For one night of my life, I dared to do something reckless. My birthday. A bar. Karaoke. And a man so hot he could melt the sun. Sparks flew. Lust took over. For one night of my life, I felt alive. Then I was back to my “boring” life. Career-driven. Goal-oriented. Always planning ahead. But nothing could have prepared me for the positive pregnancy test. We weren’t that reckless. There goes my … that reckless.
There goes my “boring” life. And what happens when I tell the father?
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Not According To Plan was a wonderful surprise, in more ways than one! I’m crossing my fingers that we’ll get Amy and Brad’s story soon as well. Buckle up and enjoy Jade and Max’s story. Not According To Plan was a wonderful surprise, in more ways than one! I’m crossing my fingers that we’ll get Amy and Brad’s story soon as well. Buckle up and enjoy Jade and Max’s story. This was written with such hilarious and witty characters, not to mention the relationship between Max and his brothers. Super minimal angst, which I appreciated, allows you to be pulled in to the story and hoping that they can somehow work it all out. The family/best friends dynamics are great and will have you laughing and a little heart broken, but it’s so worth the journey, I promise! Don’t miss out on this story, it’s definitely one you’ll want to read again soon.
I’ve read a few books by A.M. Madden in the past and really enjoyed them so when I saw this cover, I thought I was getting into a romcom. Maybe the cartoon-y effect on the cover just made my mind wander in that direction. But let me warn you here, this is NOT a romcom! It’s a contemporary romance with an accidental pregnancy with a twist.
Jade has a plan for her life that she isn’t willing to detour from. A relationship isn’t in that plan right now but one night of fun can be. Max’s life is already set, in his mind, at least. And it’s too crazy to start a relationship…right? But when one night leads to a(nother) baby on the way, will Max be able to convince Jade that he’s willing to do whatever to make a relationship work?
This story is not your typical accidental pregnancy book. Max isn’t a playboy who lives wild and free, and he wasn’t irresponsible. So how does he end up with not one but two pregnant ladies in his life at the same time? No spoilers here so you will have to read the book to find out. But trust me when I say, you’re going to want to read this very emotional but entertaining story.
NICUnurse’s Rating: I can’t say I’ve read all of A.M. Madden’s books, but I’ve read quite a few and the ones that the blurbs have pulled me in have all been entertaining and satisfying reads. And Not According to Plan certainly lands solidly in that camp. I just wanted to be able to give Max big hugs all throughout the story. He’s one of the good ones, despite the situation he finds himself in. And being one of the good ones, he’s almost killing himself to do the right thing and be there for everyone he cares about. And bless her…Jade is struggling to navigate those same waters. Thankfully, this does end with a HEA so don’t let the complicated relationships scare you away. If Max had been any less of a good guy, I would have not enjoyed this book as much. His predicament totally pulled at my heartstrings. If contemporary romance with accidental pregnancies are your thing, I think you will love this book. And even if they aren’t, this one has a twist that I think will have you enjoying this particular story despite that. So grab your copy today and dive in!
I give Not According to Plan by A.M. Madden 4.5 out of 5 stars!
This delicious read came at the right time when a little lightness along with the romance. These characters will start with a bit of fun but that fun turns out to have rewards that were not in the picture at the time. Jade and Max might of thought one night was it but we know how that usually goes especially when love decides to bite. The bits of humor in the life obstacles make this one that you can steadily turn the pages and enjoy each one.
I truly enjoy the “Accidental Pregnancy” trope, and I always seek out these types of romantic story-lines. Not According to Plan by new to me author A.M. Madden, executed this trope quite nicely, along with a mind-blowing twist.
Jade Easton has her future planned down to the last, meticulous detail. She is on her way to way to making junior partner, in a very stuffy, very traditional, law firm. Jade is a workaholic and has little time for fun or a relationship. Luckily, her best friend Amy is able to force the fun from time to time. An evening of Kismet Karaoke with successful gym owner Max Navarro, evolves into a night of amazing passion. About six weeks later Jade realizes she is pregnant, which completely curtails her best laid plans. In addition, she can’t stop thinking about Max.
Max has a lot going on in his life. Besides being an identical triplet, he is opening his second gym in Miami, near his college alma-mater. Gym number one is in New York City, where his two brothers and family reside nearby. He splits his time between NYC and Miami, which is becoming more and more difficult due to his love for Jade, the pregnancy, and his responsibilities in Miami. His time is not his own and he wants to ensure that those involved in his life are taken care of.
This novel is quite original and unique. The author has evolved the “Accidental Pregnancy” trope into so much more. Jade and Max are a hot couple, both in and out of the bedroom. The secondary characters are interesting, and add a lot of adventure to the plot. I loved the fact that Max is a triplet, and I hope that his two identical brothers get their own story. Overall, a solid romance with a nice balance of steamy scenes.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
4.5 Stars
Not According to Plan is the latest stand-alone novel by A.M. Madden and it was soooo good!
It had a little bit of everything-some comedy, some hot as hell bedroom scenes and whole lotta romance. I had no idea how it was all going to play out but what I can say is I really enjoyed the ride!
Jade and Max were both fantastic characters. They both were focused on their careers and didn’t have time for love. But when they meet, sparks fly and all bets are off. The chemistry between them was undeniable. What happens though when one night changes everything…
Not According to Plan was an enjoyable read! I loved the characters and the storyline so much! Highly recommend reading this book!
An ok read for me. The storyline was a little meh for me. I did like Jade and Max and I felt they had some chemistry but not enough to pull me fully into the story. I will read more from this author but this story wasn’t for me.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This is a slightly complicated story with a riot of emotions. Max likes to take of the people he loves and will bend over backwards to make them happy. Jade is a planner who is usually cautious in everything she does. An unplanned pregnancy on a one night stand upends both their worlds. The story looks at the stresses that occur with the impending birth and all the complications that come with it. Family plays an important role in the decisions they have to make and the expectations that are foisted on them. The secondary characters bring levity to the situation and often provide comic relief. It is a story you will enjoy because the plot is highly developed and gives great insight into the characters.
I thought this book looked like a great book to read, but I was a little disappointed. It didn’t seem realistic and I just couldn’t connect to the characters. It had a good plot with an unexpected pregnancy and a long-distance relationship, but I thought the characters were immature and selfish. Max getting two women pregnant within months of each other in two different states and the women were expected to make all the changes and accommodate him and his career goals? I wasn’t impressed with him at all.
Life does not follow our plans. We can make them, dream them, and try to force them but…
Not According to Plan is funny, sweet, and full of love. I do not envy the situation they find themselves in because it’s complicated. Very, very complicated. Intense feelings, inadequacies, and guilty make it hard to focus on the good. Doubt, longing, and THE PLAN spend a lot of time steering them off their path.
Jade’s levelhead is a hindrance to the life she wants. Max clearly let something lead him around and it wasn’t his head. Lol. No judging, though, it’s definitely a head shaker of a situation. I couldn’t help but laugh uncontrollably at the catalyst for his predicament.
A.M. Madden kept me entertained and a bit on edge. I’m a nervous Nelly even if I know there’s going to be an HEA because as you will soon learn (if you didn’t already know) sometimes life goes… NOT ACCORDING TO PLAN.
Due to faulty condoms, Max Navarro is going to be a father twice over, three months apart and to women living over 1,000 miles apart. He had already planned to leave New York for Miami to be a hands on father to his friend Tracey’s baby but before the move came he had a one night stand with Jade that now leaves him torn between the instant connection he feels with Jade and his new life in Miami. Jade is an up and coming ambitious lawyer, who has no wish to leave her career in New York. The story deals with the angst of their separations (which I got a bit bored with), their growing attraction and hard won decisions. I enjoyed the last 20% of the book but struggled with the story until I got to that point. Note: I also could have done without the bad language that was heavily sprinkled throughout the story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Jade and Max’s relationship began in a very unique way – fate, with a little help from Max’s brother and Jade’s best friend pushed the two together in a karoake singing contest. Jade was out to celebrate her birthday. Max was helping his brother in the bar. What happens later is nothing short of magical! When life throws you a curve ball, do roll with the punches or throw in the towel? Jade is pregnant and she was hoping to make junior partner in her law firm. Max was about to expand his business to Miami! There has been something special between these two during that one amazing night together but can it be enough to bring them together, co-parent, and still accomplish their dreams. I promise A.M. Madden will have you laughing crying, dreaming and loving right along with Max and Jade and let’s not forget their meddling families and friends!
Jade’s plan hit a bump in the road!
Lawyer Jade Easton is working overtime to be named the next junior partner at the law firm where she works but her roommate makes her go to a bar for her birthday for a break when she is paired up with gym owner Max Navarro for Kismet Karaoke. Jade and Max have a one night stand and she has to tell him she was pregnant but Max has complications that she wasn’t expecting. Max is expecting a baby with a friend he had a friends-with-benefits type of relationship.
Not According to Plan by A.M. Madden is a story that brings all the threads together in a book that showed that the character are real people that things happen to.
I know some readers will have problems with a romance about a guy already expecting a child with another woman but real life has some bumps in the road.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.