Unexpected Lessons in Love is a story that should really be a romance, but isn't. And that isn't necessarily a bad thing. It follows Jeannie, beginning on her extremely eventful wedding day. First, she calls off the wedding via a voicemail to her fiancé, Dan. Next, her fiancé gets hit by a bus.

This book contains an incredibly unique portrayal of love. It's a will-she-won't-she story about telling Dan the truth if he ever wakes up and it has you trying to determine right, wrong and the best solution throughout the entire story. Plus, whilst all of this is happening, Jeannie finds herself getting ever closer to Rachel, Dan's new boss, and Owen, Dan's best friend, complicating everything just a little more.

I did enjoy this book, mostly because it so neatly wraps everything up. Everything that you think has gone wrong or could go wrong is resolved to some degree by the end, or at least solved in a way that some readers would approve of. I am sure here are mixed reactions to this book and found myself asking whether or not I liked where the story was going, a number of times.

As a character, I was surprised by how much I liked Jeannie. She was incredibly real and had thoughts that many people would be too afraid to speak themselves. I wouldn't consider her decisions throughout the book to be wrong, but it was very easy to doubt her at numerous points throughout the novel. Lucy Dillon wrote an incredibly believable woman with a decision that would be difficult for anyone to deal with. Unfortunately, though, I was not a massive fan of Dan. Much of what we find out about him is from Jeannie recalling moments in her relationship, but I found that these painted a picture that I didn't like. I was conflicted throughout about whether I should feel bad about my dislike of Dan due to his situation, but now definitely feel that I would have preferred a more believably likeable fiancé for Jeannie.

Overall, this book was enjoyable. There are a number of other things going on in the main character's life, besides Dan's situation, and I found these to be more interesting than Jeannie's primary storyline. It did take me a while to get through, but I would consider it to be an easy, thought-provoking read. It makes a nice change from the more predictable romance storylines I've read recently and I am impressed by the concept.

This novel could so easily be a true story and things like this happen every day. The puppy farm, the accident, the treatment the characters, everything about it. I loved this and didn't want to put it down and wanted more when I came to the end. I have read several books by Lucy Dillon and I am going to read more of her. 5 stars and I recommend you read and enjoy her books.

After a whirlwind Long distance romance, Jeannie finds herself having second thoughts on the way to her wedding. She tries and fails to get in contact with fiancé Dan, and then finds out he’s been hit by a bus. As she sits at his bedside, Jeannie feels she can’t admit to her doubts, but as she finds herself drawn more to his best man Owen can she continue the pretence?

A lovely story, with a different twist - the boyfriend being in a coma for most of the book! The characters were well thought out. I especially enjoyed Dan’s mother, who spent the whole time planning their new wedding, completely missing the signals, right to the very end. The side story, of vet George, his wife Rachel and the rescue dogs adds another strand of interest and helps things bounce along. Whether it will help in stopping puppy farming is unknown, but if it only opens a few more eyes to the practice then this can only be good for dogs.

A great book, with a serious message slipped in.

This is a good story but it didn't grip me at the heart.
Jeannie and Dan were good characters and the storyline was a good one but I felt like something was missing.
I was missing that extra piece of the puzzle.
It was a good 3.5 star book that will pass on a few hours reading it.
I'd describe it as a Sunday chill out read.
It definitely had me guessing at times too.
Good book by a great author.
Go read it now

This was a lovely relaxing read - very much enjoyed it! I really enjoyed the story and the premise and there was an element of suspense throughout it as well which I didn’t expect.

A really lovely light read, if wedding nerves and a coma can be called light. As with her previous novel dog’s feature a lot of if you are a cat person then it might not be for you. Engaging ( pun not really intended), funny, sad, thoughtful, dogs, wedding dresses all combine really well.

I liked the idea behind this book, but unfortunately it just wasn't for me.
The main storyline itself was a good one, but I didn't really feel any connection to the main characters.
Also, there was a secondary story going on about puppy farming, dog adoption, etc which seemed to totally take over from Jeannie and Dan's story for at least half of the book.
I'm a huge dog lover but, even for me, it was a bit much.
The ending was slightly predictable, but also the one I had hoped for.

2.5 ✧

Unexpected Lessons in Love finds Jeannie, with cold feet about to marry Dan. She bravely decides to call off the wedding at the same time that Dan is in an accident and ends up in a coma.

This started off good, I liked the writing but not the POV in this one. I'm usually not fussy unless it reads weird. My rating isn't great but I did read this book at a bad time, I've been super busy. That's probably the reason that when the plot started to drag (Dan still in a coma) I really gave up a bit and skimmed to the end.

I had a slight niggle around what guy I was supposed to get behind (Dan's best man Owen gave me some vibes very early). That's actually a deal breaker for me as I need to know WHO it will BE, I don't read to be disappointed. I'd happily spoil a triangle outcome for myself just to avoid it.

You know what? This may have been about love, making the mistakes, fixing them, life, life life.. but considering the end, it wasn't a romance. I'm glad I didn't give it my all. I would check out another book by Dillon another time though.

I love romance books more than anything and this one was at least interesting so to say if not more. I enjoyed the characters and can see how this would happen in real life but the paced was too slow for my liking and had to stop reading at times.
Lovely and heartbreaking or heartwarming some may say, it’s an enjoyable read for the romance lovers.

I really enjoyed this book. The story kept me interested and although I had an inkling, I wasn't quite sure how it would play out which meant I had to keep reading to find out the outcome, I was completely hooked. It is very well written with believable and likeable characters. I definitely recommend this book. Thank you #netgalley.

This personally wasnt my kind of book but I do think people who enjoy romance novels will like it. The pace was too slow for me and I felt like it took too long to get into the plot. I'd already guessed the ending halfway through the book however I normally read thrillers so dont feel this was a book for me personally. I did like the characters and it was well written and an incredibly heart warming story. I would recommend to my friend who reads chick lit. It was enjoyable for what it was but it didnt make me want to read it

Jeannie and Dan have been together about a year.Things are moving on too quickly engaged on an outing to New York,on Brooklyn Bridge .Wedding plans etc taking much of their time ,but they really don't know each other well at all..
On her way to her wedding she tells her father she cannot go ahead with the weddingand tries to phone dan but his phone is engaged so she leaves a message.As we find out later Dan's call was to a girlfriend but not concentrating ,he gets knocked down by a bus.
Unconscious in hospital for a while with parents and friends visiting he gradually comes round and he admits he couldn't go through with the wedding at the last minute either .

Lots of packing regarding puppies etc do not add to this story i feel.

It was lovely to meet up with some of the characters from Lost Dogs and Lonely Hearts and to meet up with some new ones.
I really enjoyed this book - a nice heartwarming, relaxing read.
Jeannie was an amazingly strong character making hard decisions.
And of course I loved the dogs

This is a lovely fireside read. It doesn't demand much of the reader and has a very emotive dual storyline that covers human and canine relationships. It wouldn't sit up there among the best books ever written but it certainly pulls you into the lives of the characters. Anyone who loves dogs will love the storyline around the rescue home

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. This author certainly knows how to tell a story and also about love, relationships and most importantly hope. I loved it.

First time of reading any of Lucy's work and this was generally a feel good novel! So pleased it ended how it did as that's all I wanted from the very start. I wouldn't ever call myself a dog person but felt so sad about the puppy farming details, I hope everyone reading this ends up doing something to help the little dogs who are so mistreated!

The clue is in the title- here is a story about love or maybe not. It’s well written and will strike your heart. From heartwarming to heart breaking. For me it was a slow burner but trust me stay with it you will not be disappointed.
Characters well established and believable
Great read.
Thanks to both NetGalley and publishers for giving me eARC. to read in exchange for my review

First of all ... didn’t see that one coming.
Blurb from the author:
Jeannie always wanted to fall in love, and now she’s finally got the whirlwind romance she dreamed of. Dan’s gorgeous, he’s a successful young vet, and he flew her to New York and proposed on Brooklyn Bridge. Jeannie has to remind herself this is actually her life. It seems too perfect, too magical, to be real. Yet it is.

But now she’s on her way to the wedding she can’t shake off the tight sensation crushing her chest. Is it just nerves . . . or is this all happening a bit too fast?

Jeannie has one last chance to shout, ‘Stop!’ But just as she grabs it, a twist of fate throws everything she knows into the air like confetti. What Jeannie learns about Dan, about her own heart, and about the power of love itself, will change her world for ever . . .

When I first started reading I was like well didn’t see that coming. Not you typical romance read. I won’t spoil it but the male lead isn’t around much in the book. You’ll see why. I enjoyed this part as you were able to stay with Jeannie and see her develop as a character and live her life all whilst doubting where it was going. The end was underwhelming and after reading majority of the book it was predictable. Despite this it was a quick and easy read. Parts of the plot could have been shortened and often parts were repeated. There’s also a secret throughout the book that you really really want to know what it is ... this is found out (pretty much) right at the end.

It was ok, nothing special. I read until the end hoping for more so felt a little disappointed. There was enough of a story to keep me intrigued but it just never really felt as though it got started for me

A charming story proving that love is not always black and white.
Jeannie is a young woman getting ready to get married to her perfect fiancé but on the day of her wedding, she realizes that they know each other only for a few months. She doesn't have time to rethink her situation as unfortunate events take place and Jane's life takes a 180* turn. In the following story, she starts to discover herself and understand the real meaning of love, friendship, and rediscover her own passions.
This was the first book I read by Lucy Dillon and I was positively impressed. I expected it to be more of a regular romance although it came out to be a very emotional piece with deeper valuable thoughts.
It was a very engaging read and I didn't want to put a book aside. At first, I didn't feel positive towards the main character although going further into the story I created positive feelings for her. I only wish other characters in the story would have more place as I was missing some more information about them.
I would recommend the book to all fans of women's fiction although prepare a box of tissues as this piece can make you a bit emotional!

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy.