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The Graysons #2
The Man Plan
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Last Man on Earth comes a delicious new novel about a young woman’s dreams of finding grand romance and success in the big city—and her schemes to make both come true...
What’s a girl to do when the man she’s loved her entire life thinks of her as a little sister? Worse, her own big sister was the one who broke his heart years earlier. For Ivy Grayson, the chance to get him to see her in a different light comes when she receives an unexpected invitation to move into his luxury New York apartment building. Manhattan also just happens to be the perfect place to pursue her wish to become a successful artist. But how many dreams can one woman expect to come true?
Billionaire financier James Jordon has everything a man could want—except love. When Ivy’s family asks him to keep an eye on their “little girl” in the big city, he agrees. But the innocent girl he knew is now a dynamic woman who knows what she wants, and how to get it. He may have promised himself to keep things platonic, but ignoring the game of love isn’t an option. Especially when Ivy is so eager to play.
What’s a girl to do when the man she’s loved her entire life thinks of her as a little sister? Worse, her own big sister was the one who broke his heart years earlier. For Ivy Grayson, the chance to get him to see her in a different light comes when she receives an unexpected invitation to move into his luxury New York apartment building. Manhattan also just happens to be the perfect place to pursue her wish to become a successful artist. But how many dreams can one woman expect to come true?
Billionaire financier James Jordon has everything a man could want—except love. When Ivy’s family asks him to keep an eye on their “little girl” in the big city, he agrees. But the innocent girl he knew is now a dynamic woman who knows what she wants, and how to get it. He may have promised himself to keep things platonic, but ignoring the game of love isn’t an option. Especially when Ivy is so eager to play.
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 5, 2014
19 people are currently reading
478 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Anne Warren
41 books791 followersTracy Anne Warren is the New York Times bestselling author of ten Regency historical romance novels, including At The Duke’s Pleasure and The Husband Trap. Her books have appeared on the USA Today Bestsellers’ list and the Borders’ Group List of Bestselling Single Title Romance Paperbacks. She has won numerous writing awards, including Romance Writers’ of America’s prestigious RITA® Award, the National Readers’ Choice Award, the HOLT Medallion, the Golden Quill, and others.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
April 29, 2016
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: Ivy has loved James her whole life. Now she finally has the chance to get him. Will he let their age difference ruin their chances for love?
Opening Sentence: Bang.
The Review:
Ivy has been in love with James her whole life. He was engaged to her sister though, so she could never do anything about it. After her sister leaves him at the altar, Ivy finally finds the courage to confess her feelings to James only to have him turn her down. Fast forward five years. Ivy is dropping out of college to pursue an art career, and her parents would rather she live in James’ apartment building than the apartment she was planning on renting with friends. Since James lives in the building as well as owns it, Ivy finally sees her chance. This is the perfect opportunity to make James realize they are meant for each other. Will James still see her as just a little sister, or will he realize that his feelings run deeper than that?
I was excited to pick this book up because I really enjoyed the last Tracy Anne Warren book I read. Unfortunately, my excitement ended up being a bit premature, as I did not enjoy this book nearly as much. I had a lot of trouble connecting to James. With all of his protesting about the area Ivy was planning on living, he really came off as arrogant and pretentious, not likeable at all. I honestly think Ivy could have done better and deserves better.
Another unexpectedly big issue for me was the age difference. Normally, I don’t have much of a problem with a hero and heroine having a large age difference. Here, however, the fact that James knew Ivy when she was in diapers is repeatedly mentioned. With each subsequent mention, the age difference just became creepier and creepier in my head. It’s kind of like how I forget about the age difference between my parents until someone mentions the fact that my dad was learning to drive when my mom was in 2nd grade. As long as that thought remains in my head, the age difference appears creepy. Since the age difference was mentioned so often, I had no opportunity to really forget about it as the book went on.
There was also an issue of pacing. Time skips around a lot. It ends up feeling as if we’re just seeing snippets of Ivy and James’ relationship rather than a coherent whole. The book ends up feeling a little staggered, and because of that, I never really had a good grasp of why Ivy and James were so into each other.
All in all, this book was a disappointment, perhaps made bigger because I was so looking forward to reading something else by Tracy Anne Warren. I’m hoping this was just a fluke and that the next one I read will be more on par with the book I really enjoyed by her. I’m going to keep my fingers crossed!
Notable Scene:
He finally broke his silence when they reached her apartment door. “What time should I come by to pick you up tomorrow night?”
Six thirty, she thought. Six thirty, so we’ll have time for a quick dinner before the concert.
But instead of those simple, nonconfrontational words, some devil prompted her to say something else.
“You still want to go to the concert, then? I thought maybe you’d decided to pick Parson up at the airport instead and spend the evening entertaining her.”
His jaw tightened, his blue eyes turning hard. “I wasn’t, but it can always be arranged.”
She knew she should back down, knew she should do whatever it took to end their fight, to smooth over the angry words and nasty silences. But her feelings were hurt, and damned if she was going to let him treat her like some spoiled child who didn’t enjoy sharing her toys.
She squared her shoulders and looked him in the eye. “If that’s what you’d rather, it won’t put me out. Fred can use your ticket. He’s been salivating over the concert ever since he heard I was going. He’s a nice guy. You’d like Fred.”
For a moment James looked ready to explode. Then it passed, a chill sweeping into his eyes. “I sincerely doubt that, but it doesn’t matter. If you don’t want to go to the concert with me, that’s fine. Good night, Ivy.”
He turned and strode down the hall toward the elevator.
When he was gone, she closed the door and leaned back against it, tears already sliding down her cheeks. God above, what have I done?
FTC Advisory: Penguin/Signet provided me with a copy of The Man Plan. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: Ivy has loved James her whole life. Now she finally has the chance to get him. Will he let their age difference ruin their chances for love?
Opening Sentence: Bang.
The Review:
Ivy has been in love with James her whole life. He was engaged to her sister though, so she could never do anything about it. After her sister leaves him at the altar, Ivy finally finds the courage to confess her feelings to James only to have him turn her down. Fast forward five years. Ivy is dropping out of college to pursue an art career, and her parents would rather she live in James’ apartment building than the apartment she was planning on renting with friends. Since James lives in the building as well as owns it, Ivy finally sees her chance. This is the perfect opportunity to make James realize they are meant for each other. Will James still see her as just a little sister, or will he realize that his feelings run deeper than that?
I was excited to pick this book up because I really enjoyed the last Tracy Anne Warren book I read. Unfortunately, my excitement ended up being a bit premature, as I did not enjoy this book nearly as much. I had a lot of trouble connecting to James. With all of his protesting about the area Ivy was planning on living, he really came off as arrogant and pretentious, not likeable at all. I honestly think Ivy could have done better and deserves better.
Another unexpectedly big issue for me was the age difference. Normally, I don’t have much of a problem with a hero and heroine having a large age difference. Here, however, the fact that James knew Ivy when she was in diapers is repeatedly mentioned. With each subsequent mention, the age difference just became creepier and creepier in my head. It’s kind of like how I forget about the age difference between my parents until someone mentions the fact that my dad was learning to drive when my mom was in 2nd grade. As long as that thought remains in my head, the age difference appears creepy. Since the age difference was mentioned so often, I had no opportunity to really forget about it as the book went on.
There was also an issue of pacing. Time skips around a lot. It ends up feeling as if we’re just seeing snippets of Ivy and James’ relationship rather than a coherent whole. The book ends up feeling a little staggered, and because of that, I never really had a good grasp of why Ivy and James were so into each other.
All in all, this book was a disappointment, perhaps made bigger because I was so looking forward to reading something else by Tracy Anne Warren. I’m hoping this was just a fluke and that the next one I read will be more on par with the book I really enjoyed by her. I’m going to keep my fingers crossed!
Notable Scene:
He finally broke his silence when they reached her apartment door. “What time should I come by to pick you up tomorrow night?”
Six thirty, she thought. Six thirty, so we’ll have time for a quick dinner before the concert.
But instead of those simple, nonconfrontational words, some devil prompted her to say something else.
“You still want to go to the concert, then? I thought maybe you’d decided to pick Parson up at the airport instead and spend the evening entertaining her.”
His jaw tightened, his blue eyes turning hard. “I wasn’t, but it can always be arranged.”
She knew she should back down, knew she should do whatever it took to end their fight, to smooth over the angry words and nasty silences. But her feelings were hurt, and damned if she was going to let him treat her like some spoiled child who didn’t enjoy sharing her toys.
She squared her shoulders and looked him in the eye. “If that’s what you’d rather, it won’t put me out. Fred can use your ticket. He’s been salivating over the concert ever since he heard I was going. He’s a nice guy. You’d like Fred.”
For a moment James looked ready to explode. Then it passed, a chill sweeping into his eyes. “I sincerely doubt that, but it doesn’t matter. If you don’t want to go to the concert with me, that’s fine. Good night, Ivy.”
He turned and strode down the hall toward the elevator.
When he was gone, she closed the door and leaned back against it, tears already sliding down her cheeks. God above, what have I done?
FTC Advisory: Penguin/Signet provided me with a copy of The Man Plan. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
August 26, 2021
I can't put these series down, it's really agreeing with me :)
I love the secondary characters, I love the main characters, I love the writing and I love that the author mentions past couples.
I love the secondary characters, I love the main characters, I love the writing and I love that the author mentions past couples.
October 2, 2016
http://allaboutromance.com/book-revie...
I generally like books by Tracy Anne Warren, which is why I requested this book to begin with. Unfortunately, this book hit quite a few of my “ick” triggers and I just could not get past them enough to enjoy the story.
Ivy Grayson has loved James Jordan since she was a little girl. Unfortunately, it was Ivy’s sister Madelyn who initially won his heart. The book opens with Madelyn calling off her wedding to James at the church. Fifteen-year-old Ivy is heartbroken for him, but takes the opportunity to tell James that she is in love with him. James gently lets her down and they go their separate ways. Fast forward five years and Ivy has dropped out of college to become an artist. She is moving to New York City and will be living with several college aged males in a sketchy part of town. Her parents are naturally concerned and call upon James to look out for Ivy in the big city.
James has maintained contact with Madelyn and Ivy’s parents despite the broken engagement between him and Ivy’s older sister. Growing up next door to the Graysons, he spent more time at their home than his less than hospitable house and has always had a fond place in his heart for Ivy. Having changed her diapers as a toddler and bounced her upon his knee, James felt as if Ivy were the little sister he never had. So when the Graysons call upon him to watch over their baby, he is all over it. As a very successful financier, he owns a building in Manhattan and offers Ivy one of the apartments in this highly secure building.
Ivy is thrilled with the offer of an apartment in James’ building. She has never stopped loving him and being in such close proximity will give her a chance to show him that she has now grown up and is old enough to be more than a sister figure. Unfortunately, James has a girlfriend and Ivy is going to have to contend with competition for his affections. So what is a girl to do? Seduce him of course.
While this is not exactly a May-December romance, sixteen years is a pretty large age gap when the heroine is only twenty years old. If Warren has made Ivy twenty-five instead of twenty, I might have bought into this relationship more, but there is a great deal of maturity that happens in those five years and in this book, we don’t even have the excuse that Ivy is mature for her age. She acts like she is twenty, or maybe even eighteen. This is ick factor number one. Then Ivy decides to seduce James. James protests and tries to stay away, but Ivy just keeps pressuring him. I felt like the trope of a man pressuring a woman for sex until she finally gives in was just turned on its head here. Sex should never be about pressure in my opinion and that brings us to ick number two.
Then we have the pseudo incestuous angle. There is something about forming a romantic relationship with someone who has changed your diaper that almost makes my flesh crawl. Ick number three. I also do not like cheating and technically James cheated on his girlfriend Parker with Ivy. Parker is portrayed as a high society princess, but I actually formed more sympathy for her than I did Ivy. Ivy was really a little bit of a brat and she never really grew up as a character over the course of the book. Other than her long legs and gorgeous body, I have no clue what James saw in her other than a familiar face. Warren delves a bit deeper into Ivy’s character than she does James’ character. I do not feel as if I know him well enough to truly get a sense of who he is and frankly, I do not care to. The book did not have that much of a plot and was meant to be character driven I guess. Unfortunately I did not like the characters. I also did not care for the tightly contained, wealthy older man vs. the talented ingénue trope. There was just too much in this novel that ran to clichés.
I will not give up on Tracy Anne Warren over this one stinker, but I will read the book description a little more thoroughly before giving her next book a try. This book did NOT do it for me.
I generally like books by Tracy Anne Warren, which is why I requested this book to begin with. Unfortunately, this book hit quite a few of my “ick” triggers and I just could not get past them enough to enjoy the story.
Ivy Grayson has loved James Jordan since she was a little girl. Unfortunately, it was Ivy’s sister Madelyn who initially won his heart. The book opens with Madelyn calling off her wedding to James at the church. Fifteen-year-old Ivy is heartbroken for him, but takes the opportunity to tell James that she is in love with him. James gently lets her down and they go their separate ways. Fast forward five years and Ivy has dropped out of college to become an artist. She is moving to New York City and will be living with several college aged males in a sketchy part of town. Her parents are naturally concerned and call upon James to look out for Ivy in the big city.
James has maintained contact with Madelyn and Ivy’s parents despite the broken engagement between him and Ivy’s older sister. Growing up next door to the Graysons, he spent more time at their home than his less than hospitable house and has always had a fond place in his heart for Ivy. Having changed her diapers as a toddler and bounced her upon his knee, James felt as if Ivy were the little sister he never had. So when the Graysons call upon him to watch over their baby, he is all over it. As a very successful financier, he owns a building in Manhattan and offers Ivy one of the apartments in this highly secure building.
Ivy is thrilled with the offer of an apartment in James’ building. She has never stopped loving him and being in such close proximity will give her a chance to show him that she has now grown up and is old enough to be more than a sister figure. Unfortunately, James has a girlfriend and Ivy is going to have to contend with competition for his affections. So what is a girl to do? Seduce him of course.
While this is not exactly a May-December romance, sixteen years is a pretty large age gap when the heroine is only twenty years old. If Warren has made Ivy twenty-five instead of twenty, I might have bought into this relationship more, but there is a great deal of maturity that happens in those five years and in this book, we don’t even have the excuse that Ivy is mature for her age. She acts like she is twenty, or maybe even eighteen. This is ick factor number one. Then Ivy decides to seduce James. James protests and tries to stay away, but Ivy just keeps pressuring him. I felt like the trope of a man pressuring a woman for sex until she finally gives in was just turned on its head here. Sex should never be about pressure in my opinion and that brings us to ick number two.
Then we have the pseudo incestuous angle. There is something about forming a romantic relationship with someone who has changed your diaper that almost makes my flesh crawl. Ick number three. I also do not like cheating and technically James cheated on his girlfriend Parker with Ivy. Parker is portrayed as a high society princess, but I actually formed more sympathy for her than I did Ivy. Ivy was really a little bit of a brat and she never really grew up as a character over the course of the book. Other than her long legs and gorgeous body, I have no clue what James saw in her other than a familiar face. Warren delves a bit deeper into Ivy’s character than she does James’ character. I do not feel as if I know him well enough to truly get a sense of who he is and frankly, I do not care to. The book did not have that much of a plot and was meant to be character driven I guess. Unfortunately I did not like the characters. I also did not care for the tightly contained, wealthy older man vs. the talented ingénue trope. There was just too much in this novel that ran to clichés.
I will not give up on Tracy Anne Warren over this one stinker, but I will read the book description a little more thoroughly before giving her next book a try. This book did NOT do it for me.
August 6, 2014
http://openbooksociety.com/article/th...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi
There is nothing more bitter than a lover scorned. And, that’s exactly how James feels after he’s jilted at the altar, his bride running off to be with another man. To quickly be followed by her teenage sister confessing her undying affection to him, a teenage crush it appears.
Five years later that teenager has grown and just dropped out of college to pursue her art dreams in New York. Her mom asks for James’s help in finding her a safe place to live and to look after her. The Graysons are like family, better than family to James, and he quickly agrees to help and puts Ivy up in his building, a complex he owns no less! It’s hard to believe that little girl has grown into the 20 year old bombshell she is now.
Ivy may be older, but her lifelong obsession with James hasn’t faded in the least. She is more determined than ever to have him, at any cost. Now it’s just up to her to convince him that she’s the one for him.
I really wanted to like this book, but frankly I just found Ivy to be … annoying, extremely so. She is very much as immature as she was during her confession to James on his would have been wedding day when she was fifteen. At one point in the book James told her she was behaving like a spoiled child and I couldn’t have agreed more and was ecstatic someone finally told her as much! She comes from a well-off family, drops out of school and they pay for her while she plays in New York to try to make it as an artist. And not only pay, but put her up in James’s swanky complex. Poor spoiled baby, but she’s not happy until she gets the man she wants to. She had a one track mind the entire time: to possess James for her very own.
James was an okay character, he was trying to do what seemed right to him and stay away from Ivy, but with her constantly throwing herself at him, he eventually couldn’t resist and caved. Overall though neither of these characters really spoke to me or even interested me all that much, making the relationship bland and whiny frankly.
I hope that all of Warren’s books aren’t like this one, but I honestly don’t know as I’ve never read her work before. This one just didn’t hit the mark for me. I guess I’ll have to wait until the next release of the series to decide if it’s worth another try.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi
There is nothing more bitter than a lover scorned. And, that’s exactly how James feels after he’s jilted at the altar, his bride running off to be with another man. To quickly be followed by her teenage sister confessing her undying affection to him, a teenage crush it appears.
Five years later that teenager has grown and just dropped out of college to pursue her art dreams in New York. Her mom asks for James’s help in finding her a safe place to live and to look after her. The Graysons are like family, better than family to James, and he quickly agrees to help and puts Ivy up in his building, a complex he owns no less! It’s hard to believe that little girl has grown into the 20 year old bombshell she is now.
Ivy may be older, but her lifelong obsession with James hasn’t faded in the least. She is more determined than ever to have him, at any cost. Now it’s just up to her to convince him that she’s the one for him.
I really wanted to like this book, but frankly I just found Ivy to be … annoying, extremely so. She is very much as immature as she was during her confession to James on his would have been wedding day when she was fifteen. At one point in the book James told her she was behaving like a spoiled child and I couldn’t have agreed more and was ecstatic someone finally told her as much! She comes from a well-off family, drops out of school and they pay for her while she plays in New York to try to make it as an artist. And not only pay, but put her up in James’s swanky complex. Poor spoiled baby, but she’s not happy until she gets the man she wants to. She had a one track mind the entire time: to possess James for her very own.
James was an okay character, he was trying to do what seemed right to him and stay away from Ivy, but with her constantly throwing herself at him, he eventually couldn’t resist and caved. Overall though neither of these characters really spoke to me or even interested me all that much, making the relationship bland and whiny frankly.
I hope that all of Warren’s books aren’t like this one, but I honestly don’t know as I’ve never read her work before. This one just didn’t hit the mark for me. I guess I’ll have to wait until the next release of the series to decide if it’s worth another try.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
January 15, 2015
3.5 stars
It was really nice reading for me. Particularly I like hero, James very much. He's elegant, sophisticated and at the same time sweet and thoughtful. Heroine is also with swee nature. At the beginning, disparity in age with H/h bothered me, but Ms Warren recovered it nicely.
The last quarter part was very enjoyable. It made me wonder how will be next book. And there was a mini part about it too and I liked it very much. So I would like to read next book in the series.
It was really nice reading for me. Particularly I like hero, James very much. He's elegant, sophisticated and at the same time sweet and thoughtful. Heroine is also with swee nature. At the beginning, disparity in age with H/h bothered me, but Ms Warren recovered it nicely.
The last quarter part was very enjoyable. It made me wonder how will be next book. And there was a mini part about it too and I liked it very much. So I would like to read next book in the series.
March 12, 2025
The first book in this series, the last man on earth, was absolutely fantastic! When I finished it, I was left with an emptiness in my heart because I just needed to read the next book. I couldn’t believe when this day was finally here!
In certain romance novels, there are characters that come off the page in such a way, that they need their own story. Ivy and James Jordan were 2 of them. After Madelyn jilted James in The last man on earth, we all felt a hole in our hearts for him. I for one wanted him to find someone to love, and of course, Ivy was the charismatic baby sister we all adored, so who better? One thing that surprised me about this book was the major age difference between James and Ivy. I thought she was 20 and he 30, but in fact they have a 15 year age difference! For some reason we are ok with that in historicals, but somehow in the generation where such big differences are leered at, it’s a little hard to get around... The author did a great job getting around it though. From beginning to end, Tracy Anne Warren proved to us that Ivy and James were perfect for each other in spite of their ages. James needed a woman who was happy, artistic and fun loving to balance out his serious workaholic personality, and Ivy also needed a loving and serious man to balance her out, and of course, who doesn’t need the man they’ve love their entire life?
I loved the chemistry between Ivy and James. It was nice to see the heroin doing the chasing, and I must admit, she did it brilliantly. Ivy was the kind of kick ass, go getter, and fearless kind of girl we all admire in our books. I must add that I adored her friends! Josh and Neill were warm, funny, and all the things we want in true friends. James was the best kind of Hero. Rich, handsome, and clean hearted. What more could we ask for in our main characters?
I actually read this book in one sitting without distractions, something that is rare for me, and a tribute to how good it was. I hope the author will continue writing books in this series. I enjoyed revisiting the world of the grasons. They’re such a dynamic family! I am very much looking forwards to Bri Grason’s story! She to, should find somebody to love.
In certain romance novels, there are characters that come off the page in such a way, that they need their own story. Ivy and James Jordan were 2 of them. After Madelyn jilted James in The last man on earth, we all felt a hole in our hearts for him. I for one wanted him to find someone to love, and of course, Ivy was the charismatic baby sister we all adored, so who better? One thing that surprised me about this book was the major age difference between James and Ivy. I thought she was 20 and he 30, but in fact they have a 15 year age difference! For some reason we are ok with that in historicals, but somehow in the generation where such big differences are leered at, it’s a little hard to get around... The author did a great job getting around it though. From beginning to end, Tracy Anne Warren proved to us that Ivy and James were perfect for each other in spite of their ages. James needed a woman who was happy, artistic and fun loving to balance out his serious workaholic personality, and Ivy also needed a loving and serious man to balance her out, and of course, who doesn’t need the man they’ve love their entire life?
I loved the chemistry between Ivy and James. It was nice to see the heroin doing the chasing, and I must admit, she did it brilliantly. Ivy was the kind of kick ass, go getter, and fearless kind of girl we all admire in our books. I must add that I adored her friends! Josh and Neill were warm, funny, and all the things we want in true friends. James was the best kind of Hero. Rich, handsome, and clean hearted. What more could we ask for in our main characters?
I actually read this book in one sitting without distractions, something that is rare for me, and a tribute to how good it was. I hope the author will continue writing books in this series. I enjoyed revisiting the world of the grasons. They’re such a dynamic family! I am very much looking forwards to Bri Grason’s story! She to, should find somebody to love.
August 7, 2014
Kitty‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
5 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
Love, romance, heartache, misunderstandings … everything that belongs in a contemporary romance brought to life in living color by an author that is an expert at weaving a story that draws you in from the beginning and doesn’t let you go until the final “I Love You”.
My heart broke for James in “The Last Man on Earth” and I was so looking forward to see how everything would turn out for him. I waited breathlessly for The Man Plan and I was not disappointed in the least. He fulfilled all of my expectations and pissed me off. He took a little too much time figuring out his feelings for Ivy, worrying about what other people would think, worrying about how her sister (his ex-fiance) and her parents would react. Unfortunately, it took Ivy going out on her own, not depending on anyone and making her way in the world without his protection, for him to see the light.
Ivy, only being 20, was one strong-willed, beautiful person. She sets her sights on a goal and she goes for it. James has been her dream since she can remember. She professed her love at 15 when Madelyn stood him up at that alter and she has never stopped loving him. Her schemes to get him to notice her now, to fall in love with her, cause her nothing but tears and heart-ache. Yes, this is why he pissed me off. But, making it on her own is what finally brings him to his knees.
I can’t say enough good about Tracy Anne Warren and the way she is bringing the Grayson series alive for me. The story is quick-paced (except for James and his dilly-dallying), humorous and just plain fun. Even with the age difference between James and Ivy, you can’t help but root for their HEA. And, what an HEA she gave them …. so romantic, so out-of-nature for James. I am definitely looking forward to “Man Oh Man” when we find out just how hard the next Grayson sister falls.
5 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
Love, romance, heartache, misunderstandings … everything that belongs in a contemporary romance brought to life in living color by an author that is an expert at weaving a story that draws you in from the beginning and doesn’t let you go until the final “I Love You”.
My heart broke for James in “The Last Man on Earth” and I was so looking forward to see how everything would turn out for him. I waited breathlessly for The Man Plan and I was not disappointed in the least. He fulfilled all of my expectations and pissed me off. He took a little too much time figuring out his feelings for Ivy, worrying about what other people would think, worrying about how her sister (his ex-fiance) and her parents would react. Unfortunately, it took Ivy going out on her own, not depending on anyone and making her way in the world without his protection, for him to see the light.
Ivy, only being 20, was one strong-willed, beautiful person. She sets her sights on a goal and she goes for it. James has been her dream since she can remember. She professed her love at 15 when Madelyn stood him up at that alter and she has never stopped loving him. Her schemes to get him to notice her now, to fall in love with her, cause her nothing but tears and heart-ache. Yes, this is why he pissed me off. But, making it on her own is what finally brings him to his knees.
I can’t say enough good about Tracy Anne Warren and the way she is bringing the Grayson series alive for me. The story is quick-paced (except for James and his dilly-dallying), humorous and just plain fun. Even with the age difference between James and Ivy, you can’t help but root for their HEA. And, what an HEA she gave them …. so romantic, so out-of-nature for James. I am definitely looking forward to “Man Oh Man” when we find out just how hard the next Grayson sister falls.
July 6, 2014
Ivy Grayson has been in love with James Jordan the entire 20 years of her life. Everyone wants to dismiss her feelings and say she will out grown them, but love has a mind of its own and Ivy knows what she wants and what she will have. Every heart beat Ivy has longs just for the chance to show him she has grown up and desires the return of her love for him. She has grown up into an artist on the brink of discovery and still he sees her as the little sister, but Ivy is going to turn that impression around if it is the last thing she does.
James refuses to allow himself to see the beautiful woman Ivy has grown into, she is too young or so he keeps telling himself. Being older than her makes him the responsible one but Ivy has matured into a woman he admires and can see a future with, if he can stop trying to control her life. When they are together it is magic and the mere touch of her lips against his ignites a spark so fierce the room explodes with excitement and anticipation. James and Ivy have to allow their feelings to grow and expand past perception and outside influences, but is that possible?
When Ivy has had enough of everyone and their family member directing the flow of her life she takes a step back and regroups to learn to live on her own. What Ivy proves to everyone including James is that she is mature enough to support herself, she has the artistic talent to forge a career, and in the end it is all up to James to show he is mature enough to handle a relationship that is so deep it takes a lifetime to live it out.
Tracy Anne Warren second book in this series shows again how great writers create characters with depth, and such romantic overtones to keep every reader warm any night.
James refuses to allow himself to see the beautiful woman Ivy has grown into, she is too young or so he keeps telling himself. Being older than her makes him the responsible one but Ivy has matured into a woman he admires and can see a future with, if he can stop trying to control her life. When they are together it is magic and the mere touch of her lips against his ignites a spark so fierce the room explodes with excitement and anticipation. James and Ivy have to allow their feelings to grow and expand past perception and outside influences, but is that possible?
When Ivy has had enough of everyone and their family member directing the flow of her life she takes a step back and regroups to learn to live on her own. What Ivy proves to everyone including James is that she is mature enough to support herself, she has the artistic talent to forge a career, and in the end it is all up to James to show he is mature enough to handle a relationship that is so deep it takes a lifetime to live it out.
Tracy Anne Warren second book in this series shows again how great writers create characters with depth, and such romantic overtones to keep every reader warm any night.
June 27, 2014
After three years of college, Ivy Grayson decides to drop out and move to New York City to pursue her painting career. Ivy’s mom is worried about her being all alone in a strange city and asks James Jordan to look after her. James is thirty-six and a rich and successful businessman. He was Ivy’s next door neighbor and five years ago, he was in love and engaged to Ivy’s older sister Madelyn, but she changed her mind minutes before their wedding. Ivy is a risk taker. She is willing to forgo college to pursue a painting career, not knowing if she will be successful. She is also willing to take a chance and try to win James heart. She has been in love with him for years, but he sees her as a child. Ivy plans to change his perception of her as being too young for him and hopefully, win his love. As Ivy puts her plan in place, James struggles with his attraction to Ivy. The premise of this book made me uncomfortable. Tracy Anne Warren is a wonderful author, but I had a hard time dealing with the idea that James is sixteen years older than Ivy. She is twenty and he is thirty-six, that’s a huge age difference. James grew up next door to Ivy and is almost like a brother or uncle to her. On top of that, he was in love with and engaged to Ivy’s sister. I liked James, he’s a nice guy, but I didn’t think he was right for Ivy.
Reviewed by Karen for Cocktails and Books
Reviewed by Karen for Cocktails and Books
October 8, 2014
While this book was certainly well written I wish Ivy's character wasn't so young compared to James. I liked both of the characters but there's just something a little pervy about falling for a girl who you used to carry piggy back when she was a kid. Plus, James was in love with Ivy's older sister. If Ivy could've been a little bit older I would feel more comfortable giving this book a solid 4 or even five star rating. But as it is, I think it encourages young ladies to fall for father figures. There's just something not right about that in my mind. It's like how Woody Allen married his adopted daughter. Just Ick!
October 29, 2014
Saw this at the library, and picked it up because it looks like fun!
I'm glad I saw this book at the library. I enjoyed it very much and will probably read the next one in the series. If you enjoy chick lit you will like this one.
I'm glad I saw this book at the library. I enjoyed it very much and will probably read the next one in the series. If you enjoy chick lit you will like this one.
January 2, 2020
DNF
I'll just jump right in to my problems with this book...
1. Cheating/Other woman. I hate cheating or even having another person being featured as a love interest in books. Often times it makes me hate the person at the center of it because they become wishy-washy and selfish. That is exactly what happened here. From the beginning of the book, hero is in a relationship with another woman and has been for about a year. So not only could there be feelings involved in the other person’s part, but there’s also an certain expectation of intimacy after a year (this isn’t a one night stand they can casually toss aside, this is someone that’s dedicated a year’s worth of time in the relationship with them). However, our hero decides he wants to have his cake and eat it too. He goes on these dates with the heroine that he says are just time spent with an old friend (except he’s picturing her naked so not really) and keeps lying to the other woman. When the book gets to the part where the hero and heroine start to get intimate, I threw in the towel. To give the hero some credit (not much as he should have stopped being a coward and broke off the relationship with the other woman earlier especially since it sounded like he was in a similar situation where he was the jilted party), the heroine keeps pushing and pushing even after the hero tells her repeatedly she needs to leave.
2. Age difference. I’m all for age difference in romance books and I think there are some out there that do an amazing job of showing the beauty of that type of relationship. This was not one of them. I could not get past the almost constant reminder of how young she was and that he changed her diapers and thinks of her as a little sister. EW. Seriously do not have all these sordid thoughts and then mention she’s like a little sister to you. Maybe in erotica that taboo works but not in a romance book.
I’ve read several of this author’s works and have been pretty pleased with them overall. That said she really does better as a historical romance writer. Even in this book there were influences of historical writing that wasn’t appropriate for a modern setting. While not awful and terribly noticeable, it is worth mentioning. Just like someone doesn’t want to read a historical with ultra modern language, neither does someone want to read a modern romance with historical language.
Give this one a pass but maybe check out one of the author’s other works.
I'll just jump right in to my problems with this book...
1. Cheating/Other woman. I hate cheating or even having another person being featured as a love interest in books. Often times it makes me hate the person at the center of it because they become wishy-washy and selfish. That is exactly what happened here. From the beginning of the book, hero is in a relationship with another woman and has been for about a year. So not only could there be feelings involved in the other person’s part, but there’s also an certain expectation of intimacy after a year (this isn’t a one night stand they can casually toss aside, this is someone that’s dedicated a year’s worth of time in the relationship with them). However, our hero decides he wants to have his cake and eat it too. He goes on these dates with the heroine that he says are just time spent with an old friend (except he’s picturing her naked so not really) and keeps lying to the other woman. When the book gets to the part where the hero and heroine start to get intimate, I threw in the towel. To give the hero some credit (not much as he should have stopped being a coward and broke off the relationship with the other woman earlier especially since it sounded like he was in a similar situation where he was the jilted party), the heroine keeps pushing and pushing even after the hero tells her repeatedly she needs to leave.
2. Age difference. I’m all for age difference in romance books and I think there are some out there that do an amazing job of showing the beauty of that type of relationship. This was not one of them. I could not get past the almost constant reminder of how young she was and that he changed her diapers and thinks of her as a little sister. EW. Seriously do not have all these sordid thoughts and then mention she’s like a little sister to you. Maybe in erotica that taboo works but not in a romance book.
I’ve read several of this author’s works and have been pretty pleased with them overall. That said she really does better as a historical romance writer. Even in this book there were influences of historical writing that wasn’t appropriate for a modern setting. While not awful and terribly noticeable, it is worth mentioning. Just like someone doesn’t want to read a historical with ultra modern language, neither does someone want to read a modern romance with historical language.
Give this one a pass but maybe check out one of the author’s other works.
May 14, 2019
skipped most of it. it made me really uncomfortable.
October 30, 2019
Loved the first one loved this one Tracy Anne Warren is one of my new favorite author.
March 19, 2024
fiquei curiosa pro livro do irmão dela q vai ficar viuvo com dois filhos pra criar mas aparentemente ele n tem livro 😪
February 12, 2017
Needy and too young heroine
March 23, 2017
I stayed up past my bedtime reading this one, but it was SO GOOD. The age difference is 15 years or so, so if that's a thing you're fervently opposed to, skip this one.
BUT SO GOOD. I loved Ivy and I loved the conflict. Excellent book.
BUT SO GOOD. I loved Ivy and I loved the conflict. Excellent book.
June 26, 2018
4.5 stars
The girl is RECKLASS!!! This was cute, funny and some moments cringe worthy . . . but definitely worth reading.
The girl is RECKLASS!!! This was cute, funny and some moments cringe worthy . . . but definitely worth reading.
November 4, 2014
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The Man Plan is the second book in The Grayson’s series however it can be read as a standalone. In this installment, we begin with James Jordan, wealthy businessman being left at the altar by his bride to be, Madelyn. Madelyn is featured in the first book, which chronicles her love affair and relationship with Zack. Enough backstory is included in this book that it is not necessary to have read the first to know what is going on.
Immediately after Madelyn runs off, Ivy, Madelyn’s fifteen-year-old sister, approaches thirty-one year old James. James has known Ivy nearly her entire life. But when she tells him that she wants to marry him and is willing to wait for as long as it takes to be with him, he quickly dismisses her as a childhood crush.
So when Ivy decides to drop out of college following her third year and move to New York in order to pursue her dream of being an artist, Ivy inserts herself back into James’s life. In a favor to her parents, James provides Ivy with an apartment in a tony upper eastside Manhattan location, keeping her out of the rat-infested artist building where she was planning to share an apartment with three men. The only reason Ivy agrees to move into James’s building is so that she can begin to pursue him, and convince him that at age 20, she is more than ready to step into the shoes that Madelyn left when she left James at the altar.
Unfortunately James still sees Ivy as the little girl whose diapers he helped change. Granted, he finds her insanely attractive and the bond that the two of them have from growing up together helps to fuel the attraction between them, James is afraid that any relationship with her would not go over well not only with his ex Madelyn, but her parents as well. He doesn’t want to risk losing the only family he has ever known to be with Ivy. But when he finds he can’t stop thinking about her, he can’t live without her, and finally confronts his feelings about Madelyn; he wants to give it a go. Problem is, it may be too late. Ivy has moved out of James’s building and has decided to try life as an independent 20 year old. Is there room in Ivy’s new life for James? Or is she better off with a man her own age?
The Man Plan is a fun, quick, well-written book. Unfortunately it is a little too predictable for my tastes. The characters are relatively well developed, however the character of James seemed to be so arrogant, I’m not entirely sure I liked him. Ivy seemed to have to defend his actions more than once to her friend;, it was obvious he thought her friends were beneath him. That just didn’t strike me as an endearing characteristic.
The Man Plan was a solid 3 ½ stars. It would make a great beach/vacation read and would be perfect for fans of May/December romances. There is a little bit of heat, but honestly it’s about a PG-13 book in my world. I liked the history between the characters and Ms. Warren did a great job of making those relationships believable, and developing them to make it easy to set up for subsequent books, but I just didn’t care much for James.
The Man Plan is the second book in The Grayson’s series however it can be read as a standalone. In this installment, we begin with James Jordan, wealthy businessman being left at the altar by his bride to be, Madelyn. Madelyn is featured in the first book, which chronicles her love affair and relationship with Zack. Enough backstory is included in this book that it is not necessary to have read the first to know what is going on.
Immediately after Madelyn runs off, Ivy, Madelyn’s fifteen-year-old sister, approaches thirty-one year old James. James has known Ivy nearly her entire life. But when she tells him that she wants to marry him and is willing to wait for as long as it takes to be with him, he quickly dismisses her as a childhood crush.
So when Ivy decides to drop out of college following her third year and move to New York in order to pursue her dream of being an artist, Ivy inserts herself back into James’s life. In a favor to her parents, James provides Ivy with an apartment in a tony upper eastside Manhattan location, keeping her out of the rat-infested artist building where she was planning to share an apartment with three men. The only reason Ivy agrees to move into James’s building is so that she can begin to pursue him, and convince him that at age 20, she is more than ready to step into the shoes that Madelyn left when she left James at the altar.
Unfortunately James still sees Ivy as the little girl whose diapers he helped change. Granted, he finds her insanely attractive and the bond that the two of them have from growing up together helps to fuel the attraction between them, James is afraid that any relationship with her would not go over well not only with his ex Madelyn, but her parents as well. He doesn’t want to risk losing the only family he has ever known to be with Ivy. But when he finds he can’t stop thinking about her, he can’t live without her, and finally confronts his feelings about Madelyn; he wants to give it a go. Problem is, it may be too late. Ivy has moved out of James’s building and has decided to try life as an independent 20 year old. Is there room in Ivy’s new life for James? Or is she better off with a man her own age?
The Man Plan is a fun, quick, well-written book. Unfortunately it is a little too predictable for my tastes. The characters are relatively well developed, however the character of James seemed to be so arrogant, I’m not entirely sure I liked him. Ivy seemed to have to defend his actions more than once to her friend;, it was obvious he thought her friends were beneath him. That just didn’t strike me as an endearing characteristic.
The Man Plan was a solid 3 ½ stars. It would make a great beach/vacation read and would be perfect for fans of May/December romances. There is a little bit of heat, but honestly it’s about a PG-13 book in my world. I liked the history between the characters and Ms. Warren did a great job of making those relationships believable, and developing them to make it easy to set up for subsequent books, but I just didn’t care much for James.
August 27, 2014
Tracy Anne Warren brings readers the second book in the Graysons series, The Man Plan. This is a contemporary romance set in the world of business. The hero is a successful businessman, while the heroine is an up and coming artist. It's a case of opposites attracting, but they have a lot to overcome, including a substantial age difference and the fact that Ivy's sister left James at the alter in the previous book. Warren is able to pull it all together to provide readers with an adventurous love story that will have them on pins and needles to see if the seduction works.
What I liked:
After reviewing the first book in this series, The Last Man on Earth, I was hoping that James would get his own story. I wanted to see the nice guy finish first instead of last. His character seemed very genuine and caring. I wanted to see him find his own happy ever after because he was jilted by Madelyn and because I wanted to know more about him and I'm really glad that Tracy Anne Warren gave us a book that takes a deeper look into his character.
What I didn't like:
In The Man Plan, James becomes of the object of Ivy Graysons deepest desires. Her sister may have left him at the altar, but Ivy wanted to be the one to pick up the pieces and now she may have her chance. James is a very successful businessman. His career and his love life seem to be going alright from an outsiders point of view. I liked James in this book, but not quite as much as in the first one. I thought he got a little short changed in The Man Plan. I wanted to see a lot more depth to his character. I understood his need to stay away from Ivy and her conniving. He was the older man and she seemed too young and naive for him, but he just couldn't resist. I was hoping for a love interest that was his equal and didn't quite find that here.
Ivy was not what I expected. I am generally okay with the theme of the older man, having been in that situation myself. But this time it just didn't seem to work. Ivy's maturity level was just too far removed from that of James. He seemed every inch, a man, while she still had all the characteristics of an infatuated girl. Her decisions were often rash and her reactions more like a teenager than a young woman. She goes into her 'man plan' to get James to fall in love with her, all the time knowing he had a girlfriend. I just couldn't make myself respect her or like her. That doesn't happen too often for me.
Bottom Line:
I like Tracy Anne Warren's writing but this book fell a little short for me. I wanted so much more for James. He had his moments of being underwhelming in this book and Ivy was just too young for him in every way. I wish I could have liked this one because I enjoyed James' character so much in the first one, but it just didn't hold together. The last few chapters were good, but the rest of the book was a bit too cliche. As with any book you should read it and see what you think. My opinion is just that, my opinion and yours may be different.
What I liked:
After reviewing the first book in this series, The Last Man on Earth, I was hoping that James would get his own story. I wanted to see the nice guy finish first instead of last. His character seemed very genuine and caring. I wanted to see him find his own happy ever after because he was jilted by Madelyn and because I wanted to know more about him and I'm really glad that Tracy Anne Warren gave us a book that takes a deeper look into his character.
What I didn't like:
In The Man Plan, James becomes of the object of Ivy Graysons deepest desires. Her sister may have left him at the altar, but Ivy wanted to be the one to pick up the pieces and now she may have her chance. James is a very successful businessman. His career and his love life seem to be going alright from an outsiders point of view. I liked James in this book, but not quite as much as in the first one. I thought he got a little short changed in The Man Plan. I wanted to see a lot more depth to his character. I understood his need to stay away from Ivy and her conniving. He was the older man and she seemed too young and naive for him, but he just couldn't resist. I was hoping for a love interest that was his equal and didn't quite find that here.
Ivy was not what I expected. I am generally okay with the theme of the older man, having been in that situation myself. But this time it just didn't seem to work. Ivy's maturity level was just too far removed from that of James. He seemed every inch, a man, while she still had all the characteristics of an infatuated girl. Her decisions were often rash and her reactions more like a teenager than a young woman. She goes into her 'man plan' to get James to fall in love with her, all the time knowing he had a girlfriend. I just couldn't make myself respect her or like her. That doesn't happen too often for me.
Bottom Line:
I like Tracy Anne Warren's writing but this book fell a little short for me. I wanted so much more for James. He had his moments of being underwhelming in this book and Ivy was just too young for him in every way. I wish I could have liked this one because I enjoyed James' character so much in the first one, but it just didn't hold together. The last few chapters were good, but the rest of the book was a bit too cliche. As with any book you should read it and see what you think. My opinion is just that, my opinion and yours may be different.
August 13, 2014
I have been waiting for James and Ivy's book since I finished reading The Last Man on Earth a couple of months ago. I connected with them immediately and I was super excited when I found out that the second installment in The Graysons Series was about them! I have to be honest and admit that I had a hard time connecting with James for a good part of this book. I was a bit disappointed of the lack of connection with him since I liked him so much in The Last Man on Earth. It took me a while to understand his character, but I finally ended up cheering for his HEA with Ivy.
The Man Plan is the story of Ivy and James. Ivy has been in love with James since FOREVER. Her feelings have grown over the years and the moment she sees him again she decides that it's time to make her move and make him understand the way she feels about him. When Ivy unexpectedly reappears in his life, James is confused about these new feelings he has for Ivy. He can't stop thinking about her, and he's going to find out soon enough that the little girl he once knew, transformed into a tempting woman.
This second installment of The Graysons Series was a great addition! Once again the book left me wanting to know more about the characters that will be featured in the next book. What I really liked about Tracy Anne Warren's writing style is that even if I had trouble connecting with one of the main characters, I never lost interest in the story. She kept me turning the pages until the very end! I wanted to find out how Ivy was going to seduce James, how he was going to react, and most of all how they would overcome the obstacles in their way. One of these obstacles was their age difference. They have about a fifteen year difference. For Ivy their age was just a number, but I could see that James was struggling with it. It took him a while to feel comfortable about the way he felt about Ivy. She was like a little sister to him and all of a sudden BAM!!!!! He starts having different kinds of feelings for her.
I really liked Ivy. I was cheering for her from beginning to end. She knew she loved James and it was not just some crush. She was real, sincere and most of all she took big steps to change her life. She proved to James, and all the member of her family that she's a strong independent woman. Her chemistry with James was intense and she knew exactly how to get under his skin. You go girl!
Overall, this story was very enjoyable and a quick reading escape. Madelyn and Zach from The Last Man on Earth have some scenes in this book, and I was really happy to check-in with them. They were great characters as well. I can't wait to see what's in store for Brie, which is Madelyn and Ivy's sister. She's next!!!! :)
I give, The Man Plan, by Tracy Anne Warren 3.5 sweet and delightful stars!
The Man Plan is the story of Ivy and James. Ivy has been in love with James since FOREVER. Her feelings have grown over the years and the moment she sees him again she decides that it's time to make her move and make him understand the way she feels about him. When Ivy unexpectedly reappears in his life, James is confused about these new feelings he has for Ivy. He can't stop thinking about her, and he's going to find out soon enough that the little girl he once knew, transformed into a tempting woman.
This second installment of The Graysons Series was a great addition! Once again the book left me wanting to know more about the characters that will be featured in the next book. What I really liked about Tracy Anne Warren's writing style is that even if I had trouble connecting with one of the main characters, I never lost interest in the story. She kept me turning the pages until the very end! I wanted to find out how Ivy was going to seduce James, how he was going to react, and most of all how they would overcome the obstacles in their way. One of these obstacles was their age difference. They have about a fifteen year difference. For Ivy their age was just a number, but I could see that James was struggling with it. It took him a while to feel comfortable about the way he felt about Ivy. She was like a little sister to him and all of a sudden BAM!!!!! He starts having different kinds of feelings for her.
I really liked Ivy. I was cheering for her from beginning to end. She knew she loved James and it was not just some crush. She was real, sincere and most of all she took big steps to change her life. She proved to James, and all the member of her family that she's a strong independent woman. Her chemistry with James was intense and she knew exactly how to get under his skin. You go girl!
Overall, this story was very enjoyable and a quick reading escape. Madelyn and Zach from The Last Man on Earth have some scenes in this book, and I was really happy to check-in with them. They were great characters as well. I can't wait to see what's in store for Brie, which is Madelyn and Ivy's sister. She's next!!!! :)
I give, The Man Plan, by Tracy Anne Warren 3.5 sweet and delightful stars!
July 15, 2014
My review cross-posted from Wit and Sin: http://witandsin.blogspot.com/2014/07...
The Man Plan is a book with a cute (though awfully familiar) premise that ultimately falls short in execution. I really wanted to enjoy Ivy and James’s story, but the soap opera-light feel of the book simply wasn’t for me and it wasn’t until almost the very end that I liked the heroine at all.
Ivy has had a crush on James for as long as she can remember, but he’s always treated her like a kid sister. He’s fifteen years older than her, a successful businessman, and he’s not too keen on opening his heart to another Grayson woman after Ivy’s sister broke his heart and left him at the altar. Ivy’s determined to make James see her as a woman, and she sets out to ensnare him and make him love her. Where this plan breaks down (for me) is Ivy herself. She’s a nice girl, but is slightly spoiled, something that’s never really addressed. She’s had everything in life handed to her, making it hard to feel any sympathy for her for the whole week that things don’t go her way. Though she claims she’s a woman, in reality this twenty-year-old still acts like a teenager, making it hard for me to swallow the age gap between her and James. I’ve read books with significant age gaps between hero and heroine before, but never before have I read a story where the maturity levels between the two protagonists are so significant. As for James, I felt like we only got to see the surface of his character, and I really wanted to go deeper. As a couple, they never quite rang true for me until the very end. Fortunately author Tracy Anne Warren finishes The Man Plan strong, but two chapters of solid story doesn’t make up for an entire book of high school-like seduction plans and sob fests.
The saving grace of The Man Plan is the story’s minor characters. Ivy’s sister Brie is smart, hardworking, and interesting and I wanted to learn more about her. There’s also the beginnings of a plot thread concerning Ivy’s brother and sister-in-law. I desperately wanted to follow said storyline, but unfortunately it was never fully fleshed out. All in all, The Man Plan simply wasn’t the book for me. I simply couldn’t suspend disbelief long enough to buy a true romance between a mid-thirties, mature businessman and an immature heroine, no matter how lovely or love struck she is. I’m not sure I’ll be reading any more books in the Graysons series, but who knows? Brie Grayson might just tempt me into giving this series another shot.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Man Plan is a book with a cute (though awfully familiar) premise that ultimately falls short in execution. I really wanted to enjoy Ivy and James’s story, but the soap opera-light feel of the book simply wasn’t for me and it wasn’t until almost the very end that I liked the heroine at all.
Ivy has had a crush on James for as long as she can remember, but he’s always treated her like a kid sister. He’s fifteen years older than her, a successful businessman, and he’s not too keen on opening his heart to another Grayson woman after Ivy’s sister broke his heart and left him at the altar. Ivy’s determined to make James see her as a woman, and she sets out to ensnare him and make him love her. Where this plan breaks down (for me) is Ivy herself. She’s a nice girl, but is slightly spoiled, something that’s never really addressed. She’s had everything in life handed to her, making it hard to feel any sympathy for her for the whole week that things don’t go her way. Though she claims she’s a woman, in reality this twenty-year-old still acts like a teenager, making it hard for me to swallow the age gap between her and James. I’ve read books with significant age gaps between hero and heroine before, but never before have I read a story where the maturity levels between the two protagonists are so significant. As for James, I felt like we only got to see the surface of his character, and I really wanted to go deeper. As a couple, they never quite rang true for me until the very end. Fortunately author Tracy Anne Warren finishes The Man Plan strong, but two chapters of solid story doesn’t make up for an entire book of high school-like seduction plans and sob fests.
The saving grace of The Man Plan is the story’s minor characters. Ivy’s sister Brie is smart, hardworking, and interesting and I wanted to learn more about her. There’s also the beginnings of a plot thread concerning Ivy’s brother and sister-in-law. I desperately wanted to follow said storyline, but unfortunately it was never fully fleshed out. All in all, The Man Plan simply wasn’t the book for me. I simply couldn’t suspend disbelief long enough to buy a true romance between a mid-thirties, mature businessman and an immature heroine, no matter how lovely or love struck she is. I’m not sure I’ll be reading any more books in the Graysons series, but who knows? Brie Grayson might just tempt me into giving this series another shot.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
October 1, 2014
Originally posted on Smitten by Books Blog
Reader Beware: This book contains a May-December Trope.
It’s been a long time— well, not so long if you count Historicals, since I read a contemporary romance with a May-December Trope. This is also a friends to lover’s tale as well.
That being said I loved it! There’s hilarity, the laugh out loud variety, for our hero, James. He gets the royal of all-hell-breaking-loose in this story. For those who read Warren’s first book in the series James is the fiancé left at the altar, by beauty Madelyn. In this book you find out Madelyn’s much-younger sister, Ivy, has loved James for years and wants him to see her as more than just a friend or little sister.
One of my hesitations in this whole story is that Ivy feels like an enigma to me. I related to James, his fears and inhibitions as well as his coming realization that Ivy means more to him beyond the boundaries he put in place before. Yet, with Ivy I didn’t grasp her as well. I felt like I was always skimming the surface of her subconscious versus swimming in it.
That being said, this is my second Warren novel and I find that this author writes fun romances with some conflict, but her characters are definitely not tortured souls with issues or the need for redemption. Meaning: reading this book won’t rip your heart out, but it should put a smile on your face.
As for pacing, the book clips along pretty quick from the beginning to mid-way through. From there though it tapers off, there’s also some external events added in that I found it difficult to understand their purpose. If only to side track the main characters from their original conflicts momentarily. After a certain point these added events were barely mentioned.
Overall, this is another story that I liked, and enjoyed the giggles, but there was something lacking for me. I think if you enjoy stories that won’t emotionally drain you or require a deep commitment then this is a book you should pick up. The hot sexy, Billionaire hero doesn’t hurt either.
Reviewed by Landra
Heat Level: Hot
Reader Beware: This book contains a May-December Trope.
It’s been a long time— well, not so long if you count Historicals, since I read a contemporary romance with a May-December Trope. This is also a friends to lover’s tale as well.
That being said I loved it! There’s hilarity, the laugh out loud variety, for our hero, James. He gets the royal of all-hell-breaking-loose in this story. For those who read Warren’s first book in the series James is the fiancé left at the altar, by beauty Madelyn. In this book you find out Madelyn’s much-younger sister, Ivy, has loved James for years and wants him to see her as more than just a friend or little sister.
One of my hesitations in this whole story is that Ivy feels like an enigma to me. I related to James, his fears and inhibitions as well as his coming realization that Ivy means more to him beyond the boundaries he put in place before. Yet, with Ivy I didn’t grasp her as well. I felt like I was always skimming the surface of her subconscious versus swimming in it.
That being said, this is my second Warren novel and I find that this author writes fun romances with some conflict, but her characters are definitely not tortured souls with issues or the need for redemption. Meaning: reading this book won’t rip your heart out, but it should put a smile on your face.
As for pacing, the book clips along pretty quick from the beginning to mid-way through. From there though it tapers off, there’s also some external events added in that I found it difficult to understand their purpose. If only to side track the main characters from their original conflicts momentarily. After a certain point these added events were barely mentioned.
Overall, this is another story that I liked, and enjoyed the giggles, but there was something lacking for me. I think if you enjoy stories that won’t emotionally drain you or require a deep commitment then this is a book you should pick up. The hot sexy, Billionaire hero doesn’t hurt either.
Reviewed by Landra
Heat Level: Hot
May 21, 2015
Posted on What I'm Reading
Towards the end of last month I was able to read The Man Plan by Tracy Anne Warren. Truthfully, I didn't know what to expect. so I went in not knowing what the story was about. Fortunately, I liked the story.
Anyway, The Man Plan is a book two, and I haven't read the first book. I do actually want to go back and read the first story, because it would clear up what happen to James and Madelyn. Basically, the prologue starts off with James getting told that Madelyn can't marry him and he storms off from the chapel. Sucks to be him. Then it jumps five years later with James getting a call from Madelyn's parents asking for a favor to keep an eye out on Ivy (Madelyn's little sister). We come to find out that she has set her eyes on capturing James. Okay, that might sound a bit creepy since he's 35 and she's about 20. I guess we can go with a lot of jokes, but I'm going to let it go.
Basically, we have Ivy on a mission to seduce James and to show him she's the girl for him (compare to him she is a girl). While James is trying to keep his cool and remember that he use to held her as a baby. Yeah, nothing creepy about him lusting after a 20 year old. Sorry, I couldn't help myself. We watch James face this inner struggle, which he loses and caves to temptation. I have to say when he does cave it's hilarious and everything goes to hell. It's marvelously awesome. He keeps throwing in her face that she need to experience life, because he's so old and she might regret it. Since Ivy has a stubborn streak, she decides to prove to James she gain experience. Of course this drives his protective side crazy.
Honestly, I did enjoyed The Man Plan, because it was funny and entertaining. Yes, I did cry at parts, then again I'm a sap. I liked the May-December romance, because you don't find too many of them. So, it's different to see 15 years difference when it's not a historical. So, if you are looking for something entertaining you might consider The Man Plan your next read.
Towards the end of last month I was able to read The Man Plan by Tracy Anne Warren. Truthfully, I didn't know what to expect. so I went in not knowing what the story was about. Fortunately, I liked the story.
Anyway, The Man Plan is a book two, and I haven't read the first book. I do actually want to go back and read the first story, because it would clear up what happen to James and Madelyn. Basically, the prologue starts off with James getting told that Madelyn can't marry him and he storms off from the chapel. Sucks to be him. Then it jumps five years later with James getting a call from Madelyn's parents asking for a favor to keep an eye out on Ivy (Madelyn's little sister). We come to find out that she has set her eyes on capturing James. Okay, that might sound a bit creepy since he's 35 and she's about 20. I guess we can go with a lot of jokes, but I'm going to let it go.
Basically, we have Ivy on a mission to seduce James and to show him she's the girl for him (compare to him she is a girl). While James is trying to keep his cool and remember that he use to held her as a baby. Yeah, nothing creepy about him lusting after a 20 year old. Sorry, I couldn't help myself. We watch James face this inner struggle, which he loses and caves to temptation. I have to say when he does cave it's hilarious and everything goes to hell. It's marvelously awesome. He keeps throwing in her face that she need to experience life, because he's so old and she might regret it. Since Ivy has a stubborn streak, she decides to prove to James she gain experience. Of course this drives his protective side crazy.
Honestly, I did enjoyed The Man Plan, because it was funny and entertaining. Yes, I did cry at parts, then again I'm a sap. I liked the May-December romance, because you don't find too many of them. So, it's different to see 15 years difference when it's not a historical. So, if you are looking for something entertaining you might consider The Man Plan your next read.
November 13, 2014
Original Post 11/13/14 at Fangs, Wands & Fairy Dust http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
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The Man Plan: Do Age Differences Matter?
Book provided by publisher for review. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions presented herein are my own except as noted.
I liked this book — I wasn’t totally obsessed with it but it was pleasant and had some meaningful interest outside the bedroom. The relationship develops slowly with one or the other getting angry because of miscommunication or misunderstanding, and later in the story one or the other acting with maturity.
This book is very much about growing up; maturing a crush into love by maturing one’s self.
Ivy is an artist who leaves her last year of college to paint. In wanting to do it without her connections she ends up learning that very often coincidence makes a career even when talent is present. The family connections are very close and quite pleasant in an ideal family way.
The sex is not terribly graphic. Warren takes us through it but we’re left to connect the dots. I have a lot of friends who like a lot left to the imagination.
Another big theme is a rather large age difference of fifteen years, compounded with James having been left at the altar by Ivy’s sister. He’s been dating women he doesn’t even really like, and she hasn;t been dating at all because she has such a crush on him. James never feels like a man of 35; in some ways Ivy feels more emotionally centered than he does.
The age and former relationship (Ivy was his former fiancee’s sister) seem pretty insurmountable and I still felt them as a problem at the end. I felt the fifteen year gap was pretty big, and the experiential gap would be a huge gulf. What do you think? Does age matter? What about that relationship?
For holiday romance, there’s some but you won;t drown in carolers and eggnog. It is romantic though.
I liked the book much more than I thought I would and I would recommend it as a light-hearted and slightly heated read.
I would love to have you visit and comment on my blog.
The Man Plan: Do Age Differences Matter?
Book provided by publisher for review. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions presented herein are my own except as noted.
I liked this book — I wasn’t totally obsessed with it but it was pleasant and had some meaningful interest outside the bedroom. The relationship develops slowly with one or the other getting angry because of miscommunication or misunderstanding, and later in the story one or the other acting with maturity.
This book is very much about growing up; maturing a crush into love by maturing one’s self.
Ivy is an artist who leaves her last year of college to paint. In wanting to do it without her connections she ends up learning that very often coincidence makes a career even when talent is present. The family connections are very close and quite pleasant in an ideal family way.
The sex is not terribly graphic. Warren takes us through it but we’re left to connect the dots. I have a lot of friends who like a lot left to the imagination.
Another big theme is a rather large age difference of fifteen years, compounded with James having been left at the altar by Ivy’s sister. He’s been dating women he doesn’t even really like, and she hasn;t been dating at all because she has such a crush on him. James never feels like a man of 35; in some ways Ivy feels more emotionally centered than he does.
The age and former relationship (Ivy was his former fiancee’s sister) seem pretty insurmountable and I still felt them as a problem at the end. I felt the fifteen year gap was pretty big, and the experiential gap would be a huge gulf. What do you think? Does age matter? What about that relationship?
For holiday romance, there’s some but you won;t drown in carolers and eggnog. It is romantic though.
I liked the book much more than I thought I would and I would recommend it as a light-hearted and slightly heated read.
December 23, 2014
<< edited 23rd Dec- this reminded me of the Kdrama gentleman's dignity. We have couple with similar age gap.
>>
At 15, Ivy grayson knew She was in love with James.
She lost the chance at forever with James when he proposed to her older sister.For his happiness, she decided to give up on her love and wish him well.
But when her sister jilted him , she took her chance and confessed but he rejected her and walked away.
6yrs later, she is now blossomed from a girl to a women and is walking towards her dream career. And in a twist of fate(&her parents), James walks back into her life.
James is a bit confused as to what is happening,one minute he says he going to watch over Ivy but may be he is taking it too far. But one thing he was certain of, she made him happy and he wanted her to stay right where he could see her always..
His well built defenses are crashing around him and she enters his heart easily.
For Ivy, this is the last chance she has & she has decided she is going to play for keeps with her "Man plan" :)
I am fan of unrequited love theme. this one was good and way better than the first one.
i liked how determined Ivy was and how she proves herself to him.
James was good guy who really tried hard to overcome his attraction to Ivy but he was no match for her.
August 5, 2014
Tracy Anne Warren’s Grayson series offers the perfect escape, and I laughed, swooned and cheered. The Man Plan is the second book, and it held me captive and I consumed it in a single afternoon. Warren created a hero and heroine readers will love.
Ivy Grayson has been in love with James Jordon since she was a toddler. At fifteen when her own sister broke his heart she asked him to wait for her. Now she is twenty and living in New York City pursuing her dream of painting. When her path crosses with James, she sees her chance. When Ivy’s parents ask James to keep an eye on their daughter he agrees and is shocked to find little Ivy all grown-up. The tale that unfolds was fun as they two tangoed.
The Man Plan, while predictable was sweet and romantic with just the right amount of angst and miscommunication to keep me flipping the pages. I connected with both Ivy and James. Ivy knows what she wants and is not willing to compromise. I wish more heroines refused to settle. James struggles with trust issues, but also with the fact that he is developing feelings for the little girl who idolized him. Ivy is all woman and does not make it easy for him. Which of course made the story interesting. While this is a fade to black romance, Warren allowed us to feel the heat and lose our hearts. Friends, family and little side stories outside of the relationship made the tale well rounded and added depth.
Fans of feel good contemporary romances will adore The Man Plan, the newest addition to the Grayson series. I am looking forward to the next Grayson story.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for unbiased review.This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Ivy Grayson has been in love with James Jordon since she was a toddler. At fifteen when her own sister broke his heart she asked him to wait for her. Now she is twenty and living in New York City pursuing her dream of painting. When her path crosses with James, she sees her chance. When Ivy’s parents ask James to keep an eye on their daughter he agrees and is shocked to find little Ivy all grown-up. The tale that unfolds was fun as they two tangoed.
The Man Plan, while predictable was sweet and romantic with just the right amount of angst and miscommunication to keep me flipping the pages. I connected with both Ivy and James. Ivy knows what she wants and is not willing to compromise. I wish more heroines refused to settle. James struggles with trust issues, but also with the fact that he is developing feelings for the little girl who idolized him. Ivy is all woman and does not make it easy for him. Which of course made the story interesting. While this is a fade to black romance, Warren allowed us to feel the heat and lose our hearts. Friends, family and little side stories outside of the relationship made the tale well rounded and added depth.
Fans of feel good contemporary romances will adore The Man Plan, the newest addition to the Grayson series. I am looking forward to the next Grayson story.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for unbiased review.This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
July 30, 2014
3.75 Stars
I think at some point in her life every girl has tried to win the love of a guy. I know I have. Luckily for me, once I met my husband I didn't have to try too hard because he won me over with cake. Seriously, he brought me an entire cake for St. Patrick's Day and I knew he was The One.
Ivy Grayson has known that James Jordan was her The One since she was in diapers and she refuses to let their fifteen year age difference or the fact that he was jilted by her older sister on his wedding day sway her. Ivy is convinced that moving to New York under the guise of pursuing a career in art will also allow her the chance to convince James to fall in love with her and then they can live happily-ever-after!
But---things don't go according to Ivy's plan. James certainly notices Ivy is no longer a little girl, and he's definitely attracted to her, but he isn't so ready or willing to put aside the history he shares with the Grayson family. And then there's the age difference, which, if I'm being honest, felt a little weird at times. But not so weird that I couldn't enjoy the story. Ivy and James both experience growth by books' end and like any good romance, there is a happy ending.
I also enjoyed the writing which to me, read a lot like historical romance. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but there were a few times I found myself wondering if a typical twenty year old would have such a flowery vocabulary as Ivy.
The sneak peek included made me curious for the next one in this series!
I think at some point in her life every girl has tried to win the love of a guy. I know I have. Luckily for me, once I met my husband I didn't have to try too hard because he won me over with cake. Seriously, he brought me an entire cake for St. Patrick's Day and I knew he was The One.
Ivy Grayson has known that James Jordan was her The One since she was in diapers and she refuses to let their fifteen year age difference or the fact that he was jilted by her older sister on his wedding day sway her. Ivy is convinced that moving to New York under the guise of pursuing a career in art will also allow her the chance to convince James to fall in love with her and then they can live happily-ever-after!
But---things don't go according to Ivy's plan. James certainly notices Ivy is no longer a little girl, and he's definitely attracted to her, but he isn't so ready or willing to put aside the history he shares with the Grayson family. And then there's the age difference, which, if I'm being honest, felt a little weird at times. But not so weird that I couldn't enjoy the story. Ivy and James both experience growth by books' end and like any good romance, there is a happy ending.
I also enjoyed the writing which to me, read a lot like historical romance. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but there were a few times I found myself wondering if a typical twenty year old would have such a flowery vocabulary as Ivy.
The sneak peek included made me curious for the next one in this series!
June 27, 2014
http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/
I received a copy of this book to write a review for Cocktail and Books.
After three years of college, Ivy Grayson decides to drop out and move to New York City to pursue her painting career. Ivy’s mom is worried about her being all alone in a strange city and asks James Jordan to look after her. James is thirty-six and a rich and successful businessman. He was Ivy’s next door neighbor and five years ago, he was in love and engaged to Ivy’s older sister Madelyn, but she changed her mind minutes before their wedding. Ivy is a risk taker. She is willing to forgo college to pursue a painting career, not knowing if she will be successful. She is also willing to take a chance and try to win James heart. She has been in love with him for years, but he sees her as a child. Ivy plans to change his perception of her as being too young for him and hopefully, win his love. As Ivy puts her plan in place, James struggles with his attraction to Ivy. The premise of this book made me uncomfortable. Tracy Anne Warren is a wonderful author, but I had a hard time dealing with the idea that James is sixteen years older than Ivy. She is twenty and he is thirty-six, that’s a huge age difference. James grew up next door to Ivy and is almost like a brother or uncle to her. On top of that, he was in love with and engaged to Ivy’s sister. I liked James, he’s a nice guy, but I didn’t think he was right for Ivy.
I received a copy of this book to write a review for Cocktail and Books.
After three years of college, Ivy Grayson decides to drop out and move to New York City to pursue her painting career. Ivy’s mom is worried about her being all alone in a strange city and asks James Jordan to look after her. James is thirty-six and a rich and successful businessman. He was Ivy’s next door neighbor and five years ago, he was in love and engaged to Ivy’s older sister Madelyn, but she changed her mind minutes before their wedding. Ivy is a risk taker. She is willing to forgo college to pursue a painting career, not knowing if she will be successful. She is also willing to take a chance and try to win James heart. She has been in love with him for years, but he sees her as a child. Ivy plans to change his perception of her as being too young for him and hopefully, win his love. As Ivy puts her plan in place, James struggles with his attraction to Ivy. The premise of this book made me uncomfortable. Tracy Anne Warren is a wonderful author, but I had a hard time dealing with the idea that James is sixteen years older than Ivy. She is twenty and he is thirty-six, that’s a huge age difference. James grew up next door to Ivy and is almost like a brother or uncle to her. On top of that, he was in love with and engaged to Ivy’s sister. I liked James, he’s a nice guy, but I didn’t think he was right for Ivy.
July 24, 2015
I'm a big fan of Tracy Anne Warren historical novels, but I have to say that I have not enjoyed her attempts with contemporary romance. The biggest issue I have with The Man Plan is that the dialogue is so STILTED and PROPER that I was trying to figure out if the characters were supposed to be British. They were supposed to be modern Americans..it didn't translate through the story because of the vernacular used. Really need to work on that for future contemporaries! I'm wondering what the heck the editor was thinking with allowing that dialogue.
The plot of the book was a little icky for me as well, the heroine is the kid sister of the hero's ex-fiance (intimacy is implied) AND he watched her grow up/changed her diapers??? Can you say, 'EWWWW'?
Additionally, while I don't need a blow by blow telling of intimate acts in a story, I feel like a contemporary (non-Religious based)love story ought to have some heat to it. The Man Plan didn't have it.
While I didn't have an issue with the age difference, I found the hero way too boring and he just wasn't alpha enough for me. There is no way that a man runs a million/billion dollar company and he's not a decisive, bold alpha male. I have to rate this book at an unsatisfactory one star for these reasons.
The plot of the book was a little icky for me as well, the heroine is the kid sister of the hero's ex-fiance (intimacy is implied) AND he watched her grow up/changed her diapers??? Can you say, 'EWWWW'?
Additionally, while I don't need a blow by blow telling of intimate acts in a story, I feel like a contemporary (non-Religious based)love story ought to have some heat to it. The Man Plan didn't have it.
While I didn't have an issue with the age difference, I found the hero way too boring and he just wasn't alpha enough for me. There is no way that a man runs a million/billion dollar company and he's not a decisive, bold alpha male. I have to rate this book at an unsatisfactory one star for these reasons.
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