An Unexpected Chance

There's just something about single dads that bring out all the swoons, and when it's a sexy single dad who is wrapped around his little lady's finger, I'm completely done in. Simon is an absolute sweetheart, and Amy is just the free spirit he needs in his life. The chemistry between them is so good, and I love their "when you know, you know" romance. Then, we get a little scene stealer named Mia. If Mia's on the page, I was gonna smile at the very least, and chuckles were likely. There is a small bit of angst, but it's minimal, so the story is all about the positive feels between Simon, Mia, and Amy. I'm loving Melanie's Insta Spark stories. They're perfect for when you don't want things to get too heavy or you need a palate cleanser after a book that is heavy. I fell in love with this trio and their extended family, and I can't wait to see who's gonna steal my heart next in this series.

An Unexpected Chance is a sweet love story by Melanie Moreland. It is book six in her Insta-Spark Collection but can be read as a standalone. An endearing and heartwarming tale about Simon Fletcher and Amy McNeil. Simon was a side character in An Unexpected Gift #4 and readers asked Melanie to give him a HEA. Simon and Amy were both hurt in their previous relationships so can this unexpected chance at happiness be a second chance at love for them.
Simon is a single dad to the adorable and funny Mia. He is recovering from his marriage to
Kelsey, a cruel woman who was only interested in his money and wanted nothing to do with her daughter. Her brother used to send a present to Mia every year and she was curious about her Uncle Evan so Simon took her to visit him. Simon was envious of the simple and happy life Evan, Holly and their family lived so he decided to move to Cliff’s Edge, for a fresh start.
Amy is a Kindergarten teacher who is smart, funny and a bit quirky. She has lost her confidence due to the awful treatment of her ex-boyfriend. She is best friends with Holly and had first met Simon at one of their family barbecues. She was attracted to him straight away because he was charming and polite.
He had noticed her but didn’t make a move because he knew he wasn’t ready for a new relationship. One day while he was doing the shopping they bumped into each other and the sparks ignited. He and Mia had settled in well and he felt he was now ready to try. They get to know each other and he feels they are meant to be together. He finds her refreshingly honest and genuine, the complete opposite to Kelsey. She finds him fascinating and incredibly sexy.
He wants to take it slowly due to Mia but the passion between them changes everything. Their relationship escalates but problems arise when he is scared at how much he likes her. When he makes a mess of things can he persuade Amy to give him another chance? Then can he keep her when his past comes crashing back into his life.
It was lovely catching up with Dylan and Alexis from book #2 - Christmas Sugar. If you have read #4 then you will have met Evan and Holly and know of their history with Simon and his ex wife Kelsey. All the family interactions between the adults and the children were fantastic. I loved the moments between Evan and Holly with Mia, especially the explanation Holly gives her about dating! Some of the scenes with Mia cracked me up so it was so sad Kelsey wanted nothing to do with her, she is one a special young lady. The more I read the book, the better it got. Simon certainly ramps up the romance and Amy was a delight that they deserved their HEA. This low angst, insta-love story will leave you with all the feels.

I’m not always a fan of insta love, but Melanie Moreland has nailed it with this series. Not too cheesy, just the right amount of cuteness (mainly thanks to Simon’s truly adorable and highly loveable daughter Mia), and of course there’s some added drama courtesy of Simon’s ex unwilling to take no for an answer. I loved how both Simon (and Mia), and Amy are new to Cliff’s Edge, both starting afresh following disastrous previous relationships. A sweet story with truly wonderful characters who connect from the moment they meet. A real feel good, entertaining true romance. Highly enjoyable. I received an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest review.