The Plan

4.5 stars
Books, Coffee & Passion

After reading The Lie, I knew I had to read The Plan to read Lydia's story. The Plan can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading The Lie too. It is worth it!

Lydia is going through a hard time in her life that makes her question if the professional path she chose is the right one. As a social media influencer, she shares her daily life very publicly. However, now she doesn't feel comfortable sharing so much of herself with the world. She always had other plans for her professional life and she feels this is the time to start pursuing her goals.

Erik used to be a professional football player, that has been working as a bodyguard. He's closed off, strong-willed, and never talks about his past. He has been feeling a little lost after the end of his career. He's not interested in bonding with anyone. When Luke, Lydia's dad, gets in contact with him to be Lydia's bodyguard, he can't say no. But he doesn't know what he got himself into. Lydia is very different from the shallow girl he was expecting her to be.

The grumpy-sunshine vibes are in full effect! The fake-dating aspect also comes into play and I loved it! The chemistry, the sexual tension and the slow burn between these two were very intense. Erik was very broody and quiet but he was a sweetheart with Lydia, except when she started to ask questions about him! The way he supported her and protected her was incredible. Their dynamic was so funny! Lydia kept pushing his buttons and it was hilarious! He never guessed what she would do or ask him next. Lydia was an amazing character: strong, determined, funny, sassy, smart, and with a big heart. It was easy to love her from page one. Erik was also a great character, it just takes a while to get to know him. His backstory was so full of heartbreak and loss. He went through a lot, no wonder he was feeling a little lost. I loved them both! They were perfect for each other. I was screaming when Erik finally lost his iron control and acted on his feelings!

The story developed interestingly, the push and pull, the slow burn, the way their trust in each other increases and their connection builds was beautifully written. Erik resisted... a lot! Which only made their story even more funny and emotional. I couldn't read it fast enough! But I also didn't want it to end. I loved to see Lydia's relationship with her family. They were super supportive and loving. I enjoyed especially her conversations with her dad, loved those moments. I also loved the moments we got with Erik's family. It was wonderful.

There wasn't anything I disliked in this story. Sometimes Lydia was a bit pushy with Erik, but I understood her reasons, and Erik could've been a tiny bit less stubborn and started to open his heart to Lydia sooner. Karla Sorensen has a singular (magical?) way to make you love and root for her characters.

I loved this story. I enjoyed the writing, the backstories, the slow burn, these fantastic characters, and the secondary characters which were very, very promising... Are we getting Ian's book? I'll keep reading Karla Sorensen's books. I'm obsessed with the Washington Wolves world. The Plan is the perfect read if you enjoy emotional fake-dating, grumpy-sunshine, or bodyguard romance.