Gia de Cadenet’s Not the Plan delivers a politically charged workplace romance with intriguing stakes and nuanced characters. Isadora and Karim’s relationship sparks with palpable chemistry, and their shared ideals add an engaging layer to their attraction. The story weaves in compelling discussions of professional ambition, personal trauma, and the moral complexities of political life, offering more than just a standard love story.

However, the novel occasionally feels bogged down by the weight of its setting. While the political backdrop is essential to the plot, it sometimes overshadows the emotional beats of the romance. Isadora’s meticulous focus on her career and Karim’s personal struggles are well-drawn, but their relationship progression lacks the depth needed to make their connection feel fully earned. The tension between their professional loyalties and personal feelings is interesting, yet it doesn't deliver the high-stakes payoff the setup promises.

Not the Plan is a solid read for fans of slow-burn, forbidden romance with a touch of political drama. While it doesn’t quite soar, it offers a thoughtful exploration of love and ambition in a challenging professional landscape. 3/5 stars.

This book reminded me of Scandal and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved Isa and Karim's story more than I did the first book. I loved how the author wrote not just about bipolar disorder, but also how their loved ones can be affected as well. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this book!

For readers that want the behind the scenes political drama of The West Wing but wish for something romantic and spicy to go with it, Not the Plan just might be the book for you. Featuring a Black woman as a chief of staff for a California state senator and a French Algerian man as a legislative aide for a different senator, this will give you political good guys to cheer for and a sweet romance to burrow into.

Isadora meets Karim at the airport on the way to Sacramento for an important legislative session. She spills her coffee on him, and then they naturally end up seated next to each other on the flight. While their innuendo-heavy flirtation isn't enough to distract her from her fear of flying, Isa regrets not getting Karim's number before parting ways. Karim's on the flight because he's about to start filling in for a legislative aide during her maternity leave. While not ideal, it's a first step to the fresh start he craves. It turns out his new boss and Isa's boss are the publicly friendly co-senators out of San Diego who privately feud however they can. They've styled themselves as warring families of fair Varona, a reference that features prominently throughout.

Despite this obvious setback in the way of the two's sizzling attraction, it's honestly not the biggest hurdle. Dating is not on Isadora's agenda, no matter what her mom might wish. A workplace romance could be especially dire because of how her reputation could be impacted, a burden always disproportionately shouldered by women. For Karim's part, he's just getting out of a toxic marriage and doesn't feel ready to dive back into something romantic. Though they may protest (too much?), our protagonists are lonely and long for a meaningful connection.

I wasn't sure at first if it would work in combination, but Isadora and Karim have this habit of really blatant flirtation paired with shyness or at least uncertainty. I feel like it suits them because the attraction comes easier than dealing with potential feelings. Once they tentatively commit to exploring where their romance could go, these two have range. They have this kind of sweet, traditional aspect that could be cringe but isn't. Early on, Karim makes white roses their *thing* and marks several important moments between them by surprising her with them. There's the way he calls her "beautiful," so she calls him "gorgeous." And there's the way either of them would go to great lengths to protect the other, whether it's at work, in a family setting, or in an interior mental battle. Finally, I love how they have a habit of checking in with the other in important conversations by asking if there's space for something brutal and honest. It's always a yes, and it's never brutal in a hurtful way (something both have had plenty of in other relationships), it just signals that they have something they might be nervous to share, something real and emotional.

The story deals with a heavy and important topic-- personality disorders in the family and how when they go willfully untreated, the people around them may suffer. In Isadora's case, she has a manipulative mother who will argue with Isa about her own allergies, refuse to back down from lies to save face, and demean her daughter to cement their relationship over all others. She's also not above calling from a hospital if Isa is screening her calls to see what it would take for her daughter to pick up the phone, completely ignoring the stated boundary. Isa has to learn to have a healthier relationship with her own feelings instead of tying herself up in knots to a) please her mother and b) not become her. Meanwhile, Karim's ex fights their divorce though she's the one to abandon her husband. After years of abuse, he was able to turn over a new leaf with the help of his family and therapy. Now, we see him still in the process of regaining his self confidence and sense of worth in the aftermath.

I want to finally take a moment to recommend the characters, not just their romance and personal growth. Isadora may be a workaholic, but she's passionate about the job and 100% the power behind the throne as it were. She's ten steps ahead of everyone else, and one of Karim's finest qualities is how quickly he realizes that she's a superstar-- the best thing he could do is support her in every way. Down to his core, Karim's such a cinnamon roll, all the more evident when he's surrounded by the sleazy, scumbag politicians on his side of the intraparty conflict. Even during the final act breakup, he doesn't lose sight of his feelings or empathy for Isadora's. And like, this feels not relevant but it is: he wears GLASSES. And he wants to learn to conquer hairpins to help her with her hair. 10/10 the swooniest. Do yourself a favor and pick up this political romance. Thanks to Dell for my copy to read and review!

This one was a cute little story. If you’re looking for a light hearted rom com this election year, this one is perfect.

This is a fun story of two people who absolutely were not meaning to fall in love. It’s so nice to see how plans don’t always come to fruition, but that offer leads to a better future future for yourself.

This was a great fun read. I do think the Bipolar rep can be too much, cause not all people with Bipolar disorder act the same way. The fact that she hears him talking about his ex and is like "Oh way, that's my mom". I do think the mom is more a narcissist, but the book overall is cute.

The couple is lovely and I loved (!!!!) their communication.

This book was pretty whatever for me. I wasn’t that invested in the story because the romance came off way too cheesy. I did like the plot and political sphere aspects of the book though. Just kinda found both main characters to be annoying.

I’m not sure how I feel about this one still. I liked it while I was reading it but I found it very forgettable. I did really like the characters and the story line.

I loved this! Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing and to the author for the chance to read this book!

This was everything I want in a romance, it was more than a meet cute and typical formulaic romcom with a third act break up etc - there was depth to the characters and Karim was so sweet like the cinnamon roll male main character all girls want. He stood up for Isadora and let her be her own powerhouse of a woman at the same time!

I loved the anxiety representation with Isadora and the mental health discussions surrounding Karim’s ex and Isa’s mom. The author’s note as well with suggested readings and helpful sites was special and I appreciated that added touch.

I think RJ would be a fun character to read a spin off of, I need to go and read Karim’s brothers book (Getting His Game Back) now - the characters were all just so lovable and I want more time with them!!

Definitely one to read if you like vibes similar to Scandal and Red White and Royal Blue with the political intrigue and I loved the toss to Romeo and Juliet!

This one takes us into the realm of California politics with a workplace romance. Main characters Isadora and Karim are both Chief of Staffs to rival state senators, both trying to advance their boss’ careers in order to advance their own. While they try to stay away from each other, their chemistry and career goals make that difficult. One thing that I really appreciated about this book was the discussion of mental health for men, especially among black men. Isadora and Karim had a nice connection and I loved that it took place in the realm of politics but ultimately there was just something missing for me. I had previously really enjoyed “Getting His Game Back” but this one didn’t quite live up to that level, dragging a bit in the middle. The cover is gorgeous though! Thank you to Ballantine Publishing (Random House) and Netgalley for the advanced e-copy.

This book might not be my favorite book in the whole world, but I still enjoyed it. I especially loved that they were political workers as I am passionate about politics. I will definitely be checking out other books by Gia De Cadenet. Thank you to NetGalley for granting me early access to this book in exchange for my honest review!

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A fun novel that reminded me a little of Scandal and The West Wing. I would love to read other novels by this author.

If you love watching scandals tv show, then you will gobble this book up. It has the same vibe of scandal but it's not too messy in my opinion. It's more of ambitious female character who is willing to do everything for career, but never for love. It's a bit of surprise when she starts to fall for someone who can jeopardy her career. A bit messy to follow through.

It was a good and interesting romance. I would check out more from this author. Thank you for the early copy.

I wasn’t sure this was going to be a book I loved. But I enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it. I related to Karim a lot because my husband left me, too. It sort of brought me back to how I felt at that time. I loved the way he was this hot guy who got shy around this woman who he thought was hot, too.
I also loved how Karim talked about Isadora like he adored her and couldn’t get enough of her. Once Isadora was all in, she was ready to do all the things, but it took her a while to be all in. The conflict near the end of the book was perfect, and I got why Isa initially pushed Karim away. Also, even though they don’t describe it as an epilogue, the final chapter is an epilogue. I like knowing when the original story ends, so that was a bit annoying.

I received this book via NetGalley for review.

A political setting, workplace romance, with an element of *forbidden love*? I love Gia De Cadenet's characters, and yet again, she delivered with these main characters.

Isadora has worked hard in her career and is well on her way to her dream role, congressional aide in Washington, D.C.. Karim is working for California's worst senate member... aka he's bad news bears, and not someone she should entertain profesionally, and most certainly not romantically.

The best part of Gia's books is the full development and growth of her characters, they seem like REAL people with real life trauma, memories, and feelings. She discusses mental health, therapy, and real life issues - keeping the story extremely relatable and passionate.

[Ebook copy gifted by Dell & Netgalley - thank you! All opinions are my own.]

Rating : 3 out of 5
Blurbs :
After nearly a decade of experience in state politics, Isadora Maris is damn good at her job. Aggressive lobbyists and stonewalling senators are no match for her diplomacy and her unflappable commitment to her principles. If all goes according to her meticulous plan, she’ll soon be managing her boss’s successful campaign for U.S. representative and finally land her dream role: congressional aide in Washington, D.C., where she can really make a difference.

But Isadora’s cool professionalism is knocked off-kilter when she meets Karim Sarda. Karim is gorgeous and brilliant and seems to share many of her ideals. So why is he working for the California senate’s most detestable scumbag? Given their bosses’ fierce political rivalry, Isadora finds she can’t risk tarnishing her reputation by flirting with the enemy, and she’s been betrayed enough times to want to keep people at a distance. So she deems Karim off-limits—no matter how flustered she feels whenever he enters the room.

Karim knows that struggle all too well: Still processing the wounds from his failed marriage, he’s ready for a fresh start. But Karim can’t hide his attraction to Isadora’s commanding presence. Her strength is captivating, even as he recognizes something fragile beneath its surface.

When Karim and Isadora succumb to their undeniable chemistry, their initial desire blossoms into something more—something real. But if Karim’s boss takes control of the California senate, everything Isadora worked for could be destroyed. Will workplace politics shatter their chance at love?

Thoughts :
This is good, not amazing but good.
Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy!

Ended up not being able to finish this one completely. There was nothing inherently wrong; I just was not interested in the romance between the two protagonists.

If you want a book filed with sexual tension from the start look no further.

This story had the elements I like in a story: well developed characters, great story progression, and dual POV.

The characters were enjoyable and the issues the two main characters dealt with in their personal lives felt real and relatable. Throughout you get a sense of who they are and their overall life. As a reader I felt pulled into their lives.

I don't often pick up a story with a political setting, but this one did not disappoint. To me this story showed a different side of politics versus what I usually read or watch and I enjoyed it.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

This one fell flat for me. Couldn’t get into it and didn’t like the characters much. Maybe I’m too jaded because I live in DC among politics!