Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for an egalley of Not the Plan.

Isadora has been in state politics for a decade and she's experienced it all. However, her cool and calm demeanor is shaken when she meets the new council for the her boss's biggest rival - the man she accidentally spilled coffee on at the airport. And the man she hasn't been able to stop thinking about. Karim is equally as surprised to see Isadora, but excited that they will be working together. Until he realizes their bosses are known as the Montagues and Capulets throughout the Senate.

As they begin navigating a relationship outside the workplace, both Isadora and Karim have to come to terms with how those they love have treated them.

Not the Plan is a political romance about two aides to democratic California state senators. Isadora is the chief of staff to the younger, more progressive senator and puts dating on the back burner to her career, while dealing with toxic relationship with her mother. Karim is the legislative director to the old school (and a shady lobbyist type) senator who is rivals with Isadora's senator, and he is also separated from his emotionally abusive ex-wife. Karim and Isadora have a chance meet cute on a flight and realize they work for rival senators after having already hitting on each other. They are wildly attracted to each other, so regardless of their work situation, a forbidden workplace romance ensues!
If you're looking for a book for valentine's day, this is pretty spicy! It's not all spice though, as they bond over their emotionally abusive relationships and their integrity in their careers.
What I didn't like: their cringe pet names for each other.
What I liked: the representation of men and mental health, and the male MC being the survivor of abuse who sought therapy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine for the ARC.
ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

On the novel side, I thought this contemporary worked okay. Julian was quite the cookie cutter villain (not that any of the secondary characters were particularly strongly written), but the political plot built well enough, and the discussion of being emotionally abused by someone whose mental illness was strong, especially in the range of relationships it included. The way that particular experience bonded the characters and also was an understandable weakness for the two of them that played into the plot was nicely done.

On the romance side, however, I really didn't connect with things at all. I found the pacing really off, perhaps due to the general length of the book - it felt like the scenes were being checked off a list rather than flowing or building into each other, culminating in the two of them suddenly having a trial move in. Beyond that, the dialogue really, really did not work for me; toward the beginning, it was just boring, lacking the chemistry that feels necessary to keep true interest for the reader and realistically for the characters, and as they got further into the romance it stayed cliché but was also just awkward. The dirty talk didn't work for me on a sexiness level, and the nicknames appeared far too frequently ("baby" and "beautiful" and "gorgeous" was enough, but, to be frank, I cringed every time I read "Little Kite").

Also, I'm extremely ready for the end of the trend of persistent hotness-related nicknames during the meet cute before they're introduced ("demigod").

Really your mileage may vary on this one, and it's not offensive in any way, but it truly was not for me.

I started laughing from the very first chapter. The opening chapter was designed to suck readers in and it did just that.

Written from what appears to be a dual POV, this book examines politics both at its finest and dirtiest.

I like how the author combined politics with romance in the telling of this story. The ‘dance’ between Isadora and Karim was interesting to read.

This book explores the less talked about topic- male DV. It also explores mental illness, mental health issues, which was prevalent throughout the story and child abuse.

All of the characters delivered exactly what was asked of them. Each did their job perfectly and executed their roles well.

Karim was portrayed as a survivor yet vulnerable and strong to start all over. I like how he won Isa over by just being himself.

While I do not begrudge Isa her choices, I felt she was too strait laced and had up too many walls up. It was frustrating to see her put up defenses when love was clearly staring at her in the face.

I enjoyed how the climax unfolded-with drama and suspense. I love that Karim and Isa found their HEA.

CW: gaslighting, emotionally abusive parent, emotionally and physically abusive partner, mental illness, sexual abuse, blackmail

Thank you to Random House Publishing-Ballantine, Dell, and NetGalley for this advanced copy of Not the Plan.

I enjoyed Gia de Cadenet’s debut Getting His Game Back (GHGB) so I was really looking forward to Not the Plan. We met Karim, one of the main characters in this book, in Getting His Game Back so we know a little bit of his background. You do not have to read GHGB to understand Not the Plan.

Not the Plan is about Isadora Maris, a California based chief of staff with dreams of being a congressional aide for her senator boss in D.C., and Karim Sarda, a man separated from his abusive wife who is trying to start his personal and career life over in California. They have a great meet cute in the airport. Come to find out Karim is the new aide for a slimy senator who happens to be enemies with Isadora’s boss. When they see each other again the lust is potent. We read about how Isa and Karim navigate political careers, abusive family members, and mental health issues while trying to have a relationship.

As with GHGB, I enjoyed how Gia makes mental health issues a main character, especially with men. She writes about these issues in a way that the reader can understand even if they personally have not dealt with it before. Karim is currently in the midst of getting a divorce from his wife after being separated for over a year. His wife has Borderline Personality Disorder and in this case it means his wife is verbally (and sometimes physically) abusive to Karim. He has gone to therapy due to the abuse he has endured their whole marriage and he speaks freely about it. Once Isa opens up about her mother who also seems to have a personality disorder, Karim freely speaks about his experiences with his wife and gives Isa advice that his therapist has given him. He helps Isa to realize that how her mother treats her is not normal, it is unacceptable, and that it’s not up to her to be “perfect” to combat this abuse.

This novel fell short for me in terms of enjoyment for a couple of reasons. Karim’s usage of the word “beautiful” to address Isa was overdone. I found it even more annoying that at one point she asked him to call her Isa and he only does it a handful of times and reverts back to “beautiful.” Then she started calling him “gorgeous” and I just tossed my hands up in frustration. I also couldn’t bring myself to believe in this relationship as anything other than lust. Isa’s and Karim’s lust reminds me of hormonal teenagers. Both are scared of relationships for their own valid reasons, but the way they talk so openly about desiring each other after only knowing each other for a short period of time felt strange. It didn’t feel like the characters I was getting to know, especially because their mannerisms. Every single thing they did or said was with uncertainty or bashfulness. Eyes down, lip biting, blushing, etc. yet let’s discuss our sex dreams freely. Even the thought of Isa’s hair down makes Karim blush. We see multiple times in the story that sexual thoughts or the act distracts them too easily. Every little thing each of them does turns the other on. We know that there is nothing or anyone that Isa will allow to get in her way of helping her boss become pro tem then U.S. Representative so she can become a congressional aide. Yet a potentially huge issue arises later in the story that could derail her dreams and her reaction when Karim brings it up? She says she doesn’t think there is anything to worry about, even though she herself had expressed concerns about it, and to not let it spoil their time together. Is this the same Isadora I’ve been reading about for 75% of the story? Then when the conflict arises she blames Karim even though she had her own doubts and could’ve done something about it herself. The affection in this story felt forced and overdone with cheesy verbal exchanges. Isa’s character felt like a seesaw to me. The resolutions for the conflicts felt anti-climatic. This book was too wordy and I started to skim at some parts.

I had high hopes for Not the Plan since I enjoyed GHGB, but unfortunately this book was not for me.

Special thanks to the author, randomhouse, & netgalley for my advanced readers copy!!!

This book was kind of meh to me nothing to exciting. It’s a political romance which wasn’t the issue but more so the characters and the lingo used throughout that annoyed me.

It follows two protagonists Isadora Maris and Karim Sarda both working in politics but on different sides of the political party. When the two randomly meet on a flight they both seem to catch a vibe. Probably thinking they’ll never cross paths again.

They happen to run into each other again but this time it’s at work. Isadora instantly questions whether it’s a good idea to shoot her shot considering their bosses are political rivals both fighting for control of the California senate. But that doesn’t stop Karim from deciding to make a move.

𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕀 𝕕𝕚𝕕 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖:
The premise was interesting who doesn’t love a good forbidden workplace romance. The secret flirting and going after something you’re not supposed to have is always a thrill. But the political scandal was the most interesting part.

𝕄𝕪 𝕞𝕒𝕚𝕟 𝕕𝕚𝕤𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖𝕤:
* Isadora referring to Karim as a Demi-God
* Calling him gorgeous repeatedly like ma’am if you don’t call him handsome or fine cause GOOOOORGEOUS really?
* Karim’s overuse with calling Isadora “beautiful”
* The sex scenes were kind of spicy but I hate when the word cock is used.
* I also didn’t enjoy how one-sided the personality disorder was depicted.

Overall, I felt the book was okay. The characters seemed to have more of a physical attraction and their connection only grew stronger based off the trauma they’d both experienced. There wasn’t any real chemistry between them in my opinion. But if you’re into this kind of trope then I recommend it’s worth a read just wasn’t for me.

I really enjoyed this political/workplace/enemies to lovers by Gia De Cadenet! Our MC’s are stafffers of political rivals!! 😱 The duel POV was fun and kind of seems to not be as common in contemporary romance these days so that was refreshing! I really appreciated Gia’s ability to write about serious issues (lots of mental health issues!) while also having great steamy scenes mixed in! Overall I enjoyed and would recommend!

Thank you to Random House Publishing for the advanced copy!

I was unable to finish this book and thus will not be posting a full review. I found the story absolutely the opposite of engaging and the characters undeveloped. Thank you for the opportunity.

Not the Plan by Gia De Cadenet is an enemies-to-lovers romance in a political landscape with rivals. The dual point of view in politics is always important but throw in some romance kept me wanting more. I've enjoyed this author and look forward to reading more from her!

4.5/5

I am absolutely OBSESSED with Karim. When I tell you this man had me GIGGLING and BLUSHING so hard!! The chemistry and downright sizzle between him and Isadora was an absolute joy to read. The meet cute was adorable and, boy, can this man ~talk~. 😏

Isadora is the badass woman of my dreams and I admired her drive when it came to getting what she wanted. Her struggle with her abusive mom, and Karim’s self-esteem after leaving an abusive marriage, really made them feel like real people and I think made their relationship deeper.

The drama in the political side of the book was JUICY and infuriating and so entertaining. The book is also good interracial romance representation.

My issues: I felt the book leaned a little too heavily into painting those with Borderline Personality Disorder as abusers. Yes, it was a great representation of overcoming and recognizing emotional abuse, but it felt a little too accusatory as BPD can look different for different people.

Secondly, the pet names needed to take a backseat. It’s cute and endearing a few times, but it felt like every sentence they were calling each other the same pet name and it started to make them feel gross to me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

1.75/5 stars! I wanted to like this book. I really did. The premise of political rivals reeled me in. Unfortunately, not much in this story worked. The characters both felt really insecure and not in any head space to be pursuing a romance. This story would have worked better if they'd just realized that and become workplace allies. Their chemistry was off because of this and it ruined the tone of the story.

I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

A diverse, steamy, political romance?! Yes, please! Not the Plan was fantastic - and included a twist here and there that I didn't expect. Well done!

I enjoyed the author’s Getting His Game Back and was excited for her sophomore novel. This can be read as a stand alone but Karin Sarda, the male MC, is the twin brother of the other male MC. And both have appearances in each others stories. Karim is wanting to start over and relocates to California taking a job as aide to a state representative. He meets Isadora Maris first on a flight and later when they meet on the job. She has been working for her state senator for years. He is a leader and she plans to run his campaign and follow him to Washington when he runs for the US Congress. Isa knows the ins and outs of state politics. Karim works for a member of the same party but one who plays games and is interested in the money and prestige more than in what he can do for his district. Their bosses are political rivals.

Cadenet took a good romance and made it better with her first book by bringing in race diversity and talking about mental health issues (for men). In this book again there is race diversity. Isa is black and Karim mixed. Karim is trying to divorce his ex wife who he hasn’t seen in two years. She suffers from Borderline Personality Disorder and would not follow a treatment plan. His description and experiences give information about the disorder and I like how he uses on coping skills learned in therapy. Isa and Karim have sizzling attraction for each other which turns into steamy times. They try to keep it away from work. Isa’s mother may also have some mental health issues.

The good things in this book are offset by the fact that I’m really tired of politics. A lot of the interactions and potential conflicts deal the with sleaziness in politics and I didn’t enjoy that part of the storyline. I also didn’t like that technically Karim is married and in my mind not free to date. He is very honest and there is enthusiastic consent but I’d rather she was the first person to date after the divorce.

I still recommend the book especially for bringing awareness to less talked about mental health issues. Also kudos for the cute cover. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballentine for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. (3.5 Stars)

Not the Plan by Gia De Cadenet is an enemies-to-lovers romance, with political rivals falling for each other.

Story Recap:
Isadora Maris loves her job. As the chief of staff for a California state senator, she’s on track to finally meet her life goal and go to Washington with him after he runs for congress. Isadora has spent ten years in politics and loves the thrill of making new laws.

When Isadora meets Karim Sarda she’s instantly attracted to him. He’s handsome, smart, and sexy, but he also works for her boss’s political rival. She knows that any relationship with Karim could derail her plans. But, they keep getting thrown together, and their chemistry is off the charts.

But, will the political battles of their bosses, destroy their happiness?

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this political romance. The romance between Isadora and Karim was done well. It was an enemies to lovers and it was done well. I liked the premise of the story as political drama can easily cause personal drama between the main characters, however, it was a bit too much politics in this story for me. But, the romance and the chemistry between the two main characters made up for the politics.

I also appreciated the author highlighting the effects of verbal and emotional abuse on the main characters. I thought it was done well, highlighting the effects of abuse without being too heavy-handed about it.

Overall, I enjoyed this romance.

Recommendation:
I highly recommend Not the Plan to anyone who enjoys romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Many thanks to Ballantine & Random House books for this ARC and the opportunity to read “Not the Plan” before it’s official debut.

Star rating: 2/5

Isadora & Karim both work as staffers in the California Senate, and both come with their own traumatic past that they are working to heal from when they - literally - run into each other in the San Diego Airport and flirt their way through the flight to the state Capitol. HiJinx ensue when they meet (again) in Sacramento, where they learn they work for warring politicians.

The good: Author Gia De Cadenet set up a fun meet cute and I enjoyed the “will they or won’t they” back and forth after they’re put in predicament after predicament at work. I enjoyed the world that the author created, she did a great job framing the narrative of the political backstory (as someone whose job is very similar to Karim & Isa, it was nice to read a political story that mostly “got it right” on these details!). I enjoy reading books with diverse characters and appreciate the author’s attempt at bringing to light serious topics of emotional abuse and childhood trauma.

The parts I wish were different: I didn’t feel as invested in Karim & Isa as I wanted to - their chemistry wasn’t fully there for me. And while I feel the author did a great job in trying to create a believable political backstory, the anti-hero in this book felt like a caricature and the idea of a political sex scandal felt a bit overdone to me. It didn’t really keep my attention like I wished, I didn’t find myself eager to turn every page wondering what happened. One thing that particularly bothered me was that Karim insists on calling Isadora “beautiful” instead of her name for about 100 straight pages. The spicy scenes felt a bit long and sloppy, too, but for some folks they might hit what you’re looking for.

Overall, as someone who works in politics the story ultimately fell a bit flat, but I think if this isn’t your everyday line of work, you may be more interested than I was!

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆: When veteran chief of staff Isadora Maris “meet-cutes” new colleague Karim Sarda, she is determined to keep him at arms length to focus solely on her career ambitions. Their chemistry cannot be denied and as Karim slowly begins breaking down Isaora’s emotional walls, just as their their bosses political rivalry intensifies, their chance of love is threatened.

𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: Having loved Fool Me Once, another political rom-com, I wanted to give this one a try - I mean look at its gorgeous cover. There were elements I really enjoyed about this book, including the amazing rep - reverse domestic abuse and PTSD caused by a mothers emotional abuse - by ultimately, I think this one just isn’t for me. The cutesy nicknames and the steam felt a bit forced to me. My biggest obstacle though was the subplot of the warring politician bosses that caused the story to drag quite a bit.

Read if you like:
•workplace romance
•forced proximity
•meet cutes
•steamy/Hallmark

Thank you Dell Books for my ARC and PRH Audio for my ALC in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 Stars Not the Plan by Gia De Cadenet is a great star-crossed lovers tale (per the multiple references to the Montagues and Capulets) about a chief of staff and a legislative aide to state senators who are enemies. This book reminded me a lot of Jasmine Guillory’s books, especially with main characters of color, set in California, and with characters working for the local/state government. Isadora and Karim were cute and both had experienced some pretty heavy emotional trauma from loved ones. The political drama with Karim’s boss was interesting to see play out. Overall, this book was a bit predictable, but a great story that I’d recommend.

Political romances are my new favorite trope and this one was EXCELLENT! A dual POV, interracial, workplace romance between two political staffers. This was a bit of an opposites attract romance that catches both MCs unexpectedly as they find themselves falling the more they work together.

Steamy with great emotional depth! I loved how each of the MCs had their own baggage to work through - Karim is in the process of divorcing an emotionally and physically abusive ex, while Isadora has cPTSD and anxiety as a result of a lifetime of her mother's toxicity and narcissism (heavily implied her mother is bipolar or has borderline personality disorder).

Great on audio narrated by Zenzi Williams. Much thanks to NetGalley and Berkley romance for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review! Highly recommended for fans of other political romances like The last-minute first lady by Tinia Montford or The boyfriend candidate by Ashley Winstead.

** Thank you Netgalley for this arc **

This was my first time reading a book from Gia De Cadenet and it won't be the last. I thought this book was very cute which is one of my favorites when it comes to romance novels. However, I can say that in the beginning it was slow, but to me it did pick up a bit. Both the MMC & FMC were cute with each other in my opinion and I did love how they met. This was also my first time reading a romance with political setting in it, so that was interesting to me. I really did enjoy reading this book, I give this 5/5 stars and I do recommend this.

Isadora Maris is very good at her job as chief of staff. She hopes to soon be managing her boss's campaign for US representative and that it will lead to her landing her dream job of being a congressional aide in Washington DC. Her professionalism takes a hit when she meets Karim Sarda. He seems to be a great match for her and she can't understand why he's working for the California senate's worst politician. Their bosses have a bitter rivalry and Isadora can't risk being seen flirting with the enemy. Will politics ruin their shot at being with each other?
I loved both Isadora and Karim, they were great characters. They had definite chemistry and that made it a great romance. I highly recommend this book, it was great. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.