I couldn’t stop reading — the story pulled me in right from the start. The pacing was great, and every chapter made me want to keep going.
I found myself thinking about the characters even after I finished.

Thank you for this ARC. This book was one that I highly anticipated but was frustrated by the story. I tried so hard to finish but had not choice but to DNF. The FMC Mackenzie was likable and layered no had a backstory that explained why she was the strong woman she was. However, the MMC was so un likable I couldn’t even fall into their story. His inability to be secure in his masculinity even in his own thoughts about his love for “feminine” reality tv and putting cream in his coffee was laughable. Nothing about it seemed realistic that they would work if so much of her strength made him feel weak. The best part of the book was the underlying mystery but that wasn’t even enough to keep me engaged.

Atria is usually more hit than miss, and while I love Mackenzie's POV, Jackson's leaves something to be desired. He's a bit misogynistic. Maybe a little racist?

📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books

Sounds Like a Plan was a cute Mystery Thriller/ Forced Proximity romance novel. I enjoyed the way the plot unfolded and truly did not expect for it to end the way that it did.

It was clear that both Jackson and Mackenzie were both good at their job but the chemistry between them was undeniable. Their banter, the sparks and the way they seemed to work together flawlessly made this book amazing. There were so many tense moments where I had no idea what was coming next and how things were going to play out.

Finding out that this was a series, excited me. This is a duo I could get behind. I can't wait to see what happens next with these two.

I DNFed 10% in when the mmc used chatgpt. I can’t stand AI, so I will not be finishing this book. AI is a big problem in today’s day and age and if the characters are okay with using it, it perpetuates that it is okay to use it. I also didn’t like the way the mmc talked about women, it was very gross.

I was pleasantly surprised by Sounds Like a Plan by Pamela Samuels Young and Dwayne Alexander Smith. It was funny and fast-paced, and the chemistry between Mackenzie and Jackson was sizzlin’ hot. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series and I can’t wait until my Libby hold for Sounds Like Trouble. The mystery was engaging, and the plot was perfectly balanced between the mystery and the romance between the two characters. I’m looking forward to seeing what else this author duo writes.

This was a cute and quick read! I really enjoyed all the verbal sparring between Jackson and Mackenzie.

A HILARIOUS book and I don't really think it was categorized as a humor fiction. This is what I want when I'm looking for a detailed mystery, thriller with some laughs. Jackson and Kenzie are two different personalities but from the beginning, I saw them working well together. I love the subtle romance interest between the two but it was enough to feel without it being full blown sex scenes. Overall the book is well written, goes into a good amount of detail of each character. I love the audio of hearing each character's voice, it helped set the scenes.

have a lot in common. They are both hard-working private investigators with their own firms in Los Angeles. They are both Black, happily single, and very good at their jobs. But when they’re together, they are like oil and water.
They find themselves working the same missing persons case and reluctantly having to team up together.

This started out pretty fun. We get chapters from both Jackson and Mackenzie's perspective. It leads to some funny moments in the beginning as we see them working the case and trying to race to scenes and gather information.

There is a lighearted, breezy feel to the narration despite the serious stuff going on in the background. It all feels a bit shallow which isn't necessarily a negative if you want something quick and easy to read. It's written to be that style. Sounds Like a Plan makes a good beach read.

Where it falls apart for me is when the romance comes into play, although I wouldn't call the thoughts running through the characters' heads romantic or even sexy which is more the vibe the authors are going for. It will work more if you like the main characters, but I didn't find Jackson likeable once I got to know him.

Truthfully this book was cute but I didn’t feel like any of it was believable. The characters are too perfect and the whole thing just worked out too well for it to be a realistic book.

This book was so cute. It had just the right amount of spicy tension, romance, and trope mixed in. I loved the idea of this book, and the sequel, right away. The rival PIs turned lovers aspect felt so unique when we normally get criminal x LEO for this dynamic type.

I cannot wait for book 3. Thank you so much for the chance to read both of these!

A fun, exciting first book in a new series with two PIs brought together, not by their own choosing. The team of Jackson/McKenzie are rootable and their sexual tension shows great writing over simple troupism

A true love letter to the city of Los Angeles as well

This is a fun, breezy thriller with a strong romantic core, ideal for readers seeking a light yet suspenseful co‑PI adventure. It thrives on charisma, plot momentum, and an undeniable spark between leads. Recommended for fans of cozy‑mystery meets romantic suspense, especially those who enjoy witty banter, dynamic protagonists, and a Hollywood‑style chase with lots of emotional tug. I’m intrigued to see where Jackson and Mackenzie go in the next installment!

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book was so much fun! Non stop action and plenty of comedy. Jackson had his misogynistic moments for sure, but I think it was purposeful writing as a nod to popular PI novels of the thirties while MacKenzie seemed to be a nod to Charlie's Angels. I enjoyed this for the light fun it is meant to be and look forward to the rest of the series.

3.5 Stars – A Cute Hustle, But Light on Heat 🔥

Okay, Sounds Like a Plan by Pamela Samuels Young and Dwayne Alexander Smith? It gave “fun weekend binge,” not “sweep-me-off-my-feet.” This clean, contemporary mystery tried to flirt with romance, but chile… it barely made eye contact.

So boom — two PIs, one $50K payday, and a race to the truth. Mackenzie, bougie-born but anti-glam, is rocking TJ Maxx vibes while ditching her journalism career for the private eye game (mostly to piss off her mama). Then there’s Jackson, ex-cop turned PI, who’s chasing luxury like it owes him rent — all because he chose integrity over that thin blue line.

The setup had promise: fast pace, clever premise, and a mystery that flowed like iced tea in July. It kept me flipping pages, no lie. But let’s talk romance... or lack thereof. The chemistry between Mack and Jack? Lukewarm. More “co-worker banter” than “will-they-won’t-they.” By the time they set up a first date at the end, I was like that’s it?!

Look, if you’re craving a quick, easy, low-stakes read with a lil' mystery twist and not too much emotional mess, this one's for you. Just don’t come looking for fireworks. It’s more like a sparkler on a Tuesday.

Thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, and Atria for the early copy. Pub date July 9th — check it out for yourself!

I love this PI duo. I read this in preparation of reading the second book in the series which is out this month.

I hope this series continues ib the same interesting and funny characters

Sounds Like a Plan was an absolutely wonderful reading experience. We have two PIs, both working on the same case who have unique, hilarious narratives that alternate so we get to see the story from both perspectives.

There is a GREAT will they won’t they and I can’t wait to read the next book. These are two characters I’d read a million books with them as the front characters. Recommend for fans of mysterious with a hint of romance! Thanks to Atria, the authors, and NetGalley for the eARC!

This fast paced story is a light hearted thriller with a enemies to friends twist that is full of banter and sassy comebacks. The book is written with alternating chapters, from the point of point of view of each character. The two characters are each written by a different author, thus ensuring a unique voice. This quick read is just the fare for a fun diversion.

Witty, romantic, and full of chemistry. This dual-author romance sparkled with strong voices and great pacing. Some conflicts resolved a little too easily, but the story was fun and heartfelt. A satisfying blend of humor and heart

Tropes:
Friends-to-lovers
Opposites attract
Fake relationship
Found family

Longtime friends, Jackson Jones and Mackenzie Cunningham, fake an engagement to help each other out—but the line between pretend and real starts to blur in this feel-good friends-to-lovers story.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review:
Sounds Like a Plan delivers sizzling chemistry and witty banter in a trope-filled romantic ride. The dual authorship adds depth to both perspectives, making the friendship-to-romance transition believable and satisfying. While the pacing lags slightly in the middle, the heartfelt moments and laugh-out-loud scenes more than make up for it. This is a solid 4-star read for fans of smart, sexy Black love stories.