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alisonhori's review against another edition
2.0
This book was way less straight up witty and funny than the other Lauren Blakely book I read. I read it a few days ago and I had to read the blurb to remind me what all the book was a about before I wrote this review.
kaydanielsromance's review against another edition
5.0
Lauren Blakely has done it again! Best Laid Plans is pure magic!
Arden and Gabe lit up the pages for their chemistry was perfectly matched on every level.
Between laughing and swooning through the entire book this couple is one of my favorites.
When Arden asks a good friend for how to be naughty in the bedroom, all due to her last douchey boyfriend telling her she was too nice and it unfortunately gives Arden a complex when she's ready to date again. Who better to ask than her good friend, Gabe, on what options are available, aside from the standard vanilla flavor she's been getting. Gabe is a ladies man, he orders off the variety menu frequently and he just so happens to be one of Arden's best pals. The only thing that could possibly go wrong is ruining their friendship, so she puts a "keeping all clothes on" policy in place during their sex-ploration. What could possibly go wrong?
Gabe has been biding his time in asking Arden out since her ex dumped her. Honestly he just never found the right time to move their comfortable friendship up to the next level. He likes her. He likes spending time with her, but he wants more. When she propositions him, he's all in, he finally has his chance to move things along, that is until she puts the disclaimer in about not getting naked. It turns out he's going to have to get creative in telling her how he really feels. He's used to getting close to the flames and not getting burned, after all he is a fireman. What could possibly go wrong?
Gabe and Arden will make you laugh and want to plan your own sex-ploration. This book is so much fun. I absolutely loved every minute of it!
Arden and Gabe lit up the pages for their chemistry was perfectly matched on every level.
Between laughing and swooning through the entire book this couple is one of my favorites.
When Arden asks a good friend for how to be naughty in the bedroom, all due to her last douchey boyfriend telling her she was too nice and it unfortunately gives Arden a complex when she's ready to date again. Who better to ask than her good friend, Gabe, on what options are available, aside from the standard vanilla flavor she's been getting. Gabe is a ladies man, he orders off the variety menu frequently and he just so happens to be one of Arden's best pals. The only thing that could possibly go wrong is ruining their friendship, so she puts a "keeping all clothes on" policy in place during their sex-ploration. What could possibly go wrong?
Gabe has been biding his time in asking Arden out since her ex dumped her. Honestly he just never found the right time to move their comfortable friendship up to the next level. He likes her. He likes spending time with her, but he wants more. When she propositions him, he's all in, he finally has his chance to move things along, that is until she puts the disclaimer in about not getting naked. It turns out he's going to have to get creative in telling her how he really feels. He's used to getting close to the flames and not getting burned, after all he is a fireman. What could possibly go wrong?
Gabe and Arden will make you laugh and want to plan your own sex-ploration. This book is so much fun. I absolutely loved every minute of it!
thetiffn8r's review against another edition
lighthearted
5.0
Loved this story. Friends to lovers, HEA, spicy. The miscommunication stressed me out at first lol
pattyfgd's review against another edition
5.0
Every time I listen to a Lauren Blakely book, I know I am going to have hours of enjoyment. Between her humor and her romantic storylines, I am taken away and get to live through her characters. This friends to lovers story is so much fun. Arden East(is that a play on narrator names) is dumped by her boyfriend for being too vanilla. She runs into sexy firefighter, Gabe who consoles her and their friendship begins. They enjoy doing things together, so when Arden asks Gabe to help her act out some of racier sex scenes, he takes her up on it. Will they remain friends?So many great things, from Words with Friends to bowling, Arden and her bookstore and Gabe's grandfather, the story flows easily with heart warming scenes and lots of laughter. It's a satisfying listen and left me with a smile.
Not enough can be said about the duet narration of Joe Arden and Erin Mallon! This team is amazing. Their comedic timing is spot on and the give just enough emotion in their voices to make us feel their characters. The cast play at the end is just a bonus and so much fun to hear them talk! Love them together!
Not enough can be said about the duet narration of Joe Arden and Erin Mallon! This team is amazing. Their comedic timing is spot on and the give just enough emotion in their voices to make us feel their characters. The cast play at the end is just a bonus and so much fun to hear them talk! Love them together!
keller6690's review against another edition
5.0
A firefighter and a HOT one on top of that!! A firefighter’s responsibility is to always be prepared. Gabe just did not expect to have to be “prepared” while out for a morning run until he is hit in the chest with cheese and crackers!! Ladies, remember, FIREFIGHTER! Which means shirtless and sweaty. Can you say YUM!! Gabe finds the beautiful Arden is the person behind the flying projectiles. He also finds her in a meltdown of epic proportions and realizes all too quickly the reasons why she is upset, her boyfriend has dumped her. He also realizes that this is his opportunity to help Arden. Gabe has had a “crush” on Arden since he met her about a year earlier. He decides to be a friend because “it would not be right to seduce her just after she was dumped”. As the next year unfolds Arden and Gabe become best friends. Arden is the owner of a bookstore called “A New Chapter”. She decides to ask her best friend, Gabe, to help her with exploring her sexuality. Gabe is all in with that idea until he realizes she did not mean the full Monty. As Gabe helps Arden discover her true self sexually he is determined to truly take their relationship to the next level, only if that is what Arden wants. Both Arden and Gabe begin to develop real feeling for each other and would love to take the relationship to the next level. Unfortunately, both seem to think the other does not feel the same way. Will they ever admit their true feelings? I found myself practically yelling at both Gabe and Arden “just admit how you really feel about each other”!! I think Gabe’s best friend, Shaw, tells him the same thing. JEEZ, some people can be so stubborn. But, I love me another super HOT, handsome, charming, sexy, and lovable Blakely Boy!! Arden is another fabulous heroine who is smart, beautiful, sexy, funny, and adventurous!! Lauren Blakely writes great stories, fabulous characters, and leads you into a whole new world for a fantastic escape/great read. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 5 stars*****
readfrenzy's review against another edition
3.0
Audiobook Review
Purely in terms of story execution, Best Laid Plans is pretty average. It’s not particularly original and, honestly, it’s predictable. Arden and Gabe are sweet characters and I really liked their bond. However, their denial/blindness, lack of communication, and Arden’s incessant worrying over potentially losing her friend are exhausting. The romantic build-up is nice and slow, and I appreciated the delayed gratification. While the book is fine for a light read, it’s the narration that makes the story most enjoyable.
About the Audiobook:
This was my first experience with duet narration, and I’m already a fan. An audiobook can be ruined for me if the male narrator’s “female” voice is cartoonish or grating. Ditto with female narrators impersonating men. In this audiobook, regardless of the point of view, Erin Mallon speaks whenever her character Arden talks and Joe Arden talks whenever Gabe speaks. I enjoyed hearing the two narrators interact. I happen to love Erin Mallon’s male impersonations, but duet narration seems like a safe and fun way to avoid potential problems. After the book ends, Erin Mallon and Joe Arden have a discussion about the ins and outs of audiobook narrating. It’s very entertaining and enlightening so be sure to listen all the way to the end.
Recommended for fans of:
Friends to lovers tropes
Book stores
Firemen
Words with Friends
Purely in terms of story execution, Best Laid Plans is pretty average. It’s not particularly original and, honestly, it’s predictable. Arden and Gabe are sweet characters and I really liked their bond. However, their denial/blindness, lack of communication, and Arden’s incessant worrying over potentially losing her friend are exhausting. The romantic build-up is nice and slow, and I appreciated the delayed gratification. While the book is fine for a light read, it’s the narration that makes the story most enjoyable.
About the Audiobook:
This was my first experience with duet narration, and I’m already a fan. An audiobook can be ruined for me if the male narrator’s “female” voice is cartoonish or grating. Ditto with female narrators impersonating men. In this audiobook, regardless of the point of view, Erin Mallon speaks whenever her character Arden talks and Joe Arden talks whenever Gabe speaks. I enjoyed hearing the two narrators interact. I happen to love Erin Mallon’s male impersonations, but duet narration seems like a safe and fun way to avoid potential problems. After the book ends, Erin Mallon and Joe Arden have a discussion about the ins and outs of audiobook narrating. It’s very entertaining and enlightening so be sure to listen all the way to the end.
Recommended for fans of:
Friends to lovers tropes
Book stores
Firemen
Words with Friends
jigsawgirl's review against another edition
3.0
I listened to the audiobook. I'm not sure if I would feel the same reading the book. I think I will read the book and see if it hits me the same.
Joe Arden and Erin Mallon brought the book to life. I really like this duet narration. It flows so much better and I feel more engaged. I don't know what the other form of narration is called with both make and female narrators.
As for the story, it was ok. The characters were likable. They played off of each other well, and they were funny. I appreciate the build-up of romantic and/or sexual tension, but it went on a tad too long for me.
I did appreciate the epilogues, both one and two. I would give it four stars because of the narration. Otherwise, I would rate this book a 3 or 3.5 stars.
Joe Arden and Erin Mallon brought the book to life. I really like this duet narration. It flows so much better and I feel more engaged. I don't know what the other form of narration is called with both make and female narrators.
As for the story, it was ok. The characters were likable. They played off of each other well, and they were funny. I appreciate the build-up of romantic and/or sexual tension, but it went on a tad too long for me.
I did appreciate the epilogues, both one and two. I would give it four stars because of the narration. Otherwise, I would rate this book a 3 or 3.5 stars.
sbreedlove14's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
bookishblasian's review against another edition
4.0
Aghhhh what is it with these book endings lately? This book started out so well for me! I can certainly relate to being too much of a good girl. I could relate to Arden from the very start. Also, I typically hate weird names but I loved this one for her! It wasn't too out there, and it definitely fit her character. This book reminded me a lot of Love Machine by Kendall Ryan. I loved the girl's name in there too - Keaton. What is it about these names!? Anyways, these friends-to-lovers books were very similar. While super predictable, these books certainly have their place. They would both make awesome Hallmark movies! I'm getting off topic...
I loved the dynamic between Arden and Gabe. How cute are they!? As a reader, I definitely enjoyed the fact that Arden owned a book store. I also watch two firefighter shows, so I could I not love Gabe as a fireman?! They had a very easy going friendship, but it's clear that they were both longing for each other. I have to say the lead up of them getting together actually ended up being better than them actually getting together. The first time with the apron was pretty hot, but the second time the "I'm on the pill" rightfully ruined it for me. That and "thank fuck" are probably my least favorite lines in the books that I read. I can't quite explain it. And while his proposal idea at the book club was super cute, I feel like it was a little soon for a proposal!! I'm such a cynic though... Overall, this book was super cute but the ending left me wanting a little more from it.
I loved the dynamic between Arden and Gabe. How cute are they!? As a reader, I definitely enjoyed the fact that Arden owned a book store. I also watch two firefighter shows, so I could I not love Gabe as a fireman?! They had a very easy going friendship, but it's clear that they were both longing for each other. I have to say the lead up of them getting together actually ended up being better than them actually getting together. The first time with the apron was pretty hot, but the second time the "I'm on the pill" rightfully ruined it for me. That and "thank fuck" are probably my least favorite lines in the books that I read. I can't quite explain it. And while his proposal idea at the book club was super cute, I feel like it was a little soon for a proposal!! I'm such a cynic though... Overall, this book was super cute but the ending left me wanting a little more from it.