I started off loving this one and it ended up being just a good one for me. As the book went on I liked Star less and less. And I honestly don't think I could pick any certain reason why, it was just little things kept adding up and I was getting annoyed with her. She was very much the overly quirky character and it felt like the author made that the main focus for her instead of letting the character be. I got to moments where I wanted to just switch POV so I would get a break from her mind.

The grumpy / sunshine trope was really well done with Rafe and Star though. Star was sunshine personified and Rafe was that perfect balance of being grumpy without being rude (once you get past the first couple interactions with him). I also loved that he was a vet, but was kind of hoping for more animals in the story since he was one. I love seeing a guy go all soft for dogs or cats.

The two of them could not be more opposites of each other. It was cute to see them fall in love despite them clashing so much at the beginning.

A fun romance if you're looking for the grumpy / sunshine trope and some pretty good spice.

Tropes:
🌤️ grumpy (him) / sunshine (her)
🤭 fake dating
🛏️ only one bed
🧲 opposites attract
🐶 he's a vet

single POV
3.5/5 stars ⭐️
2/5 spice level 🌶️

Wonderfully funny, unique, and different from one of my favorite authors. I’m used to reading suspense, PNR, Scotland, etc from Samantha Young. The Love Plot is a quirky, rom-com, set in NYC and it’s a breath of fresh air. The heroine, Star Shine Meadows, is every bit the perky, happy-go-lucky, optimist you would expect with a name like Star Shine Meadows. She’s a professional character actor, line sitter, and believes in living her best life. She is absolutely who I want to be when I grow up! Rafe Whitman should grace the cover of a hot vet calendar. He’s gruff, introverted, and just wants to get his mom and sister-in-law off his back. Watching these two opposite personalities fall for each other is as hilarious as you would expect. When Star starts to recreate herself to be who his sister-in-law says he wants, she completely loses herself. But lucky for her, Rafe fell in love with the real Star Shine, and he wants her quirky, flighty self just the way he met her. This book had me laughing out loud, reading late into the night to finish, and really wishing it was longer so I could stay in the story with these wonderful characters just a little bit longer!

Star Shine Meadows marches to beat of her own drum. Between line sitting for people and dressing up as costume character actor she stays busy. Enter grumpy veterinarian Rafe Whitman who can’t take a joke. His family is relentless in trying to set him up dating. He decides to step outside the box and “fake date” Star throwing his family for a tizzy. What happens when opposites attract?

Thank you Valentines PR & Samantha Young for an ARC copy of The Love Plot in exchange for honest review. I loved this book so much! The banter between Star and Rafe was amazing ! I loved how Rafe cared for Star and it was cool to see Star’s friends navigate their relationship too. I only docked it one star because it was a bit long and could’ve wrapped sooner but I still enjoyed. This will be on my top romance reads for the year !

This was a very enjoyable rom com! Samantha Young is a new to me author and I will definitely be checking out her backlist!

The Love Plot is a true opposites attract story with some great laughs, banter, and steam. What you can expect:

- Grumpy/sunshine
- Fake dating
- Big city setting
- Heartwarming HEA

This particular book is single POV (Star's) and I would have loved to see Rafe's side of things. I was apprehensive about Rafe in the beginning; he was such a broody jerk sometimes, but in the end, I totally fell in love with him! If you are in the mood for a rom com, definitely check it out.

Thank you so much for the ARC, Valentine PR & Samantha!

Star and Rafe!

Star Shine Meadows is a free spirit living on Staten Island, NY. She is ambitious, it’s just her ambition in life is to make sure she lives a happy one and travel the country. Her jobs include being a line sitter for people who don’t have the time or inclination but have the money to pay her to wait in line for just about anything. She is also a costume character actor which brings her to an upper east side Manhattan apartment to play Merida for a little girl’s birthday, where she meets Rafferty ‘Rafe’ Whitman. He’s grumpy, kind of an a$$hole, and can’t believe what she does is an actual job. He is also being harassed by his mother and sister-in-law who constantly set him up with available and appropriate women they know. Perhaps there is a way Rafe can get them off his back and Star can make money for her goal to travel.

Samantha Young makes this romantic comedy a delightful read as we root for Star and Rafe to get it right. It’s hard for a young woman who doesn’t believe in long-term relationships and a man who doesn’t believe in love. I enjoy the way Ms. Young brings these two together and their growing and slow-burn relationship. When they do finally get together, it’s an inferno. The angst that Star suffers over her family and how to make herself more acceptable in Rafe’s world; and Rafe’s desire to love her as she is, is just as I would expect of this incredible author. I loved Rafe’s acceptance of Star and who she is. I even loved his family, with the obvious attempts of his mom and SIL to find him a wife so he’d settle down and be happy; and Star’s found family, how they show their love and support and sometimes even tough love. I hope Rafe’s sister, Gigi, gets her own HEA. I received an arc of this book from NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️ 1.5/2
ARC review

THIS BOOK. I love a romcom with grump/sunshine. And this book delivered that! I was full on cackling in some parts, swooning or “awww”ing in others.

The writing was so smooth, I didn’t even miss dual POV. Single POV from the MFC was so well done.

Star Shine Meadows is an eclectic, witty, intelligent woman. Her parents may have given her a unique name, but it is truly fitting to her character. Then we have Rafe, the grumpy-hot-single veterinarian. And BOY, is he a grump. 😂 but as the story goes, he can’t resist Star and her sunshine pouring into his life.

This was a solid read, time wise. Plenty of context and scenes for the buildup of the main characters, and plenty of side characters to interact with as well. It is a slow burn, but you have the tension brewing from the not-so-cute-meet!

Star’s carefree attitude about others opinions and wanting to chase her own happiness is admirable. Rafe’s adamance that she not change who she is despite others thoughts is a constant point made in this book. AND I AM HERE FOR IT 🙌🏼.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book!

Heartwarming, adorable with great banter and chemistry! I really enjoyed this book, fake relationship is one of my faves tropes and author definitely hadn't disappointed me. Star and Rafe were amazing and it is hard to say goodbye to them!

Author is delivering romantic story that kept me entertainment until the last pages. It's rather slow burn romance, but when Rafe and Star getting to the steamy action... well, it's hitting all the right places. It's hot and emotional just in the perfect way. Rafe and Star are TOTALLY opposite ! Lives they are living, family dynamic and all things that are connected with it. That's why, I love how author connected story line with romance between this couple. It was evolution of love and trust, and author done it in beautifully way. Star is optimistic girl with such a big heart. She seems to be always happy but knowing why she is like that... Well, I wish I be that strong as she is. Rafe really needed her in his life. Maybe he looks like Mr Perfect, and has a perfect life but it's also little empty. I'm glad that author gave him beautiful madness that has Star's name on it. I loved it so so much. If You love slow burn and fake relationship - this book is for You !

I loved this one so much!! It was swoony, sweet, and so much fun! There was so much grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, and fake dating goodness in this one. Rafe was so serious and I felt so bad for him. Having to hire a fake gf to avoid the women his mom and sister-in-law keep trying to thrust into his life had to be stressful for someone like him, who struggles around new people and just wants to focus on his business. Star is the total opposite, with lots of sunshine and happy vibes, a go-with-the-flow attitude, and totally extroverted. (Even though she also had her own struggles with family problems.) These two were perfect for each other. She brings a totally different energy to Rafe's life and he shows her that people can stay and love you.

I honestly love Samantha Young's work and writing style. I find her to be very good at building up tension between characters. Her plotting in how she gets her leads to an HEA always makes me smile and appreciative of the work she's putting in.

Can't wait to get more of Samantha Young's work by going through her backlist.

Rafe’s family is continuously reminding him that being part of the wealthy Whitman family means that he needs to settle down. His busy job as a veterinarian and somewhat grumpy attitude leave him without much room or desire to meet Mrs. Right. When he meets Star Meadows, an outgoing part-time actress, at his niece’s birthday party, he offers her a role that could change her life. Star enjoys her handful of odd jobs and living in the moment but when Rafe offers to pay her to be his fake girlfriend, she reluctantly agrees. Together they decide upon a strict schedule and rules to guide their pretend relationship.

The Love Plot is a contemporary, stand-alone romance. There are a handful of open-door scenes.

I love a grumpy/sunshine romance and the more opposite the characters are the better. Rafe is stern and broody while Star is a sweet, social butterfly. They may seem a little too different at first but I think that’s what makes them work so well together. They balance each other out and bring out the best in one another. Like most fake dating romances, the harder they try to stay professional, the harder they fall.

I’ve read several of Samantha Young’s books in the past and truly enjoy the style of her writing. She has a delightful sense of humor that always peeks out in her dialogue, especially the banter. I look forward to seeing what she has next for her readers.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Berkley for providing me with the early copy!

Final Score - 4 Stars!

This story was absolutely cute and highly enjoyable to read! Although I did struggle to get involved with the book (didn't start it for a while after receiving the ARC due to RL issues), once I started to read - I was ALL in. This was everything that I was looking for and Samantha once again delivered. This meet-cute story had all the tropes needed: a big city setting, a grump vet doc, a free-spirited heroine, a meddling family, and a plot that draws you in from its brilliantly executed beginning until it's sappy, sweet-hearted end. I hate that this one is over. I am SO going to read it again.

If you need an escape from life, as I did, I highly recommend this book.

Thank you so much to Berkley Romance for an advance copy!

This book will be published on August 29th.

"...You don’t need to make sense to him. You need to make sense to me, and you fucking do.”

This is my first Samantha Young book and definitely will not be my last. I absolutely LOVED this book! I was away when I started listening to this and I wanted to keep listening because I was so hooked to the story.

I am also fascinated by how romance authors come up with their meet cutes for their love interest and this one was so unique! Star was working as a character actor and Rafe was a family member at the child's birthday party - like come on!!

There was just something about how different the lives of the two characters were and somehow it worked. Rafe just loved everything about Star and her unconventional way of living and as much as she was proud of that life, she also felt like she was not good enough for him. That was the biggest conflict and I was happy that she did talk to him about it. I just love when we can feel how much the male character feels for the female character. Or taking the gender out of the statement - I just love when we feel when one love interest feelings are SO strong for the other. It just makes me my heart smile so so much. And I felt that with Rafe in how he spoke to Star and his actions.

As like any fake dating, you know what is going to happen so when that moment hits, it hits! I was devouring it all. Rafe came off as such a sexy man and of course he is a veterinarian so that is an added bonus in his hotness. Even though he was the grumpy to her sunshine, it wasn't a grumpy where you were totally put off. Quickly his attitude would change the more they interacted and his anger more was when he was around his family. Spoilerish ahead - There was a moment where Star has to go be with her dad who is getting a major surgery and he appears at the door. MY HEART.

“Because you don’t need any backups. I’m your fucking ‘in case of emergency.’”

I felt like the pacing was great between the meet cute, to the arrangement to the romance and so forth. I was also happy that there really wasn't a 4th quarter conflict. There was a small blip but it wasn't enough to make me angry that it happened.

I also love the side characters even with Rafe's family whom were not the best people. They still brought that angst in the book. I loved Star's friend group!!!

If you are a fan of opposites attract, fake dating, meddling family members - this one is for you!

Swoon: 10/10
Karaoke: Sadly no

This is my second Samantha Young book, and she’s quickly becoming a favorite! The writing was excellent, the pacing was great, and the story was engaging. I do feel like this was a perfect timing book for me because I related so much with Star. Her character made me feel seen and understood. This book made me laugh , swoon and cry. An absolute delight!

📖 ARC REVIEW 📖

Thank you @berkleypub and @berkleyromance for an early copy of The Love Plot by @authorsamanthayoung. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 🤍

Check out the blurb here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63946922-the-love-plot?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=6WnCVbdrwl&rank=1

The Love Plot is by far the most wholesome and heartwarming romance I have ever read. It demonstrated one of the most important green flags in a relationship for me – communication, and delighted me with by far the most interesting FMC I have ever encountered in a book. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 for me and adding this to one of my top reads this year. Don’t miss out on this heartwarming and wholesome novel, releasing August 29th, 2023!

🛑Swipe for the full review; may contain spoilers🛑

I’ll go right out and say it – The Love Plot is by far the most wholesome romance I have ever read. Star’s opinions and outlook in life, carefree with having no stressful ambition but just be happy with no expectations, seems like an eccentric person. It would be the first thing you would think of describing her when you first meet her, as evidenced by Rafe’s family and his family’s friends. But as I dived deeper into the novel, she’s much more than that. Despite her unfortunate upbringing, she’s interesting, and fun, and her opinions, while mostly positive, are not usually the norm but another way to look at things. She’s a no-pressure kind of woman and chooses not to be affected by others’ opinions of her. She knows what she wants and stands by what she believes in. I also found Rafe to be the most endearing, considerate, and understanding boyfriend despite their difference. Sure, he initially judged Star with her career and outlook in life, but I’m glad she won him over by just being herself.

Though at some point in the story they just chose to be considerate of each other and missed outright saying how they truly feel, I have never met two book characters who are as wholesome and very communicative as Rafe and Star. For the most part, they communicated with each other how they felt and tried to understand where each came from. I love how they can openly express what they want and don’t want in their relationship.

I also enjoyed the interaction Star has with Rafe’s family. Although initially strained as his family judged her when they first met, I loved that they put Rafe’s happiness first and grew to enjoy Star’s company as they welcomed her into their family.

The Love Plot gives importance to communication and compromise in all relationships, but most of all, just being happy with what you have and who you’re with. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 for me and adding this to one of my top reads this year. Don’t miss out on this heartwarming and wholesome novel, releasing August 29th, 2023!

I love the fake dating trope and this one delivers. Rafe and Star are complete opposites but they end up working out well together. I loved how their relationship evolved and grew. And how Star learned so much about herself and grew as a character. Overall a good read.

What a fun book. A broody, hot, guy and a happy, go lucky girl. Who end up being a perfect match for one another. It definitely took some convincing on both sides. Star is positive she can commit and be in a relationship. And Rafe is determined (after some time) that she can and he’s her person. I love how Star could care less about what people thought of her. She was happy! And she lived that way, to ensure her happiness. Rafe wasn’t so sure about her at first, but began to understand why she is the way she is. And she was perfect to him. Others in his family had a different idea how Rafe’s woman should be. That caused tension amongst them. Until, it all came to light. I had a hard a hard time putting this book down. I laughed out loud in some parts. Shake my fist in others. Oh, and let’s not forget that I had to fan myself too. There is some spice in this book too. An all around great book that I highly recommend.

The Love Plot by Samantha Young
Narrator: Savannah Peachwood
Rating: 5 stars
Steam: 2 chilis
Pub Date: 8/29

Samantha Young does it again! This sizzling romantic comedy is an absolute gem that delivers all the heartwarming and steamy goodness you crave in a contemporary romance.

From the very first page, you'll be drawn into the world of Star Shine Meadows, a sunshiney gig worker with a heart of gold and an irresistible charm. Sparks fly when she crosses paths with the grumpy yet incredibly handsome Rafe Whitman, and the stage is set for a fake dating, opposites attract masterpiece. While their personalities clash at first, Rafe can’t help but be charmed by Star’s carefree spirit and refreshing honesty. He needs to get his family off his back about finding a girlfriend, so he offers to pay Star to play the part. Star is relationship-averse, so she never suspects how hard she’ll start to fall for the grumpy veterinarian.

Wow, did I love this book! Star's bohemian style clashes beautifully with Rafe's more reserved demeanor, creating a tension between them that crackles with chemistry. Their banter is absolutely electric, and you'll find yourself rooting for their happiness right from the start.

And oh, Rafe Whitman. Prepare to swoon and sigh over this incredibly complex and endearing man. His unwavering devotion to Star and his own personal growth journey will make your heart skip a beat. As for Star, she's a refreshing female lead. Her independence and compassion make her relatable and loveable, and you'll wish you could be her best friend.

But this isn’t just steamy moments and witty banter. It delves deep into the challenges of navigating a new relationship when both parties come from different worlds. Young explores the vulnerabilities and insecurities that come with falling in love, making the characters' journey all the more authentic and relatable.

I went back and forth between the audio and my physical copy, and I loved both! Savannah Peachwood did an incredible job bringing all of Young’s characters to life.

I have become a big fan of Samantha Young’s this year, and I can’t wait to read her entire backlist! I adored this book and think it’s a must-read for romance enthusiasts seeking a perfect blend of humor, heart, and heat.

Read if you like:
*grumpy/sunshine
*forced proximity
*fake dating
*NYC setting
*opposites attract
*single POV

💕Ｔｈｅ Ｌｏｖｅ Ｐｌｏｔ💕
By: @authorsamanthayoung
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Read this if you...
💕Need inspiration to be yourself no matter what
💕Are ready to laugh, cry, and everything in between
💕 Want a quick read that you can't put down

💕Wow. Just wow. I can count the amount of book hangovers I've had in life on one hand (sad, I know). But I can easily say this book gave me one...and more. For starters, I have been in a bit of a reading slump, and I was eager to dive into a lighthearted rom-com that would hopefully get me out of my funk. And, sure enough, it accomplished that. I'm speechless. I'm tired. I'm giddy. I haven't stayed up late or read a book this fast in SO long. The Love Plot is ADORABLE. And Rafe? Can I get a hell yeah?! 😍

💕Meet Star. Star Shine Meadows. A free-spirited, happy-go-lucky, boho gal embracing New York life for all it is while just trying to get by. Enter Rafe. Rafferty Whitman. A wealthy, jaw-droppingly gorgeous veterinarian who has grown up surrounded with the glam many dream of. While there is instant chemistry, both are too stubborn to admit that any ounce of attraction exists between them. However, when Rafe asks Star to be his fake girlfriend for 6 months to get his nosy family off his back, the tension becomes unbearable. Will Star and Rafe part after their "fake" fling, or will they give into what both of them have been fearing most?

💕I am in LOVE with this book, and truly think Samantha Young knocked it out of the park. The Love Plot grabbed my attention right from the get-go, and I found myself laughing out loud multiple times throughout. The characters were all incredibly built, and I was able to relate to little things with each one - of course, Star the most. This book easily moves to my top five favorite RomComs. Everyone...and I mean everyone...should read this book!!

💕Here's to finding the peanut butter to your jelly.💕

Credit:
💕Thank you @netgalley and @valentine_pr_ for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Love Plot is an amazing read. I loved this one so much. Star will pull you right in with her sunshine ways. Rafe is grumpy with reason. As you get to know Rafe and Star you see how these two opposite people just fit so well. I love the chemistry build as they take their fake relationship to more. There are so many cute moments that will have you glued to the pages and giggling along with the couple. Emotions run all over the place when it comes to Rafe and Stars growing together and learning how to navigate together. I love Rafe and Star so much. This is such a fun read that I could not get enough of. You may never look at peanutbutter and jelly the same again. Go and one click this one now.

From the moment I read the blurb for The Love Plot, I was excited but nothing could prepare me for this entertaining journey that captivated me from the first line and was still with me long after the final word was read. You know you are reading something very special read when the story and the characters stay with you long after finishing the book and that’s exactly how I’m feeling about Star Shine Meadows and Rafe Whitman’s journey in The Love Plot.
This couple are polar opposite’s, Star is all sunshine and light and Rafe is grumpy and dark but they work well together. Rafe is the local veterinarian and Star is doing what is needed to survive so when Rafe offers her a deal to become his fake girlfriend for family events she has no hesitation in agreeing. What follows is an entertaining journey as fake becomes real and Star brings light into Rafe’s dark world.
The Love Plot has all the feels, it’s entertaining, witty and at times I laughed so hard I cried, the characters are easy to love and I really didn’t want this book to end. If you love romantic comedy look no further than this gem of a read.