The Best Laid Plans is a delightful romance that explores the themes of family, friendship, and love. The book tells the story of Charlotte and Burke, two people who come from different worlds but find common ground in their shared experiences and values. Charlotte is a driven and ambitious woman who has always put her career first, while Burke is a laid-back and charming man who has struggled to find his place in the world. When they meet, sparks fly, and they embark on a journey of self-discovery and romance that is both heartwarming and emotional.

One of the things I appreciated is how the author tackled some tough issues with compassion and sensitivity. For example, Charlotte's struggles with infertility and Burke's past trauma were handled with care and respect, and the book never felt exploitative or melodramatic. Instead, the characters' struggles felt real and relatable, and I found myself rooting for them to overcome their obstacles and find happiness.

Another aspect of the book that I enjoyed was the sense of community and found family that permeated the story. From Charlotte's close-knit group of friends to Burke's supportive coworkers, the book showed how important it is to have people in your life who love and care for you. I also appreciated how the book explored the idea of chosen family, as Charlotte and Burke found themselves drawn to each other despite their different backgrounds and upbringings.

While the book had some slow moments, particularly in the middle section, overall, it was a well-written and engaging read that left me feeling satisfied. The romance between Charlotte and Burke was sweet and believable, and I appreciated how the author avoided many of the cliches and tropes that often plague the romance genre. Instead, the book felt fresh and original, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good love story.

In conclusion, their story is well worth reading. With its relatable characters, emotional depth, and heartwarming romance, it is a book that will leave you feeling good and wanting more. Whether you're a fan of the romance genre or just looking for a good book to curl up with, this book is a great choice.

Karla Sorensen knows how to take two seemingly opposites and build a deep and heartfelt romances. The Best Laid Plans has the perfect balance of heart, humor and grief that give this novel a gravity that is relatable. Sorensen's writing is clear, open and charming. Her characters are interesting and fully developed. The situations are realistic and heart opening, creating the perfect environment for a beautiful romance that anyone could fall in love with. This novel is the first in a new series by Sorensen and I am so excited to see this family and friend group grown and get their HEAs.

This Burke, a former football star, and Charlotte, a restoration expert's romance. This novel deals with grief of a best friend, it shows that through grief and growth the human spirit is resilient. I really loved the juxtaposition of restoring an old family home and the building of a relationship and a future. Sorensen takes care around how grief and panic are all things that we as human's will deal with and understand and learn from in different ways. Sorensen shows how two people can grow together to learn from the past and fight for a future. I found that Burke and Charlotte working together on this home renovation to be so charming and such a lovely way to show them in moments of conflict, moments of understanding, and moments of compromise. The close proximity of working together and living under the same roof is the perfect situation to keep the tension and chemistry constantly brewing. Sorensen does a wonderful job really making sure these two build a foundation of trust and understand before they fully enter into a physical relationship, which helped me to really connect with their romance and how they both are unsure about their growing feelings.

I think Karla Sorensen is a wonderful contemporary romance author who you should definitely read. Sorensen knows how to balance humor, heart ache, joy and romance beautifully, so definitely check her out if you love a romance that has a perfect everyday and relatable feel!

Burke is at loose ends. His year has been hard and he doesn't know what he wants to do now. When he inherits an old house in Michigan, he is sure he doesn't want it. The problem is, the inheritance comes with expectations and a beautiful woman who was hired to restore the house to it's former beauty. Charlotte loves the Campbell House and is excited to renovate it. She certainly didn't expect to suddenly have to deal with a moody former football star but she'll do it if it means she gets to complete the job. The two of them have to navigate some serious issues before they can work on a happy ever after. Can they hold on long enough to make a future together?

This book surprised me. The author manages to have both a fast love story and a slow love story for the main couple. Let me explain. Burke is immediately attracted to Charlotte. In fact, she is described as his type of woman. The issue is that he is deeply unhappy and can't see a future with anyone right now. I enjoyed how the author slowly released bits and pieces about Burke that explained why he reacts the way he does. It made him very nuanced and interesting. It made me feel terrible for him as he tried to deal with his issues while navigating his life. Charlotte is not immediately drawn to Burke. He treats her poorly at their first meeting and she isn't sure she wants to deal with him in the future. As she gets to know him, she realizes that he is not the man he shows to the world and that maybe the man hiding underneath is her perfect match. I enjoyed reading about how she opened up to Burke and saw him behind the anger and frustration. By the end, I was rooting for them to figure it out and have their happily ever after. There are good side characters and subplots that add to the overall story. There was a little subplot that I thought was going to end a certain way but didn't. I'm wondering if the author will revisit this world and write more stories for the background characters.

I am going to give this book a bit of high praise. I do not have dozens of highlights and notes. That means that I was engrossed in the story and there was nothing that made me stop and slap my forehead in frustration. That is very rare for me! This is a contemporary love story that takes place in Michigan and Florida. The main characters are adults with established careers. If you are looking for a love story that takes a little time and is laced with some real emotions, give this a try. I will definitely read more from this author in the future.

I was provided an ARC of this book via the author and Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

This is the first book in a new series by Sorensen and I can't wait to find out who the next couple will be. I suspect have some suspicions who some of the next couples may be in future installments but I'm excited to see who may be next.

This follows Burke, a recently retired pro football player in the wake of a career ending injury. he is also grieving the loss of his best friend Chris after a horrific car accident. Chris left Burke his family's historic property that he was in the process of restoring. Burke is not only grieving the loss of his career and his friend, but he is confused as to why Chris and his wife would leave him this property. He just wants to sit by the beach, read a book, and reconnect with his sister and her twins in his retirement. He and his sister have alot of emotional baggage from their childhood from losing their mom early in life and a dad who only cared about living vicariously through Burke's football achievements.

Enter Charlotte, she is the project manager for the historic renovations that Chris and his wife had started before tragedy struck. She is Burke's opposite in every way, but she loves the house and old things. She has big ideas for the restoration and Burke wants nothing to do with it. Charlotte not only has to manage the project but she has to manage Burke's bad attitude about inheriting the house and dealing with what feels like an impossible renovation. The more time the spend together the more he softens and the more sparks fly between them. As their relationship turns from professional into something more, both Burke and Charlotte open themselves up to being hurt and neither of them know what comes next as the house progresses.

I loved the advice that her zany aunt Daphne and her partner Richard, I loved both of them in the book, gives her some great advice about being patient with Burke because he doesn't know how to deal with his emotions and he's dealing with a lot of them during this project. He is grieving, doesn't know what to do with himself, and scared of opening up to someone. I loved that Charlotte called him out for not communicating with her and taking away her choice in their relationship. I also loved Tansy, Burke's sister, she gave him some great advice as well when it came to living his own dreams instead of always taking care of everyone else. I hope Tansy gets her own book and happy ending in the future!

This book is a bit on the heavy side, but I really enjoyed it. Burke is very much caught up in his grief and the trauma of his childhood. He isn't really able to face his future and begin healing until he confronts those. Charlotte on the other hand is very aware that he is in need of healing and willing to support him through that process. I thought their relationship and character development was really done well here. I used to watch renovation shows with my dad on Saturdays, and the bits of renovation woven into the book were nostalgic for me.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the first in a new series. I really enjoyed it – it is a very different take on a sports romance, dealing with a man who has just retired from the game due to injury, and the unexpected turn his life takes due the to death of a close friend and fellow player, Chris, and his wife, Aimie. For a moment he panics that he is going to be asked to look after the children but, in fact, he is left a house! It had been in Chris's family for centuries but needed complete restoration after being sold off.

Charlotte is living in the guest house and working on the period restoration of the house in accordance with the memories of its owners, when they die in an accident. Now a somewhat angry Burke turns up saying he is now the owner of the house, trusted by his friend to get the job done.

As we watch Burke grieve his career, and his friend, and try and manage spending time at the house and with his sister and niblings, the line is stretched thin. Then he also realises how much Charlotte means to him – but struggles with understanding just how it can all fit together. And along the way, the house returns to its former glory thanks to Burke, Charlotte, and William, the contractor.

I loved how, as the house restoration progresses, Burke also finds some peace and a new fulfilling life.

This is the first book in the series and I can tell you I'm hooked! This slow burn grumpy/sunshine romance had me right from the beginning. Man is Burke one grumpy dude. His life is thrown in a tailspin with the loss of his good friend and what comes next. My heart goes out to Burke because you can see how that loss is truly effecting him. The surprise his friend left him is another twist he never anticipated. I loved Charlotte. She sure has passion for the work she does. Her aunt is a hoot! Charlotte and Burke are forced into a roommate situation. You can slowly see the more time these two work together hidden layers are discovered. Their banter was one of my favorite parts of this book. Karla always delivers on the heart and feels this book in no different. These two souls just need a healing touch to mend the cracks. Definitely a book you do not want to miss!!

Oh how I needed this book! It’s a 2023 Top Read for me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Burke and Charlotte’s love story was just what my heart and mind was looking for. Complex characters who felt genuine and a connection that was built over time. Two flawed people who didn’t see their true worth until the other one showed them. I loved the supporting characters and the backdrop of the small town. If you’re looking for a character driven, sweet and sexy story then this one’s for you.

A beautiful story of grief, family and finding love.

Charlotte and Burke were just too sweet. The banter was great!

Charlotte is a historian that restores old homes to their era. Burke is a former football player that was forced to retire.

After inheriting a house from his friend after his death, Burke, wants nothing to do with it, but can't help restoring it to the way Chris and Amie would have wanted. Little did he know that he would find the attractive, beautiful Charlotte who had no idea who is was or anything about football. Two opposites who were fiercely attracted to each other.

Slow burn at it's best. Karla Sorensen knows how to keep you going until you get to the juicy part lol.

A great read. A sweet romance with tender moments and lots of banter to enjoy.

I am looking forward to the rest of this series.

3.5 (rounded up) out of 5

I just discovered Karla Sorensen this year and have been slowly making my way through her books! So, when this came up on NetGalley I knew I had to snag it!

The Best Laid Plans is a book that is perfect for lovers of Antique Road Show and Fixer Upper! The whole home renovations vibe mixed with the slow burn romance of Burke, our uber grumpy retired football hero and our positive, dreamer heroine, Charlotte, made for a banter and tension filled romance. Add in the loss of Burke's friend who gifted him the monstrous, dilapidated house in his will that he is now responsible for renovating with perfect historical accuracy and you have one moody, emotional man! And, what better way to draw him out than the fiery red headed restoration expert!

With all of these aspects, I felt this story had the makings of a grumpy x sunshine, opposites attract masterpiece; however, I found myself getting bogged down in the details of the home restoration part. Karla did a great job with the setting and details that made the story flow with an accuracy only a person who has even attempted renovating, or even redecorating, a room with their significant other can understand but, it took me out of the moment frequently when they discussed the details of the home. I really enjoyed both characters so much and when I switched to the audio, the narrators breathed life into the story that I was struggling to find when reading with my eyes. I would definitely recommend the audio of this book and I am really looking forward to reading the remainder of the series!

Read if you like:
* HGTV and Home Renovation Shows
* Grumpy x Sunshine
* Sports Romance
* Found Family

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book provided by NetGalley and Montlake. All thoughts & opinions are my own.

My new favorite written by Karla Sorensen. I think I say that every time I read a book written by her. I became invested from the start. I laughed ( often) and cried. I absolutely loved the storyline. The characters were complicated and easy to like. A beautiful slow burn romance that I'll read again. Actually, I plan to listen to the audiobook next! Looking forward to her next book already.

Burke Barrett is already struggling to come to terms with his football career being over when he learns his best friend has died in a car accident. Leaving him a family home that is in need of massive repair in Michigan, when all he wanted to do was retire in Florida and reconnect with his family.

Charlotte has been working on renovation plans with the owners of this house for awhile and falls in love with the charm of the home. When she learns of their passing she is left uncertain to what the new owner will do with the house, its renovation and her job as the manager.

Charlotte and Burke clash immediately over the home. However sharing the carriage house on the property means they can’t get too far from each other.

While I think Charlotte was insensitive at times to Burke and his grief I think they were a good match for each other. This was a very slow burn which dragged a little too long for me but when it finally came it was steamy.

I did like a potential next story with Burke’s sister. Also Charlotte’s “hippie” Aunt Daphne was a hoot.

If you were to inherit property where would you want it to be located?

I received an arc for review via Netgalley all opinions are my own and given freely.

4.5 STARS! Another beautiful love story from Karla Sorensen. I loved every single second of watching the relationship evolve between Charlotte and Burke. This book is the definition of grumpy/sunshine! I think this is the start of a wonderful series and I can't wait for what comes next.

Former Dallas football player Burke Barrett has not had an easy time with the loss of his best friend and his retirement from football. To add to it all, he has inherited a dilapidated house in northern Michigan that he doesn’t want. It also has restoration expert, Charlotte Cunningham who has plenty of ideas even though she can be irritating. The attraction between them grows and they reach a decision to become involved, with no strings attached. Yet when the project comes to an end, they are left wondering whether their initial plans could all be changed.

This was a realistic relationship between two characters who had their own pasts. Burke does carry an incredible amount of baggage which at times I felt was a bit of a challenge for Charlotte. Some great moments between them, but the negative aspects did tend to overwhelm the romance. A good read, overall.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Renovation Passion

How does Karla Sorensen keep doing it? Each book I have had the pleasure of reading has been unputdownable. THE BEST LAID PLANS, book #1 in her new series The Best Man, was another. A touch of comedy, grief, sizzling heat, and two wonderful characters combine to ensure a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining story.

Burke Barrett is an ex-footballer mourning the recent death of his best friend, then he learns Chris has left him the historical house he was renovating. With his emotional struggles it is the last thing Burke needs, however he decides to fulfill his friend's dreams and then sell the property. Charlotte Cunningham is the renovator Chris employed to work on the house, when she finds out that the new owner is thinking of selling the property, she decides to handcuff herself to the stairs in protest. This is our Burke finds Charlotte when he arrives at the house. An agreement is made, Burke moves into the carriage house with Charlotte, the chemistry between them builds, a friendship blossoms and evolves. Nothing is easy, especially when you're a man who is drowning in despair and unsure of what he can do about it. Charlotte is a ray of sunshine to Burke, although they do have their moments.

THE BEST LAID PLANS was a wonderful read. A grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, forced proximity, slow burn romance which explores the area of grief with beautiful sensitivity. I loved that the relationship between Burke and Charlotte grew naturally, realistically, it was one that was easy to relate to. Once again, the secondary characters were exceptional, and I can't wait to read some of their stories.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE HEALING STARS ✨✨✨✨✨

This book stole my heart in the very best way, full of all the emotions, The Best Laid Plans is a book that made me feel it all.

Burke and Charlotte meet when he is bequeathed a house that he does not want and Charlotte is the project manager working on restoring the old house. Working through the loss of his best friend, Burke just wants to sell the house and move on, yet Charlotte is so passionate and optimistic and determined to follow the dreams of what the owners wanted to achieve.

Dealing with his grief, Burke is surly and grumpy but slowly and surely we see his exterior thawing as Charlotte’s optimistic enthusiasm and pure joy in the restoration job takes hold. There is forced proximity which enhances the relationship developing between the two, I love how Burke notices all the little things that make Charlotte unique and Charlotte can see behind Burke’s gruff exterior to who he really is and the expectations he has had to endure. There is football, there is family and there is feeling and I loved every word. I can’t wait to see what the author has planned next for us in this new series!

🏈 ARC REVIEW 🏚️
Review: 3.75/5 ⭐️
Steam: 1.5/5 🔥

#thebestlaidplans is book one in the all new #bestmenseries by @karla_sorensen

Burke’s life has changed in many ways over the last year, but not in a great way. He’s retired from football, moving his entire life to live by his sister and grieving the loss of his best friends. To put the icing on the cake, said best fiend left him a house. A dilapidated, old, worn down house that had belonged to his friend’s family years ago. This is the last thing he wants to do but seeing the woman in charge of the Reno is making it even harder to stay focused. But maybe, she’s exactly what he needs.

Charlotte doesn’t back down. She’s strong willed, stubborn and not afraid of a fight.. most of the time. Burke is in charge of bringing her project of a house back to life. Too bad he doesn’t want to be there. But the more they bicker, spend time together and build up the tension, the more they open up their hearts. Can she convince Burke this house is worth it, or was it all a dream that could never be reality?

I enjoyed the book. There’s a lot of emotions back and forth. Burke needed to be kicked in the shins a couple times to get his head out of his butt, but he eventually got there. Charlotte knew he was different and trusted him, for his soul. They were almost kindred spirits. They fit together even though they shouldn’t. I could have cut some of it out and made it shorter, and changed some minor details. But overall still a good read. Excited to see who’s next in the series.

This was a good start to a new series.

Karla’s writing is always spot on for me and I love that I can count on her delivering a solid story.

This new series seems like it is off to a great start. I can’t wait to see where it goes from here.

While I enjoyed this story i miss being in the Washington Wolves world. I had to keep reminding myself that Burke wasn’t with them and it is a new series. Now please know, this is a me thing! The writing, as I mentioned above, was incredible!

I have been a big fan of Karla Sorensen's books for several years now, and was delighted to read an early copy of The Best Laid Plans, her first for Montlake in a new series, The Best Men. Thank you to Karla and Montlake for the copy, receipt of which does not impact my review.

When I finished The Best Laid Plans, I had to sit in my thoughts about the book for a few days before I felt like I could write my review. It was funny, yet heartbreaking at times; joyful, yet filled with grief; sexy, yet sweet. I loved how Charlotte and Burke complimented each other in the very best of ways.

I highly recommend it to fans of Karla's other works and if your favorite romance tropes include workplace (especially HGTV/construction-type tales), forced proximity, and grumpy/sunshine.

Another fabulous read from Karla Sorensen! I was excited for her newest book, but am now even more excited about the remaining stories in the series to come. In this cute grumpy/sunshine story line, Sorensen introduces us to two new characters, Burke and Charlotte, who are forced to work on the renovation of a house owned by a friend/teammate of Burke's, who lost his life in a tragic accident. With so many recent life changes, both characters have to dig deep to uncover who they are, who they want to be, and where they want to go. I couldn't help but pay close attention to snippets of other characters and interactions that I know we will see again in future books. A great start to a new series!

Who does not like a grumpy football romance book? Burke was forced to early retire and he lost his best friend. The best friend he lost leaves him an old home he was renovating with his wife. Although the home is sentimental to Burke he has no desire to deal with it and just wants to be done with it. Charlotte is the person who is tasked with overseeing the renovations of the house. Burke and Charlotte's relationship starts as a friends-with-benefits arrangement and develops into something real. I feel Burke had issues to work through and when he did there was no stopping the relationship. This is a different feel for Sorensen but it still worked. If you looking for a grumpy/sunshine book that takes you on a roller coaster of what they will do this is your book. I am excited for the books in this series.