O.M.G. How is it possible that I found yet another book that I absolutely adore?!

Seriously, this story hit all of my favorite tropes: fake relationship, grumpy vs. sunshine and opposites attract.

Rafferty Whitman. WHERE CAN I FIND MY OWN? This man owns my heart. So beautifully complicated, so intense, so steadfast in his love for Star. I might have actually sighed out loud when reading some of his lines.

And Star? She is one of my absolute favorite FMCs. So independent, self-sufficient and incredibly compassionate. And yet, the pain that she feels from basically being abandoned and neglected for most of her life is so deeply woven into all of her decisions.

Rafe and Star shouldn't make sense. But, you couldn't find two people who are more imperfectly perfect for each other. PB & J, amIrite? 😉 They might not understand the other's choices in life, but the way that they support each other through hardships is so beautifully written.

The way that Rafe challenges her to take a chance on them and refuses to let them settle for something casual is forever seared into my brain. What I absolutely loved about this story is that it didn't end when the feelings became real for them. Instead, it also explored the difficulties that each of them faced in trying to fit into each other's world. But, neither of them was shy about calling the other out on their sh*t, so it's pretty obvious that theirs is a relationship that's bound to last.

If you haven't read this one already, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!

If I have anything negative to say about this story, it would be the way that the Kendall, Jude and (what's his name?) dynamic was handled. In every instance, it seemed like Star was trying to force it down the Whitman's throats, just to watch them squirm. In my opinion, the whole element was completely unnecessary. Star's upbringing and family issues alone would've provided sufficient weight to her non-traditional background.

4.5 Rafferty ⭐️

NOTE: ARC received in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

4.5/5⭐️

•Review•

This was wonderful - fabulous tropes, hilarious banter, and full of hugging-my-pillow swoon.

Star and Rafe are the definitions of opposite. Rafe is a grumpy, reserved veterinarian who comes from money and Star is a sunshine hippy, with multiple jobs and a super unconventional (and sad) upbringing. Star is working one of her jobs as a character actor and meets Rafe at his niece’s birthday party. He’s so grumpy and stodgy, she can’t help but try to ruffle his feathers. After running into her while working her second job as a line sitter (who knew this was a thing?!), Rafe offers to pay her to be his fake girlfriend. He wants a break from the incessant matchmaking and she wants money to travel. Their ruse works a little too well and it becomes hard to determine what is fake and what’s reality. Will their differences drive them apart or will they realize that sometimes, two perfectly opposite people can be perfect for each other?

Y’ALL. This was so fun! I love this grumpy/sunshine duo and the way they interacted with each other. Star was such a sweet, lost soul but striving so hard to be positive and do the best she could with the way she was brought up. Oh sweet, grumpy Rafe with his dimples and sneaky sense of humor, I loved him. I loved the more serious topic of being yourself and not changing for people. Samantha Young did such a great job with bringing the readers on this journey! I CANNOT wait for others to get to read this one!

Thank you to Berkeley Romance and Samantha Young for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy. The Love Plot releases August 29th.

My favourite book of 2023 so far!
I received this book as an ARC but my reviews are entirely my own.
This book has a grumpy-sunshine trope, and one that came across natural. I really enjoyed the main character as she’s strong, independent, but self-aware enough to recognize her flaws or rather needs that haven’t been met. This book does have a HEA and you’ll find yourself immersed in the feelings of characters and Star’s desire for a loving family. While I have enjoyed many of Samantha Young’s novels, this one made me smile, chuckle, want to toss my Kindle across the room as well as needing a cold glass of water from time to time ;). y favourite book of 2023 so far!
I received this book as an ARC but my reviews are entirely my own.
This book has a grumpy-sunshine trope, and one that came across natural. I really enjoyed the main character as she’s strong, independent, but self-aware enough to recognize her flaws or rather needs that haven’t been met. This book does have a HEA and you’ll find yourself immersed in the feelings of characters and Star’s desire for a loving family. While I have enjoyed many of Samantha Young’s novels, this one made me smile, chuckle, want to toss my Kindle across the room as well as needing a cold glass of water from time to time ;).
A few awkward words used or not used. Hopefully one more edit before publication.

Headlines:
Female commitment-phobe
Different sides of the tracks
Grumpy-sunshine
Fakey-datey

The Love Plot was all easy-breezy reading but with substance. Picture a bohemian, free soul of a New Yorker alongside a buttoned-up grumpy vet and you have Star and Rafe. Star's unconventional job choices and her kind and joyful demeanor where what set her in Rafe's path initally. Instead of a spark, there was irriation. Instead of a meet-cute, there was a grumpy collision.

I got a lot of joy from reading how these two started fake dating and how their interest in one another became authentic. Rafe's family were a key part of their story and bumps in the road; I really enjoyed that aspect. Star's family both parentage and found family, made the pages turn too.

These two had chemistry. They were so incredibly different as characters but they found a common ground of respect and affection; what a journey. I would have liked more wrap-up on Dawn to go along with the karma dump.

What a peanut butter and jelly pairing these two were (you had to be there).

Thanks to the author for the eARC; this is my honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Star is a literal ray of {emotionally unavailable} sunshine with two gig jobs: line sitting and character actor. Rafe is an absolute grump with a killer bod (oh, and he’s also a vet with a trust fund).

The first half of this book is a lighthearted, slow-burn romance that just makes you happy. Star is unapologetically herself and I love seeing Rafe fall for her, despite her not fitting into the “typical” mold of upper-crust girlfriend.

The absolute heart wrenching feelings that the author makes us feel in the second half of the book… Honestly, just masterful. You’re frustrated and angry with the characters; you kind of want to shake them and cry with them and fix them. You become invested in their happiness, their story, and their love.

There’s an amazing theme of being true to and loving yourself and I was here for it.

Thanks so much to Samantha Young and Berkley Publishing for the ARC of this book!

The Love Plot is my first from author Samantha Young but will definitely not be my last!

Star Meadows is a professional line sitter and character actress. She's quirky in the happiest way and enjoys hanging out with her three best friends. When Star meets Rafe at a birthday party dressed as Merida, she instantly dislikes him. Yet when he offers her a proposal to fake date and a monetary amount she cannot refuse, Star realizes that settling down may be the best course of action for her. Faking a relationship? Easy. Changing who she is to fit what society wants her to be? Well, that's about to get interesting.

I found myself flying through the pages of The Love Plot and needed to finish it in one sitting after hitting the fifty percent mark. I loved that Rafe is a veterinarian and Star a professional line sitter/ character actress. Their "meet cute" was hilarious and I could tell that one character had feelings for the other quite quickly while reading. While I would have enjoyed reading more about Star's fun polyamorous best friends, this book was a solid read for me and I hope to pick up another Samantha Young title soon!

Love love love! I have enjoyed all of Samantha Young's books, but The Love Plot will hold a special place for me. Star is such a beautiful character. Her desire to be herself in life and do what makes her happy is how we all want to live. She works hard, makes ends meet, and lives a vibrant life. This is definitely a sunshine meets grumpy trope through and through and I am here for it!

Star and Rafe are oil and water, but dang it they are so endearing from the start. Mainly, I loved Star so I wanted her to find her forever happiness. Their path is not easy in this one. Fake dating is never tidy, but man do these two find ways to truly muck things up. I actually thought to myself around the 6 hour mark that I was confused what could happen next, but Samantha Young managed to throw me some extra curveballs that were absolutely essential for me to fully buy the love between Star and Rafe.

Highly recommend the use of your headphones for this one or to decrease the font size on your kindle. There are lots of steamy bits interspersed in the pages of The Love Plot. Much Ado About You is still my favorite of Young's novels, but The Love Plot I think is number 2!

A huge thank you to @BerkleyRomance, @BerkleyPub, and @PRHAudio for granting me access to this title! I am so excited to add The Love Plot to my home library!!

Star is a free spirit who marches to the beat of her own drum. She loves not knowing what each day will bring and enjoys her job as a costume character actor and line sitter. She’s never thought twice about the choices she’s made or the direction her life was going in until a chance encounter with a grumpy vet named Rafe. Nothing makes Rafe happier than his life as a vet. However, the one thing he is tired of is his well-meaning family who desperately want him to settle down. So when fate brings Star across his path, not once, but twice, Rafe decides to take matters into his own hands and makes Star an offer she can’t possibly refuse…

I absolutely adored The Love Plot. Star is a wonderful free spirit and isn’t afraid to just be the special, unique person she is. She could bring sunshine into anyone’s day and couldn’t resist giving Rafe a run for his money. And Rafe, well, let’s just say Rafe was Star’s complete opposite. He was uptight, broody, and came from a conservative family. I’m telling you, Rafe and Star should not work at all. But you know what they say, opposites attract. And what was just supposed to be a temporary fake relationship, quickly turns into something neither one of them was prepared for.

The Love Plot is a swoon-worthy and spicy grumpy sunshine romance that will instantly capture readers’ hearts. From the moment you pick up this book, you will be sucked into an unforgettable romance that’s filled with just the right amount of angst, spice, and drama. If you’re a fan of fake relationships and opposites attract romances, you won’t want to miss The Love Plot.

This was an enjoyable book about a gig worker who fakes dates a rich man but there’re sparks between them they can’t deny. I love Samantha Young’s books because she writes the most cutest romance and never disappoints. I enjoyed the story of this book and was only bored in the beginning but once the story got interesting, I couldn’t stop reading. It’s also a fairly quick read so I finished it quick. I enjoyed the New York setting and getting inside info of the character’s careers. I do wish that we got Rafe’s perspective of the story as he’s such an amazing guy and wanted to know his feelings towards Star.

Star is the FMC and I really enjoyed her character. She’s fun, quirky, and an adult who truly doesn’t know what her future is. I loved seeing her develop herself and find answers that she wasn’t expecting. Then our main side character is Rafe and I absolutely loved him. He’s so caring for Star and wants her to be happy. I loved seeing his love for Star grow but wish we got his pov. There are multiple side characters in this book and my least favorite was Pippa for ruining Star’s feelings half the time. The romance is fake dating, grumpy x sunshine, and social class differences with some steamy scenes and the cutest romance. There are side characters in this book with polyamorous relationships and honesty who want Young to write their story.

The ending was cute and I really enjoyed this book. It was very fun and also a learning experience of how it’s never too late to know what you are looking for in life. I totally recommend checking this book out as many readers will love it.

*this book was sent to me by the publisher to give an honest review return*

ARC received in exchange for an honest review!

I loved all the teasers we got so I was hyped up!
It kept me on my toes and I really adored grumpy Rafe, I do have a soft spot for the grumpy sunshine tropes.
And a grumpy vet? That's just asking for it, you need to read this! And professional line sitter, does that really exist? I find it fascinating and kind of cool as well!

What I did feel was the need to see Star pull through and just show herself and be herself!
I had a though time reading her change and actually realizing that people in real life do that as well.
That really hurt to think about.

I thought this was super cute! THE LOVE PLOT includes your typical opposites attract, grumpy / sunshine H (Rafe) and h (Star) as well as the fake dating trope! I have a penchant for quirky characters and Star was as quirky and carefree as they get. Rafe was a little uptight due to his upbringing, but he was such a charismatic veterinarian. As an animal lover, I loved him right off the bat. I mean, a guys that saves animals? Swoon!😍

Even though Star and Rafe could not be more different from one another, they fit together surprisingly well. I love that Star made Rafe take life less seriously and that Rafe helped Star know what love and a sense of belonging really feels like.

I absolutely loved the underlying theme in the book, which is basically, BE YOU — don’t ever change yourself for someone else. I loved that Rafe accepted Star for who she was and did not try to make her conform to placate / meet his family’s high society expectations. I highly recommend this book! 4⭐️

THE LOVE PLOT is due to be released on August 29! Thank you so much, @berkleyromance and @prhaudio, for the complementary eARC and audiobook in exchange for my honest review!💕

There is something so satisfying about a grumpy/sunshine romance. I get legitimately weak in the knees seeing a man become a total marshmallow for his leading lady. Star and Rafe delivered those feelings in spades and I so thoroughly enjoyed watching these two spark, sizzle, and light up my Kindle with their chemistry.

There were some utterly swoonworthy moments in this story. Star comes on a little strong in the end with that eternally sunshiny perspective. However as the story progressives and the characters grew, and their story deepened - it was impossible not to fall in love with her. But it was Rafe, for me. The way his heart opened so wide for Star, the way he laid it all on the table for her, and the way he loved her for exactly who she was - ungh. So. Freaking. Swoony. I adored them together. I loved the way they loved each other.

The pacing went a little off kilter for me after the first half. I felt like the "conflict" between Star and Rafe went on a smidge too long. Don't get me wrong, I appreciated that things played out the way they did. I loved how there was open, blunt communication (eventually) and no third act break-up (really) - but I would have liked to have gotten to that point just a smidge sooner. Also, I wanted some of nastier side-characters to get little bit more payback for the horrible way they acted. So there were a couple of small ways that the story missed the mark for me, but I still enjoyed the heck out of it.

In all - this was pure grumpy/sunshine deliciousness. I adored Star and Rafe, and I loved every second I got to spend inside their story.

In all - this was pure, unadulturated, grumpy/sunshine deliciousness. I adored Star and Rafe, and I loved every second I got to spend inside their story. ~ Shelly, 4 Stars

The Love Plot was such a surprising delight! I love a good old grumpy sunshine romance and paired with Samantha’s charming writing, I fell in love with this book right away.

This was such a chaotic and interesting read! I do love a good grumpy/sunshine trope and Samantha really knocked this one out of the park. Rafe was a top-notch, champion brooder and Star Shine was true to her name and an absolute sweetheart!

Their fake dating started off as quite angsty, helped along by Mr Grumpy, but in the end they were perfect for each other! Star softened out Rafe’s hard edges and pulled the stick out of his you-know-where while Rafe offered Star a soft place to land and call home. Something she didn’t have much of growing up.

The third act was a train wreck that I saw coming a mile away and yet it didn’t make it any less painful to endure. I felt so bad for Star and yet also wanted to crawl into the book and shake some sense into her. Thankfully a tiny little dog and some seawater saved the day! 😂

I’m really happy things worked out for Rafe and Star. Even the side characters got happy endings and almost everyone got their priorities sorted.

All in all, this was a fun, chaotic, and super sweet slow burn with some interesting characters, wild relationships, and several HEAs. (Part of me hopes that we get a bonus scene one day of what career Star eventually decides on though!)

When Star gets offered a job she can’t refuse, but has to fake date curmudgeon Rafe to take it, she is wary but knows she needs the money to make her travel dreams a reality. Sure, he is lovely to the pets he cares for as a vet, but when it comes to humans, he leaves much to be desired. Naturally, this fake romance leaves sparks flying between the two…

Damn I love Samantha Young! Add her writing with a fake dating plot line…I am in! I loved Star and her free spirit and quirky personality. Rafe’s family (some of them) certainly infuriated me at times, but I just adored Rafe and how he treated Star, once he stopped being a curmudgeon of course. This book was a complete delight and I enjoyed every second.

"'I've never felt about anyone the way I feel about you... I tried to show you how I felt without saying it. But I should have just said it. I love you, Star. You. The you you want to be. Never doubt it. Because, baby, my love for you is f**king immeasurable.'"

One of my favorite tropes! Grumpy/sunshine, opposites-attract bundled up with fake-dating and romantic comedy humor. What more could you want?! All that fantastic witty banter, will they/won't they tension, antagonistic angst, and quirky humor shines throughout The Love Plot . Delightful and charming, steamy and swoony, and packs a heaping helping of big emotions.

I've been slowly (I'm trying to pace myself) making my way through The Adair Family and The Highlands series (contemporary/romantic suspense) so I do miss that The Love Plot doesn't offer the same dual POV from both Star and Rafe's perspectives.


I read and advance copy of The Love Plot from the author via NetGalley

This was such a fun opposites attract fake dating romcom!

Rafe needs a fake girlfriend to get his family off his back about settling down, so he makes a deal with Star, the character actor hired to dress up at his niece’s birthday party. She’ll pretend to be his girlfriend, while he’ll pay her a large sum to be at his beck and call for the next six months.

The two are opposites in almost all ways, Rafe is grumpy and reserved, from a rich traditional family while Star is the easygoing daughter of two hippies, content to live her life flying by the seat of her pants.


Rafe is a new favorite of mine, he came across as Darcy-like at the beginning, so reserved and standoffish but I really really loved him as we got to know him. Star was so sunshiney and I loved how she didn’t take anything too seriously. I can’t say she didn’t frustrate me at times, but that’s all part of the character arc, right? Sometimes they have to make mistakes in order to learn from them and grow.

Overall this was a very funny and charming romance about two polar opposites finding their way together with a good amount of steam and emotional moments for balance.

5 Stars Samantha Young is an auto-read/auto-buy author for me, so I was thrilled to get her newest rom com, The Love Plot, through her ARC review team! The Love Plot is not only a fantastic grumpy/sunshine, opposites-attract romance, but it also examines how we consider and keep our own distinct identities when we enter relationships, especially with someone who comes from a completely different social class and background.

Star Shine Meadows is perfectly happy working jobs that make her and others happy, such as being a costume character actor and professional line sitter. The daughter of hippie parents, Star is all about freedom and no serious commitments. While working at a little girl's birthday party, Star can't help but needle and butt heads with the girl's uptight uncle, Rafferty "Rafe" Whitman. When Rafe and Star run into each other again, the grumpy veterinarian has a proposal for her: pretend to be his girlfriend to get his mother and sister-in-law to stop setting him up and he'll pay Star more than she makes at her other jobs. At first, the arraignment seems fraught with tension between Star and Rafe, but soon he has her rethinking her upbringing and personal philosophy for how she lives her life, and Star keeps humbling Rafe and his assumptions. Can the girl who doesn't do commitments commit to something that is suddenly becoming very real?

Star is one of the most interesting characters that Samantha Young has written and it was heartbreaking to watch her compromise her identity and start to lose herself in Rafe's world to appease his family and keep him. The ending was perfect, though I wish we had seen some more of Star figuring out what was next for herself. If you love grumpy/sunshine, opposites-attract, and fake dating, this one is for you!

This was a really fun grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, fake dating in NYC, STEAMY romance. I loved that the FMC was unapologetically bohemian and unconventional. She falls hard for a straight-laced Veterinarian from a boujey Upper East family. He enlists her to help him stave off their matchmaking attempts but ends up falling for her hard. Full of sex-positive, found family goodness and all the spice you could want. GREAT on audio narrated by Savannah Peachwood too. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy. Samantha Young is an autobuy author for me and this latest did NOT disappoint!!!

This was another sweet and emotional love story by this author. I enjoyed the journey that both characters went on to get to their HEA together. I recommend this book and this author.