grows as Jude helps Elijah unpack, runs errands for him, and helps with the baby. Both men have troubled pasts that each has been struggling to overcome in their own ways. Through their friendship they learn to trust, to love again, and they work together to overcome challenges that come their way. The friendship between them grows and blossoms into more over time and the two find their soulmate in one another.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2024-07-29 11:04:252024-09-26 12:47:49Unexpected Heroes by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
So cute! An adorable book! Some crazy twists and turns, but so fun to read. The characters are warm and relatable, and having a child in the book is so cute and entertaining.
Unexpected Heroes by Naomi Valkyrie. This is a short story about Elijah and Jude who end up being neighbors and more. Elijah has moved to town to start over with his infant son, Griffin and get away from his crazy past. His past relationship was very abusive and having to start over and deal with that is difficult so when Elijah meets Jude and they hit it off it helps so much. Elijah is very skeptical of all the friendly people in town including his new boss and new neighbor. Jude is a grieving widow whose husbands death nearly killed him. He’s also dealing with being a recovering alcoholic so when his heart does a little pitter patter for Elijah he is very interested. They begin spending more time with each other but Elijah is so gun shy still. When Elijah’s past comes back to haunt him and Griffin he does the only thing he knows how, shuts down. Will Jude be able to keep him forming completely leaving town and the chance they have at a relationship?
Unexpected Heroes is an M/M romance. I’ve read several paranormal romances by this author in the past but this story is set in the real world without any fantasy or sci-fi elements. That said, it has many of the other themes and features I’ve come to enjoy from her work such as found family and recovery.
This is an enjoyable read for romance fans who like stories with a bit of drama and action in them. Elijah and Jude both have had difficult experiences in the past that they need to come to terms with as they realise their attraction for each other. In Elijah’s case, the problems of his past aren’t quite over yet.
The pace of this story picks up a bit towards the end, after a gentler start. I felt it left me wanting more, so hopefully there will be more books that tie in with this one to explore some of the other characters!
Unexpected Heroes gets four stars from me! I’d recommend it to fans of M/M romance who like stories with loveable supporting characters and plenty of plot to keep you entertained.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Francis O'Sullivanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFrancis O'Sullivan2024-07-28 11:23:472024-09-26 13:18:22Unexpected Heroes by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Francis O’Sullivan
I got to read this story when it was part of a compilation of stories by several amazing authors called, “Saved by the Everyday Hero” and loved it. Naomi Valkyrie is a great author; she brings the story to life through her magical way of writing such a realistic storyline. She takes her time developing the characters so dynamically that you can’t help but love them. I am so excited that this is now available as a story all by itself as well as in a compilation.
I absolutely loved reading this romance compilation; it was filled with happily-ever-after stories that enchanted me with every story. I loved getting to read so many different authors in one place. I have found some new authors that I will seek other works because they were so amazing at bringing the characters to life. There was at least one story that had someone you could relate to, I found there were so many that I could relate to in my life. Reading stories that make you feel warm and fuzzy was wonderful. If you love a good short romance story with a complete plot and all the character development, this is the book for you! I hope to be able to find more books like this in the future, where amazing authors come together to compile their work into one place for us romantics. @Brandy Rymer 07/2024
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Brandy Jo Rymerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBrandy Jo Rymer2024-07-27 01:20:392024-09-26 12:41:34Unexpected Heroes by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Brandy Rymer
Naomi Valkyrie never fails to write a story that keeps you hooked from the first page. I have read quite a few by her and I have loved every single one. She has quickly become one of my favorite authors. I like stories that are told from multiple characters point of view. You get to know each character more. You get to know how they each think instead of just one side. This is a second chance love story. Both characters feel quite defeated after a loss. Both feel the need to start fresh. But can they move on from their past to find love again? When their past comes calling, will they get past it?
I am normally not a huge fan of M and M books, but Unexpected Heroes by Naomi Valkyrie really changed that for me. I was not disappointed and was kept my toes and that alone kept the pages turning for me. The characters in this story are strong yet broken. Both main characters are so good and so much emotion inside of them make this is read one that will not disappoint. Jude and Elijah will grab at your heart and your emotions. Add in Elijah’s son Griffin and you have an amazing story. While they both push each other way for many reasons, Jude will do is job when he sees his new neighbor and son are in danger. I COULD NOT put this book down and can not wait to read more by the author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heidi Eich Woodringhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeidi Eich Woodring2024-07-25 18:53:142024-09-26 13:22:48Unexpected Heroes by Naomi Valkyrie Review by Heidi Woodring
I have read a couple of books from this author and she always keeps me on my toes. I love a good male and male love story but this book exceeded my expectations. I love it when an author writes from both characters point of view. I feel more connected with them. I was hooked on this story right from the first chapter. I could not put it down until the end. I can’t wait to see what this amazing author will write about next.
Elijah Fox thought he had everything he ever wanted but then it was all taken from him in seconds. He is now in a new town trying to start all over. Elijah is a single dad to his baby boy Griffin. All he wants is to give his son the best life he can. Elijah meets his neighbor Jude and he feels something he has not felt in a long time. He sees that Jude is getting along with his son as well but he is not ready to give his heart to someone else. Elijah is shocked when his past finds him and now he and his son are in danger. Will Elijah be able to face his past or will it be too late? Review by @heatherbass
I didn’t even read the description to Unexpected Heroes, but I have enjoyed other books by this author. The book was not like the other books I have read by her, but I really enjoyed it. The book was short, but filled with a lot of content. It had a good balance of new relationship feels, as well as some suspense. I think it was a good book, but wish for more filler- more background of what happened to Marcus; more background on both Jude and Elijah; more time to develop their feelings. It all happened quite fast. Overall, its a good quick read to open all the feels and leave you feeling content with a happy ending.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2024-07-24 20:52:132024-09-26 12:39:04Unexpected Heroes by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
Elijah moved to a new town to start with his infant son to get away from the past and start over. Leaving an abusive relationship is hard enough without having to start completely over. On top of that, having a baby to deal with too. Griffin is all Elijah has left. Elijah finds it hard to believe that people are willing to help him without a motive. His new boss is very accommodating, welcoming both him and Griffin with open arms. Even his hot neighbour, Jude, seems more than willing to lend a helping hand. Elijah wants to welcome Jude into his life but his trust issues are in the way.
Jude is a grieving alcoholic who lost his husband a year ago. When his new neighbour, a single dad, makes Judes heart start pumping again, he doesn’t know what to do about it. He deals with feelings of guilt with a sprinkle of hope. Even though they just met, he can see himself falling for this man and his cute baby.
Will the duo be able to put aside their negative feelings and come together or will something more sinister keep them apart?
I absolutely love Naomi Valkyrie’s books. Although they normally tend to write more fantasy than contemporary, this is a nice change of pace. The author writes novella sized books but with so much detail that it has the depth of a novel. They make the characters come to life with relatable feelings and actions. It is really easy to resonate with the characters and plots. I have said it many times and I will keep saying it. I highly recommend Naomi Valkyrie.
Not my first, definitely not my last time picking up a story from this brilliant writer Naomi Valkyrie. In this book it’s a M/M second chance romance. Which follows Jude and Elijah’s relationship. This was a super quick read (for me lol) it’s only 100 or so pages. Unexpected Heroes is filled with strong emotion, spice, suspense, danger and with a surprise twist that makes reading the story all the better. This author always has fantastic world building and the author’s character development is top tier. It amazes me just how well written this was in a short amount of time. I’m looking forward to reading more of this author’s work. Ps the Cover is pretty awesome. All the colors contrast (darker to lighter ) well to draw your eyes right to it.
I have enjoyed reading many books by this author. This book is a second chance MM romance which I don’t always read but I really enjoyed this story. Elijah and Jude meet each other when Elijah is trying to calm baby Griffin so they can get some sleep and be ready for Elijah’s first day at his new job. Jude ends up helping calm Griffin. As Elijah and Jude get to know each other, Jude notices weird things happening around Elijah. Great world building by the author with a mix of mystery, new friendships, new jobs, and even Jude finding a reason to live again.
This is an intriguing story. Elijah and Jude both have painful pasts that they are trying to deal with. The two men develop a tentative friendship and when Elijah is in need Jude is more than ready to help. As the two spend more time together emotions began to come into the picture. Jude is a good man and will do what he can to keep Elijah and his son safe. Their story moves at a good pace and has a nice mix of drama and emotions. It was nice to see the way their friendship developed and deepened into something more.
Unexpected Heroes is a MM second chance romance, By Naomi Valkyrie. I have read books by this author and was excited to get this one and definitely was not disappointed. It is extremely well written and keeps you wanting more. This book brings you so many emotions and the characters are fantastic. The main characters are strong yet broken. I became very invested and read it in one day. You won’t regret this book one bit.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Toni Sellershttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngToni Sellers2024-07-19 22:10:172024-09-26 13:35:40Unexpected Heroes by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Toni Sellers
A M/M romance. Elijah is new to town and is a single dad to an infant son. A troubled past seems to have followed him and leave it to his moody neighbor Jude to find a way to protect Elijah and even Griffin. A quick almost insta-love story that has you rooting for Elijah and Jude from the first meet.
Unexpected Heroes by Naomi Valkyrie is a MM Romance that once you start reading its hard to put down until you’ve finished it. I’ve read several books by this author but this one is honestly my favorite yet. I first read this story when it was part of an Anthology so I knew I had to have it. I loved the characters, they are purely the heart and soul of this story. My emotions were all over the place with this story. Elijah and Jude both have been hurt and are trying to move on in their own ways. Elijah has Griffin his son to take care of . Things are about to change when he meets their new neighbor Jude. This is a short story but is fast paced. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I’m looking forward to reading more from this Author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Daughenbaughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Daughenbaugh2024-07-19 03:46:172024-09-26 12:28:13Unexpected Heroes by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
Elijah Fox, along with his son Griffin, move into town for a new job and most importantly a new start. At a particularly low point for Elijah he meets his new neighbor, the enigmatic Jude Carvossa. Jude feels an immediate connection to Elijah and his son but will his demons prevent him from pursuing Elijah? When Elijah’s past catches up with him will Jude be able to save him and his son?
This is my first time reading Naomi Valkyrie and I really enjoyed this book. It flowed well and was a quick read but it didn’t lack anything in the story or characters. I always enjoy reading dual POV. The angst was real but wasn’t overwhelming to the story. This is definitely a must read and I can’t wait to check out more from this author!
I absolutely love Valkyrie’s writing style and she doesn’t disappoint with Unexpected Heroes. This is a MM, small-town romance filled with suspense. Valkyrie packs romance, suspense, angst, and spice into Jude and Elijah’s story and does it really well. I really like how she developed these characters, individually and together, as well as the plot line. This spice level in this is just right and you will not regret picking this story up.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Kimleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Kimley2024-07-17 14:39:432024-09-26 12:24:38Unexpected Heroes by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Megan Rea
This is a very short read and action-packed to keep the reader engaged. The author does really well incorporating the backstory of Elijah and Jude into the present story. The story does flow well and is very easy to follow from the beginning. All of the characters, even the minor ones, are very well developed.
I love this author and she is one of my favorites….Unexpected Heros is a MM Romance as Jude and Elijah try and navigate feelings, knowing that they were hurt in the past for different reasons. This story was fantastic and I love the bond of Jude and Elijah. I love a good second chance romance and this story gave me all the feels…..
Jude is trying to live each day at a time. Realing from a loss, he is alone in his thoughts…and in between his security detail jobs, he does not want to go down the deep spiral….until he ends up getting a new neighbor. Elijah is new in town, trying to start a brand new life with his son. Elijah never expected to be embraced by not only his new neighbor, Jude, but also his new job. When unsettling things start happening to Elijah…will Jude be able to save Elijah and his son when they need him the most? Will Jude be able to get past his loss and be able to move on and love again?
An enjoyable and engaging M/M Romance which introduces us to Elijah and Jude, who meet when Elijah and his baby son, Griffin move in next door to Jude. Jude helps out with the crying baby one night and a friendship develops between the men, and despite both of them having troubled pasts they can’t deny their chemistry or their instant connection. When Griffin is in danger both men are determined to save him. This fairly short story has plenty of drama and suspense which kept me hooked throughout. The chemistry sizzled off the page between the likeable Jude and Elijah and I liked how their relationship developed throughout the story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Gordonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Gordon2024-07-16 11:51:222024-09-26 12:22:23Unexpected Heroes by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Jennifer Gordon
I loved “Unexpected Heroes” by the wildly talented Naomi Valkyrie which is a M/M Story that is so well written you just want more and more. Elijah and Jude are wonderful characters that weave their way into your heart right from the start. I will 100% be searching for more from this fabulous author. I am hoping there is more to be read not only about these characters but other side characters that we met because they have me intrigued as well.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Juleshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJules2024-07-16 06:06:462024-09-26 12:20:15Unexpected Heroes by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Jules Herbert
Can we just take a minute to appreciate this beautiful cover…. Unexpected Heroes by Naomi Valkyrie is a wonderful MM romance woven around two damaged souls who are drawn together by fate. Elijah (a single dad new to town) and Jude (a security operative with a broken heart) both stole my heart, right along with baby Griffin. This was such a sweet story but packed with emotion, danger, and intrigue. The slightly paranormal twist elevated this story to a whole other level for me, and was quite cleverly done. Ms. Valkyrie has imbued her story with so much emotion, and though it may only be a short story, it packs the punch of a much longer novel. She made me cry, more than once- the story really touched me- I was so invested in the outcome, on the edge of my seat in parts, as I followed along to ensure everything worked out in end. Looking forward to seeing what she has in store for us next. Happy Reading…
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2024-07-15 23:45:042024-09-24 19:32:11Unexpected Heroes by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Angela Hayes
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203017065-unexpected-heroes” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Unexpected Heroes” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1701395741l/203017065._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203017065-unexpected-heroes”>Unexpected Heroes</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19564586.Naomi_Valkyrie”>Naomi Valkyrie</a><br/> My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6673971050″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /> Elijah and Jude had a happenstance meeting when they became neighbors. Their first night in their new home his infant son is inseccently crying. Nothing Elijah does soothes him. Jude, who was trying to enjoy his solitude, is interrupted and gets annoyed. When he sees the forlorn single father he offers his assistance. As they grow close and feelings start becoming more romantic, Elijah’s past comes roaring back with a vengance. It puts him as well as Griffin in danger. Jude can’t just stand by and watch the little family he has come to love get hurt. He’d rather live without them knowing they are safe than to live knowing they are gone forever. Will Jude be able to keep them safe? <br/><br/> <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Charlisa Wahtomy-Albahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCharlisa Wahtomy-Alba2024-07-15 23:01:042024-09-26 13:44:31Unexpected Heroes by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba
I first read this book when I found it in part of an anthology about a year ago. I absolutely fell in love with this story and was super excited to find the standalone book! This author is one that I never pass up because they have an incredible way of crafting their stories that I haven’t found anywhere else. I was absolutely blown away by how rapidly I was pulled into this story and fully invested in Elijah, Griffin, and Jude. The flow of this story is flawless, and the characters are incredibly relatable. I felt so many emotions reading through this and couldn’t put it down even though I had already read it! If you are looking for a fantastic MM Romance, look no further. You won’t regret picking this one up!
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