Rafe and Star … my goodness I enjoyed their story immensely! I think one of the things I enjoyed so much about it - apart from the super hot chemistry and amazing writing - was that it felt real. It felt like it could have been someone’s real story. It wasn’t overly fantastical, with huge daring events like kidnappings or anything like that. It was a heartfelt and emotional story, which felt like it was being told to me by my best friend. I was invested in their story and loved watching their ups and downs. Of course it also had Samantha Young’s signature style and ability to wrench your heart out, with witty banter and some very hot scenes. Highly recommend!

Our free-spirited heroine Star is a costume character actor and a line sitter. She meets grumpy Rafe working at his niece's birthday party. He's a veterinarian whose family has a lot of money. To try to escape the matchmaking schemes from Rafe's mother and sister-in-law, they agree upon a fake dating situation.

I was invested in this couple from start to finish. I think it was because of how completely opposite they were yet their relationship was bursting with chemistry. I am telling you guys that they totally worked together. They were flirty and fun. The more scenes between them, the more I just loved this couple.

Rafe was so sweet and completely accepting of Star. He supported her and stood up for her when others criticized certain aspects of her life. Both characters were good-hearted and it was hard not to fall in love with them as individuals and as a couple.

I swooned at all the gentle and tender moments between Rafe and Star. He made her feel safe and wanted which was something she was not used to feeling, especially growing up with unconventional parents. The steamy scenes between them were perfect.

This is another fabulous read by this author, star and rake just gave me all the feels. A grumpy/sunshine story is always a good read from this author.

Fake dating with sunshine/grumpy characters that have great banter? Sign me up!

Star is the product of "hippie parents" that live by the seat of their pants and do what makes them happy. That may mean they aren't tied down to anyone or anything and Star thinks she needs to follow by their example, even if she isn't close to them. She has 3 close friends that have a unique relationship and have become more her family than her actual flesh and blood. She holds down 2 very unique jobs that truly just make her happy, even if they aren't traditional jobs.

Meanwhile, Rafe comes from a very prominent and successful family, but he's veered off a bit from the family business and became a veterinarian. He's successful, good-looking, and obviously does well for himself, but the women in his life (mother, sister in law and sister) keep wanting to set him up with someone. Apparently they think he needs a woman/wife in order to be happy. But the last thing Rafe is looking for is a wife. So, when Star and Rafe meet at his niece's birthday party (where Star is dressed in costume entertaining the children), Star can't help but to push the good looking uncle's buttons. He seems like the grumpy, uptight arrogant a$$hole that Star would like to unravel a bit. And when he approaches her with a deal she can't resist days later, that's when things start to get good.

Apparently I have a thing for fake dating scenarios and especially when the characters come from different sides of the financial spectrum. I loved Star and her happy, carefree ways. She was bright and cheery and just a joy to be around. That's not to say she was perfect, but I really liked the way she was free to be who she wanted to be. And Rafe? Man, I wish we got his POV because I could obviously see his grumpy ways, but I felt the minute he wanted to jump in more. A look, the way he stood up for the woman by his side at family events....this man may have been uptight and wanted to please his family with a (fake) relationship, but these two balanced one another out and he never for one minute wanted to dull Star's brightness, even when others wanted to dim her.

Samantha Young created two great characters that balanced out one another perfectly even when they came from different worlds. I liked the way she gave us two families/backgrounds for Star and Rafe and made these two characters work through their flaws together to create their own unique happiness. While I would've loved to get Rafe's POV, it was still so evident within the story we got. I enjoyed seeing the two separate family dynamics and seeing these two grow and learn from them and also the families learning for their ways as well.
Overall, this was a fun romcom with great characters and so much good banter and evident chemistry from the beginning (even if they didn't want to admit it). I adored these two and their perfect balance of steam and emotional moments. Would recommend.

Grumpy sunshine romcoms are my jam. I loved Rafe. Star was a good character but I didn’t like how she kept so much inside instead of just talking to him. The guy wasn’t a mind reader.

However, other than that, I loved it. She was a unique character and him being a vet was a plus.

Thank you to Let's Talk Books and Berkley Publishing Group for the advanced reader copy and to PRH Audio for the complimentary audiobook. These opinions are my own.

When Star and Rafe meet, she's dressed as Merida for his niece's birthday party. And he's the grumpy uncle unimpressed by anything. So when she sees him again, she gives him a hard time. But he ends up asking her to fake date him.

This is the epitome of the grump/sunshine and opposites attract tropes. Star doesn't want a career and works as a line sitter and character costume actor. Rafe is a veterinarian from a wealthy family with high expectations. But their chemistry is just so good together. I felt for Star throughout this story, and I really enjoyed seeing them grow together. I would have liked to see Rafe have as much character growth as Star.

I was so impressed by Savannah Peachwood's narration. She was excellent on all the voices, performing Rafe's dialogue just as well as Star's.

CW: parental neglect and abuse

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing Group for providing the ARC.

I feel like of torn with regards to The Love Plot. I loved Rafe and Star, and the dynamic of their relationship. However, I felt that the whole book was incredibly fast paced and it didn't give them time to fully develop. It is marketed as a "grumpy x sunshine" trope, however, Rafe is only really grumpy for maybe the first third? And you don't get to see all the great ways that the "sunshine" starts changing his worldview. It is marketed as a "fake dating" trope, however, these two throw off that mantle not even halfway through the book, and it becomes about Star's commitment phobia instead. I wish the author had focused on one thing instead of switching it halfway through.

Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed the story, very much. I loved seeing Rafe's rough exterior melt around Star, and his fierce defense of her when she doesn't exactly mesh with the people in his life. I loved seeing Star open up to Rafe and understand that she could feel safe with him. It was just all very rushed, so you lose out on all of the good things that make those two tropes so worthwhile to read.

I think this book suffered from not being dual POV. It would have allowed the reader the opportunity to see in Rafe's head exactly how he lowered his defenses for Star and fell in love with her. It may have extended the time they spent in this "fake dating" situation, but I think the story would have been stronger all the more for it.

This book was absolutely adorable and such a well-done fake dating book. I LOVE Star, the main character. She is the bubbly, eccentric, bohemian dress wearing character of my dreams. I love that she was so authentically herself throughout the book and Rafe loved her for that! I love how well they got along throughout the book - the author penned this book as grumpy sunshine and we do definitely see Rafe exhibit that "grumplike" personality, but in the end, he falls in love with Star for her and she wanted to change to "fit in" with his family but he didn't want her to do that. This book made me gush the entire time and I absolutely loved it.

I wanted to read this right away, as soon as I got my grubby little hands on it but I was in the middle of another really wonderful book and I don't like to cheat on my current reads. As soon as I finished, I dove into this one. I LOVE Samantha Young's other books that tend towards more drama but was excited to try something a little different, that might make me laugh. And I was not disappointed.

What a wonderful book -- full of captivating characters and interesting happenings. Star and Rafe are so great together. One of my favorite tropes is the overly serious hero who tries but fails to avoid falling for the wonderfully strong and funny heroine. I cannot encourage you enough to read this book. If you like Samantha Young the author, rom coms or just a really good story, this is one for you. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and thoroughly enjoyed the ride.

I received this free eARC novel from the author and NetGalley. This is my honest review.

As always, I devoured this Samantha Young novel and fell in love with her new characters, Star and Rafe. These two are so so different from each other and I absolutely loved seeing them be with each other.

Star's life style freaks me out, personally, but I love that she loves it. She's good at it. She THRIVES in it. And that makes me so happy for her. And to bring that uniqueness into Rafe's life was fantastic.

Rafe may have been backed into a corner when he came up with his idea, but I'm glad he got to experience the amazingness that is Star. And honestly things would have done so much another is Pippa could just keep her nose in her own problems instead of causing issues for others.

Also? I think Star would be a fantastic bookseller... just saying, as a career choice, she would be amazing at that.... ;)

I'm so glad I got the chance to read this story and I can't wait for more by Samantha Young!

Samantha Young definitely gives us what we want, and that’s a very grumpy hero!

I fell in love with Star, she is such a sunshine character, and genuinely enjoys and loves her life. No one is perfect and she embodies that even though she can’t be perfect she is 100% ok being herself, and loving herself.

Rafe is the grumpiest of grumps, and he just makes me want to smother him with love. I love how Star slides right under his gruffness with her unapologetic pleasure of publicly embarrassing him. Their banter was excellent, and this book has just the right amount of spice.

There are a number of side characters in this book that you love to hate, but I appreciate how they give Star the growth opportunities throughout the book.

I feel inside out of my feelings!!!! From the moment I read I saw him I knew it was going to be THAT EPIC …Every word after the next is so beautifully crafted I could cry. The book is so amazing. No one does the intense push and pull tension like Sam! Are you sure this is a rom com! Ahhhh. I love everything about this book. I love how her family Jude Roger and Kendall love her and how Rafe loves her. Swoon I soaked in every word. I need a reread stat! This story is such perfection! I love how the story is so multi faceted and the problems are not only with their relationship but also with family and friends too. It’s so freaking good and relatable. Samantha always ALWAYS TEARS ME APART AND THENNNNN MAKES ME EVEN MORE WHOLE THEN WHEN I STARTED THE BOOK! SWOOOON! LOVE YOU FOREVER! There are discussion questions at the end and it really makes you think about the story over and over. I’m excited to do a reread! This book is ultimate goals. I loved every word, sentence, and tie in. It is def a masterpiece! I love how Sam explained how this idea consumed her and everyday turned into this story and you will definitely understand as you read! Love love love!

From the moment I started reading ‘The Love Plot’ I was hooked. I loved the characters so much. Especially Star’s character stole my heart right from the start. She was just so happy and fun and I loved how she did life. Star was determined to be happy and did whatever she wanted. I really admire that. And it also made for some very funny and entertaining moments.

And then there is Rafe’s character. Sure he seemed very grumpy and rude. But we soon learn there is a lot more to him. He loves animals, and is just a big introvert. I hear you Rafe! But most of all I loved how he was enchanted by Star right from the start and all he wanted for her was to stay her perfect happy self. I loved him.

The chemistry between Star and Rafe was amazing and I devoured every page of this book. ‘The Love Plot’ was definitely a slow burn one, and it was really exciting to read. There where plenty of steamy moments and at times I laughed my eyes out.

‘The Love Plot’ was a great romantic comedy I devoured right from the start.

Charming and delightful! This book perfectly encapsulates the essence of contemporary romance in our time - featuring a charming meet-cute, a bustling urban backdrop, familiar yet comforting tropes, and a narrative brimming with meaningful themes. The core of the story resonated with me profoundly. It's an engaging and pleasurable read, complete with moments that will make your heart flutter.

I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review, thank you to Berkeley Publishing and Samantha Young for my copy!

I already knew I liked Samatha’s writing going into this one since I enjoyed Much Ado About You, but this took the win as my favorite. I can go ahead and say it’s in my top books of the year!

Star Shine Meadows is a quirky, lovable FMC who had an untraditional upbringing. Her “hippie” ways have always suited her, and she marches to the beat of her own drum. Enter Rafe, a traditionalist veterinarian looking to get his meddling family off his back about dating. He asks her to pretend to be his girlfriend for a few months before parting ways. But I think we all know how that ends, right?

I’m such a sucker for the fake dating trope, especially when everyone can see they’re falling in love before they’re ready to announce it. Star and Rafe are your typical opposites attract, but I felt like their emotional scars and past hurts shape them into rounded out characters beyond “rich boy falls for free-spirit girl.”

This was such a fun read, and I felt the harder plot points were handled well. The emotional and mental development on both characters was refreshing, and I found myself wanting to comfort Star during her spirals (we’ve all been there). Rafe is such a sweet cinnamon roll under his gruff exterior, and he’s a wonderful supporter for Star and her quirks. Their romance was truly so sweet and gave me the butterflies, even during the spicy parts.

I have other books by Samantha on my TBR, so it might be time to move them to my current reads!

I LOVED this book. My second book by Samantha Young and she does not disappoint!

Seriously, I will be recommending this book to everyone. I binged it in a day. I laughed, I cried, and my heart broke for Star. Her background was so broken and yet she found a way anyways. She broke the cycle. And Rafe... ahhh I love him. He never stopped supporting her (once he got past their initial meeting LOL).

They are the perfect pair and their fake dating relationship and steam... I was here for it all. Seriously, I want to be Star's friend just to hear what craziness she would say (or yell) next.

I want more of this group of friends & family! A book for Gigi would be perfection!

You are not ready for Rafe and Star. I’m not gonna lie. This is probably the most entertaining, grumpy-sunshine, swoony, fake dating story I’ve read in a long while. It’s simply brilliant. Every word. In every way. And I can’t stop smiling.

Rafe Whitman, single, wealthy, veterinarian hires Star Shine Meadows (yes that’s her name) professional line sitter and costume character actor to be his fake girlfriend to get his mother and sister-in-law to stop trying to fix him up with women. Shouldn’t be more than a 6 month “job” and Star will make enough money to travel as she’s always dreamed of doing. But it might be a bit difficult.

They are complete opposites. When they meet, she’s dressed in a Princess costume for his niece’s birthday party and he makes fun of her. Among other things, he scoffs “no one can be this happy”. She thinks he’s a grumpy, arrogant snob. Later she embarrasses him while sitting in line - and let the fake relationship/business agreement negotiations begin.

This story is an absolute delight from beginning to end. The banter is fabulous! Star struggles with emotions and relationships because of her neglectful hippie parents’ upbringing and this will touch your heart. Star shows such strength and resilience but most importantly, kindness. No matter what the situation so how could Rafe not fall for her. Now Rafe? Oh is he just the man of every woman’s dreams! He never gives up on Star. He wants her exactly as she is, his wealthy family and friends be damned. He defends her. He embraces all of her. Yea. Star never had a chance to resist him.

This book tugs at your heart strings. I was such a goner for this story from page 1. And. I’m still smiling an hour after reading the last words.

Rafe and Star FOREVER I say.

I really loved Rafe and Star’s story. This was an entertaining read. These two couldn’t be more different, but they had amazing chemistry from the start. I felt for Rafe and his need for the fake relationship. I couldn’t believe his family were so blatant about throwing women at him. I didn’t blame him for proposing this idea to Star. Star lived up to her name, because she was a bright shining light. I loved her independence and sassy personality. She was definitely a free spirit, which has a lot to do with how she was raised. Her childhood wasn’t typical and wasn’t a healthy way to grow up. My heart broke for her as she tried to defend those values at times, but that she herself maybe didn’t agree with. She did a lot of self reflection and growth in this story, which I really enjoyed. I wanted to shake some sense into her when she let it go too far, so much that she wasn’t herself any more. But, sometimes that is the journey that we have to go on to find our happiness. I thought Rafe was the anchor Star needed most in her life. He was steadfast in his support of her and trying to let her figure things out for herself. This story was fantastic, and I highly recommend it.

Star Shine Meadows (professional line sitter and costume character) and Rafe Whitman (rich New York veterinarian) couldn’t be more opposite. Star is very much happy hippy chic and Rafe is grumpy, smouldering and little bit obnoxious. That all changes when an opportunity comes about that could benefit them both. Rafe needs the meddling women in his family off his back, and Star needs money to travel. What’s the best way to stop those you love from trying to set you up? Yes, that’s right, start a fake relationship. The problem is Star and Rafe are poles apart on every level, how are they going to convince those closest to them that they are in a relationship? Turns out it’s not that hard once they actually take the time to get to know each other. What a heartwarming, sweet, funny and emotional story. What they both think they want isn’t necessarily what they actually need, and Star is left questioning all her life choices. Such a fun and entertaining story with characters that will pull at your heart strings, not all of them, some are downright annoying, all part of enjoyment. Highly recommend. I received an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest review.

Amazing grumpy meets sunshine love story

Opinion
This book follows Star, who is a free spirit with her own believes, fears and will to be happy in life. I like her the way she is. She is relatable to me in all her greatness and open mindset. I could instantly feel warm with her. Rafe in the other hand is the grumpy hero in this book, who made my day by being that grumpy. I love the interaction between both. It’s like salt to my tequila. It just fits and feels right. I felt all the connection, the chemistry on the fake dating, the rushes of flush and laughter’s proof this. It’s not only to the characters in this book or the well written story but also to the deep message inside of this: Stay true to yourself.
This just made my day! It is all I needed to hear today and a lot of other people too. It’s not only a book, but a story that I will cherish forever and got a highlighted spot on my heart. I love this.

Conclusion
I cannot recommend “The Love Plot” enough! It is all everyone needs. A love story that will light your mood and make you realize how important you truly are.

About the book:
There's a magnetic attraction when a happy-go-lucky gig worker agrees to a fake relationship with a rich, uptight New Yorker in this steamy romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Samantha Young.
Star Shine Meadows is all about freedom, thanks to the hippie parents who raised her. Juggling her jobs as a professional costume character actor and a line sitter, she believes in no expectations, no stressful ambitions, and no-strings-attached relationships. So when she meets a birthday girl's grumpy uncle while working a princess party, she can't help but needle him. She'll never see him again, and honestly, he's pretty hot.
Rafe Whitman may be a veterinarian with a great bedside manner, but that doesn't mean his patience extends to anyone with opposable thumbs. His family will not stop nagging him about finding "the one," so when he runs into obnoxiously cheery Star again, he makes her an offer: He'll pay her more than she would make doing her odd jobs if she'll pretend to be his girlfriend at family gatherings. She can stop sitting in line waiting for someone else's new phone, and he'll get his family off his back.
When the tension between them heats to a breaking point, Star's desire for "no strings" is tested against Rafe's staunch stability. They say opposites attract, after all....