contemporary, thriller, romantic, snarky, situational-humor, verbal-humor, private-investigators, ex-cop, ex-journalist, missing-persons, investigations, siblings, Black, mystery, dual-narrators, unputdownable, rivalry, California, ethnic, cultural-differences*****

Jackson Jones and Mackenzie Cunningham are each Black private investigators hired by the same high end white lawyer to find a missing adopted young woman before her mother dies in hospice care. But it's not a snooty story nor a high testosterone vehicle, it's great fun for all and perfect as a pick me up after a rotten day at work. I thought it was great and hope that this team will cooperate again in other books!
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Atria Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Available 09 Jul 2024

I enjoyed this Mr and Mrs. Smith-themed thriller. While the two leads were a bit hard-edged, the action and mystery were entertaining and unique. I could see this book becoming a series or film (and I'd watch it rather than the new Mr. and Mrs. Smith series)

Thank you Atria Books for this entertaining review copy.

I received a NetGalley copy for an honest review.

For starters, Forty Acres by Dwayne Alexander Smith is one of my all time favorite books. As a result, this book was something I automatically wanted to read. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it was a mystery with Black PIs. I used to love both the Easy Rawlings and Tamara Hayle series by Walter Mosley and Valerie Wesley Wilson respectively so this is something that is filling a void in Black literature. While I thought some of the timing of the coincidences were not realistic given the size of LA and traffic to get from point A to point B, I thoroughly enjoyed the journey. I rarely figure out the twist or solve a mystery but I was able to assume a little of the ending. I think because I have been reading a lot of romance lately, I wanted more of a spark between them or maybe for something to happen. But I also think it was a good idea to limit it because it could be an unnecessary distraction for true mystery fans.

I believe that this would be a good television series with each episode being a different case to solve. I would watch it!

Reluctantly joining forces after discovering they’ve both been hired on the same missing person case, two rival Black private investigators find their mutual dislike evolves into an undeniable attraction in this rollicking, romantic thrill ride told in alternate perspectives from award-winning authors Dwayne Alexander Smith and Pamela Samuels Young.

I wanted to love this more than I did. It felt a little hollow and I didn't really dig the writing style. It was fine, I guess?

I enjoyed this! It felt like an action movie that I could see Netflix picking up. Jackson was annoying at times (I felt like he was trying too hard) but he had a good heart. Mackenzie is Wonder Woman. I loved everything about her character.

I enjoyed the chapters from each of their alternating perspectives, especially as they put the pieces of the case together. I was rooting for them the entire time.

Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books, Pamela Samuels Young, and Dwayne Alexander Smith for the ARC copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Mark your calendars, because this is one thrilling ride you won't want to miss! “Sounds Like a Plan" by Pamela Samuels Young and Dwayne Alexander Smith is a riveting blend of mystery, romance, and witty banter. Young and Smith have masterfully woven a tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from the very first page. Readers are treated to a delightful concoction of mystery, romance, and sharp-witted banter that leaves you craving more.

Meet Jackson Jones and Mackenzie Cunningham. Both are hardworking, fiercely independent, and unapologetically good at what they do. Their shared profession and unwavering commitment to justice are where their similarities end. When fate throws them together on a missing persons case, their mutual dislike ignites sparks that sizzle off the pages.

Young and Smith deftly alternate perspectives between Jackson and Mackenzie, allowing us to delve into their minds and hearts. Jackson, with his rugged charm and unwavering determination, is a force to be reckoned with. Mackenzie, equally brilliant and headstrong, refuses to back down. Their verbal sparring is as entertaining as it is electric, and their chemistry leaps off the page.

The missing person case they're working on promises a hefty reward: $50 thousand to the first investigator who cracks it. But as the layers of deception peel away, they realize they've been set up. Suddenly, their rivalry takes a backseat to survival. With a small army of killers hot on their trail, Jackson and Mackenzie must put aside their differences and work together. The tension between them escalates, and the line between animosity and attraction blurs.

The authors' writing style is crisp, engaging, and infused with humour. The dialogue crackles with wit, and the pacing keeps you flipping pages long into the night. As the investigation unfolds, we're treated to glimpses of the glitzy streets of Century City to the sun-kissed beaches of Malibu. The vivid descriptions immerse us in the city's pulse, making it a character in its own right.

“Sounds Like a Plan” isn't just about solving a mystery; it's about unraveling the complexities of human emotions. Jackson and Mackenzie's journey is peppered with vulnerability, unexpected tenderness, and heart-pounding action. The romance blooms organically, fuelled by shared danger and undeniable attraction. Their banter evolves from barbs to stolen glances, leaving readers rooting for their happily-ever-after.

The supporting cast adds depth to the narrative. From quirky informants to menacing adversaries, each character serves a purpose. In a genre often dominated by male protagonists, Young and Smith break the mold. Mackenzie is a refreshing heroine: smart, resilient, and unafraid to take risks. Jackson's vulnerability beneath his tough exterior makes him equally endearing. Their partnership transcends clichés, and their dynamic leaps off the page.

Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of suspense, passion, and unexpected twists. It's a book that lingers in your thoughts even after you've turned the last page. Young and Smith have crafted a thrilling mystery wrapped in the warmth of romance. Dive into this irresistible adventure, trust me, it is a plan you won't regret.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Sounds Like a Plan is exactly what it sounds like - a story about a plan that doesn't turn out as expected. It was a fun, light read with romance thrown in. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a fun read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my opinions.

A quick read. In the search for Ashley, the love interests work through car crashes and mistaken identity and more in this fun meet cute. I enjoyed this book and look forward to more.

This promised to be a fun romp by two authors starring two rival Black PIs, Mackenzie (a woman) and Jackson (a man); the first few chapters had a very noir feel and were enjoyable enough. I was reading along and kind of enjoying this although Jackson’s near-constant sexism wasn’t particularly fun - I can read past a lot - when Chapter 5 hit me with a wallop: our cynical intrepid PI (Jackson, not Mackenzie) uses ChatGPT as an investigative tool. My friend, it does not give you actual data. It is a predictive text tool. It cannot give you investigative leads (which is what the author said it did). It is guessing at what word comes next in the sentence. The idea that an experienced and expert private investigator would make use of ChatGPT to perform his investigative work beggars belief. I kept reading for a bit after that (the editing is good and the plot moved swiftly), but I wasn’t enjoying the experience and I DNF’d at 20%.

3/5

This was a fun read, but it wasn't my favorite. I am typically an enthusiast for enemies to lovers, but this one was all enemies with very little love. I also was uncomfortable with the way Jackson talked to Mackenzie sometimes and belittled her abilities.

The PI plot did have a lot of twists that were entertaining and kept me on my toes, and I enjoyed some of the secondary characters.

If you like murder/thriller books with some romance-ish on the side, this one is for you!

DNFing at 46% approx. Chapter 28

I was super intrigued by the idea of this story and had a decently fun time with the plot/mystery but I absolutely hate Jackson. I think he’s misogynistic and super obnoxious. The idea of being in his POV every chapter was painful and once we get to the point where Jackson and Mackenzie team up more, I couldn’t even get through her POVs since he featured in them so much.

my feelings on this were constantly conflicting. i enjoyed some parts, and the mystery part of the story was fun to read and unravel with the characters.

but, there was some things i couldn't get over. and ultimately made me not enjoy it in the end.

1. for three-long paragraphs, jackson, the male main character, went on an internal monologue about how great ChatGPT is while signing up for it? like it really felt like i was reading a sponsorship.
2. there was some weird misogynistic undertones that really left me feeling gross. bleh. very blatant that it was written by a woman and a man.
3. there was a tasteless "joke" about someone being on the spectrum. i.e. basically the whole shtick of the joke was that being on spectrum made someone "stupid". like, no. ew. disgusting.

so, yeah this just wasn't for me.

Sounds Like a Plan follows two antagonists: Jackson and Mackenzie. They meet when they are hired for the same case as a private investigator, looking for missing women- and this case is urgent. Forced to work together, the two try their best to deny their spark and keep their head in the game.

Now, for my thoughts! I loved the action-packed aspect of this story, and how these crazy experiences bonded the characters. Both perspectives were fun to read, and it didn't feel like I was waiting for one to end! They have some great humor and chemistry between them. There are also several loveable side characters and development behind each of them.

Now, for what I didn't like. The fatphobia in this book is rampant and impossible to ignore. Classic trope here of 'good characters' being hot and skinny, and 'bad' characters being fat. It grossed me out as it was used as a punchline over and over again. On top of that, there is an ableist joke in here about a character being on "the spectrum." Also, for those who like spice, this book doesn't have that kind of payoff. This last point is completely objective, but the other two are not.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this advanced reader copy!

They are both private investigators who met because they were hired by the same person. Name a more romantic meet-cute, you won’t be able to! I loved every bit of this novel, despite some of the over the top situations. It was such a fun read. I need more of them.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria books for graciously giving me an arc of this book in exchange for my honest thought and opinion.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Jackson and MacKenzie both work for separate firms as private investigator. When there next case throws them together, tt brings the worst out of them. They will need each other to stay alive and solve the case. An ok read.

I so wanted to LOVE this book but I only mildly liked it. Which isn't bad but it wasn't the amazing experience I thought I'd get from the cover and description. But having said that it's still an enjoyable read and I am looking to more romances from this author in the future.

Jackson and Mackenzie are both private investigators who get hired for the same case. As they race each other to solve the case, twists and turns lead them to an action-packed adventure. I was pleasantly surprised by this novel as the suspense kept me intrigued and I ended up reading it all in one sitting. The romance in the novel is very slow burn but it fits perfectly in the storyline. I would recommend this novel to readers who want an action-packed book that keeps you guessing.

This was an awesome read! I enjoy the work of both authors , so putting them together was an ingenious idea. I thoroughly enjoyed the alternating perspectives as it gave the novel a unique flavor. The pacing proved to be appropriate for the story and there were bits of nuance that were unexpected.

I am looking forward to new entries into this series! Thank you for allowing me to read and review and advanced copy.

I really enjoyed this book, although I wouldn't market it as romance. The main characters had some tension, but nothing to write home about. I liked the writing style and the distinction between the two characters, since it was written by two different writers. They had great chemistry, and I would definitely read another book written by the duo. My biggest issue was the "are you on the spectrum" "joke" towards the end of the book. It was super unnecessary, even given context, and it brought the read down to 3 stars for me. Without that joke, I would have given at least a 3.5

I loved it! Private investigator mysteries are my favorite type of series. This was so fast paced and action packed that it felt like I was watching it play out on a TV show. Mac and Jackson are smooth together, their banter is fun and funny, and they both had really smart ideas on which way to proceed in the investigation. Great book!