Well, who would have thought that it would take a new-to-me author to make me SOB, cry literal big fat tears, for the first time in I don't know how many months? Animals were involved, so no surprise there: those last few chapters HIT HARD.

Anyway, this was a delight. "Something Unavoidable" was an enemies to lovers romance done seriously right, with the right amount of animosity and misunderstandings and annoyance to make the transition to lovers believable (and not completely impossible!); the protagonists were WONDERFUL. Both of them are snarky and grumpy in very different ways, and I loved seeing them come together and find the ways they manage to fit. Keegan was fabulous, so damn assertive and domineering and protective, but also kind and patient (without being a doormat!), while Izzy was literally the human equivalent of a stray cat, hissing and spitting: he attacks first because he's afraid of being hurt, he sleeps around because he's touch-starved and doesn't think he deserves more, he's an asshole but hides such much heart and kindness. Ugh, I loved them both.
Their dynamic was absolutely FIRE. I won't lie, the reason I wanted to read this book was because it had a D/s relationship (and fisting was mentioned). Who am I to resist? I'm glad to say that the steam did not disappoint, even though I maybe wanted a smidge more just for funsies. I loved how well they fit together, and I loved their dynamic both inside and outside the bedroom. Seeing them go from strong dislike to love was a treat.

I loved the side characters: I'm not sure if I'll read all of the previous books now, but I'll definitely give a few a go. A few characters intrigued me, and since quite a lot of the secondary romances on page had Daddy kink, I'm going back on my promise to never touch a Daddy romance (apart from a select few authors!) to see if Rory Maxwell can make that short list.
And of course the animals: I'm a big animal softie, so no surprises there, but without spoiling too much, I shed most of my tears because of them and their bond to their humans. UGH, so cute.

This book can definitely standalone in my opinion. Sure, you'll miss out on a few backstories, but if you don't mind that, you definitely won't feel lost. I highly recommend this romance!

TWs/CWs: sexual assault (past, secondary characters), suicide (past, secondary character), grooming (past), panic attack, heavy drinking, sexual relations while drunk (not between main characters), animal mistreatment.

Thank you GRR for the ARC. This is my honest review.