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Without a Plan

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After an overseas romantic getaway goes horribly wrong, Zoe Anderson finds herself wandering the streets of New Zealand, betrayed and miserable. The last thing the Canadian visitor expects is a beautiful stranger to come to her rescue.

Claire Evans, still raw from a shattered heart, usually loves the solitude of her remote property. But when she meets a young woman with a world of hurt in her eyes, a look she recognises all too well, she offers to put her up for a few nights.

Those few nights turn into much longer as they make a deep connection, befriend an ornery barn cat, and finally admit to painful secrets.

A city girl meets country girl lesbian romance about overcoming the past and finding the courage to trust again.

NB: Previously published as Finding Love Down Under. While the two main characters are the same, at least 50% of the content has changed.

Unknown Binding

Published January 11, 2025

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112 people want to read

About the author

Donna Jay

39 books461 followers
In 2016, Donna Jay published her first sapphic romance. Since then, she has published eighteen more books, three of which made the number one spot in lesbian fiction.

Her stories feature resilient women, thought-provoking storylines, have plenty of heat, and are all set against the stunning backdrop of her home country, New Zealand.

She also writes sweet romances under the name Diana Jayne.

When she’s not writing, Donna can be found with her nose stuck in a book, or her backside glued to the sofa, binge-watching post-apocalyptic movies.

Sign up for her newsletter here - https://donnajayauthor.com/subscribe

Connect with Donna Jay

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...

Email - donna.jay.books@hotmail.com

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5 stars
99 (50%)
4 stars
58 (29%)
3 stars
28 (14%)
2 stars
8 (4%)
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2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for JulesGP.
647 reviews231 followers
February 2, 2025
Tenderhearted romance with a light dash of sub/dom spiciness. Zoe is backpacking in New Zealand, a long way from her life in Calgary, and now she finds herself unexpectedly alone. Claire, who owns a nearby farm, happens to spot the troubled young woman wandering in town and brings Zoe home with her. Zoe stays on to help with the farm and the two begin to click emotionally and sexually, helping each other heal from ugly pasts. Their travels around NZ add nicely to the setting and the menagerie of animals is beyond cute. Overall, I thought it was a steamy story with a good mix of sweet country coziness.
Profile Image for Donna.
Author 39 books461 followers
Read
February 25, 2025
Out now!! https://mybook.to/WAP

After an overseas romantic getaway goes horribly wrong, Zoe Anderson finds herself wandering the streets of New Zealand, betrayed and miserable. The last thing the Canadian visitor expects is a beautiful stranger to come to her rescue.

Claire Evans, still raw from a shattered heart, usually loves the solitude of her remote property. But when she meets a young woman with a world of hurt in her eyes, a look she recognises all too well, she offers to put her up for a few nights.

Those few nights turn into much longer as they make a deep connection, befriend an ornery barn cat, and finally admit to painful secrets.

A city girl meets country girl lesbian romance about overcoming the past and finding the courage to trust again.
Profile Image for TJ Phillips.
204 reviews15 followers
February 10, 2025
A lazy play at a BDSM romance novel with an unbelievable start and a ridiculous end.
Profile Image for Tempe Luvs Books.
553 reviews2 followers
January 3, 2025
This was a beautifully written love story sprinkled with humor, love, spicy scenes and the atmospheric feeling that Donna Jay always seems to create of actually being in New Zealand, the land of the long white cloud.

Zoe Anderson was from Canada on a planned trip with friends. After a huge disappointing awakening, in addition to having her things stolen, she realized that the people you trust are the last people you should.”

She was literally sitting outside on a cold bench, down but not out when she was extended the hand of Kiwi hospitality from Claire Evans who offered her shelter for the night.

Was it kismet that brought Zoe into Claire’s world? Claire had also experienced her fair share of pain and disappointment and whatever it was, chemistry clicked and Zoe stayed.
It looks like fate delivered her to the right place, and these two unlikely ladies-turned-farmers teamed up to raise sheep and chickens along with the beloved black barn cat, Molly.

This delightful read was truly a sensual love story that included some erotic scenes which were tastefully and respectfully done. I know everyone is going to love this.
Profile Image for S.B. (Beauty in Ruins).
2,670 reviews243 followers
January 21, 2025
Without a Plan is a sweet and sexy romance that soars on the strength of its characters and the sincerity of their relationship. Claire and Zoe are a wonderful couple, coming into the story with some serious trust issues from their own relationships (complicated by uneven, at best, and unethical, at worst, power exchanges), and that pain is dealt with honestly and openly. As much as we want them to open their eyes, see what’s before them, and dive headlong into love, Donna Jay knows that would be a recipe for disaster.

While the two strangers quickly become fast friends, those trust issues make it difficult for them to admit their feelings for one another, especially when neither is sure the other is even interested. It makes for a slow, sweet tale, but it one that’s a joy to read. Watching the women get to know one another, come out of their respective shells, and settle into a life together is just wonderful. By the time they are ready to test the waters of love, it is already clear they are meant to be together.

There is some kink to the story (and kink behind the story), but while it’s important and very much plays into those trust issues, it’s not overwhelming. What Claire and Zoe have is a relationship enhanced by a safe, sane, consensual power exchange, not one that’s built entirely around it. It’s cute-kink, not cringe-kink, and lends itself more to blushing cheeks than reddened ass cheeks . . . but the history has a darkness to it, and that adds some drama and some doubt to a few events that test their newfound love..

By keeping the characters at the forefront, Donna Jay imbues her lesbian romance with just enough femdom to give it an erotic flair. Even if you’re just bi-curious or an erotic voyeur, you will come out of Without a Plan wanting what Claire and Zoe have.


https://sallybend.wordpress.com/2025/...
Profile Image for Nicole.
382 reviews51 followers
January 7, 2025
At its heart, Without a Plan by Donna Jay is a story of healing after betrayal and finding love and trust with a kindred spirit. It is a lesson on forming solid relationships and the importance of communication, consent, and mutual respect. Our main characters, Claire and Zoe teach us what love is supposed to look like. They are lovely, competent women who overcome their past fears and learn to rely on one another. We go along for the ride. 
The two main characters have soft kink preferences, and though that is not usually my interest, I have been wanting to try something by Donna Jay for a while, and this seemed like a good option. The scenes were spicy, respectful, and thoughtfully done. It is still not really my style, but setting that aside, the writing is well done, the character development is fantastic, and the settings are described beautifully. The relationship between the two is believable. The secondary characters are not overly developed but are important for support. There was humor that made me chuckle a bit. Also, there are cute animals!
Low angst, high spice, happily ever after, overall, a solid romance.
#NewZealand #farmlife #animals #cat #kink #lowangst #highspice #domsub #HEA #fishoutofwater #Canadian #sextoyparty #epilogue
I received this free ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for AC.
340 reviews5 followers
January 12, 2025
Thank you, Donna Jay. This is just what I needed to start 2025!

You will be entertained by the imagery of the setting, depth of character personalities, storyline, and, oh yeah, the wonderfully familiar Donna Jay humour! Never fear, there are hot and spicy scenes too—phew, are there! At the heart of this story, you will find characters whose relationships are built on trust and respect. The depth and layers of the characters will draw you in and make you feel like you are a part of the story.

I always feel as though I’m on a trip to the country of New Zealand when I read one of her stories. It’s always a treat to see a country through the eyes of an author—it’s a combination of language, facts, and observations that are a highlight to me as they are weaved throughout the story. I think Jay does that very well, indeed. And I was totally won over by the variety of farm animals. I must say, creative names are something this author excels at! Just sayin’—nope, not even a hint!

Claire lives her life cautiously, having been betrayed in the worst manner, yet she reaches out to Zoe. Yeah, nah, I never give spoilers. Jay develops these characters to the point I felt a part of their journey. I love how Jay builds her characters. They have dimension and personality. They feel genuine.

I experienced a range of emotions as I read Without a Plan. From sadness to frustration to joy; I frowned and laughed out loud. I enjoyed it all and I think you may find this story leaving you breathless at times for a variety of reasons. I was on an endorphin high with this one. Do yourself a favour and put this one on your list to start the new year!
Profile Image for Lyn Denison.
Author 15 books60 followers
December 16, 2025
A little,angsty but overall an upbeat story with all types of ‘family’. Interesting setting with a certain amount of intrigue. Authentic dialogue.
Profile Image for Rene.
42 reviews1 follower
July 20, 2025
I’d give this book a 3.5 rating. I wish it had a more complicated story. The characters were likable but there really wasn’t much going on. It seemed too happy all the way through.
Profile Image for Michelle  Schuler.
922 reviews12 followers
January 19, 2025
Without A Plan

Donna Jay strikes again in this beautiful story set in the picturesque New Zealand.
Both MCs are healing from hurts caused by previous relationships. The chemistry is instantaneous. The beginning of the book, where the characters had a chance to get comfortable before they get together, was a refreshing pace that did not feel hurried. Both characters had growth, wounds healed by being together.
It is not as steamy as her other books. There was still heat.
The secondary characters were well developed, added to the story.
I indulge in all the books that come across my Kindle from Donna Jay, I have not been disappointed yet. I look forward to more in our future.
Profile Image for Babydoclaz.
539 reviews10 followers
March 30, 2025
Really sweet story about this couple that meet by chance, both with trauma in their past. How they respond to each other and deal with their past is a beautiful story. Set in a gorgeous rural setting in New Zealand, it makes me want to be on a farm in NZ. Some very hot scenes as well and touching how much Zoe and Claire take care of each other emotionally and sexually. Look forward to the next Donna Jay
256 reviews6 followers
January 26, 2025
Another winner from Donna Jay. Two characters both struggling with breakups. A chance meeting brings Zoe and Claire together. Zoe is from Canada. Alone after a betrayal from her travel mate. Claire is starting over at a small farm after being used by her ex. Claire offers Zoe a temporary place to stay.
There is great writing of a slow burn relationship. Chemistry is building and you can see it grow. I just love their connection. And there are several secondary characters that add so much. As always with a Donna Jay book, you get to learn about New Zealand. Spice level is just right. Loved it all. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Suzi Vilkman (Hautaniemi).
284 reviews7 followers
January 10, 2025
Random meeting

Without a plan is how these lovely characters meet at first. Trusting each other, they wind up living together.

They realize they have more in common than they would have imagined, and fall in love. Sometimes, it just feels right.

As always, Donna Jay takes the reader on a scenic tour around New Zealand, and gives us a bit of a linguistics lesson, too.

All the sweet animals, and some tragedy added to the mix, this is a heartwarming story of bravery and resilience.
141 reviews
January 8, 2025
Without a Plan is a lovely story set in the Hawkes Bay area in New Zealand with to wonderful women who are helping each other to learn to love and trust again after experiencing the bitter taste of betrayal at the hands over their former girlfriends. On one hand we have Zoe, a Canadian who is visiting New Zealand on what was supposed to be a romantic trip with her girlfriend. However, the trip went very bad and ended with Zoe running away to escape the nightmare. On the other hand, we have Zoe who is a Hawkes Bay local who has purchased an old rundown winery to hide from the world.

When Claire comes across Zoe twice in one day she recognises the sense of hurt in the Canadian's eyes and offers her a place to stay for a few days. What follows is a beautiful, low-angst story of two lost souls developing a deep connection. As their deepest secrets come to light there is a real sense of hope for a brighter future. With a shared interest in soft kink, they are able to use the tenets of consent and communication to help them let go of their fears and learn to trust again.

I loved the variety of side characters, beautiful descriptions of the New Zealand countryside, a little bit of drama and a gaggle of cute little farm animals and found that these all played a strong role in supporting the developing story. I look forward to reading more of this author’s work in the future.

I am grateful to Donna Jay for providing me with an advanced copy of this story and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Nadine Stamminger.
122 reviews2 followers
January 16, 2025
Absolutly loved it! Its actually only my 2nd book of this author, the first in english but for sure not the last. The story perfectly portrays healing after betrayal and finding love and trust again. Both main character Claire and Zoe meet at the perfect time, when both of them are kind of in a need for learing how to love and trust again.

Zoe is a young, Canadian who is visiting New Zealand togehter with her than girlfriend, it was suposed to be a romantic trip with her. Short after the trip went very bad and ended with Zoe running away to escape a nightmare. Claire on the other hand is a local from Hawkes Bay, she ownes now a an old rundown winery to hide from the world until she litterally stumbeld over Zoe twice in a day and can see something of her past in Zoes eyes. From there on they form a very close and special bond. Both characters are so well portrayed and written, the way i as a reader can feel into their situation and actually understand what they are going trough. I really love the developement in both along the story.

Its quickly clear bot woman have a soft kink preferences it blends in very well with their storyline and dynamic. The scenes are very well written and developed.

I can highly recommend this book and will for sure read more form Donna Jay!
Profile Image for Nia.
414 reviews16 followers
January 6, 2025
A setting in picturesque New Zealand.
Donna Jay writes in “Without a Plan” about difficult hurdles, deep feelings and her beautiful home.
It's a bit like a romantic vacation where you watch the developing romance between two beautiful women.
I really enjoyed the new edition of “Finding Love Down Under”.
We accompany Zoe Anderson through her streak of bad luck and her lonely journey through New Zealand, now all alone.
Originally planned differently, she has to make her way alone. Disappointed and hurt, she radiates sadness, which Claire Evans immediately notices when she meets the young Canadian on the street and mistakenly thinks she is homeless.
What follows is completely uncharacteristic of her, but she cannot ignore the feeling inside her. She cannot just leave this beautiful young woman sitting there like that.
A shy approach ignites hot desire and passion!
The two discover what they have in common and are able to leave their fears behind and revive their hopes. As always, beautifully written. The intimacy between them develops thoughtfully and sensitively and becomes hot, with tingling eroticism and a beautiful D/s relationship.
Thanks so much to Donna Jay for this ARC!
1,124 reviews6 followers
March 4, 2025
Without a Plan begins with a random encounter on the streets of a small town in New Zealand. From this inauspicious beginning local farmer Claire and Canadian traveler Zoe build a solid relationship that is sweet and loving, with some light BDSM thrown in to keep things interesting. There are moments of angst, especially when the women must grapple with demons from previous relationships. Fortunately, they are able to confront these issues without straying into melodrama. There is a decent supporting cast, though for the most part these characters play a minor role. This is an engaging read with the anticipated happily ever after.

26 reviews
January 3, 2025
I am always thrilled to read a new Donna Jay book, even though this is a new version of an old favorite. I love the visuals she creates when she describes places around her beautiful country of New Zealand; makes me want to book a trip! Zoe and Claire find each other in the lowest times in their lives. Both have been betrayed in unconscionable ways, and a connection is quickly made. Finding out who betrayed them and how, will draw you in, along with all the characters you will come to love and hate! If anyone can put you on a roller coaster of emotions it’s Donna Jay! From sadness and fear, to hopefulness and love and happiness and joy…you’ll feel them all! And don’t let me forget Donna’s humor and her oh so deliciously spicy scenes!
This book is a must read! I cannot recommend it enough!
11 reviews
January 27, 2025
Donna Jay does it again with another enchanting story, this time set in beautiful New Zealand! Both main characters are working through the aftermath of past relationships, and their chemistry is undeniable from the start. The pacing in the beginning, where they slowly get to know each other before anything romantic happens, felt wonderfully refreshing and unforced. Over the course of the book, both characters grow and heal together, making their bond feel all the more genuine. While it’s not as steamy as some of her previous books, there’s still a strong, simmering heat between them. The secondary characters are also well-crafted, bringing extra richness to the story. I can always count on Donna Jay’s books to deliver a great read, and this one was no exception. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
Profile Image for Red Dragon.
252 reviews
January 11, 2025

Meet Claire and Zoe both of whom have been stung by betrayal leaving them wary of relationships but a good deed by Claire results in something neither were looking for or expected and could restore their faith in love!

A lovely story with great characters set in New Zealand - Donna Jay describes her country so beautifully you can’t help but want to visit there! It’s also full of animals with crazy names!
If you are into role play then there are some ‘hot’ scenes portrayed so well in the book that you can almost feel the ‘heat’!!
Another great read from Donna Jay. Thank you for the ARC - this is my honest review.
304 reviews2 followers
January 30, 2025
I raced through this in no time but that may have been because it was a really easy
read - and that’s not a criticism, it’s a benefit! The author does her usual good job of bringing together two women, in this case, both scarred by the bad behaviour of previous partners. And again, both are WLW who like a bit of kink in the bedroom, one who is more dominant and the other more submissive. They’re so lucky to find each other!
This had a decent plot line with some incident and drama which wasn’t overdone but which added to the story. I wonder if the author may return to these characters to tell the story of Janey and Peyton next…
Profile Image for Kim.
280 reviews10 followers
January 16, 2025
Donna has written a wonderful new version of Finding Love Down Under. Her writing style really shines through in this story and her humor is present too! Her character’s, Zoe and Claire, are strong, empowered women who show us how to work together to overcome obstacles that pop up in life.
This story is a good snowy or rainy day read. The spice will warm you and your emotions will get a workout too. I really enjoyed this book and I think it will be one that stays with you after you read it. Enjoy!
Author 1 book17 followers
January 13, 2025
Zoe is in New Zealand, after something has gone seriously wrong, and meets Claire, who offers her a room. In exchange for cooking and help around the farm, Claire let's her stay. Claire is also keeping secrets, being weirdly paranoid about social media.

Both women become attracted, but the secrets get in the way....

4 out of 5 stars. Really solidly good, likeable characters and a good romance.
Profile Image for Betsy.
172 reviews
January 14, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I thought the romance between Zoe and Claire was very sweet, and I appreciated how they both managed to overcome their past traumas together, moving forward to create something wonderful. I loved the part where they welcomed the animals and named them; I thought that was adorable. Overall, this book was a fun read, and I would definitely recommend it.

I received an arc
394 reviews7 followers
January 27, 2025
I so thoroughly enjoyed this this book, I know I'll be re-reading it soon. I love the way Donna Jay writes sex scenes. And in this particular book, how the sex (and other) scenes show how the main characters help each other to heal.

I also really love stories in which a main character meets the other's family, and the family just naturally falls in love with them. (Not that that's a must-have for me to read a book, but it's just so lovely.)

573 reviews5 followers
February 24, 2025
New Zealand has been brought to life and I love it!

Donna Jay is a masterful writer with a delightful flare that brings a bit of a tour guide into this love story. The characters are presented with their flaws intricate to the flow of the story. She uses humor and wit in her dialogue between characters to ground them and draw us closer to her own world. I am intrigued and wish I could travel to New Zealand to experience it myself. This story is definitely worth the read.
Profile Image for Michael Wells.
1,078 reviews6 followers
June 26, 2025
Find in a life

Zoe has run away from her group in New Zealand. She is visiting from Canada and was upset. Claire found her and gave her a place to stay. I found the plot very good. Zoe and Claire are two different people.w but found each other by accident. There are trigger warnings in this book, including sexual situations. I recommend this book for all who like a good love story.e
471 reviews2 followers
October 3, 2025
Good book

MS Donna took an old revision and revised it to make it better. Zoe is roaming the streets of New Zealand after her and her girlfriend broke up. Claire is in town and runs into Zoe a couple if times and understands the look in her eyes. Claire is hiding a defect too but wants to keep it quiet. When Claire gives Zoe a place to sleep things just come natural. A friend to lover story with some twists. As always a great read
104 reviews2 followers
January 25, 2025
I devoured this book, like I do all of Donna Jay's books. I always feel like I am in the book as the descriptions are so vivid and I love getting to see new parts of a country I wish I could visit!
The characters were easy to fall in love with and I really enjoyed their low angst relationship. The two were just perfect together
855 reviews2 followers
March 23, 2025
I loved this gorgeous , spicy tale from champion storyteller Donna Jay. The characters are damaged but find each other in a small New Zealand town. Kiwi hospitality is shown by inviting the Canadian home. There are lots of Kiwi fun facts, gorgeous animals with thoughtful names, and a loving family when times get tough. Well written
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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