Cover Image: The Best Laid Plans

The Best Laid Plans

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Member Reviews

There were so many reasons why I HAD to pick up this book and see what everyone was talking about. But the main one was the subject matter. Anything that's considered a "taboo" topic in YA, I needs it. And sex in YA is definitely considered taboo.

Everyone in her friend group is changing.... Except Keely. They've left her behind when the last virgin in her group loses it at a party. It's hard to feel left behind. But, she can't stand the guys from her small hometown. She can't believe her luck when she meets Dean, an older college guy who takes an interest in her. But things get complicated when she realizes she has no idea what to do with Dean, and the only person who can help her is her oldest, best friend, Andrew....

First off, I wanted to give this all the stars because it's a sex positive YA book! And it came from all POV's, the parents, the characters, the friends, everyone. There's little to no books about this because sex is considered taboo to most people (at least in my area because the amount of parents I get that ask me all the time if XYZ book their child wants to check out is clean tells it all) But this book is definitely informative and I think it will be beneficial to teens. Oh, and all the stars for showing the use of a contraceptive every time.

But unfortunately, that about sums up what I liked about this one. I took some stars away for my own personal bias of drinking and drugs. Normally I would have DNF'ed, but the drinking was the only thing seen on page. The drug use (my actual deal breaker) was shown only for a split second and I was able to skip over the worst of it.

And the characters were all bad. All the guys were trash. And the girls weren't very great either. I don't remember liking anyone other than Hannah. And that's saying something because she isn't even the main character. It's just normally there's one toxic or mean character, but in this one, it was everyone.

Then I took more stars away because the plot went no where. It seemed like there was no arc and because of that it made the love triangle the entire focus. And it was obvious where it was going, so the main story was the mystery that was happening to another character was more of a draw than what was happening to the main character. (Also, I guessed who it was from the first incident that happened too.)

[SPOILER] Lastly, I was NOT a fan of the main character. Did she really not see that coming? Like how? I knew from the very moment that one person was introduced what would happen. I kept wondering when she would finally realize it and it was literally the entire book. We never got to see them together. And I mean it was like at 90 something percent that she finally realizes it and I hated that. And to say this entire book was about this one event, it was in a terrible place at a really unrealistic time. Basically, if I could change the ending to this book, that'd be great. [/SPOILER]

For the most part, I enjoyed this. The topic is a much needed one in YA and the readability of this is nice and easy. But the writing style and characters gave me trouble. However, if there was another book on the crew and what they were doing after they all left for college, I would totes read it!

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my obsession with this book is real. i loved keely. i loved that this was a YA book. The way Lund developed the characters made this one of the best YA books that i have read. I also loved Andrew. I had a best friend like him throughout high school/college. My story didnt end up like theirs but it reminded of our friendship! Cannot wait for Lund's next book!

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I loved reading this excerpt! The Best Laid Plan is a nice easy read and it's the perfect book to read to distract yourself from whatever you need distracting. I highly recommend this book and will be buying the full version.

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I received a sample of the arc, and loved it. It was such a nice refreshing rom-com, and such a great take on the friends-to-lovers trope! The awkwardness and the relationship between Keely and Andrew is so adorable and relatable. I liked how the book addressed the double standard between men and women when it comes to sex. One thing that did sort of bother me is the idea that "being a virgin in college is like having a disease". Keely feels like she has to lose her virginity before graduating because "she's the last virgin". I really think that sort of message to young adults may be sort of damaging. Of course we want to send the message that sex is okay, but at the same time not having sex also does not make you uncool or a pariah. Nevertheless, I did really enjoy this book sample, and will read the rest of the book when it arrives!

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How cute and fun! I just know this is going to be the It Book for April!! Such smart writing and fun and flirty banter!
I can't wait to read it all, happy release day!

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This excerpt really peaked my interest. I love the writing style and I am already invested in the main character and can't wait to see what happens next!

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WOW the first few chapters alone have me completely drawn into this story! Can't wait to purchase my own copy and finish this one.

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The first few chapters of The Best Laid Plans have me wanting more!

I like the characters and writing so far. It's a promising start for the rest of the story!

I'll definitely check it out once it comes out!

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Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced teaser in exchange for my honest review.

I'm interested in seeing where the rest of the story will go. It has the potential to be problematic and I saw some moments throughout the excerpt that could play out either way with this. It's empowering to see a teen girl take her sexuality into her own hands but it feels a bit forced since it's to prove a point and fit in with her classmates. For being a seemingly sex positive book, I was surprised at the amount of slut-shaming in these first 6 chapters. It seems like it has the potential to open a larger discussion about these topics alongside the dramatic teen romance. This definitely caught my attention to read the rest of it!

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Thank you to Netgalley for giving me the chance to read and review, "The Best Laid Plans" by Cameron Lund. A perfect high school senior and college read! It took me right back to my high school days. The awkwardness, the parties, everything. It was funny and super relatable. I can't wait to read the rest of it when it comes out!

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I really liked what I read of this book so far. Looks very interesting. Looking forward to read the whole thing!!

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THIS WAS SO CUTE AND I CANT WAIT TO READ THE FULL BOOK!!! This is SO DANG CUTE! I 100% recommend this to anyone looking for a cute and fun read. This was sweet and cute.

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This looks like a fun read and the premise is intriguing and I look forward to checking out the full book when it comes out.

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Some little while ago I added this book to my wishlist as to-buy in 2020. So I was happy to get to read even a sneak peek of this book and get a little taste of it. I must say - after reading just a few paragraphs, I want to read the rest of it! If you are into YA romance, this is the book of spring/summer 2020. The book has it all - friendships, high school drama, parties, boys.
Although the book might feel like a generic, prospective young adult story, it feels honest and nice.
I cannot wait to read the rest of it!

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I loved this book so much after reading the excerpt I was luckily able to borrow an ARC from a friend.

If you are a fan of To All the Boys I've Loved Before, this one is for you. It's got ALL the high school drama - mean girls, immature boys, catty fights, beautiful friendships, and love. It was definitely a page turner for me and I was excited to see how it would end. But I wanted to reach into the page and shake Keely so badly. I have such a low tolerance for clueless women and it bothered me that she never stood up for other girls when they were picked on. I just wanted her to be a stronger woman. Overall, I enjoyed it and if it was a movie, I'd definitely watch it cause I'm a sucker for YA romance.

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It takes about five chapters for you to decide if a book is good enough to continue reading and yes, I would definitely continue reading The Best Laid Plans! However, I only read the first six chapters and can't make any further judgement on it's quality!

The Best Laid Plans is a friends to lovers story that couldn't get any more disastrous, in a good way. The first six chapters sets up the premise of the book with Keely meeting Dean in the most embarrassing meet-cute possible and demonstrates how close Keely and her best friends, especially Andrew are. We also see Andrew be a charming flirt, clearly an indication of how well he knows his way around a bed.

In the few chapters that I've managed to read, Keely seems a little naive and I would dare say, a little unlikeable. She puts a lot of value into appearances, is desperate to lose her V-card and seems a little shallow. She constantly compares herself to her better-looking and more popular friends, comparisons that echo negatively, yet continues to be friends with them. We're we all Keely in high school? I think so. But, I don't read YA to find sad comparisons of my high school self (someone who should be stored away forever!) so, I wasn't a huge fan of her but I think her characterisation will improve as the book continues.

But I did love her friends, Hannah and Andrew. Hannah is sweet, bubbly and full of excitement while Andrew is your typical boy-next-doors turns high-school-hottie yet continues to make time for his childhood friends. I, however, am not a fan of Keely's supposed love interest, Dean, which I suppose is the point. While he stands up for her against a road bully, he also gives her alcohol and thinks it's all right because it's your body and you should do what you want with it?

Next. 

I do think The Best Laid Plans has set itself up for a rather good premise with a sex-positive angle but it still remains to be seen if this was done well or if it would be another token white story about self-discovery. I think Shailene Woodley has got that covered, tqvm.

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I read an excerpt of this book, and I was SO SAD to get to the end of it. I'm absolutely going to get this book as soon as I can. I love Keely's voice, and her friendship with Hannah and Andrew. I like the casual pretentiousness of Dean (I think — we've only just met him) and I can see how Keely would be drawn to him. I can't wait to see how it plays out. I already feel invested in all the characters. I'm rooting for Keely and Andrew, and I hope that Danielle can recover from getting hurt by Chase.

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What an wonderful start to this story!! Keely is a sweet girl with a good head on her shoulders. You can tell there is going to be tension between her long time best friend Andrew and the new coworker! Great supporting characters. Looking forward to more!

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I cannot wait for this book!!!!!!!!!!! Sex positive YA with warmth and humor. More like this. This teaser was not enough!

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When Keely’s the only senior girl in high school who still holds her v-card, she feels total shame. Her best friend Hannah has lost it. Her other best friend Andrew is practically a player. She’s crossed off every guy at school because she grew up with them. Then, she meets Dean. He’s in college, works at a video store, rides a motorcycle, he’s ultra smooth, hot, and... experienced. Of course Keely wants to impress him. Of course she wants him to like her. Of course she wants to go all the way with him. But, how does she? Ashamed of her v-card status, she asks Andrew to help her practice to get her ready for Dean. Except, does he?

I LOVED IT! It literally was so high school—all the drama, the mean girls, the drunken parties, the unforgettable (and forgettable) friendships. And, I love how Keely uncovered everything about herself and her friendship with Andrew in the end, when things had gone full circle at prom. What a delectable read! I devoured it and enjoyed EVERY. SINGLE. CHAPTER.

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