A really cute girl meets girl romance, but with a few twists along the way. I loved the family background and the whole emotional depth to it. A great read.

If you want messy Sapphic characters with a pretty straightforward story and some nice reflective points, this is the book for you.

Mack retreats from New York to Seattle to visit her parents in hopes of getting past some major writer's block. Charlie owns a new coffee shop and is struggling under a mountain of bills. When Mack wanders into Charlie's coffee shop, she's instantly drawn in and finds inspiration, and Mack, who has never fallen in love before, might just find it in the divorced shop owner.

There are so many aspects to this book that I love! Let's start with the chapter names. Each one is a spin on a drink that hints to how the women are feeling. Then there's Charlie's messy history and the way she navigates her past, along with the very supportive best friend. Add in Mack's very relatable writer's block and feelings about her mom's cancer and how wonderfully supportive her parents are, even though Mack feels some extra pressure.

This book is the epitome of what it's like for two people fall in love, including all the messy parts.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy!

This was soooo good.
It’s such a sweet romance with Charlie and Mack dancing round each other for such a long time but I liked that it wasn’t rushed. I loved the main character I loved their story how they’ grew and needed each other. I loved the special drink for each chapter which was such a unique style. I really did enjoy this it’s a sweet cosy love story

"Not In The Plan" by Dana Hawkins: A Cozy, Yet Flawed Brew of Romance and Realism

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Dana Hawkins' "Not In The Plan," served as an ARC from NetGalley, delivers a comforting narrative woven with the aroma of coffee and the struggles of artistic inspiration. Set amidst the vibrant streets of Seattle, the story follows Mack, a writer grappling with creative paralysis and looming deadlines, seeking solace far from the pressures of New York City.

At its core, the book unfurls the relationship between Mack and Charlie, the latter a charming yet financially strained coffee shop owner on the mends from heartbreak. While their connection holds promise, it stumbles across the pages, teetering between a slow-burning romance and moments of seemingly rushed, instant affection.

The characters, imperfect and relatable, carve their identities amidst flaws that breathe authenticity into the tale. The delightful inclusion of coffee-themed chapters enhances the cozy setting, though the execution occasionally falters.

Hawkins skillfully incorporates themes of anxiety, divorce, and the comforting ambiance of coffee culture, painting vivid scenes that transport readers to Seattle's lively atmosphere. However, the brevity of the novel, packed into 256 pages, curtails the opportunity for more profound revelations, leaving a longing for greater exploration.

In my view, "Not In The Plan" stands as a commendable attempt in the realm of cozy queer romances. Despite pacing inconsistencies and an unquenched thirst for deeper narrative dives, Hawkins' storytelling prowess offers an engaging reflection of life's intricacies and the entangled paths of love and existence.

I found the relatable imperfections within characters and the comforting familiarity of everyday challenges to be this book's standout elements, elevating it within the cozy romance genre.

Not in the Plan - Dana Hawkins
Trope/Genre - Lgbt, romance, love at first sight, opposites attract
Trigger Warnings ⚠️ - language, a little smut

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Charlie and Mack meet in a cafe while Mack was trying to figure out her manuscript. She decided to pick up and leave for new scenery and it worked. As she gained ideas for her book from the proud owner, Charlie. They soon start falling in love and go out together as Mack gaines more ideas. She feels as if she should tell Charlie about the book.

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I thought it was a really cheesy love story about two people falling in love in a coffee shop. But I found it enjoyable to read. All the little cute interactions with the girls and the funny banter made it great to read.

If you’re looking for a sapphic “she gets the girl” romance book with quirky characters then this is the book for you.

Based in Seattle, traveler and author, Mack is in town to work on her new manuscript and decides to find a coffee shop near by. Once there, she meets shop owner, Charlie who is vibrant and quirky and the complete opposite from Mack. Over the next few weeks Mack creates a bond with Charlie, all while using Charlie’s life and stories as details for her new book without Charlie’s knowledge. As they spend more time together and fall in love, Mack is torn between telling Charlie about the real influences for her book and keeping a good thing going between them.

Overall, I found this story a bit boring. At times it was dragging and over detailed. Then other parts felt rushed and unexplained. Also, throughout the book, Mack’s manuscript is written out as well and there was no differential between Mack’s book and the actual book, so at times I was confused and would strongly suggest Mack’s manuscript inserts be italicized so the reader knows they’re going into that. Lastly, if you’re hoping for spice, this book doesn’t contain much, and what is there is not very long or detailed.

Not in The Plan is a beautifully wholesome love story about two women who meet at a coffee shop and hit it off right away. I truly think this books is the definition of love at first sight. Mack, a best selling author meets coffee shop owner Charlie and hit it off immediately. This queer love story was brilliant and beautiful and the different trials and tribulations these characters went through was truly inspiring. I love when a story has love yes, but also depth to the characters, and this one had exactly that! I also enjoyed Mack's relationship with her parents immensely! It was fun to see these two womens lives mesh and mend together perfectly and effortlessly.

This was a fantastic cozy queer romance. The characters were lovable even if they did not always make the right decisions (perhaps that made them more real)! The characters flaws and different personalities were well developed in most ways and I loved their love but do wish they got their a little faster (maybe that’s a me thing)!

I loved how each chapter had a special coffee drink associated with it. It was a fun little element that linked with the setting of the novel.

It was a quick read and I would love to have had more details in some parts of the book and spent more time with Mack’s parents. I did guess some of the “twists” and “surprises” that came up but that didn’t take away from how enjoyable the book was.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of Not In The Plan

Thanks NetGalley for an ARC copy of Dana Hawkins' debut novel NOT IN THE PLAN.

I give this novel a resounding 5-stars!!

Maybe it's because I grew up in Seattle, with the smell of coffee lingering in the air, and the perpetual misty-rain... but dang, Dana nailed the setting. I was magically whisked home. And there was just something so delightful about cozying up with Mack and Charlie. Watching their romance blossom, and learning about each woman, it was heartwarming in a way I can't explain.

This book was gentle, caring, joyful and gave me ALL THE FEELS!!!

Pretty sure I'm in love with Mack and when I grow up I want to be Charlie! I CANNOT WAIT to read more about these two and their world of coffee, love, writing, friends and cozy queer adventures.

BTW... just the right amount of heat!! Gah! I could devour this book over and over, with a Dirty Chia Tea Latte and a Blackberry scone please xo

2.5 stars. I think this book wasn't made for me. Following the story of Charlie and Mack was entertaining, but I did not connect with any of the characters as I was reading. While I did not enjoy the writing as much as I thought I would, I liked how the characters weren't created only to be one-dimensional (even when it comes to the side characters). Overall, it was a cute romance that was appreciated during Christmas week.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC! Not in the Plan was a cozy romance with a diverse cast, taking place in the coffee shop of my DREAMS. I loved the coffee shop as the setting of this book- the customers were funny, and you could tell a lot about our MCs through their interactions. I loved the theme of the chapter names each being a different drink too! Now onto why I gave this book 3 stars instead of 5- I feel like the characters were underdeveloped at times, or put into boxes, and I didn’t feel super strong chemistry between Mack and Charlie. Also- potential spoiler ahead- I hate the miscommunication/keeping secrets trope, which also kinda turned me off to this book. All of this being said, overall it was a fun and funny read :)

This is one of the first third person novel I’ve read in a while. This is due to my own volition, because I sometimes get lost in who is speaking, and what characters are involved in scenes. But that is a moot point. Additionally, I’m someone that judges books based off covers and I typically choose books that I want to read based on covers that I am attracted to and that is one of the reasons why I chose to read, Not In The Plan.

I am a queer woman and I am a coffee addict (though I much prefer tea for my caffeine intake) and the description immediately enticed me. and opposites attract coffee shop owner and coffee addict having a build-up to an intense moment is perfect for fans of Alexis Hall, Alice Oseman, and Alison Cochrun.

I love that each chapter has a designated title, and it makes it more memorable as to what happens in each chapter. The Work is well written, and explores topics of anxiety, Divorce, and of course, coffee puns. I can also relate with Mack a lot because I have social anxiety and I love reading and writing and it often provides me a safe space.

Throughout this book, There is a lot of vivid imagery that makes the reader feel as if they are directly in the scene with the main characters. From descriptions of the scent of the perfume, to the scents of a parade and festivities it felt like I was there.

Overall, this book was amazing, but with it only being 256 pages, some portions felt rushed, and I felt myself wanting more, which isn’t a bad thing because the writing is great. Looking forward to more works by Dana Hawkins!


#browniegate

Fun romance with realism. I really appreciated the focus on the coffee shop & financial pressure Charlie was under as much as I appreciated the family baggage that Mack was facing. Too often, I think authors forget that every person has life pressures that aren't big scale world-enders, but are still huge for that person. That was not the case here, and the realism made me invested in the characters and their lives. I'd read more by this author.

Charlie, busy with running her failing coffee shop and recovering from her divorce, is shocked by a handsome new customer.

Mack is struggling with her next book, but finds inspiration seeing Charlie at work. Now over her writers block, she also finds herself attracted to her.

I liked both leads, and the plot kept me interested. I did guess what was going on with Mack and her parents, but I don't think it was really intended as a surprise.

I do sorta wish we could read the crime novel Mack wrote, as it sounds good.

Anyway... good solid read.

Not in the plan is a steamy rom com novel by Dana Hawkins.
I really enjoyed this rom com novel. It's story was easy to follow and had a great cast of characters. The author's writing just flows along. A very enjoyable read that I highly recommend.
❤️ Thank you to storm publishing and netgalley for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Great story in a cute cafe. I loved the coffee-themed chapter titles. I thought the dialogue was fun and appreciated the banter. I liked this one a lot! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. I look forward to more from this author.