Never Saw You Coming by Hayley Doyle

Recommended on a facebook group by the author, I decided I would support a fellow romance author, and download a book in a genre, I don’t usual read. It took me a few chapters to really get into the story, but get past the character introductions and scene setting, it becomes an engaging and heart-warming read. Set in Dubai and Liverpool, the unexpected love story that unfolds is realistic and beautifully written. It isn’t a romantic tale wrapped up in a heart shaped bow: the two main characters have relatable back stories, genuine flaws, prejudices, and life goals (or lack of) that hinder any relationship potential. They don’t even seem to like each other very much.  

However, once I got into it, I couldn’t put it down. Told from the point of view of both main characters, Jim and Zara, my heart really ached for them both, through the unexpected twists and turns of the story.  I loved the main characters, especially Jim! For me, the message in the story is that it is worth taking the risk, not only in love, but in life also.