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.

Sounds Like a Plan brings together two rival private investigators. The alternating perspectives of Jackson and Mackenzie give the reader a deeper connection as you watch their chemistry grow. With great characters and engaging dialogue, I bet you are going to agree! Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for this copy in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this book! The two main characters, Jackson and Mackenzie, are both attorneys and private investigators. They meet when they are both working the same case, trying to get to the next scene ahead of the other. It's hilarious and I highly recommend it. I was so thrilled that the second book was already published so that I would not have to wait for it for months!

I received an e-arc from the publisher Atria Books via NetGalley, and voluntarily read and reviewed it.

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.