Sounds Like Trouble: A Novel

Sounds Like a Plan #2

by Pamela Samuels Young, Dwayne Alexander Smith

Two opposites. Undeniable attraction. Three mobsters. An offer they can’t refuse. It sounds like trouble as Jackson Jones and Mackenzie Cunningham, reluctant partners and two of the best private investigators in Los Angeles, return to solve their most dangerous case yet.

Jackson Jones and Mackenzie “Mac” Cunningham can’t agree on anything. After coming close to death on their last case, the two have decided to team up but they can’t even decide on how to furnish their new office. Jackson wants to make a big splash. Mackenzie just wants a desk and some filing cabinets to clean up the mess. Before they can reach a truce on the decor, the two PIs get an offer they have no choice but to infamous gangster Big Ced and two of his mafia dons want them to track down a package. Or else.

Things heat up in more ways than one as Jackson and Mac track down the sensitive information for the mobsters, while a police investigator is on their tail. When sparks fly between Mackenzie and Lieutenant Good Looking, Jackson’s jealousy and fiery back-and-forth with his partner has them flirting with danger in more ways than one. As they race through LA’s fanciest neighborhoods in a race against time, Jackson and Mac must stick closer to each other than ever as they dodge bullets, bad guys, and their feelings for each other.

In the tradition of Mr. & Mrs. Smith set in modern LA, Sounds Like Trouble puts a fresh spin on the great investigative duos with an intoxicating blend of mystery, humor, and witty banter that you won’t want to miss.

Genres: Romance, Mystery, Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Workplace Romance, Crime, Audiobook

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 8, 2025

About the author

Award-winning author and attorney Pamela Samuels Young writes mysteries that matter. Dubbed “John Grisham with a sister’s twist” by one reviewer, Pamela’s fast-paced novels tackle important social issues.

Her most recent legal thriller, Failure to Protect, takes on the bullying epidemic and its devastating aftermath. Pamela won the prestigious NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Fiction for her thriller Anybody’s Daughter, which provides a realistic look inside the world of child sex trafficking. Her courtroom drama Abuse of Discretion centers around a troubling teen sexting case. #Anybody’s Daughter and #Abuse of Discretion are young adult editions of the two books. A young adult version of Failure to Protect is forthcoming.

Pamela also writes erotically sassy romantic suspense under the pen name Sassy Sinclair. A natural hair enthusiast, Pamela writes about her own empowering natural hair journey in Kinky Coily: A Natural Hair Resource Guide.

Prior to retiring from the practice of law to write full time, Pamela worked as Managing Counsel for Toyota specializing in labor and employment law. A former journalist, she spent several years as a television news writer and associate producer in Detroit and Los Angeles. Pamela received her bachelor’s degree from USC and also earned graduate degrees from Northwestern University and UC Berkeley School of Law. The Compton native is a frequent speaker on the topics of sex trafficking, bullying, online safety, fiction writing, self-empowerment, and pursuing your passion.

Pamela loves connecting with her fans! To invite her to a speaking engage or a book club meeting via Skype, Facebook Live, FaceTime, Zoom, speakerphone or in person, email her at authorpamelasamuelsyoung@gmail.com. To read excerpts of Pamela’s books, visit her websites at www.pamelasamuelsyoung.com and www.sassysinclair.com .

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, Sounds Like Trouble, by Pamela Samuels Young; Dwayne Alexander Smith, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Mackenzie "Mac" Cunningham and Jackson Jones are private investigators in LA. They do not get along most of the time, which was a little annoying reading about it. I thought this was an okay read.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own

My favourite LA P.I.s, Jackson Jones and Mackenzie Cunningham, are back in the second instalment of this series. This time around, they are hired by three very dangerous mobsters while also trying to juggle their feelings towards each other. The banter and the tension are still as good as the first book, and I hope that the two authors do not let their characters give in too soon. Make us( your reading fans) work for it a bit. This book had action; no slow pacing to be found here, and what was 40+ chapters felt like nothing more than a few pages. I just couldn't tear myself away from a great story.

Crossing my fingers that there will be a book #3!!




Publication Date 08/07/25
Goodreads Review 12/08/25

[Cookie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hoping this book would be better than the first, but it wasn’t. I found myself bored despite the fact that there was a lot of drama going on in this book.

I received a free audiobook from Simon & Schuster audio.

[Jurnee · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.75/5*

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

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

[January · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sounds Like Trouble by Pamela Samuels-Young and Dwayne Alexander Smith (2025)
Sounds Like a Plan #2
6h 4m narrated by Jaime Lincoln Smith and Angel Pean, 320 pages


Genre: Mystery Thriller, Romantic Suspense, African-American Fiction

Featuring: Dual POVs, Venice Beach, California; Private Investigators, Los Angeles County, California; Los Angeles, California; Divorcé, Single Father, Joint Private Detective Firm, Organized Crime Lords, Sequel, Sexual Tension, Slow Burn, Gun Violence, Family Dynamics, To Be Continued

Rating as a movie: R for adult content

Songs for the soundtrack: "Lady" by D'Angelo, "Day Dreaming" by Aretha Franklin, "The Way You Do the Things You Do" by The Temptations, "Cruisin’" by Smokey Robinson, "Let’s Stay Together" by Al Green

Books and Authors mentioned: The Godfather by Mario Puzo

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🕵🏾‍♂️🕵🏾‍♀️🚘🚔

My thoughts: 📱9% 33:41 Chapter 4 Mackenzie - I was expecting this to be a romance novel so this is going to be good. I didn't know it was Book 2 in a series. ⏸️

This was pretty decent. I don’t think it would have been as good if I hadn't stopped to read Book 1. The only thing stopping it from getting 5 stars is the stupidity of some of the characters. They have all the information to solve these mysteries without near-death moments but they ignore the red flags every time. It's like they are supposed to be good PIs but they wanna be a cozy mystery too. I knew who the players were early on, but I was only half right about the teams.

Recommend to others: Yes. I play on reading the next installment despite the bangiexty and minor stupidity.

Sounds Like a Plan (with Dwayne Alexander Smith)
1. Sounds Like a Plan (2024)
2. Sounds Like Trouble (2025)

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[mo be readin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many thanks to Atria Books, NetGalley, and Pamela Young & Dwayne Smith for providing an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review💚

Overall, this second installment in what I’m dubbing the “Safe and Sound” or “Sounds Like” series (I wonder what the authors will ultimately choose) is good. The plot was engaging, and the cat and mouse of this particular case made for an interesting ride that I was willing to go on with Jackson and Mackenzie. We also got to see more of the chemistry between our MCs build up and be acknowledged by each other; #JMac is following in the footsteps on countless other slow burn detective pairings many of us are familiar with on page and screen.

I was happy to see if there was improvement with Jackson as a character. The attitude and I’m becoming behaviors he displayed in the first book were completely gone from this one and it made for a much more enjoyable Jackson.

What ultimately puts this at a three star, ehhhh rating for me is the fact that our dynamic duo seem off their A game. There were a few moments throughout the book where I wondered why they weren’t catching onto certain things as quickly as they should or why they made certain decisions. For the MCs to be experienced PIs, they were making rookie mistakes a little too often for my liking.

I also wasn’t a fan of how the book was structured. Many of the chapters were ridiculously short and could have been combined with one or two other chapters to ensure a better flow of the story. Young and Smith have set flow of these books to go back and forth between the MCs’ POV, but I’d personally be okay with a POV switch in the middle of the chapter as long as there’s something signaling the shift.

It seems like Young and Smith are starting to find a nice groove with this series, and with a bit more work, they may be able to pull together a strong showing for Jackson and Mackenzie on their next adventure.

[Michelle Herzing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once in a while I want a book that doesn't make me think too hard, has witty banter with a 'will they or won't they' tension, and a mystery that needs to be solved. The series written by Pamela Samuels Young and Dwayne Alexander Smith is absolutely perfect for those times, and Sounds Like Trouble was a fun read last weekend.

Jackson and Mackenzie are in the private eye business together, and their differences make for some interesting conversations. I love revisiting characters in this series, with cousin Nadine and hacker Roxanna adding some humor along the way. The mystery in this one is a fun one, with three Mob bosses teaming up with an offer Jackson and Mackenzie can't refuse, and a villain in a mask trying to killed them both before they can finish the job.

The novel can be read as a standalone, though the first book in the series, Sounds Like a Plan, gives the reader a lot of background on the two and how they came to partner up in the first place. Readers of the Finlay Donovan or Stephanie Plum series will enjoy this one, too.

Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for the digital copy of Sounds Like Trouble by Pamela Samuels Young and Dwayne Alexander Smith. The opinions in this review are my own.

[Denae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.75 ⭐️

This was an enjoyable, fast paced quick read. I thought it would be mystery mixed with some romance but there was very little to no romance. This is perfect for fans of “who done it” mysteries! Although I wanted a little more tension between the two main characters, I found the mystery aspect to be intriguing. I was on the edge of my seat figuring out what was going on. I think I figured it out before the main characters did! I’m not sure if they are planning for more books in this series, but I would love to see Jackson and McKenzie get together. Although they are very different, I think there is quite a bit of chemistry there.

Thank you to Atria Books for the gifted review copy!

[Bella and the Bookstack · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was a pretty quick read. I didn’t realize it was the second book in the series until I already started reading it; however, I feel like it can definitely be read out of order!

The plot was a little bit too predictable to me. I guessed what was going to happen early on. It also held a bit too many stereotypes for my liking. But I did enjoy the dual pov, and the humor in the book. It has quite a few action scenes, which was also fun.

This book would be perfect for fans of cozy mysteries. While it was not my favorite, it was still enjoyable! Thank you so much to Atria and the authors for a copy of this book.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced and very entertaining :)

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5
Loved the characters, the tension, and all the action.

[Sherri B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good.

[Wendi Flint Rank (WendiReviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://www.netgalley.com/book/587222...

[Emily C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Atria books and Goodreads for this ARC!! I enjoyed this book, although predictable, it was still very entertaining! If these authors continue the series, I will read the next book!

[Toni Marquis (cognac.chapters) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley and Atria Books for providing an eARC of this book. I enjoyed this book and was intrigued from the very beginning. The banter and sarcasm was good and helped carry the story along. The main characters are Jackson and Mackenzie, a PI duo, that’s being forced to help 3 crime bosses retrieve some very important information that they are being blackmailed with.

There are so many twist and turns but they make the story interesting and engaged, so much so I didn’t stray too far from my kindle. This story is fast paced, funny and jam packed with action, my only con is that it was a bit predictable. I wasn’t aware that this was apart of a series and honestly you don’t need to read the first installment to follow along. There are some instances where things were referenced from the first book but it was easy enough to read between the lines and not feel like you’re missing out on key information.

Overall, this was a solid read and I can’t wait for the next book.

[Jillian | pining_for_paperbacks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just finished Sounds like Trouble and I thought it was just okay! 3 stars. Didn’t love it but also didn’t hate! It’s the 2nd book in a series but I’d say you can read it as a stand-alone. I didn’t feel lost without reading the first book :)

This was a fast-paced cozy mystery with a touch of romance. Under 300 pages too. It took me a minute to root for the romance, but their chemistry as PI partners really stood out and that’s when I started to see the romantic vibes! I also love that they have the same job/understand the work each other does :) I love characters who are passionate and respectful about their jobs.

Overall it was a cute story with good humor and a fun plot!

Thank you Atria books for the arc!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Sounds Like Trouble by Pamela Samuels Young and Dwayne Alexander Smith
Thank you to Atria Books for my gifted book.

If you’re craving a fast-paced, high-stakes mystery with sharp dialogue, romantic tension, and a pair of chaotic private investigators who would rather fight each other than admit their feelings, Sounds Like Trouble is exactly what you need. Pamela Samuels Young and Dwayne Alexander Smith have teamed up again for this explosive sequel that hits the ground running and barely gives you a second to breathe.

The story picks up with Jackson Jones and Mackenzie “Mac” Cunningham, newly minted business partners who survived their last case and are now trying—badly—to coexist under one roof. Their idea of teamwork includes arguing over office furniture, trading insults, and trying not to punch each other in the face. It’s all very professional. But the comedy quickly gives way to danger when three mobsters—Big Ced and his terrifying crew—kidnap the duo and give them an offer they can’t refuse. Either track down a missing package containing blackmail-worthy material, or die trying.

What follows is a mad dash across Los Angeles, complete with stakeouts, disguises, shootouts, a masked assassin, and more complications than a telenovela. And somewhere in the middle of all that chaos, Jackson and Mac begin to realize that there’s more to their bickering than just annoyance. There’s heat. Frustration. Maybe even something like affection. But neither is ready to name it, let alone act on it.

The dual POV format works beautifully here. Jackson’s chapters are full of swagger and sharp edges, while Mac’s are grounded and strategic. They’re wildly different voices, but both feel authentic and layered. Mac is especially compelling—tough, brilliant, and totally uninterested in putting up with Jackson’s man-child energy. Jackson, for his part, walks a fine line between irritating and charming, but his protectiveness and emotional growth keep him from tipping into full-blown clown territory.

Their chemistry? Off the charts. They bicker like it’s their love language. Even when bullets are flying, they can’t stop cracking jokes. One of my favorite exchanges sums it all up:
“Here’s to dodging explosives.”
“And ex-wives.”
That kind of banter is the beating heart of this book. It’s a romantic slow burn with enough heat to keep you hooked, even if you don’t get the full payoff (yet). Their tension is unresolved, but it’s intentional. It gives the series room to breathe and the relationship space to evolve without rushing the payoff.

The mystery plot is wild and fun, though it does occasionally lean into over-the-top territory. That’s not a flaw—it’s part of the charm. This isn’t gritty noir. It’s action-comedy with heart. Think Mr. & Mrs. Smith meets Burn Notice, with a bit of Moonlighting chemistry thrown in. There are twists you’ll see coming, but also surprises that sneak up and hit you in the gut. The pacing is relentless, with almost every chapter ending on a beat that keeps you turning the page.

There were a few flaws—some questionable decisions by the characters that made me yell at the book and a couple of repetitive beats that could’ve used a tighter edit—but nothing that pulled me out of the story. The tone is consistent, the characters are compelling, and the humor is on point. The biggest “issue” for me is how good the characters are together and how long they’re made to dance around it. But I trust the authors are building something worth the wait.

Also worth noting: Los Angeles itself becomes a secondary character. The book doesn’t just take place there—it lives there. From glitzy neighborhoods to shady back alleys, you feel the city’s presence in every scene. It adds richness and authenticity that grounds the otherwise high-octane antics.

Ultimately, Sounds Like Trouble is more than a clever title—it’s the perfect description for the story it delivers. This book doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not. It’s here to entertain, to make you laugh, to make you squirm with romantic frustration, and to keep you turning pages like your life depends on it.

If you like your mysteries with strong female leads, cocky-but-lovable men, mafia entanglements, smart twists, and enough romantic tension to light a fire, don’t sleep on this series. Jackson and Mac may not have figured themselves out yet, but one thing’s clear: wherever they go next, I’m following.

[The Bourbon-Sipping Bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Book Review: Sounds Like Trouble
Title: Sounds Like Trouble: A Novel (Sounds Like a Plan #2)
Authors: Pamela Samuels Young; Dwayne Alexander Smith
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Private Investigator Duo, Opposites Attract, Workplace Romance
Rating: ★★★ (3/5) | Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️ (High Tension, Slow Burn)

The Pour: All Flash and Quick Heat, But Lacking Complex Character Proof
Sounds Like Trouble is the return of the reluctant PI duo, Jackson Jones and Mackenzie “Mac” Cunningham. Now professional partners, the meticulous Mac and the impulsive Jackson are forced into their most dangerous case: retrieving sensitive information for the notorious mobster Big Ced. The book definitely delivers on the high concept—a fast-paced, Mr. & Mrs. Smith-style caper in Los Angeles—and the witty banter.

However, while the speed and chemistry are enjoyable, the execution of the mystery and the character development felt thin. The plot relied heavily on contrived action and repeated rookie errors by the supposed "best" investigators in L.A., which ultimately undermined the suspense and kept the pour from feeling truly satisfying. It’s a quick, fun ride, but not one that will stick with you long after the finish.

What I Sip and Savored 🥃 (The Fleeting Sweetness)
The parts of this pour that offered momentary sweetness:

🥃 The Banter is King: The opposites-attract chemistry between Mac and Jackson is the book's greatest strength. The dual POV expertly captures their internal struggle and sharp verbal sparring, making the slow-burn sexual tension genuinely entertaining.
🥃 Fast-Paced Action: The narrative is nonstop, with a constant stream of high-stakes situations—dodging bullets, negotiating with mobsters, and racing through L.A. This makes it a quick, high-adrenaline read perfect for a distraction.
🥃 Good Conflict Catalyst: The introduction of "Lieutenant Good Looking" creates effective jealousy and romantic friction, forcing Jackson to confront his feelings for Mac.

What I Side-Eyed 🥃 (The Overpowering Burn)
The areas where the pour felt overpowered by flaws:

🥃 PIs Making Rookie Mistakes: The central weakness is the inconsistency of the protagonists. For "top-notch" PIs, Jackson and Mac constantly make poor decisions, overlook obvious clues, and walk into traps that felt painfully telegraphed to the reader. This repeatedly broke my suspension of disbelief.
🥃 Plot Predictability: The mystery itself was underdeveloped. The mob conspiracy and the ultimate "who" felt predictable, and the final resolution was too clean and quick for the chaos that preceded it. The plot often felt secondary to the action and the banter.
🥃 Lack of Character Growth: Despite coming close to death and committing to a partnership, there felt like minimal growth or mature resolution to their underlying conflict (Mac's caution vs. Jackson's impulse), suggesting the series relies on this repetitive friction.

The Finish
Sounds Like Trouble is an adequate installment for the series, delivering on humor, action, and undeniable chemistry. If you prioritize snappy dialogue and fast-paced romantic tension above all else, you will find this enjoyable. However, the weak plotting and frustrating character inconsistencies prevent it from being a truly great mystery or suspense novel.

The Perfect Pairing
Pairing: A Spicy Margarita. Why? It promises something simple but delivers a high-proof tequila base (the action), a salty-sweet rim (the banter), and a chile pepper kick (the intense, slow-burn romantic tension) that reminds you that you're flirting with trouble.

Tropes: Opposites Attract, PI Duo, Forced Proximity, Slow Burn, Mob Mystery.

(I received an advance reader copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.)

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the mystery in Sounds Like Trouble doesn’t quite match the intrigue and complexity of the first book, it was still exciting to reconnect with Jackson and Mackenzie. This time, the duo finds themselves working for a trio of mob bosses to uncover potentially damning evidence held by Vincent Keane—a shady lawyer and part-time con man.

From early on, it's fairly obvious that Prentice is orchestrating things behind the scenes. His involvement is heavily implied through Jackson and Mackenzie’s repeated interactions with him, not to mention two clear red flags: they can’t reach him after multiple phone attempts very early on in the case after having a run-in with the masked assailant, and he makes a point of emphasizing that his bar, The Come Up, operates independently from his father’s business. These clues make the “big reveal” feel less surprising than perhaps intended.

One particularly eyebrow-raising moment involves the attacker’s disguise—a flesh-toned mask under a balaclava, meant to mislead Jackson and Mackenzie into thinking the assailant was white. This twist felt oddly reminiscent of the Jussie Smollett scandal circa 2019 and honestly made me roll my eyes.

On a positive note, the authors seem to have taken feedback from the first book to heart. Gone are the over-the-top action scenes (no more hanging out of car windows with assault rifles shooting at SUVs during high speed chases). Instead, we get more grounded, believable detective work—just PIs being PIs. I also appreciated the toned-down and more respectful portrayal of women, though Lieutenant Goode’s comment about imagining Mackenzie would be a “little firecracker” in bed felt out of place and unnecessary.

That said, I was a bit let down by the amount of time spent on office furniture. The back-and-forth between Mackenzie and Jackson over how to decorate their new space takes up several pages, but the final reveal—describing the chosen decor simply as “the best IKEA had to offer”—felt lazy and anticlimactic after all the buildup.

There were also several story threads left unresolved. For instance, does Jackson ever make it up to Natalie for the week he missed? One of my favorite aspects of the first book was seeing Jackson show up for Natalie at her karate tournament, and it felt like a missed opportunity not to give him that chance here—especially after Robin mentions Jackson always keeps his promises. Similarly, the storyline involving the “full treatment” massage Mackenzie was supposed to receive was teased but never followed through.

Despite these critiques, I finished the book in a single day. The pacing is solid and the story kept me engaged from start to finish. I also really enjoyed the detailed explanations of the uniqueness each area Mackenzie and Jackson visited in LA/California. While it may not surpass the first installment, Sounds Like Trouble is a worthy sequel that leaves just enough on the table to make you curious about what’s next for this duo.

[Krishana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sounds Like Trouble by Pamela Samuels Young and DeWayne Alexander-Smith is a fast-paced, twisty ride that kept me hooked from start to finish. 5 out of 5 stars.

This is our second time riding along with private investigators McKenzie and Jackson, who are now officially partners and have launched their own agency. Things escalate quickly when they’re ambushed on the street by one of L.A.’s top drug kingpins and are strongly encouraged to take on a job they didn’t exactly sign up for.

They’re pulled into a high-stakes situation involving the heads of multiple crime families—Black, Mexican, and white—who are uniting against a common enemy: a lawyer who has dangerous information on all of them. McKenzie and Jackson are tasked with recovering that intel, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

What I loved:
The action is nonstop—burglary, explosions, secret deals, and a literal ticking clock. There’s also great emotional depth. The tension between McKenzie and Jackson is still thick with unspoken attraction, but now there’s a third party in the mix: a police lieutenant who’s also vying for McKenzie’s attention. The romance subplot is juicy without overpowering the case.

And let’s not forget Roxanna—the ultimate data nerd and hacker supreme—who continues to be a standout side character, cracking the case behind the scenes like only she can.

I also really love the dual POV narration style, with Pamela writing McKenzie’s voice and DeWayne writing Jackson’s. It adds dimension and authenticity, making the back-and-forth feel natural while still propelling the plot forward.

This was a wild ride with high stakes, compelling characters, and a hint of romance that leaves you wanting more. If you liked the first book, this one delivers even more.

Thank you to the publisher for this thrilling e-arc read. This is my honest review.

[Elle Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of Sounds Like Trouble!
I was hooked within the first few pages—this turned out to be a thoroughly entertaining and action-packed read that I didn’t want to put down. The story grabbed my attention right away with its fast pacing and vivid, engaging writing. The action sequences were well-written and grounded, giving it the feel of a classic '90s action film (in the best way)—exciting, high-energy, and full of personality. The pacing was tight, the stakes were high, and the action never felt over-the-top or unrealistic.

The plot was engaging from start to finish, and I appreciated how naturally the characters fit into the story. Those introduced along the way added depth without ever slowing the momentum. One of the standout elements for me was the banter between the two main characters. It was clever, funny, and never overdone—a refreshing change from the often forced or repetitive exchanges you sometimes see in similar stories. It felt natural and sharp, with just the right amount of tension and charm to keep me smiling throughout.

Even though I didn’t realize this was the second book in a series, the authors provided enough background that I never felt lost or confused. The descriptive writing brought the scenes vividly to life, immersing me in the world without bogging things down with excessive exposition.

I enjoyed Sounds Like Trouble so much that before I even finished it, I picked up the first book (Sounds Like a Plan)—and I can’t wait to dive in. If you're in the mood for a lighthearted, witty, and action-packed read that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still delivers solid storytelling, I’d absolutely recommend this one. It’s the kind of story that keeps you smiling and turning pages.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

📖 Title: Sounds Like Trouble-Sounds Like a Plan #2

✍🏾 Author: Pamela Samuels Young and Dwayne Alexander Smith-new to me authors

📅Publication date: 7/8/25 | Read: 7/8/25

📃 Format: eBook 256 pgs.

Genre:
*AA Interests
*Mystery/Thriller
*Romance

Tropes:
*forced proximity
*workplace romance
*rivals to lovers
*private investigators
*opposites attract
*mafia
*slow burn romance
*whodunnit

👆🏾POV: dual

⚠️TW: murder, blackmail, car accident


🌎 Setting: LA

Summary: Jackson and Mackenzie are reluctant partners at their new joint PI firm as they take on a missing's person case. The PIs get an offer they have no choice but to accept. Infamous crime lords want them to track down a package or face death. Jackson and Mac find the sensitive information for the mobsters, while a police investigator is following them. Sparks fly as they compete with time travelling through LA as they try to stay alive, get the bad guys, and explore their feelings for each other.


👩🏾 Heroine: Mackenzie "'Mac" Cunningham

👨🏾 Hero: Jackson Jones


🤔 My Thoughts: I didn't read Sounds Like a Plan but didn't feel lost. This was pure action with a slow-build romance between the two PIs who don't get along. When the mafia threatened them, they bonded together and went on a great adventure through LA. I also loved the AA representation even though this reminds me of Mr. and Mrs. Smith. I would read more in the series, but I need more romance!

Rating: 3.5/5 ✨

🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, Atria, Pamela Samuels Young, and Dwayne Alexander Smith for this ARC🌴! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.

[M. K. French · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jackson Jones and Mackenzie “Mac” Cunningham are a private investigator team that can’t agree on anything. Jackson is the flashy one, but Mackenzie is a little more practical. Their latest case involves tracking down a package for the infamous gangster Big Ced and two of his mafia don associates. A police investigator is following them, and Mackenzie flirts with him, sparking Jackson’s jealousy. The two run through LA dodging bullets, bad guys, and their feelings for each other.

Jackson and Mackenzie are separately brought in to work for Big Ced and two other major mafiosos, as they were blackmailed for a long time, and the man in question is in the hospital. He has a failsafe to reveal his blackmail material if anything happens to him, so it's now a race to get to this data. The LAPD is fully aware of the meeting, and someone else is after the same information. We have a ticking clock and competition, increasing the stakes before we even hit the first quarter of the book. Everywhere the pair turns, they're dogged by a masked figure who keeps trying to kill them. It adds more danger to their search, and the police interaction increases the tension and risk of mobsters getting to them.

The feeling between the partners is one of frustrated affection that might become more, though they're very careful not to push that. Some personality traits are directly opposite each other, but at the end of the day, they're both proud people who have a strong work ethic. It was a fun balancing act, and I was concerned for their safety as the novel progressed. The pair has a great professional future, which will be fun to read about.

[Stacy-Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sounds Like Trouble is a fast-paced, entertaining mix of mystery, romance, and humor that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The novel follows private investigators Jackson Jones and Mackenzie “Mac” Cunningham, whose partnership is as chaotic as it is compelling. Tasked with retrieving sensitive information for dangerous mobsters, the duo is thrown into a high-stakes case filled with tension, action, and emotional conflict.

One of the book’s strongest elements is the dynamic between Jackson and Mac. Their constant bickering, witty banter, and underlying attraction create an engaging “opposites attract” energy that adds both humor and depth to the story. Reviewers often highlight their chemistry as a standout feature, describing the pair as “electric” and fun to follow.

The pacing is another major strength. The plot moves quickly, with plenty of action, twists, and suspense to maintain momentum. It blends crime-solving with romantic tension effectively, making it appealing to fans of both mystery and contemporary romance.

That said, the novel isn’t without flaws. Some readers feel the mystery itself is somewhat predictable, and the characters occasionally make questionable decisions that weaken the realism. Others note that character development can feel a bit shallow at times.

Overall, Sounds Like Trouble is a lively and enjoyable sequel that delivers on entertainment. While it may not be the most complex mystery, its humor, chemistry, and fast pace make it a fun and addictive read perfect for anyone who enjoys action packed stories with a romantic twist.

[Kamis · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

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

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

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

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

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Kaisbooknook · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a lot more mystery than romance than I originally thought it would be

While I did enjoy the mystery aspect of the book, and all of the characters that were involved, pretty much the entire book consisted of that. While the blurb suggested a type of love triangle and an opposites attract romance, the lack of romance left much to be desired. While the dynamic between the two main characters was enjoyable, and I could tell they had chemistry, there was no romance plot advancement, and their dynamic by the end of the book was the exact same as the beginning.

The plot twists were decent, but I guessed quite a few of them. I think there is a little too much foreshadowing, and that makes it very easy for readers to guess plot twists.

Some of the decisions that these private investigators make are very questionable. I'm not going to include spoilers, but some problems that they face are 100% they're own fault in my opinion. The mystery aspect was very repetitive as well, and I found that many plot points were similar, and didn’t provide much to the story in terms of advancement or reader enjoyment in my reading experience.

Overall, I would be hesitant to recommend this book, unless a reader wanted a book that read more low stakes despite the stakes actually being very high and life or death. If you want a mystery that has enjoyable characters and fun character dynamics, this one is for you.

A huge thank you to Atria Books and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lulu]

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

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

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

[SelkieReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sounds Like Trouble
By @authorpsy and @theamazin

If you’re looking for banter, you’ve found it!
They might get the job done… if they don’t k!ll each other first… which actually might happen if someone else doesn’t beat them to it! 😅

Book one set the stage and this book reels you in.
These two are complete opposites in every way. One hapless, one hopeless, and neither willing to give in. She is serious and doesn’t play when it comes to work or personal life. He oozes charm, but he’s more like MacGyver at work.

it definitely does give Mr. and Mrs. Smith vibes
It’s a super fast paced book, and there is a ton of action! It definitely made my ADHD brain happy 😂
there is no time to be bored when you’re laughing so hard.
it’s a book that definitely sits on a knife edge between romance and mystery. I love that aspect of a really strong plot with a strong romance.
I wouldn’t necessarily call it enemies to lovers but reluctant allies.

I really hope this series continues!

Thank you to the authors and @atriabooks

#happyreleaseday #releaseday #soundsliketrouble #soundslikeaplan #pamelasamuelsyoung #dwaynealexandersmith #arc #arcreview #arcteader #blackauthorsofinstagram #mysteryromance #romancebook #selkiereader

[Lyssa J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Thank you Netgalley , Atria books , and the authors for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book in an interconnected standalone series. It’s fast-paced and told in the first person from both Jackson and Mackenzie.

This book is an action-packed mystery with a comedic vibe at times. The two leads remind me of Archer and Lana from the show Archer and Michael and Fiona from Burn Notice.

The two have underlying romantic chemistry, but it’s not the main focus of the book, though I hope one day they end up together. The jealousy and their chemistry and banter was a good time. They’re both jokesters and the running joke amused me throughout the story.

Although they’re in a dangerous situation, it’s pretty lighthearted as a story because they’re both a little unserious in the best way. One of the twists I guessed, the other I didn’t.

Read for:
💸 Private Investigator Duo
💸 A Mystery Solved
💸 Action Packed
💸 Banter and Chemistry
💸 Jealous MMC
💸 Fast-Paced

OVERALL
Overall, I give this a 4.5 out of 5 stars. I want to go back and read the first and can’t wait for what else is in store.

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