Dirty Plans

by Carissa Knight

He was my best friend when we were ten.

He's the man I collided with at twenty-nine, in the last place I ever expected to see him again.

Twenty years ago, London St. James climbed out his bedroom window and disappeared from my life. My marriage to Seth was supposed to be enough. My carefully planned, color-coded life was supposed to be enough.

Then I walked into Tasia's shop to pick up a box of bookmarks and crashed—literally—into a tattooed stranger with dark blue eyes I'd know anywhere.

Except he's not a stranger.

He's the boy who built pillow forts with me. The boy who lay in my backyard and pointed out constellations the night before his family moved. And now he's six-foot-something of broad shoulders and inked forearms, managing Superior's hottest nightclub. He just hired me to plan the biggest event of his career.

Forced proximity. Unfinished business. A husband who's barely home. And a lily tattoo I was definitely not supposed to see.

I should not be climbing onto the Nocté rooftop with him at two in the morning. I should not be falling back into the easiest conversation of my life.

I spent twenty years building a life without him.

Turns out, nobody ever told my heart he was coming back.

Book 1 of The One Night Stand Club—a steamy contemporary romance series set in the Twin Ports. Perfect for readers who love Lucy Score, Elsie Silver, and Emily Rath.

Read the full series:
1. Dirty Plans — Lily & London
2. Dirty Books — Carlie & Adam
3. Dirty Developments — Anna & Joel
4. Dirty Games — Quinn & Nico (coming soon)

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Friends To Lovers, Amazon, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance, Contemporary

339 pages, ebook

First published January 5, 2024

About the author

I write steamy contemporary romance with sharp banter, emotional depth, and found families who'd absolutely lie for each other in court.

My One Night Stand Club series is set in the Twin Ports of Minnesota and Wisconsin, where long winters, a very private nightclub, and a chaotic book club called the Dirty B's keep the drama—and the chemistry—running hot.

If you love Lucy Score, Elsie Silver, or Emily Rath, my books should feel right at home on your TBR. Expect slow-burn tension, swoon-worthy heroes who see their women clearly, and heroines who spend the first half of the book pretending they're fine and the second half discovering they don't have to be.

I live in central Minnesota, where I write by day and drink coffee that's gone cold by afternoon, because that's what happens when you have a story running in your head.

I also write paranormal and urban fantasy under my real name, Carissa Andrews.

Find me at authorcarissaknight.com

Reviews

[lil Money · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a little bit of a harder time getting myself to be into this book. It’s a great contemporary read when you need a palette cleanser after a heavier book. Although there was one thing about it that didn’t sit right with me. This is a spoiler so read at you own risk.






SPOILER!!!!!

I can handle a lot of things while I read. I’ll read a pregnancy trope I’ll do fated mates, I love me a best friends to lovers which this was so fun to read. Carissa Knight did a phenomenal job. What I dont do well with is a cheating trope. Some might try and beg to differ, but her kissing London while she was still married and not even separated is cheating. I said what I said.

I was also anticipating more spice than there was cause it was only a chapter of it. But that’s more personal preference.

All in all it was a fun quick read and I look forward to her other stories!

[Briana Mullis · Rating 5 out of 5]

London and Lilly are so dang sweet!

I really enjoyed this one. I don’t remember how I came across it, but I’m glad I did! Friends to lovers is a personal favorite and Carissa did a great job handling this one! I’m excited for more of these stories!

[Linda Jerome · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dirty plans

This was a great story about friends, lovers, and more. I really enjoyed reading about the dirty book club . I think anyone that like romance and humour will love reading this story.

[Cierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got lucky enough to ARC read for Carissa Knight. I really loved this book, and it was very funny. The only thing is that it is described as a RomCom, and while it is funny, it deals with some more deep topics, which makes it feel less like a RomCom. I still loved it though! I loved seeing the development of London and Lily through the book, and I would definitely recommend it to someone else. Both books in this series are incredibly easy to read, and can read in one sitting! I am forever sold on Carissa Knight books!!

[Tammy Tyree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carissa’s foray into romcom with the first book in the “Dirty” series is a delightfully sexy, funny, steamy romp and I loved every word! Great characters, hilarious dialogue, and top-notch sexy talk and super delicious sexy scenes. This book has it ALL. Can’t wait for book 2!

[River · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an ARC copy and wasn’t sure what to expect. But this is easily one of the best books I’ve read in a while. The slow burn between London and Lily literally from childhood into adulthood, through failed a failed marriage and eventually finding each other again. Rebuilding their friendship and finding love. It was too good to put down. I absolutely loved it <3

[P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written with sensitivity and fun

Dirty Plans by Carissa Knight: 5 stars
Lily/London. Great storyline for a second chance. Soulmates separated at 10 YO, even though they didn’t understand that specifically. Life moves on, but memories and feelings are magnified/evolving when they meet again almost 2 decades later. Lily is married now, but not happily… And she’s on an emotional roller coaster as she accepts she can’t continue to coast in her marriage, while also acknowledging her strong feelings for London. This story is heartfelt and well done..
—PTators

[Cristina G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aww Lily and London…these two are written in the stars! I’m not typically one who enjoys a slow burn but in this book it works given Lily’s situation with Seth. London is the best book boyfriend and I loved their banter and history. The side characters with Quinn and the dirty B’s are everything! I can’t wait to hear more about them! I’m already psyched to read book 2 for Cassie/Zoey’s story! Bring it on!

[Rikke Ranck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not exactly a fast reader but I devoured this book in one night and I still don’t know how that happened. I was absolutely sucked in. Sweet romance, clever and witty banter, and just a good time. I literally couldn’t put it down.

[Mallory Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Friends to lovers. I didn’t want to put this book down. Looking forward to the next book.

[Ashley - ElysianLatibule · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was a bit unexpected. Of course, on the sidelines of the story, I love the concept of an adult book club! The storyline between the MFC and MMC is sweet, if a little rushed. When the catalyst moment in the story happens, everything felt like it was quickly resolved. Yes, this is a book, not real life. That said, it felt rushed.

Still, decent book and a quick read for when you need something with a happy ending!

[Erica Koshak · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Ronica Seeber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very Captivating but very little spice..

The book was very captivating but very little spice. I was definitely expecting more when it came to the only two sexual scenes in the book.

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

London and Lily were best friends when they were kids. But life has kept them apart for the past 20 years and a lot has happened since they last saw each other. London has being doing good for himself with managing a night club but something seems to be missing. He's never felt the same since he was forced to move and leaving Lily behind due to his dad's job. But luck would have it that he meets here again in the most unusual place. Now that's she back in his life he'll do anything to keep her there, even if it means watching her be happy with another man.

Lily feels like she has been floating around life. She's not happy in her marriage and she doesn't know what to do. When London reappears in her life, she struggles with the new feelings. But when Seth tells her that he too can feel they're not happy and asks for a divorcee, she can finally spread her wings in the arms of London.

My first book by this author and it was a sold read. I had just one issue with it but it a "me" thing and not the book so I'm not going into that particular reason, but everything else was a nice way to spend my evening.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily and London grew up together and were best friends and at age 10 he moved away. They lost touch and 18 years later he manages a club that includes a place that offers anonymous one-night-stands. Lily is in a loveless marriage (her hubby is away for his job most of the time). They run into each other and sparks fly but she is confused about her feelings. He hires her to create a special dinner for the club.

Don't read further if you don't want spoilers.
*
*
*
*
The ONLY reason I didn't give it 5/5 is because she was essentially cheating on her husband. Yes, they ended up getting a divorce (and ironically, he approached her before she had the chance) and she and London never actually slept together but they kissed and it was clearly and emotional affair even though her marriage was already SOOO on the rocks. I personally struggled a little bit with that.

However, she and London were adorable. He was obviously in love with her and had been forever. So for that (although it doesn't give me the option) I would give it 4.75/5.

[Alycia'sBookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alright, so here’s the deal. I went into Dirty Plans expecting a romcom—something light, something funny, maybe some hijinks, maybe some witty banter. Instead, I got a cozy contemporary with about as much humor as a lukewarm cup of tea. Now, if cozy is your jam, then congratulations, you just hit the jackpot.

For me? Eh. The book was fine. It kept me interested enough to keep turning the pages, but it definitely had its slow moments. There were times I found myself waiting for something—anything—to happen. The writing was solid, the characters were likable enough, and I didn’t hate it. But I also didn’t love it. It’s like that one Hallmark movie you put on in the background while folding laundry—not offensive, but not particularly exciting either.

So, if you’re looking for a feel-good, easygoing read with minimal chaos, you might really enjoy this one. Me? I’m just over here still waiting for the comedy part. 3 stars.

[Rose Grabowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily has a troubling marriage and an often-absent husband. Her best friends help her keep it together at their weekly meetings of the Dirty B's Book Club which meets at a local bookstore. Her world is upended in an accidental meeting with London, a childhood friend that moved away when they were 10. She accepts a free-lance job offer from him to plan an event at the night club he runs and finds herself very uncomfortable with feelings that erupt. This was a cute and often funny story with many endearing characters. I look forward to Quinn's story!

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dirty Plans is the first book in the One Night Stand Club series. This is the first book I've read by Carissa Knight and it certainly won't be the last. It wasn't what I expected. From hilarious dialogue from the dirty book club gang and the Nocte team, to the steamy and dreamy swoon worthy romance between Lily and London. I absolutely enjoyed this friends to lovers story. I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

[Michelle Guiraud · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this one. I am going to drop random impressions:
I know the cheating trope is taboo in the romance world, but their story put me in the fence.
Character development was strange. Lily's inner voice was much different from her actual persona.
The Male narrator gave me the impression that something awful was about to happen at any given time. It was definitely off-putting.
For a book with a smut book club, a sex shop, and a sex club, this was oddly tame.

[Gaia Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily & London are phenom. This story has so many note worthy scenes and is SO good! Lots of laughs with the Dirty B's. Great side characters. Just all around fun, funny, and hot! I am so excited for the rest of this series!

Oh and Carissa Knight, is aka Carissa Andrews...who's books are phenom too!

[Heather Button · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I got this as an audio freebie from Chirp. Sadly, it was not for me. I didn't like the story and thought the female narration was not good. The author did it herself and it felt very much like she was just reading it, whereas the male narrator felt like he was acting it. He was the character.

[Nicole Ortiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily and London


I listened to the audio. I enjoyed the narrators tell the story and give voice to the characters.

I liked it I found this cute, funny, sweet and a bit hot. The two characters were best friends until the age of 10 when London's family moved. Years later these two run into each other in a adults only shop and her holding a toy.

I received a copy and listened to it through BookFunnel.

[whisperedsigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

this would have been four stars for me, but it was too slooooow. Like yes the meetcute, the years in between, the tension, the bad bitches friend.. these are all good, but the way they unfolded into a couple was too slow for me, it felt the book was really just too focused on the friends here.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun

This was enjoyable with a lot of laugh out loud moments. It took on the topic of a failing marriage when one partner is attracted to someone else with care. The HEA and epilogue were lovely.

[Pamela kern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dirty Plans

This book is so interesting that I could not stop reading, had to find out what was
going to happen next. Absolutely loved this story line , can’t wait to read the next one!

[Cauliflower · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I knew some of the plot simply through having read Dirty Books first, this one managed to surprise me a couple of times. Fun, silly, not particularly realistic, a great book for relaxing and I'll likely follow the series whenever mood for simple fun takes me over

[Kyleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started reading, I could not put this book down! It's funny, sad, and steamy without being graphic. I can't wait to read what happens in book 2!

[Feikje · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible, DNF

[Natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I DNF’d this at page 188.
This actually has a decent plot, but it just took too long to get to any kind of actual romance, and I lost interest.
I tried, I really did.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book would have normally hit all my favorite things, but it was toeing the line of a cheating spouse that made me uncomfortable.