Star Shine Meadows is not your average girl. She grew up with hippie parents and learned from a young age about always looking on the bright side, no stressful ambitions, and no-strings-attached relationships. She works two jobs, one as a professional line-sitter and one as a costume character actor. She enjoys juggling the jobs around and having her own free time. One day, while working a party, she meets the birthday girl's grumpy uncle and can't help herself. She wants to wind him up, because of how tight strung he appears. Who cares, she will never see him again, right?

Rafe Whitman, comes from a wealthy family but decides not to follow in his father's footsteps. Instead, he opens up his own veterinary clinic. While he may come across stern, it is only to the people he does not want to be bothered by. He has been bothered a lot lately, considering his mother and sister-in-law are set on helping him find the perfect girl. Star was the last girl he talked to, who wasn't being pushed on him, so when he runs into her on the street, he decides to make her an offer. He will pay her a large sum of money, if she pretends to be his girlfriend and comes with him to family gatherings. She is weary at first, since she thinks he's a little too uptight, but she eventually decided to go for it.

As the two fake their relationship strings start to form, she loves his family, they love her even though she is different from what they had thought. Her no-strings-attached are tested by his need for stability. The two soon find out that this fake relationship, may be harder to keep fake.

The Love Plot is a great romance read! I truly loved the characters. You got to watch as they navigated through relationships, work, and finding their true selves. Rafe is a man who comes across as mean and closed off, but we get to see him open up and show his emotional side to Star. Star on the other hand, is not only showing us her true self, but going on a journey to find out what she truly wants in life. This book is a perfect example of grumpy/sunshine. Thank you to Valentine PR and Net Galley for this ARC!

A sweet, funny read with some angst intertwined and mixed in with family, friendship and most of all love.

Samantha Young's The Love Plot is absolutely everything I wanted in a grump sunshine story. This contemporary romance is told in first person narrative, linking us directly to the female main character, making her feel like a friend and someone we can easily relate to. Young beautiful crafts this entertaining read with humor and heart, and falling for both the hero and heroine comes extremely easy. This novel is well paced, delightful and really well executed. I adore the way Young brought this world to life, this story was born out of tropes that Young wanted to explore and thrives in the story telling and the character development.

I was quickly and easily swept into Star's world, she is lively, bold and fun. She has a confidence and understanding and love for herself that is really admirable, and even though she gets tested along the way, she always has a deep care for who she is and who the people she loves are. I also adored Rafe, the broody hero who has also forged his own path in live and develops a beautiful understanding of Star and what it means to truly love someone for themselves. This love story is the growth of two opposites who learn that maybe they are not so different after all. This is the love story between two people who truly respect and care for the other and must learn to speak up about there feelings and needs. This love story is sensual and easy to get swept up into and I was delighted and charmed each and every step of the way. Their romance is truly one that brought joy to my heart and a smile to my face.

I love Samantha Young in all the different ways she brings her stories to life. If you are in the mood for a charming stand alone romance full of sweetness, sensuality and a happy and healthy relationship than The Love Plot is sure to meet the mark!

4.5 Stars.

This book has it all. Fake dating, opposites attract, witty banter, and a true story about staying true to yourself. I fell in love with the main characters very quickly and was so giddy the entire book to see how this fake dating scenario would play out. The banter and true opposites of these two characters was so raw and had me laughing out loud the entire book. This is my first read by this author, but it sure will not be my last! The writing is so fast paced and kept me hooked the whole time, I often forgot I was reading. It felt like watching a feel good rom-com, and I loved every second of it! I highly suggest this one to all romance lovers!

Thank you to Valentine PR, Berkley Pub, and Samantha Young for the advanced copy, this book is out now! Go check it out!

Thank you to @berkleyromance for the free ebook and @PRHAudio for the audiobook.
The Love Plot is the definition of the grumpy/sunshine romance trope. Rafe is literally in a bad mood when he meets Star, who is dressed as a Disney princess at his niece's birthday party. His mood isn't a whole lot better the next time he sees her either. Despite their drastic differences, these two opposites end up in a fake-dating situation. Rafe needs his family to get off his back and stop trying to set him up and Star likes the idea of traveling across the country with what Rafe is willing to pay her. Rafe is serious and Star is just enjoying life and satisfied with her goal of being happy and not worrying about a career or anything else. I enjoyed the fake dating and I really liked Rafe, so much that I would have liked his POV. Star just wasn't my kind of heroine. Maybe it was just a little too much of the "free spirit" influence of her hippie parents and her unwillingness to compromise in the name of her uniqueness, but she came across as immature for most of the book. Of course, she does have emotional growth by the end of the story and I appreciated her journey to get there. I didn't see the emotional connection on page as much as their obvious physical connection. Despite this, I really liked Rafe and how Star made him happy. It was nice to see how much his true personality came out and his sweet side shined the more time he spent with Star. Both characters had family issues even though their families are drastically different and I appreciated that they both were able to overcome those issues. Star especially had some healing to go through because of her family and this subplot added a lot of emotion to the story. Oh, and Rafe is a veterinarian who sometimes takes pets home to care for them overnight. I mean, he is seriously sweet!
CW: parental neglect, emotional abuse
3.5 stars, rounded up

I really enjoyed this one!

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Romance for my advanced copy of The Love Plot by Samantha Young.

This book was just what I needed.
I part listened part physically read it and the audio was fantastic.
It contained two tropes that I typically enjoy in romance novels- Grumpy Sunshine and Fake Dating.
I enjoyed the majority of the characters. I loved our female MC's individuality and quirkiness.
The romance was one I was invested in and wanted to see work out.

Why This Book Lost a Star- There was some repetitiveness in the writing.
Star's closest friends were in a polyamorous relationship and I thought oh hey that's cool and different but you only have to tell me once. It was brought up quite a bit and not relevant to the story. Then there's the secret that Star and Rafe are hiding from his family. It was brought up more than once that oh we're going to continue to hide this secret... eh. It just slightly annoyed me. Not a BIG BIG deal but it was still a thing.

Overall- Recommend. I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future ❤.

I was excited to dive into this read as it has some of my favourite tropes and I have always loved Samantha's writing. I got everything I expected and more from the read. I fell in love with Star from the start. Her vibes drew me towards her. Rafe on the other hand, might not have made the best of first impressions but as I got to know him I fell for him especially after his apology. They both come from different worlds and it was amazing to read them get to know each other and fall in love. It isn't easy to overcome the baggage from past but in order to move forward they have to face there demons. There chemistry was great and I loved there complete journey. Thanks to Samantha and Netgalley for the advanced copy of this amazing read.

As a huge fan of Samantha Young’s writing for her Highland series, this was my first time reading one of her standalones. Knowing that it was going to be full of tropes and well Sam writing it, I was all for it. 👏🏻👏🏻

And it was ADORABLE. 🥰🥰

Look at all these tropes!

✨ GRUMPY x SUNSHINE ROMANCE

✨ FAKE DATING FUN

✨ OPPOSITES ATTRACT BANTER

✨ NYC SETTING

✨ HE'S A VETERINARIAN WHO PREFERS LONG TERM RELATIONSHIPS AND ANIMALS TO HUMANS.

✨ SHE'S A HAPPY-GO-LUCKY GIG WORKER WHO IS ALL ABOUT NO STRINGS ATTACHED RELATIONSHIPS AND LOVES ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL.

✨ HE FALLS FIRST

✨ STEAMY GOODTIMES


Just from these tropes alone you can tell what are hero and heroine are like.

I absolutely adored everything about this book. From Star’s personality and eternal optimism and Rafe through his grumpy AF demeanour where he basically didn’t like happy things lol

The drama outside of their fake relationship and watching them grow in character and learn from each other was just perfection. I can’t say that enough. With some heartbreaking moments in regards to Star’s past and abandonment, it was wonderful to see how much she grew. And I loved how much Rafe loved her through it all. 🥰

If you are looking for a feel good, cute and FUNNY read where opposites attract and are completely relatable then add it your TBR today!

5 ⭐️

I just didn't like any of the characters. I found them extremely annoying and such stereotypes. They had zero chemistry and the reason for the fake dating didn't convince me. And why did she agree? Why did he choose her? He was so rude, mean, and obnoxious to her and so judgy towards her. The FMC was defined solely by her quirks, she wasn't a real human. And the instalust that she felt for him was unbelievable even when he was being so mean to her.

Thank you Netgalley, author, and publisher for the ARC.

I absolutely LOVED this book. I laughed reading it. I kicked my feet reading it. I cried while reading it. It was just everything.

Star and Rafe are the definition of a grumpy/sunshine trope and you will be obsessed with them. They could not be more different from each other in literally every way imaginable, BUT they are two pieces of the same puzzle and fit together perfectly.

Samantha did an awesome job showcasing each of the main characters personalities and their vulnerabilities as well as the steamy (RAFE IS SO HOT) parts where Rafe really shines! Can we please talk about how reading about this man and his furry patients just melt your heart and make your insides flutter too?!

When they take the chance to give their relationship a real chance is when we see how deeply Star truly cares and loves Rafe. She goes through a journey trying to do and became what she thinks everyone else thinks is best..but don't worry Samantha brings her journey back around and that HEA at the end was just chef's kiss and will make your crush on Rafe skyrocket! I really loved how this book brought out so many emotions while I was reading it and the love I ended up having for these characters. I still think about them from time to time and I would LOVE a book about Star's friends and their relationship and how it came about!

The Love Plot was a charming, quirky rom-com!

Star Shine Meadows, an eternal ray of sunshine, is a free spirited woman raised by hippies who works a string of “odd” jobs and sees commitment as a problem. However, when she meets Rafe Whitman, veterinarian and grump, at his niece’s birthday party (that she’s working as a princess entertainer) and he makes a few comments at her expense, she puts him in his place and moves on to the next. The tables turn when they meet again by chance and he offers her a proposition that she can’t refuse, but being with Rafe in any sense means facing her fears and Star Shine isn’t so sure about that.

This was such a cute contemporary romance bringing together all things of the genre that I love : a meet cute (ugly) LOL, an NYC setting, a fake dating arrangement and learning to love. Star Shine was a fun character and her string of jobs never failed to amuse me. I loved her heart and witty comebacks. I enjoyed Rafe’s character too - A grumpy veterinarian is never a bad thing in a book. I loved the overall message of the book and the found family that Star Shine had. Overall, this was a cute romance with some steam and I’d definitely recommend for fans of Contemporary Romance, Rom-Com!

this book was so fun! the laughs and writing style plus the characters made it really enjoyable. Rafe and Star were so cute and so was rooting for them the whole time. i loved Star’s free spirit, and Rafe’s ambition.

Rafe and Star were such fun characters that I was rooting for from the start, and the way their story played out was exactly what I wanted and needed. they were pretty spot on opposites attract tripe, didn’t love the miscommunication trope ):

In this standalone contemporary romance from Samantha Young, grumpy meets sunshine when two people strike a deal to help each other out. Star Shine Meadows (omg, what a name) is a free spirit, dressing in costume for a child's birthday party when she meets Rafe Whitman. Rafe is the total opposite of Star, so of course you know there's going to be some sparks there, even if they aren't the good ones to start.

Well, the sparks turn into a deal where Rafe and Star will "fake date" to keep Rafe's family from pestering him. Only you know how it's going to go -- Rafe and Star actually develop feelings for each other, but since their time started as a business deal it's going to take some open and honest communication to take things to a more personal relationship place.

This was a pleasant rom com type of story based on opposites attract. There are plenty of awkward family situations as it is easy to see why Rafe needed a fake date in the first place. There's the usual conflict here from miscommunications -- Star thinks Rafe isn't as interested as he really is -- and Rafe becomes very possessive (over-protective?) with Star. But I personally had to draw the line when the family suggested Star change her name. Who does that?

So overall, a pleasant romance with a slightly frustrating hero and a heroine who will teach him a few things. This is a quick, satisfying read with low conflict that is easily resolved with a heartfelt conversation.

Loved this book so much! The Love Plot was such a fun read. I enjoyed the characters and the banter. I loved Star and Rafe.

The first time these two meet Rafe isn’t the nicest person. I loved their second encounter and Star’s free spirit. She kept me laughing. These two don’t have much in common so it was interesting watching the fake dating play out.
These two had major chemistry and were so cute!

I loved this book so much!

“He was just … sexier than a night in with hot chocolate and Netflix’s The Watcher.”

When I heard that my fav Samantha Young had written a grumpy v sunshine, fake dating, opposites attract romcom, starring a millionaire Henry Cavill look-alike who’s a vet, I couldn’t get my hands on it fast enough! And this book is EVERYTHING!

Rafe Whitman is being relentlessly hounded by his family to find a girlfriend, when all he wants to do is focus on his thriving vet business. When he meets hippy character actor Star Shine Meadows at his niece’s birthday party, he’s taken aback by their opposite outlooks on life. But after a chance second meeting, he makes her an offer she can’t refuse - fake date him to keep his family off his back. Star doesn’t believe in serious relationships, but when they’re thrown into each other’s company, neither can deny their chemistry …

Sam writes the most amazingly vibrant, realistic and unique characters that call to my heart and Star and Rafe are possibly my favourite yet. I loved their banter, their grumpy/sunshine dynamic was perfection and their chemistry. Was. FIRE!!

Happy-go-lucky, positive, optimistic Star has an absolute heart of gold and is the perfect foil to Rafe’s outwardly grumpy, reserved personality. Star is a breath of fresh air; her ambition is to pursue happiness and experience ‘life’ rather than be constrained by a traditional career. When we meet her, she’s working as a line sitter (I’d never heard of this but it’s a fascinating concept!) and a character actor which are casual jobs that she enjoys. In comparison, Rafe is a workaholic who has been raised to believe that people are defined by their career and social standing. It’s therefore fascinating when Star and Rafe’s worlds collide!

The quote above summarises how perfect Rafe is. Besides my family, Henry Cavill and hot chocolate are my two favourite things! I can’t resist an outwardly grumpy hero who is super sweet, protective and attentive to his partner and Rafe embodies this. He was unkind and judgemental about Star’s occupation when he first met her, but when she called him out for it and explained her logic he was quick to apologise and grovelled beautifully.

There’s a great message of staying true to yourself rather than conforming for others throughout the story. Rafe doesn’t want Star to compromise her lifestyle and happiness and change despite meddling from his family members. He embraces, loves and accepts Star for who she is and is unfailingly patient, understanding and supportive of her. And did I mention he falls first? And he heals sick animals? Swoon!

Star’s ’found family’ besties are in a thruple relationship which was an interesting dynamic. I loved these characters and the support network they provided for Star.

There are loads of laugh out loud moments thanks to Star’s antics and some really emotional moments too as Star opens up to Rafe and addresses her childhood abandonment and neglect by her parents. I genuinely cared about these characters and my heart broke for Star. With each other’s support, both characters undergo real growth throughout the story and I was cheering them on to their happily ever after!

Packed full of wonderful characters, banter, antics and allll the romance, The Love Plot is an absolute ray of sunshine. If you haven’t already, then you need Samantha Young’s books in your life!

What a great story about loving yourself even if it's not what others expect. I loved how Star's ambitious to just be happy. Rafe Whitman may not be in his family business, but he's successful owning his own veterinary clinic. When he hires Star Shine Meadows to be his fake girlfriend, he never expected to actually fall in love. Now can he convince her that he loves her for who she is and no one else?
Absolutely loved this book!
I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.

This book was truly exceptional. It was hilariously funny and filled with so much heart. It had a great message of self-empowerment and self-love. While Rafe initially seemed like a jerk, and he did have some questionable behavior, he was such a great alpha male. He was possessive, protective, and loving. Especially by the end of the book, he was extremely supportive of every part of Star. They had fantastic chemistry, and their banter was too cute for words.

I was disappointed in Rafe’s family’s behavior, but it felt authentic. They were caring but set in their ways, and the trials they had to go through as people from different backgrounds seemed very realistic. I was proud of Star’s ability to stay true to herself in the end, even with others pressuring her to conform to their expectations. The conclusion of the book was extremely satisfying and sweet.

Overall, this was a funny, romantic, and emotional novel. I highly recommend it.

*I received an ARC of this book. This is my complete and honest review.*

The Love Plot was such a lovely read. It was funny, sweet, heartfelt, and spicy. I really enjoyed the story from beginning to end. Rafe and Star were nice characters and I liked seeing how their journey progressed. Though they were complete opposites Rafe and Star were made for each other. I liked seeing how Rafe loved Star just the way she is and Star brought Rafe out of his shell. They were an adorable couple. I liked their banter and interactions. It was great. This was so much more than a romance. We delve more into Rafe and Star as individuals and we see the changes there. I was so excited for them as individuals and a couple. I was all smiles as I was reading. Samantha Young wrote an amazing and pleasurable rom-com. I am hoping that we get a story for Rafe's younger sister Gigi-she is a hoot and I would love to see more. Overall, an enchanting story.

The Love Plot is an amazing and steamy romantic comedy!! We follow Star, who’s a gig worker and agrees to be the fake girlfriend of a man she met at his niece’s birthday party.
This book is so fun, has hilarious and heartwarming moments, with the perfect amount of spice. I was captivated from the beginning and I adore how Star and Rafe’s relationship develops. Their second meeting had me laughing so much, and once you read this you will understand.
Star is a happy person, goes with the flow, and doesn’t want to be tied down to anything. Because of her childhood she does have some issues and I love her journey working through them. She really grows as a person and I adore how Rafe supports her to be herself.
Rafe is the grumpy to Star’s sunshine! I completely love how he shows Star his sweet side and the fact that he’s so compassionate. Plus he’s a vet, so in addition to his adorable personality he gets major bonus points from me for that. Their dynamic is incredible, and I adore how Star loves to embarrass Rafe and the fact that I think he secretly likes it.

You should definitely read this book if you enjoy:
💕 fake dating
💕 grumpy/sunshine
💕 opposites attract
💕 hilarious banter
💕 he falls first

Overall, I absolutely loved this book but I’m not surprised because Young never disappoints!!

Samantha Young’s books are easy to get lost in. Her stories pull you in and grip you, The Love Plot was no different. This opposites attract, fake dating rom-com was a fun and easy read. One of my favorite parts of the book was the main female character Star. She is beautifully flawed, confident and self assured. She doesn’t allow anyone to change her and most importantly the main male character Rafe falls in love with exactly who she is. There was something missing that kept it from being a five star read but I can’t put my finger on it. I think it was the initial introduction and behavior/attitude of Rafe. He was unnecessarily mean. Even after learning about his past and why he is the way he is it just didn’t justify his behavior toward Star when they first met. I also did’t quite understand Stars initial attraction to Rafe. I did like Rafes character development and he turns out to be such a loving and caring partner. The same is true for Star she does a lot of healing and growing by the end of the story. There were some giggle worthy moments, banter, there was a lot of sexual tension, jealousy and a very rewarding climax. I liked this book and would recommend it.

*open door romance AKA contains sexual content

Book tropes: fake dating, opposites attract, grumpy sunshine, one bed, he falls first, alpha hole MMC.