Let me start off by saying that I don't read romance novels. I learned that the author is from my area, so I read it to give a 'local' a try. I honestly wasn't expecting to like it much, but I have to say I really, really liked it!
The characters are well-drawn, the dialogue was realistic and the story unfolds with a pleasant pace. I loved Kate! You wouldn't expect that an educated, successful, beautiful woman would have the little crises of confidence and self-doubts that Kate does, but I know for a fact that they do! I suppose that's what made Kate feel so 'real' to me.
I will definitely read Ms. Deluca's other books. ( )

Goodreads Synopsis: Matt Dalton’s world is spinning off its axis. Without warning, he’s thrown into the world of parenting a teenager. Matt meets his son for the first time when the sixteen-year-old is dealing with the consequences of a tragic car accident. Not only has Brady lost his best friend, he faces disability and scars both physical and emotional.

Determined to do whatever it takes to give his son a second chance, Matt looks to his alma mater to step up and help Brady regain his athletic abilities and sense of self. But sparks fly when he meets the high school principal, the captivating Kate Austen. Kate is ready to take Brady under her wing, but to her that means helping him refocus and find a new passion – using his brains rather than his brawn. Kate fully expects the younger Dalton to come with issues and challenges . . . his father may prove to be the biggest one of all.

Though the chemistry is hard to ignore, Kate fights to keep her personal feelings and professional life separate. At the same time, Matt struggles to gain his son’s trust, and Brady must face the road to recovery and find a way to accept the changes in his life.

Unexpected Legacy is a compelling story of bravery, compromise and resilience.

My Review: This book was an unexpected surprise. I expected it to be... boring. To be just another book. And then I started reading it. It sucked me in from the beginning. It was an adventure just to read the book. The characters were so lifelike. They had real emotions. I could connect with them and go through what they went through. And then the story kind of lost me. I was liking the beginning, when Matt is meeting Brady, when the family is getting to know him, and he's getting better. As soon as he started going back to school there was just so much going on at once. It lost me. And then the end, when he's... well. you would know if you read it. It sucked me back in and helped me finish the book. Overall it was great. A fun read. Definitely check it out if you have the chance to.

(Radioactivebookreviews.wordpress.com) ( )

Deluca has a very nice book here. As the moderator for the EiR site, it is my responsibility to check out books of every genre, even those I'm not crazy about. Romantic intrigue and women's fiction fall into a category that I usually don't read, but Deluca may have changed that, with her wonderful book, Unexpected Legacy.

Her book about a man facing a surprise fatherhood, a woman juggling her career, aspirations and love, and a boy forced to recreate himself is touching and well written. Deluca is very well edited, this is clearly a professionally done book with very few (if any) errors. The characters are complex and flawed, but likable despite (or because of) their honest flaws. The plot is captivating, and keeps the reader wondering what big or little life disaster will come next. The characters are privileged, but they know it and seem very grateful for their lives. Their privilege does not make their problems any less significant, however. Indeed, their's are so like the problems of so many American families, that they are endearing.

The plot of the story is different and flows seamlessly the entire time. The romantic "will they" "won't they" is crafted to keep the readers interested and invested. The lose ends are tidied and the life of the characters is all future happiness just within reach. I rated it a little lower because it was too tidy for my liking, as I am a darker writer, and tend towards darker reads. But this element may make the book more enjoyable for others, those who want a very uplifting read. And it is very uplifting, joyful and enjoyable to read. If you are looking for a read that is not over-the-top, ridiculous sexual innuendo romance, this is your book. It is intriguing and its plot carries it so well that any extra silly frills would cheapen the emotional impact of the real characters.

Great piece of hopeful literature, good for 17+, but best for adult women. There are hints of sexuality, but it is a clean and fun! Very good book from author Darlene Deluca who did the unlikely and made me enjoy a romance-heavy, women's fiction. Pick this one up, Women's Fiction and Romance-situated enthusiasts. ( )