Ben feels betrayed when Jamie goes behind his back and does the one thing he asked her not to do. But Jamie believes it’s the only way to save their family, in Jana Richards’ new contemporary small-town romance, Unexpected. Ben’s inability to trust could cost them everything, including each other.

Jana, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Please tell us about your book.

Unexpected by Jana Richards

Genre Contemporary small-town romance

Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R

Single dad Ben Greyson wants only to retain custody of his two stepdaughters. A dysfunctional childhood has made family the most important thing in his life. When his late wife’s parents sue for custody, a desperate Ben is left with two choices – run away with his girls or marry his next-door neighbor.

Jamie Garven wants to be a mother. She’s intrigued by her handsome new neighbor and falls in love with his little girls. Then Ben is faced with losing his children, and Jamie agrees to marry him for a chance at motherhood. They’re determined to show the world, and the girls’ grandparents, two loving parents.

Their marriage of convenience turns into unexpected love. But Ben interprets Jamie’s efforts to save their family as betrayal—they could lose everything, including each other.

Let’s chat about what to eat

First, what is your name and how old are you?

My name is Ben Grayson and I’m thirty-four.

What is the time period in which you live?

I live in the here and now. I’m a contemporary kind of guy.

What is your favorite meal?

My favorite meal is the one I don’t have to cook! I’m kidding, sort of. I like to cook, but when the girls and I were on our own, I didn’t have a lot of time to plan and cook meals. We ended up eating take-out pizza more often than I care to admit. But now that Jamie and I are married, we share the cooking and the shopping. She makes those chores a lot of fun. As for a favorite meal, how about a favorite dish? Before we were married, Jamie taught me how to make a sweet potato casserole that I took to my sister’s house for Thanksgiving. It’s delicious and there’s not a mini marshmallow in sight! And the fact that Jamie and I made it together makes it my favorite.

If any, what food do you refuse to eat?

Liver. Never gonna happen.

Tell us about a meal or food that says “home” to you.

Any meal shared with my daughters and Jamie says home to me. It can be as simple as scrambled eggs and toast, but as long as we’re together, I’m home.

Growing up, who was the best cook in your family?

The housekeeper! When I was growing up, my family had a lot of money. We lived in a big house in St. Paul, Minnesota and my parents employed people who cooked and cleaned for us. My mother wouldn’t have been caught dead doing domestic chores. She didn’t do any of the things other mothers did with their kids, like bake cookies. Victoria was far more interested in boosting our father’s political career and hanging out with the St. Paul elite at the country club then in doing activities with us. Victoria wasn’t your average mother. Still isn’t. (pauses, clears his throat) Can we talk about something else?

Do you keep snacks on hand, and if so, what are they?

I’ve got two growing kids, so I always have snacks on hand. Sophie is five and Bella is eight, and left to their own devices they’d probably snack on candy every chance they got. I try to have things like carrot sticks and apple slices in the house so they’re not eating too much junk food, but every once in a while we’ll go crazy on potato chips and soft drinks!

How much coffee or tea do you drink?

I like a cup or two of coffee in the morning. I never used to drink tea at all, but Jamie loves herbal tea, particularly chamomile. She has a cup every evening, and I started having one with her, because I wanted to spend time with her. Being with Jamie is the best part of my day. I’m even starting to like chamomile tea.

Favorite alcoholic beverage?

Back before I quit drinking, I had a real fondness for vodka. More than a fondness. It was an addiction. I’m an alcoholic, like dear old dad. I’ve been sober now for nearly six years. I knew I had to stop drinking or I was going to die. And besides, I wanted to be a good father to Sophie and Bella and getting sober was the only way I was going to be able to do that.

Who are your favorite people to share meals with?

No question, my wife and kids. I’m so blessed to have them in my life. I’ll do anything to keep them.

Where to buy Unexpected

Publisher https://www.thewildrosepress.com/book-post/unexpected
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CG2MVS7
Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-unexpected-l-rosamond-richards/1114738832?ean=2940162376996
iBooks https://books.apple.com/us/book/unexpected/id1580981690
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/unexpected-139
Google Play https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Jana_Richards_Unexpected?id=oOBDEAAAQBAJ
Target (Print) https://www.target.com/p/unexpected-the-masonville-by-jana-richards-paperback/-/A-84179310#lnk=sametab

Jana Richards Social Media

Jana Richards has tried her hand at many writing projects over the years, from magazine articles and short stories to full-length paranormal suspense and romantic comedy. She loves to create characters with a sense of humor, but also a serious side. She believes there’s nothing more interesting then peeling back the layers of a character to see what makes them tick.
When not writing up a storm, working at her day job as an Office Administrator, or dealing with ever present mountains of laundry, Jana can be found on the local golf course pursuing her newest hobby.
Jana lives in Western Canada with her husband Warren. You can reach her through her website at http://www.janarichards.com
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