Mackenzie and Jackson are used to working solo so when they’re both hired by the same client to find the same missing person, tensions flare. But when the case takes a deadly turn and they’re framed for a murder they didn’t commit, going it alone is no longer an option.

This book was marketed as a swoon-worthy blend of mystery, sexual tension, and humor. By 50%, the mystery did not hold my attention and the romance lacked chemistry and anticipation. For those reasons, I did not finish.

Thank you Atria for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

3 Stars! Thank you, to the publisher, for this eARC via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion!

Although not my typical read, I thought the story was fun. It was a bit cheesy though, I must admit. Overall, I love the representation in the novel.

Sounds Like a Plan is a fast-paced, romantic mystery that brings together two rival private investigators in Los Angeles. The alternating perspectives of Jackson and Mackenzie provide depth to their characters, highlighting their contrasting backgrounds and approaches to investigation. Sounds Like a Plan offers a blend of mystery, action, and romance, driven by the compelling dynamic between its two leads. While some character aspects may not resonate with all readers, the novel’s energetic pacing and engaging dialogue make it worthwhile read for fans of romantic thrillers.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for this read. It was a romance / mystery type of book which I kind of like. This book was well written but it seems a bit like a cozy mystery which I don’t really like.

I would read more from these authors.

Thanks to the publisher for sending me the pre-approved link for the book to prepare for book too. I loved this book so much!!! Hoping to love book 2 just as much as I loved this one!!!

I wasn’t sure if I would be a fan of a thriller/romance cross over but I liked this one. Yes, it does slant more thriller-y than romance but the story is good so it more than made up for it. It’s a good read to take with you to the beach because it’ll keep your interest but you can also easily set it down.

really good mystery. Kept me on my toes and loved all of the characters and what they went through on this journey. Loved that they a happy ending happened.

This was more mystery/thriller than romance, which is not my usual genre. However, I could tell that this was not the best mystery in the world, but it did keep in entretained for the most part. However, Jackson (one of the PIs) literally said that his infromant had "the body of a pornstar" and I could not cheer for this man. The romance was also super weak, in my opinion. No chemistry between them on the page, but they were both super infatuated with the other for some reason.

Rating: 4/5
This book was a whole ride and I loved it. If you’re into two stubborn people who can’t decide if they wanna choke each other out or make out in the middle of a crime scene, this is 100% for you.

Jackson and Mackenzie had me cracking up and yelling at the book at the same time. They are the perfect mix of "I hate you" and "I’m obsessed with you" energy. I loved getting both of their POVs too because you really see just how chaotic they both are.

The story moves fast and it’s a good mix of action, mystery, and slow-burn tension that makes you want to throw the book across the room in the best way. It’s not super heavy but it’s not corny either. Some parts you’ll see coming but honestly, I didn’t even care because the banter alone had me locked in.

If you want a mystery that’s messy, funny, and lowkey a little spicy, add this to your list. You’ll be mad when it’s over.

This is a basically a fun, sexy book dressed up as a mystery. It's a decent plot, the stacks were high, but the flirting and sexiness far overshown any of the story. There is a second book and the duet of authors would be wise to not distract quite so much or risk having these books called Romance and not mysteries. Or maybe that's what they wanted.

Mackenzie Cunningham and Jackson Jones are two private investigators hired by the same client to locate a missing person. When they discover that the client also hired a third investigator, the race is on to find the missing person first in order to receive a $50,000 payment. However, things take a turn when murder occurs and the client supplied a false name. Both of them are no focused on finding who is pulling the strings, placing them both in the path of danger. Interesting characters coming from totally different backgrounds, fast paced read.
#SoundsLikeaPlan #Atria #NetGalley

Two private eyes, a man and a woman, are competing to find a missing person. As they proceed they agree to work together. Throughout the story, their lives are continually in peril, and as they protect each other the attraction grows. It’s an interesting take on both the PI story and a budding romantic possibility. A fun read.

Sounds Like a Plan by Pamela Samuels Young & Dwayne Alexander Smith
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Two rival private investigators, Mackenzie Cunningham and Jackson Jones, decide to team up after they both have been hired to find a missing person. It becomes clear, there’s more to this case than just a missing person and soon they are both caught up in deadly chase, with only each other to trust.

Y’alllllll I. ate. this. book. UP!!

The banter is top notch. Mackenzie is a total badass and it is sooo action packed!! I will say I was not the biggest fan of Jackson’s POV at times, but I adored the way he views Mackenzie and his narrative about her 🥹

I can’t wait to read the second book in the series, Sounds Like Trouble, which comes out on 7/08!

💕 Thank you so much Atria book for the gifted copy



Review will be posted to instagram on 4/18

Jackson and Mac are private investigators in Los Angeles. Unbeknownst to each other, both are hired to find a dying mother’s missing daughter. When they get framed for murder, the two are forced to team up to try and solve the case. As they try to solve the case, they start to have feelings for each other. Will they solve the case and clear their names?

The plot is filled with themes of mystery, romance, and is well written. The narrative is witty and draws the reader into the story. The characters are well developed, unique, and engaging. The character dynamics are believable and draws the reader into the characters’ world. Readers who like comedy, mystery, and romance will want to pick this one up. Recommended for most public library collections. 5 stars, ADULT

"Reluctantly joining forces after discovering they’ve both been hired on the same missing person case, two rival Black private investigators find their mutual dislike evolve into an undeniable attraction in this rollicking, romantic thrill ride told in alternate perspectives from award-winning authors Dwayne Alexander Smith and Pamela Samuels Young."

Murder mystery/rom-com is definitely a favorite genre mashup of mine. I really enjoy the dual POV and how the FMC and MMC played off of each other. An engaging storyline with enough twists and turns to keep me guessing. I'm curious to see how the sexual tension between Jackson and Mackenzie plays out in the next book.

Tropes include but are not limited to:
Only one bed
Touch her and die
Rivals to partners

4.75 rounded up

Thanks @netgalley and @atriabooks for a digital copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

#romcom #murdermystery #diversebooks #bookreview #netgalley #coverlove #supportblackauthors

Part rom-com, part suspense, pure fun! This was one of those books that may not have been the most believable, but I was fully along for the ride!

This is a quick fun read following two private investigators that are initially pitted against each other, but eventually have to learn to work together. The attraction is undeniable and resisting it is hard. I liked the personalities of both characters and enjoyed their banter. I listened to the audiobook and really liked the narration and the way it brought the story to life.

This was a fun and exciting read! There is a murder mystery and a romance - incredibly fast paced and very entertaining. Definitely a fun book for the summer!

I have been reading this book throughout today and somehow completely forgot to update my progress...oops...but I finished it in one day!

This is a super quick story about two rival investigators who have to team up to solve a disappearance-turned-murder.

This was fun, but could definitely get quite unbelievable at times. These main characters were likable and funny. And I could totally see this turned into a romcom movie. I really think that would work so well.

I do think that the cover is a bit creepy, mainly because of his beard. Rendering facial hair is difficult and this comes across as creepy and off-putting and I don't know why. Sorry, I know that's not important, but I thought I'd share my feelings on it.

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! My Goodreads review is up and my TikTok (Zoe_Lipman) review will be up at the end of the month with my monthly reading wrap-up.

I did not realize this book was released in 2024, I think the reason it is on Net Galley is because the second book came out and the publishers want readers to have access to both? I accidentally requested both of them not realizing it was two books as the covers were very similar. No wonder!

That being said, the blurb for this book made it seem like there would be fun banter in a detective setting. I love workplace romances with some banter and mystery thrown in.
This book is DARK though? The missing persons case is to try to find a runaway daughter of a terminally ill mom who has two weeks to live. If you have any sort of family trauma or anxiety or trauma related to family issues, this could be a massive trigger. Please be aware this is what the book seems to be about. I unfortunately had to stop reading around them as it caused a head spin. I avoid plots with generational trauma currently as it is too triggering, and this one was a bit too much for me. I really wish the missing person’s case was anything else, as I could have loved to continue reading this one.

Thank you for allowing me to sample this eARC. I am leaving this honest feedback voluntarily.