Undeniably Unexpected Summary, Characters and Themes

Undeniably Unexpected by J. Saman is a heartfelt romantic tale of self-discovery, love, and the struggles that come with balancing a career, personal life, and the pressures of fame. Keegan Fritz, a dedicated OB-GYN resident, leads a life that seems perfectly planned out.  

But beneath the surface, she harbors a passion for writing steamy paranormal romance novels. When she unexpectedly receives a book deal offer, her world is turned upside down, forcing her to navigate the complexities of her medical career and her secret writing passion.  On top of that, a chance encounter with Loomis Powell, a famous actor and single father, complicates things further. As their lives intertwine, both Keegan and Loomis face the difficulties of their past relationships, public scrutiny, and personal aspirations.  This story explores the unexpected paths that lead to love, the choices that shape our futures, and the power of embracing the unexpected. It’s the sixth book in the Boston’s Irresistible Billionaires series by the author.

Summary

Keegan Fritz, an OB-GYN resident, has always kept her writing secret.  Her passion for writing steamy paranormal romance novels is a side hobby that offers her a sense of escape from the demanding nature of her medical career.

But her quiet world is shaken when she receives an email offering her a five-book deal for her series “Shadows of Eternity.”  This deal, which could propel her writing career, is a dream come true, but it comes at a time when her life is already full of challenges.

Keegan is facing a busy 60-hour workweek, the recent breakup with her ex-boyfriend Alden, and the stress of managing her personal and professional responsibilities.

Excited, she celebrates the book deal with her twin sister Kenna and her best friend Katy, but she is hesitant to share the news with her parents.  They are both doctors, and she fears they won’t approve of her unconventional writing career.

Her excitement is soon tempered by her medical responsibilities, but Keegan is determined to juggle both aspects of her life.

Later that day, Keegan slips on some icy pavement while shopping and injures her wrist.  As she is about to fall, a man, Loomis Powell, rushes to her aid.

Loomis, a famous British actor, is in town trying to lay low and avoid the media.  He’s been keeping a low profile in Boston, disguised with glasses and a hat.

Despite his celebrity status, he is kind and offers to help her, but Keegan brushes him off after a brief awkward exchange.

The next day, Keegan runs into Loomis again, this time in a grocery store.  He is pushing a stroller with a young boy, whom he introduces as his son, Fenric.

Keegan is shocked to learn that Loomis is a single father, and that Fenric was abandoned at his mother’s doorstep.  Loomis has been taking care of him in secrecy, trying to provide a stable home while also dealing with the pressures of being a single father and a public figure.

Keegan is still reeling from her breakup with Alden and isn’t looking for a new relationship, but there is undeniable chemistry between her and Loomis.  Loomis continues to support her after her wrist injury, but Keegan remains focused on her medical career, unwilling to let it suffer due to her personal issues.

Loomis is drawn to her but understands the complications of becoming involved with someone like him, given the public nature of his career and his complicated life.

As Keegan struggles with the lingering emotions from her breakup with Alden, she is also trying to navigate the complexities of her life.  Loomis, meanwhile, is adjusting to life as a single father and hiding from the media’s prying eyes.

The relationship between Keegan and Loomis continues to grow as they spend more time together.  Loomis’s attraction to Keegan intensifies, but Keegan is hesitant to get emotionally involved again.

Things take a turn when Loomis proposes a fake relationship with Keegan.  The idea is to shield both of them from unwanted attention from the paparazzi and the press, while also allowing Loomis to focus on his responsibilities as a father without drawing too much media attention.

Keegan, though unsure, agrees to the arrangement, hoping it will give her the breathing room she needs to clear her mind and focus on her writing.

As they begin their fake relationship, the media frenzy only intensifies.  Photos of them together start circulating, and rumors swirl about their relationship.

Keegan, uncomfortable with the attention, tries to maintain her composure while dealing with the complications of her feelings for Loomis.  Loomis, too, starts to realize that his emotions for Keegan are deeper than just a temporary arrangement.

The situation becomes even more complicated when Keegan receives a message from Loomis thanking her for a thoughtful gift she sent for Fenric, leading to more questions about their true feelings.

Keegan decides to take time for herself and goes to her uncle’s cottage in Key West for a break.  She contemplates the possibility of taking Loomis with her, hoping it will provide them both with a chance to escape the media storm.

Loomis, overwhelmed by the attention, begins to realize that he is developing real feelings for Keegan, complicating things further.  As they continue their time in Key West, the connection between them deepens.

The time spent together allows Keegan and Loomis to reflect on their feelings and the complexities of their lives.  Loomis continues to deal with the pressure of his fame, his responsibilities as a father, and his growing emotions for Keegan.

Keegan, on the other hand, is learning to trust herself and embrace the uncertainty of her future.  Despite her initial reluctance, she finds herself drawn to Loomis in a way she cannot ignore.

The tension between them continues to build as Loomis tries to keep his distance emotionally, fearing the consequences of getting too close to Keegan.  But as they spend more time together, they both begin to realize that their fake relationship may be evolving into something real.

The realization is both exciting and terrifying for them, but neither is willing to admit it.

Meanwhile, Loomis is dealing with the challenges of his career, his past relationships, and the complexities of being a single father.  Keegan, too, is dealing with her own challenges, trying to balance her career in medicine with her secret life as a writer.

As their bond deepens, both are forced to confront their pasts and their fears about the future.

Despite the pressures of fame and their complicated personal lives, Keegan and Loomis continue to navigate their evolving relationship.  Loomis becomes more open about his feelings for Keegan, but the road to happiness is still full of obstacles.

Both are learning to trust each other and embrace the unexpected path that their relationship is taking.  The story ends with the couple looking forward to the future, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead, hand in hand.

Characters

Keegan Fritz

Keegan Fritz is a complex character, caught in the middle of her passion for writing and the intense demands of her medical career.  As an OB-GYN resident, she is fiercely dedicated to her profession but harbors a secret desire to write romance novels.

This duality in her life highlights her struggle to balance her dreams with the expectations placed upon her.  When Keegan receives a life-changing book deal for her paranormal romance series, Undeniably Unexpected, she is overwhelmed with excitement.

However, the thrill of the accomplishment is short-lived as she must deal with the reality of her 60-hour weeks at the hospital and the pressure of her career.  Her emotional turmoil deepens with the unresolved feelings she still has for her ex-boyfriend, Alden.

Despite her internal conflicts, Keegan remains strong and resilient, always striving to make the best decisions for herself, even when faced with her complicated feelings toward Loomis Powell.  As a character, Keegan’s journey of self-discovery revolves around balancing her responsibilities, ambitions, and the unexpected path that love has presented her with.

Loomis Powell

Loomis Powell is a famous British actor who, despite his celebrity status, is a man burdened by his own insecurities and responsibilities.  Having spent years in the public eye, Loomis craves privacy, especially after becoming a single father to his son, Fenric, who was abandoned by his mother.

Loomis’s journey in Undeniably Unexpected revolves around his struggle to protect his family from the prying eyes of the media, all while navigating his growing feelings for Keegan.  His initial reluctance to become involved with Keegan stems from his fear of vulnerability and the chaos his fame causes in his personal life.

He is a man haunted by his past, particularly his strained relationship with his father, which has shaped his view on love and commitment.  Loomis’s character is also defined by his deep sense of responsibility toward Fenric, whom he is fiercely protective of.

Throughout the novel, Loomis’s internal battle between his desire for privacy and his attraction to Keegan adds layers of complexity to his character.  As his feelings for her deepen, he begins to reconcile with the idea of love, realizing that despite his fears, Keegan may be the one person who can change his outlook on relationships and family.

Kenna Fritz

Kenna Fritz, Keegan’s twin sister, serves as Keegan’s emotional anchor throughout the story.  Though she is not directly involved in Keegan’s complicated romantic and professional life, she plays a pivotal role in guiding her sister through her emotional dilemmas.

Kenna encourages Keegan to embrace her writing career and to prioritize her own happiness, reminding her that she deserves to pursue her dreams.  As Keegan’s confidante, Kenna provides the support Keegan needs when she feels torn between her career in medicine and her passion for writing.

Her role in the story, while secondary, is essential to Keegan’s personal growth, as Kenna helps her navigate through the turbulence of family expectations, career pressures, and romantic complications.

Alden

Alden, Keegan’s ex-boyfriend, is a character who represents both Keegan’s past and the emotional baggage she is trying to let go of.  Although their breakup is a significant part of Keegan’s emotional conflict, Alden’s character is more than just a lingering ex; he’s a symbol of Keegan’s vulnerability.

His attempts to reconcile with Keegan after their breakup complicate her already tumultuous feelings.  Alden’s regret over ending their relationship and his desire to make amends stir up old emotions in Keegan, making it difficult for her to move forward.

Despite his shortcomings and their breakup, Alden’s presence in Keegan’s life provides the emotional challenge she needs to confront her unresolved feelings and ultimately make decisions that are best for her future, both personally and professionally.

Fenric

Fenric, the young child that Loomis is raising, serves as a reminder of the responsibilities Loomis carries and the love that motivates him.  Abandoned by his mother, Fenric has found a new family in Loomis, who is dedicated to providing a stable life for him.

While Fenric is a secondary character in the story, his relationship with Loomis is central to Loomis’s transformation.  Fenric’s presence is a constant reminder of the importance of love and responsibility, and Loomis’s love for him shapes his actions throughout the novel.

His innocent dependence on Loomis further deepens the stakes for Loomis, pushing him to confront his fears of being vulnerable in his relationships, particularly with Keegan.  Fenric’s character also acts as a catalyst for the deepening connection between Loomis and Keegan, as she begins to understand the complexities of Loomis’s life as a single father.

Tommy Hardgrave

Tommy Hardgrave is a pivotal antagonist in Undeniably Unexpected, whose actions create tension in the lives of the main characters.  As a fellow actor and colleague to Loomis, Tommy’s obsession with ruining Loomis’s life and career through a campaign of harassment adds a dark element to the story.

His malicious actions, including spreading rumors and leaking false information, not only threaten Loomis’s reputation but also put Keegan at risk.  Tommy’s character, though primarily a source of conflict, serves as a foil to Loomis’s more grounded and protective nature.

His attempts to destabilize Loomis’s life force the protagonist to take decisive action, leading to Tommy’s eventual downfall.  Through Tommy, the story explores themes of jealousy, rivalry, and the lengths people will go to out of bitterness and insecurity.

Themes

Career vs. Personal Life

The conflict between pursuing one’s professional obligations and personal passions is a central theme in Undeniably Unexpected.  Keegan Fritz is caught in a constant struggle to balance her demanding career as an OB-GYN resident with her growing aspirations as a writer.

Her dedication to the medical field, where she has worked tirelessly for years, stands in stark contrast to her secret life as an author of paranormal romance novels.  The arrival of the publishing contract, offering her the opportunity of a lifetime, comes at a particularly difficult time, as it forces her to reassess the direction of her life.

The tension between the two aspects of her identity is palpable, as Keegan feels the pressure to succeed in medicine while simultaneously nurturing her creative side.  The book examines how individuals often feel torn between what they have been trained to do and what truly ignites their passion.

This theme is reflected not just in Keegan’s character but also in her interactions with other characters, especially Loomis, who himself is grappling with his identity beyond the public persona of a movie star.  Both characters’ journeys are marked by their attempt to reconcile these competing demands, highlighting the broader theme of self-discovery and the challenges that come with pursuing a dream that is at odds with the conventional paths laid out by society.

The Impact of Fame

Fame, and the complications that arise from it, is a theme that plays a significant role in Undeniably Unexpected.  Loomis Powell’s life as a Hollywood actor is fraught with the pressures of maintaining a public image, shielding his son from the media’s scrutiny, and navigating the personal costs of being a public figure.

His fame complicates his relationships, especially with Keegan, as the media’s relentless attention makes it difficult for them to maintain any semblance of privacy.  Loomis’s desire to protect his family from the invasive glare of the paparazzi, alongside his struggle with the pressures of his career, speaks to the darker side of celebrity culture.

The book highlights how fame often comes with a heavy emotional toll, which not only affects the individual but also their loved ones.  Loomis’s internal conflict about the kind of life he wants to provide for his son, Fenric, reflects the idea that fame is not always a source of joy or fulfillment.

Instead, it can be a trap, creating barriers between personal desires and the freedom to live authentically.  Through Loomis’s character, the novel explores the tension between a public life filled with accolades and a private life that seeks peace and normalcy.

The theme of fame also plays into Keegan’s own story, as she must navigate the complications that arise from her involvement with a famous actor, ultimately questioning whether love and privacy are possible in a world that demands constant attention.

Parenthood and Responsibility

The theme of parenthood, particularly single parenthood, is explored deeply in Undeniably Unexpected, especially through Loomis Powell’s experiences with his son, Fenric.  Loomis is not only juggling the demands of his acting career but also facing the overwhelming responsibility of raising a child alone.

The absence of Fenric’s mother, coupled with Loomis’s desire to protect his son from the harsh realities of his public life, illustrates the struggles of being a single father.  The novel emphasizes the sacrifices Loomis makes to ensure that Fenric has a stable, loving home, even at the cost of his own personal happiness.

His role as a father shapes his decisions, especially in terms of his relationship with Keegan, as he is acutely aware of how any new romantic involvement could affect his son’s well-being.  The story also portrays the emotional complexity of being a parent, as Loomis wrestles with the fear of being judged by society and, most importantly, the constant worry about whether he is doing enough for his son.

On the other hand, Keegan’s role in Fenric’s life reveals her own complexities around the idea of family, and she begins to contemplate what it means to be part of a family in the face of her own emotional baggage and career-driven life.  The theme of parenthood in this book is not just about the joy of raising a child, but also the daunting responsibility and self-doubt that accompany it, especially for those doing it alone.

Emotional Vulnerability and Trust

Undeniably Unexpected delves into the complexities of emotional vulnerability, particularly within the context of romantic relationships.  Keegan and Loomis’s evolving connection is marked by a series of emotional walls that both characters must overcome.

Loomis, with his celebrity status and complicated past, initially struggles to trust others, fearing that his emotional openness will lead to further heartache.  His previous relationships have left him wary of intimacy, and the responsibilities he has as a single father only intensify his fear of vulnerability.

Keegan, too, is hesitant to let her guard down, as her past heartbreak with Alden has left her emotionally scarred.  She is also cautious about getting too involved with Loomis, given the complexities of his life and her own turbulent career.

However, as the story progresses, both characters are slowly forced to confront their fears of emotional intimacy and vulnerability.  Loomis’s willingness to be open with Keegan about his feelings, despite his fears of commitment, marks a significant turning point in their relationship.

Similarly, Keegan’s decision to trust Loomis with her feelings, despite her reservations, signals her own growth.  The book highlights the importance of emotional honesty in building a meaningful relationship, as well as the courage it takes to embrace vulnerability, even when it means risking pain.

Their relationship ultimately becomes a testament to the healing power of trust and the profound impact it can have on one’s ability to love and be loved in return.

Media and Public Perception

The theme of media influence and public perception plays a crucial role in Undeniably Unexpected, especially through the lens of Loomis’s experience as a celebrity.  The relentless scrutiny of his every move by the paparazzi and the public’s fixation on his personal life is a constant source of stress.

Loomis’s attempts to maintain a private life are thwarted by the pervasive nature of the media, which often sensationalizes and distorts the truth for profit.  This theme is further explored when Loomis and Keegan find themselves the subject of a media frenzy, especially when their relationship is misconstrued as a publicity stunt.

The book illustrates how the media can create narratives that are far removed from reality, leading to misunderstandings and false assumptions.  Loomis, who initially tries to protect his son and his relationship with Keegan from the public eye, realizes that the only way to take control of the narrative is to confront the media head-on.

The press conference where Loomis exposes the truth about the harassment he and Keegan have faced becomes a pivotal moment in the story, as it not only clears their names but also allows them to reclaim their privacy and autonomy.  The theme of media influence speaks to the broader issue of how public figures are often reduced to caricatures, their lives simplified into digestible sound bites that ignore the complexity of their true experiences.

Through Loomis’s actions, the novel highlights the power of controlling one’s own narrative and the importance of truth in the face of distortion.