What a fun fast paced mystery with two opposite PIs fighting their attraction to each other.

The banter is great and I didn’t see the twist coming! Kept me on the edge of my seat.

"Sounds Like Trouble" by Pamela Samuels Young and Dwayne Alexander Smith is an engaging romcom with a nice mix of humor, suspense, and romance.

The story follows protagonists Jackson Jones and Mackenzie Cunningham, two private investigators forced to work together on a dangerous case for a local crime boss. There is a bit of a romcom trope because they have very different personalities and don't seem to agree with each other on much. However, they do have undeniable chemistry, which makes their partnership both entertaining and tense. They bicker and banter, but it’s clear there’s something more under the surface. Jackson becomes jealous when Mackenzie starts getting attention from a police lieutenant, adding an extra layer of conflict to their relationship. As the story progresses, you see their connection deepen, and it’s fun to watch them navigate their feelings while also dealing with their case.

"Sounds Like Trouble" is a solidly enjoyable read with a nice mix of mystery, humor, and romance. Jackson and Mackenzie are likable characters, which makes it easy to root for them and keeps things interesting from start to finish. This lighthearted story is a perfect summertime read.

*3.5/5*

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing an eARC of this book!

Sounds Like Trouble was funny, and fast-paced. Although I did not enjoy it as much as the first book in the series, it was still a solid book. I felt as if I was able to guess every twist and the characters lacked a bit of depth. Mackenzie and Jackson are supposed to be top notch PIs but it felt like they continuously made rookie mistakes. I love Pamela Samuels Young and Dwayne Alexander Smith’s writing. Overall, I did enjoy Sounds Like Trouble and am looking forward to the third novel in the series.

Gotta say, I didn't love this as much as the first book in the series but fans of romantic suspense, private eye books should definitely give it a shot. It was well narrated by Angel Pean and Jamie Lincoln Smith and I would recommend it for fans of books like the Sara Desai Simi Chopra series. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @simon.audio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review.

Jackson and Mackenzie might be PI partners but they don't agree on just about anything. Now, though they've got to find a package for Big Ced, a gangster, while avoiding the police. I missed the first book and therefore the worldbuilding that no doubt would have increased my appreciation of this second installment. There's a lot packed into a relatively slim volume and, what with the dual POVs, it feels a bit madcap. That's not a bad thing, especially in small doses. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. I'm curious to see where this series goes next.

This duo are my favorite attorneys/investigators, partly because they still can't agree on much of anything, including their new office furnishings. Mackenzie is all for a professional look (i.e. less expensive), while Jackson wanted to look their office to look like they were raking in money. They do agree that they have to help a notorious gangster find a missing package, thinking that it will be simple. The emphasis is on 'have to' - saying no is not an option. The gangster is Big Ced, a mafia member with many lieutenants of his own.

Jackson and Mackenzie are under scrutiny themselves by the police because of their association with Big Ced, which is not helping them to find Big Ced's missing package. There was a lot of suspense near the end of the book, when I thought our duo wasn't going to make it. I thoroughly enjoyed this second installment and am looking forward to their next adventure.

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

An action-packed wild goose chase of a romcom!

Following their wild adventure in the first book of the series, Mac & Jackson decided to start a PI business together. What they did not expect was to be thrown into the world of mobsters and a constant danger surrounding them.

I enjoyed that the novel was fast-paced and the witty banter that the MMCs shared. I thought the addition of new characters added some much-needed drama and was just the push the MMCs needed to get together.

Thank you Atria Books and Netgalley for the eARC!

I did not read book 1 in this series, however, I think I could understand the premise of how it went after reading this book. The writing was a bit juvenile for me (I love YA and read it often) but this was a little too amateur for me. I did not care for the way the author had the MMC asking tacky questions regarding what reminds the FMC to list the ways he reminds her of her ex. WHO DOES THAT?

Also. if you're gonna write a book with characters supposedly in a "mafia" make it at least believable. The entire book was full of scenarios and decisions that made absolutely no sense. It made me cringe so many times, I wanted to throw my kindle.

This is the second book in the Sounds Like a Plan series. Jackson Jones and Mackenzie Cunningham are successful private investigators. They are both considered the top of the field at what they do, and they hate each other. While working on a routine missing person’s case, these two find themselves having to work together. Unfortunately.

This story reminds me of one of those cop shows I used to watch as a kid. As I read the story, I could visualize these things happening right in front of me. I love when I can get immersed in the story like this. These two argued like an old married couple. I honestly enjoyed everything but the relationship aspect of the story. This story has mobsters, mercenaries, suspense, and a killer on the loose. I enjoyed it without reading the first book. I will go back and read it.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for granting my request to read this e-ARC.

Let’s throw it back to my review of the first book (Sounds Like a Plan): “the chemistry between Mackenzie and Jackson is definitely lacking, and their incessant bickering is just annoying. I can't even imagine what will happen when they merge together.” I guess curiosity made me request this sequel.

While the thrill and drama were good, the chemistry between Mackenzie and Jackson? Still missing. I was promised “undeniable attraction” but got…nothing. And the scene where Lieutenant Gooden likes Mackenzie and Jackson breaks into the K-I-S-S-I-N-G song? 🤦🏽‍♀️ Just made things worse.

Overall, I stayed for the suspense and drama—not the romance.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

🍸 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Perfect Pour

This book was fun. Jackson and Mac? They are a hot mess and I loved every second of it. The bickering, the tension, the are they finally gonna get together vibes. Gotta love that. It’s was literally like watching your favorite messy duo try not to fall for each other while also trying not to get shot.

The mystery kept me hooked, I was wrong about the culprit. I was along for the ride the whole time. It’s giving the Black Mr. & Mrs. Smith with a dash of Insecure energy. Action packed, funny, and chaotic in the best way.

🍹 Pairs well with: A spicy Paloma—cute, chaotic, and with a lil’ kick to it.

3.5 stars round up t0 4

Sounds Like Trouble is a fast paced, laugh out loud romantic mystery.

Private investigators Jackson and Mackenzie are opposites who can’t stop fighting bad guys and the sexual tension between them. I enjoyed the trouble Jackson and Mac got into and the banter had me ugly laughing in the most public places.. My main complaint is continuing the will-they-won’t-they.

thank you netgalley for my ebook arc

I received a free DRC of this book through Netgalley. I have not read Book 1 in this series, but it was definitely not an issue to jump into the series with Book 2. The POV flip flops between the 2 main characters: Jackson and Mac who are attracted to each other, but are also business partners in a P.I. firm. They are soon deep in trouble with mobsters and the story continues full of action, drama, and sexual tension. The writing was appealing and kept me turning the pages all the way to the end. I would definitely read more in this series.

We’re first introduced to Jackson and Mackenzie in Sounds Like A Plan, a tale of rival private investigators forced to work together when their missing-persons case turns into a murder mystery with the potential for them to be the next victims. What started as a battle of wits gave way to a tense partnership that gives Maxine and Kyle will they or won’t they vibes (real ones will catch that 90s reference). Sounds Like Trouble picks up where Book 1 left off. Jackson and Mackenzie are officially business partners but there are some hiccups as they come to terms with their new dynamic. This new partnership is immediately put to the test when three mobsters give them a case they cannot refuse. The story had several twists and turns, some I saw coming while others let me genuinely shocked. The witty banter between Jackson and Mackenzie carried over from Book 1. Sometimes Jackson comes off very shallow, however, I understand it’s in response to his humble beginnings briefly mentioned in Book 1. I also think some of Jackson’s ideology aligns with what you may hear on a manosphere podcast (that’s no bueno— definitely earned a side-eye). There was minimal romance, but I think that may be a good thing. Jackson and Mackenzie work better as occasionally flirty friends than lovers. This is an ideal novel if you’re in a reading slump and need a quick read or if you need a palate cleanser after reading an emotionally-challenging book. Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC.
Rating: 3.5

3.5

A huge improvement over the first novel. I feel like the story and writing flowed better, and the author's were able to meld their writing together more. There are improvements that can still be made, but I feel as if they're moving in the right direction.

I was not a fan of Jackson in the first novel, but his character is much improved in this one. His comments are much less sexist, and the few he does make in a joking manner work better with the conversation. There wasn't a single "tight, little body" comment, of which I am eternally grateful. His relationship with Mackenzie has a big improvement as well. While they still bicker, it fits better with the story and you can see more of the respect and trust they're gaining for each other.

The story does feel as if it moves a little too fast for how short it is. The book is a little over 250 pages but barely lets up. Slightly longer with a little more to the plot would have helped. We don't get much character development from anyone besides Mac and Jackson; and while I'm happy Jackson's character gained a lot of development, Mac's was less so, and every other character was almost non-existent, Hopefully we can get a little more development from other characters, especially those that seem to be mainstays in the series.

I believe the authors are getting a better groove and feel as if they will continue to improve, as they've shown a lot of improvement since the last novel. A bit more polishing and I think this will be a great series.

Sounds Like Trouble is the second book in a fun contemporary mystery series co-written by Pamela Samuels Young & Dwayne Alexander Smith. Jackson and Mackenzie are back at it, this time officially partners in a joint PI firm, and there is just as much drama this time around.

Their last case caught the attention of some very intimidating crime lords, who "ask" Jackson and Mackenzie for some help with a little problem they have. There's a package they need tracked down - discreetly.

This pair is electric. They're sassy, capable, and oh-so-compatible. The level of action and danger is just as high as it was in book one. It's a breakneck pace that will keep you flying through the pages!

I hope this is just the latest in a looong list of installments in this series, because it is such a breath of fresh air. If you're looking for a fun and refreshing read this summer, please don't sleep on this series!

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Sounds Like Trouble

Mackenzie and Jackson have partnered up for their own Private Investigator agency. Things go awry when the local mob boss decides to hire them to find some dangerous information.

The banter between Mackenzie and Jackson was cute, but I couldn’t quite tell if the love story was an afterthought. The photo and description leads you to think the romance played a bigger role than it does.

I did enjoy their dangerous journey and investigative work. Thank you for the ARC!

Sounds Like Trouble is the new book in the delightful romantic thriller series entitled Sounds Like a Plan.

Mac and Jackson are two Pi's that are like oil and water with a love/hate relationship but they have decided to work together.

I laughed out loud at their banter and when the authors throw in a touch of romance and suspense the pace is quick and the book is hard to put down.

Three mob bosses have offered them a job ( one cant say no to them) with a time limit and dire consequences if they dont succeed.

Did I mention that there is a lot of action.

Sounds like Trouble is almost the perfect storm and I could not wait to see what happened.

I highly recommend this entertaining read . I cant wait to see what Mac and Jackson get up to next.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read and review Souns Like Trouble. I am a big fan.

This is the second installment of Sounds Like a Plan series, delivering a high-octane blend of crime, comedy, and romantic tension. The chemistry between Mac and Jackson is electric. Their witty banter and palpable tension add depth to their characters and keep readers engaged. Sounds Like Trouble is a compelling fusion of mystery, action, and romance. Mac and Jackson’s evolving relationship adds emotional depth to their fast-paced plot, making it a standout in contemporary detective fiction. Fans of dynamic duos and thrilling escapades will find much to enjoy in this installment.

I didnt realize that this was a sequel. So I tried reading the first one, but I hated Jackson. And judging by reviews, he doesn't get better.