Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

The Payback Plan is such a fun and heartfelt start to the Karma Club series. It hooked me right away with its clever premise. Three women meet during a snowstorm at the airport, share their breakup horror stories, and form a revenge pact to get even on each other’s behalf. It’s chaotic, creative, and totally works.

Paige is the kind of heroine I love. She’s funny, impulsive, emotional, and unapologetically herself. I especially appreciated that she’s a curvy FMC who’s just living her life, not trying to change or shrink herself. Her presence on the page feels refreshing, and honestly, we need more heroines like her in romance. She brings so much energy and heart to the story.

Olly, her target turned love interest, is a grumpy, reclusive son of an Oscar winner hiding out on the Cornish coast after a very public breakup. Their dynamic is full of friction with just the right amount of slow-burn build. I really liked the dual POV because it made Olly feel like more than just a classic brooding hero. We get to see his insecurities, his soft spots, and how much Paige starts to matter to him.

Also, I was not expecting the pets to have so much personality, but they were hilarious. They made the forced proximity even more chaotic and fun, and honestly, they kind of stole the show a few times.

The tone balances humor and heart really well. I laughed out loud more than once but also felt for both characters as they worked through their baggage. The revenge part becomes less important as their relationship grows, which gave the story more emotional weight without losing the fun.

This was my first Amy Andrews book and I’ll definitely keep reading the series. If you love found family, grumpy sunshine pairings, and heroines who are a little messy but full of heart, this one is for you.

4/5 stars
2/5 spice

✨ Tropes:
-Enemies to lovers
-Forced proximity
-Grumpy X sunshine
-Dual POV
-Revenge pact
-Curvy heroine
-Found family vibes
-Ex-athlete hero
-Small town charm
-Animal sidekicks

5 ⭐️ -- The Payback Plan by Amy Andrews -- Published on April 26 with Boldwood Books

I enjoyed the witty remarks and descriptive writing. It brought the story to mind in my head full of details and the characters to life with brightness and charm.

While revenge isn’t a thing for me this is quite the quirky fun read. Though Harvey and others who do that deserve something and justice for the people they cause damage too. Had me chuckling.

I loved that it was more than only the main characters that stood out and spread the focus around not hyper fixating on the romance. Even the animals add interest to the overall tale. It had an insta love but slow burnish way to it.

You get drawn into the deeper parts and the internal battles of thoughts. What feels and wrong. How something starts then change or fluctuate as you go along what had been the plan main need to go with a different flow.

While sometimes the biggest fault is miscommunication that causes two very different sides of the same story with varying perspectives.

Where you’re reading something you like so you either purposefully take your time to stay in the world longer or it’s written in a way that has you reading slower. I look forward to reading her other books.

**Warning: has some spicy scenes**

Thank you so much NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this wonderful story by Amy Andrews and to share my honest opinion.

This book was flirty, fiery, and full of delicious tension — The Payback Plan totally delivered on the second-chance, enemies-to-lovers promise.

Amy Andrews brings all the banter and steam, but she also sneaks in just enough emotional depth to tug at your heart. The chemistry between the leads crackles from page one, and watching them navigate their rocky past while plotting their “payback” had me grinning (and maybe blushing a little).

It’s witty, it’s smart, and it doesn’t take itself too seriously — but when it gets real, it gets real. If you love a spicy romance with heart and a heroine who isn’t afraid to go after what she wants, this one’s for you.

This is the first book in the Karma Club series and it did not disappoint me! I really enjoyed Paige and Oliver as lead characters and loved that there were funny, sweet and sadder moments. I can’t wait to read more from the rest of the Karma Club!

I have never read anything by this author, but I will be looking out for other books they write in the future. I really enjoyed the story as well as the pacing of the story.

I really enjoyed this happy little romp. Bella was exceedingly kind, and as a side character this was fine, though a little unrealistic. Paige was amazingly brave in her decision to participate in the plan, but I enjoyed following along with her and how she implemented her strategy. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The Payback Plan is the first book in a new multi-author series, The Karma Club. The series is a spicy revenge romance and is perfect for fans of Olivia Goldsmith’s The First Wives Club and Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game.

Paige Parker spends her 25th birthday stranded at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport due to a snowstorm and hangs out at Just Desserts, a sweets shop. She shares a table with three other stranded female travelers, and the ladies bond over prosecco and desserts. They share their tales of heartbreak and woe, and devise a scheme whereby each lady will seek revenge on another lady’s ex. The plan is to cause chaos in each heartbreaker’s life, not irreparable harm.

Paige is anxious to spend Christmas with her mother in England. She was studying law at Oxford University when she ended the relationship with her boyfriend, Harvey. He didn’t take it well, and shared intimate photos and videos which he secretly took of her online. Paige was so embarrassed that she dropped out of school and moved to the United States. She has been working as a Virtual Assistant and is frustrated that her life isn’t on track, but Harvey has a successful tech career in Silicon Valley. She has subdued her personality, so she won’t draw any attention to herself, essentially becoming a wallflower.

It's decided that Paige will spend a few weeks in January with Olly, who jilted Bella via text on their wedding day six months ago. Bella contacts Olly and he agrees to host Paige at his father’s place in Cornwall, England. Paige arrives in very bright clothing, accompanied by her nephew’s obese hamster, Flower. She creates a huge mess in the kitchen, plays AC/DC at a high volume, declares that Die Hard is really a romance, and puts Flower in Olly’s room while he’s sleeping.

Paige quickly learns that Olly is the 28-year-old son of the late Roger Prendergast, a beloved Shakespearean actor and movie star. Olly’s grumpy reclusiveness is a reaction to his father’s fame and the never-ending paparazzi. While the world believes that Olly just lives off his father’s fortune, he’s actually an aspiring writer. Paige can’t help being attracted to Olly, while she continues to wreak havoc in his life. As she gets to know him better, she develops romantic feelings for him, but is torn by her loyalty to her Karma Club friends. Of course things are going to come to a head when Olly finds out about the revenge scheme.

The Payback Plan is a hilarious enemies-to-lovers rom-com with engaging characters. While readers can predict the overall storyline, they will be engrossed by how Paige inflicts “irritation by 1000 papercuts” as her revenge on the sympathetic Olly. The presence of the hamster and stray dog add to the humor. The author’s descriptions are so clear that it’s like watching a movie, and the Die Hard references further engage the reader. The chemistry and witty dialogue between Paige and Olly are amazing. Since both Paige and Olly spent time in the United States, readers from both continents can easily understand their dialogue; it’s not filled with British phrasing.

The Payback Plan does contain some profanity sprinkled throughout the story and an open-door sex scene. It’s similar in spice level to Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game. I’m now anxious to read Bella’s story, which is How to Get Even by Pippa Roscoe.

I received an Advance Review Copy (ARC) from NetGalley and Boldwood Books for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I really enjoyed this story. The story is all about four women, Paige, Bella, Astrid and Sienna, who randomly become friends after a chance encounter, bonding over relationship woes and the disaster zone that is their love lives. The women decide that they should get revenge on their exes for the pain and heartbreak the men have caused them.

Paige gets Oliver, Bella’s ex, and the scheme kicks off when Bella manages to convince Oliver to let Paige crash at his place for a visit. Once there, Paige tries her best to irritate Oliver with obnoxious antics including everything from adopting a stray dog, hiding the remote and wearing the world’s cringiest graphic t-shirts with bad puns. However, the more time Paige spends with Oliver, the more she gets to see his true personality and quickly falls for him.

I loved this story! Paige’s antics were pure gold, and watching Oliver try to keep his sanity was hilarious. I would absolutely recommend this novel. This is part of a series called the “Karma Club” and I will definitely be reading the other ladies’ stories.

Just finished The Payback Plan by Amy Andrews. Absolutely Loved that is was based in Cornwall I felt like I was there. I loved all the scheming throughout the book & finally the end. So many happy tears and sad tears! I am definitely reading more of the Karma Club. 5⭐️

When fate strands Paige Parker at O'Hare airport, Amy Andrews begins a delightful and frequently laugh-out-loud romantic comedy with a sweet revenge twist. This isn't merely about finding love; it's about finding it amidst a whirlwind of well-meant (and occasionally chaotic) payback schemes. The clever setup, wherein Paige befriends two other rejected women to start 'The Karma Club,' sets the reader instantly on hook for mischief and camaraderie.

Paige, our heroine, is likable immediately. Her early annoyance at being stranded soon turns to adventurous spontaneity as she leaps at the far-fetched scheme. When fate (or a very strategically thrown dart on a map) deposits her in Cornwall and on the doorstep of moody Olly Prendergast, the tale really takes flight. Olly, the movie star dad's son and self-imposed recluse who is brooding over his own heartbreak, is the ideal contrast to Paige's energetic personality. His surly nature and need for alone time are continually thwarted by Paige's entrance and insistence on shaking things up in his life.

The author is a master at crafting laugh-out-loud moments as Paige works her way through the different phases of the payback plan. From being introduced to a specific pet hamster and adopting a very boisterous dog to Paige's unrepentant ability for making joyful messes in Olly's spotless house, the comedic situations are intricately woven into the story. These episodes are not intended merely as comedy relief; they are used to erode Olly's defenses and coaxed him out of his shell.

But 'The Payback Plan' is not all fun and games. With more interaction with Olly, the author expertly strips away the layers of his surly demeanor to reveal a sensitive and reflective man underneath. The blossoming of their relationship is natural, growing from irritation to a hot smoldering attraction which both cannot help. The chemistry between Paige and Olly is undeniable, and it is what makes their eventual relationship credible and fulfilling.

Paige's internal struggle provides an extra layer of depth to the narrative. Paired with her blossoming feelings for Olly and her commitment to The Karma Club and her secret, Paige's emotional arc is as appealing as the humor. This internal conflict heightens the stakes and keeps the narrative from crossing over into farce.

While the premise of a revenge plot turned romance might seem unconventional, the author handles it with a light touch and plenty of heart. The Cornish setting adds a touch of picturesque charm to the story, providing a lovely backdrop for Paige and Olly's evolving relationship.

Overall, 'The Payback Plan' is a fun and enjoyable read. Amy Andrews provides an excellent mix of humour, warm moments, and unshakeable chemistry. Paige and Olly's transition from payback to passion is one that will hold the reader and is satisfying, making this a sweet romantic comedy that will have readers smiling long after finishing the last page. If you're after a light-hearted romance with an interesting premise and characters that will stay with you, then this book is a winner.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood books for the chance to read this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Honestly this book had me in hysterics. If you’re looking for something funny, spicy, with HEA that stems from revenge, then you’ll love this!

A refreshing take on an enemies to lovers tale - and a revenge plot gone wrong!

When four strangers meet in an airport and plot to take revenge on the men who scorned them, things will go according to plan… right?! Wrong!

This book is laugh out loud funny with relatable characters and a good storyline. I’m interested to see what happens with the three characters remaining!

This was such a cute and amusing book! Book 1 of The Karma Club series, we start off meeting 4 strangers stranded at O’Hare airport. 1 table, several bottles of Prosecco, and many desserts later and we have a pact to humiliate those that humiliated them. Paige is returning to the UK where she’s set up to stay with Olly, the son of the movie star. Olly is quiet and respectful while Paige is bright and colorful. Kind of a grumpy meets sunshine situation. Loved reading this. Hope I get to read more about the other girls!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood for providing me an e-arc in change for a honest review.
Loved booked one of the Karma Club, really enjoyed getting to know the girls this series will focus on, this one starting with Paige and Olly.
I really enjoyed this book, it has a comedy hint whilst also touching on some tough topics.
Highly recommend as a great summer read, looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

I had no idea how much I would enjoy this book! It started off a little slow however, once the action gets going I feel in love with it. The story is simpIe: three women (strangers at first) share betrayal, heartbreak and a plan to create havoc for the men who scorned them. Paige and Oliver are center stage in this book and the craziness ensues once Paige enters through the doors of Oliver's house. I could not stop laughing at the antics Paige pulls to drive Oliver crazy. Yet, even with every crazy thing she does, somehow the payback plan begins to change into something completely different. Paige might drive Oliver crazy, but she also ends up helping him more than he knew he needed and vice versa. Once I was invested in the book, I could not put it down and I needed to know how Paige and Oliver's relationship would end. There are some intense moments toward the end so be ready waiting to see how the happily-ever-after comes about for them. Loved it, definitely recommend it!

Stranded in an airport with nothing but time, three women swap heartbreak horror stories and form The Karma Club—a mission to settle scores and reclaim their power. Paige’s target? Olly Prendergast: celebrity-adjacent recluse, infamous for ghosting his fiancée via text. Her mission? Make his life chaos. But the more time she spends infiltrating his peaceful Cornish world, the more her fake plan feels like something dangerously real. With hilarious antics, heart-melting moments, and an unexpected emotional twist, this story proves that karma isn’t just about payback—it might just bring you home.

I enjoyed the story. My primary issue was the writing style and some of the jokes. To me, it felt like it tried really hard to be funny, but ultimately those moments fell flat for me. 2.75 stars.

A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

My Initial Thoughts

I was drawn to this one, because I seem to have a thing for female revenge club reads this year, and being a romance over a thriller it could only mean one thing right! The cover also adds intrigue because look at that little hamster randomly there, which makes sense a few chapters in. I found that the writing really took me a while to get used to, there is so many long complicated words just randomly there, that I had to use my kindles dictionary more than ever.

Plot

The plot is very slow burn, and you can feel the tensions in the words your reading. I loved Paige and all the trouble she caused, I mean a hamster, crumbs and then Casper. It had me giggling at Oliver so much and how he reacted to her and her randomness, including the violin, omg, that had me creasing up. I look deeper in plots sometimes and the way Paige had try to deal with her past and photos, but then Olly just tells her something that everyone in that situation needs to hear. Moral of the plot line, its your life and you need to do you, not letting anyone dim your soul and turn of your light.

Characters

I loved the characters in this book, even though Olly did the unthinkable to Bella he’s kinda like a cinnamon roll MMC and really a softie in his core. I loved the Just Desserts girls, and I cant wait to carry on this series and find out how the others dish out karma.

Recommend

If you are after a Rom-Com full of ways to cause inconvenience to your housemate then this will be the series for you to get lots of giggles from.

Favourite Quotes

“ He’d missed Paige. Despite the chaos – the tea bags, the mug rings, the menagerie – it had been good having her in his life.”

“What was the harm in creating a little mischief for these men? For too long, too many men had been allowed to get away with stuff. Maybe they owed womankind a little cosmic rebalancing.”

“Those pants should come with a public health warning. You could have someone’s eye out with those.”

Favourite Chapter/s

My favourite chapters were 8,10,12,17 and the Epilogue.

Summed up in one sentence

Payback going not quite to plan and falling into the love of your life instead.

Overall Wrap up

I did enjoy this, I just wasn’t overly keen on the writing style. There was to many words that were completely out of place and made it difficult to keep the flow when reading. I loved the characters and especially the role the animals had to play in the Karma game.

Stars & Spice – 2.75 Stars and 1 Chilli Spice.
Book Information – The Payback Plan by Amy Andrews.

Genre – Rom-Com.

Pages – 317 pages.

Tropes –
Forced proximity.
Grumpy x sunshine.
Revenge gone wrong.

Available on Kindle Unlimited – Yes.

Available Formats – Available on kindle, audiobook, paperback and hardback.

Publishing Information – Published on 26th April by Boldwood Books.

Format in Which I Read – Kindle.

Where my copy come From – Love Book Tours and Netgallery.

POVs – Dual POV – Oliver and Paige.

Single/Dual/Multiple Timelines – Single timeline.

1st or 3rd Person – 3rd person.

HEA, HFN or Cliff hanger – HEA.

Series or Standalone – Start of an interconnected standalone series.

Trigger Warnings – Please check content warnings before reading aif necessary and please always remember that your mental health matters.

Book Review 📖

When the payback plan goes wrong. She was supposed to do a revenge payback to her friend’s ex after leaving her at the altar by text. But did she expect to fall for the enemy? Hell no.

This is an amazing hilarious/spicy with enemies to lovers tropes you want to read as soon as possible.

Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author : Amy Andrews
Publisher : Boldwood books
Pages : 317
Genre : Romcom Spicy Romance


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