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The Party Plot
A chaotic good boy and a sexy con man clash in this m/m romantic comedy about small-town drama, Southern manners, and being true to oneself.
When Laurel Van Marcke comes home for the summer, he’s immediately thrown back into all the scandals, grudges, and petty gossip he wanted to avoid. But he was expecting that. What he wasn’t expecting was Casey Bright, his mom’s new party planner, who also happens to be the mystery man he spent an unforgettable night with three months ago. But something about Casey, and the whole situation, seems off, and Laurel needs this party to go off without a hitch.
Casey has his own agenda for the upcoming Halloween ball, one that doesn’t include Laurel. He wants nothing to do with the spoiled little rich boy, and definitely doesn’t want to get entangled with him again. But Laurel is persistent, and soon, he’s involved himself not only in the party planning, but in all the most intimate aspects of Casey’s life. And Casey absolutely despises him for it… right?
One thing is for sure, the first annual Halloween Ball will be the event of the year—one way or another.
The Party Plot is an m/m enemies-to-lovers romance featuring elaborate schemes, a few raccoons, several cheesy Halloween props, and a HEA.
This novel is for adults and may contain content that is disturbing or difficult for some readers. There is a full list of content warnings on my website and in the back of the book.
When Laurel Van Marcke comes home for the summer, he’s immediately thrown back into all the scandals, grudges, and petty gossip he wanted to avoid. But he was expecting that. What he wasn’t expecting was Casey Bright, his mom’s new party planner, who also happens to be the mystery man he spent an unforgettable night with three months ago. But something about Casey, and the whole situation, seems off, and Laurel needs this party to go off without a hitch.
Casey has his own agenda for the upcoming Halloween ball, one that doesn’t include Laurel. He wants nothing to do with the spoiled little rich boy, and definitely doesn’t want to get entangled with him again. But Laurel is persistent, and soon, he’s involved himself not only in the party planning, but in all the most intimate aspects of Casey’s life. And Casey absolutely despises him for it… right?
One thing is for sure, the first annual Halloween Ball will be the event of the year—one way or another.
The Party Plot is an m/m enemies-to-lovers romance featuring elaborate schemes, a few raccoons, several cheesy Halloween props, and a HEA.
This novel is for adults and may contain content that is disturbing or difficult for some readers. There is a full list of content warnings on my website and in the back of the book.
393 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2025
2 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 1, 2025
ARC review
It was a good book, I liked it. But the romance happened out of nowhere.
Laurel was a trust fund kid that was under his mother's thumb.
Casey was the son of a con man that did what he could to survive.
These two shouldn't work together but somehow they do. I really liked them together. They both tried not to fall in bed again but they couldn't resist it
It was a good book, I liked it. But the romance happened out of nowhere.
Laurel was a trust fund kid that was under his mother's thumb.
Casey was the son of a con man that did what he could to survive.
These two shouldn't work together but somehow they do. I really liked them together. They both tried not to fall in bed again but they couldn't resist it
May 19, 2025
4.5 stars
I adore Emily Spady's writing and this story made no exception.
Casey and Laurel's relationship starts :
Casey, the con man, and Laurel, the trust found baby had an unforgettable night in Vegas. No names, no personal details, just a good time and then a goodbye. After three months though, they're still thinking about that night and they're quite shocked to see each other again when Casey is hired by Laurel's mother as a party planner.
Laurel could appear as a spoiled brat, but he was actually very perceptive and, after some digging, he finds out Casey's secret.
At first Casey's behaviour towards Laurel was annoying me, because while Laurel was repeatedly telling to himself that he found Casey very interesting and never denied being attracted to him, Casey, instead, was desperately trying to distance himself from him.
Slowly, it comes out that Casey was intimidated by Laurel's wealth because of his own past and this issue will haunt him and prevent him from giving theie relationship a chance throughout a big part of the story, until they will finally make things official.
I liked very much that Casey told his background story just a little bit at times because it revealed how hard it was for him to open up to Laurel and fully trust him with his heart.
I literally adored the time they spent dating after the hurricane, when they moved back to Bonard: that set the foundation for their relationship and allowed them to get to know each other better before starting to make plans for the future.
I really really loved the part when they finally, finally!, start being sweet and tender, when they are overwhelmed by their feelings for each other. The sex scenes are my favourite kind of physical scenes, when the feelings are all over the place and they just surrender to love. They were so unexpectedly tender toward each other.
What prevented me from giving five full stars:
Laurel and Melody's friendship wasn't exactly healthy: Melody refused to make the necessary steps to defiitely get away from a toxic relationship and start to get better, while Laurel was actually enabling her instead of helping her to move forward.
I genuinely liked the secondary character: Chip is an amazing friend and Jamie is very very interesting, I wonder if the author will give him his own story in the future.
I adore the epilogue, it was the perfect ending for Casey and Laurel.
Highly recommended.
I received an ARC of this book from Booksprout and this is my honest review.
I adore Emily Spady's writing and this story made no exception.
Casey and Laurel's relationship starts :
Casey, the con man, and Laurel, the trust found baby had an unforgettable night in Vegas. No names, no personal details, just a good time and then a goodbye. After three months though, they're still thinking about that night and they're quite shocked to see each other again when Casey is hired by Laurel's mother as a party planner.
Laurel could appear as a spoiled brat, but he was actually very perceptive and, after some digging, he finds out Casey's secret.
At first Casey's behaviour towards Laurel was annoying me, because while Laurel was repeatedly telling to himself that he found Casey very interesting and never denied being attracted to him, Casey, instead, was desperately trying to distance himself from him.
Slowly, it comes out that Casey was intimidated by Laurel's wealth because of his own past and this issue will haunt him and prevent him from giving theie relationship a chance throughout a big part of the story, until they will finally make things official.
I liked very much that Casey told his background story just a little bit at times because it revealed how hard it was for him to open up to Laurel and fully trust him with his heart.
I literally adored the time they spent dating after the hurricane, when they moved back to Bonard: that set the foundation for their relationship and allowed them to get to know each other better before starting to make plans for the future.
I really really loved the part when they finally, finally!, start being sweet and tender, when they are overwhelmed by their feelings for each other. The sex scenes are my favourite kind of physical scenes, when the feelings are all over the place and they just surrender to love. They were so unexpectedly tender toward each other.
What prevented me from giving five full stars:
Laurel and Melody's friendship wasn't exactly healthy: Melody refused to make the necessary steps to defiitely get away from a toxic relationship and start to get better, while Laurel was actually enabling her instead of helping her to move forward.
I genuinely liked the secondary character: Chip is an amazing friend and Jamie is very very interesting, I wonder if the author will give him his own story in the future.
I adore the epilogue, it was the perfect ending for Casey and Laurel.
Highly recommended.
I received an ARC of this book from Booksprout and this is my honest review.
May 6, 2025
I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
First off, the narrative style blew me away and I LOVE THAT! After reading like a thousand MM romances I know what I like, and what i like is a toothy, rich writing style, compelling tension, crisp visceral details, and characterization that lives and breathes on page. Sensuality instead of just getting sweaty. Dialogue that has me wishing I could be as fierce and fabulous on the spot.
And so while I am indeed bigging up Spady's writing chops, and there's truly a lot to love about the flow and composition, I sorta hated the Melody plot and, i want to say, the awkward execution of the homophobia in this as well. Because as much as Denise was the OTT character i expected, i was still loathe to read it.
And to expand on what i didn't vibe with, I just didn't get how Melody could be what she showed up as in this story, in this economy. The alcohol money alone could have put her through college or rehab. And I'm very much not saying this to dismiss what went down from child to adulthood, but as pertaining to this very specific time in the story, and for most of the book it seemed, Melody wore being messy in public, and messy in the house, and 24/7 crying about being messy while giving her bestie a complex, with zero self-awareness.
I just can't with these kinds of people and characters rn, and i docked stars for making me scold women in my imagination. I'm just so damn tired.
On the flipside, I loved the lusciousness of Laurel and Casey. I get why Laurel would be weirdly hamstrung by the women in his life, and despite the drama it was supremely entertaining to read his whimsical sexy character who epitomized an almost innocent kind of debauched wildness. The freckles and the poor French really did it for me LOL! And Casey, as Laurel's contrast, had the strength and sullen charm that really revved Laurel up, and i really loved that fiery fun dynamic for them.
I'm definitely impressed with my first Emily Spady romance, even if my rating isn't off the charts. There's a lot of talent here and i'm excited for whatever comes next, because my issues with The Party Plot was just the plot itself, so it's a ME thing 100%! Most importantly i thought this had great bones and a solid foundation to build from, so there's lots to look forward to in the future!
First off, the narrative style blew me away and I LOVE THAT! After reading like a thousand MM romances I know what I like, and what i like is a toothy, rich writing style, compelling tension, crisp visceral details, and characterization that lives and breathes on page. Sensuality instead of just getting sweaty. Dialogue that has me wishing I could be as fierce and fabulous on the spot.
And so while I am indeed bigging up Spady's writing chops, and there's truly a lot to love about the flow and composition, I sorta hated the Melody plot and, i want to say, the awkward execution of the homophobia in this as well. Because as much as Denise was the OTT character i expected, i was still loathe to read it.
And to expand on what i didn't vibe with, I just didn't get how Melody could be what she showed up as in this story, in this economy. The alcohol money alone could have put her through college or rehab. And I'm very much not saying this to dismiss what went down from child to adulthood, but as pertaining to this very specific time in the story, and for most of the book it seemed, Melody wore being messy in public, and messy in the house, and 24/7 crying about being messy while giving her bestie a complex, with zero self-awareness.
I just can't with these kinds of people and characters rn, and i docked stars for making me scold women in my imagination. I'm just so damn tired.
On the flipside, I loved the lusciousness of Laurel and Casey. I get why Laurel would be weirdly hamstrung by the women in his life, and despite the drama it was supremely entertaining to read his whimsical sexy character who epitomized an almost innocent kind of debauched wildness. The freckles and the poor French really did it for me LOL! And Casey, as Laurel's contrast, had the strength and sullen charm that really revved Laurel up, and i really loved that fiery fun dynamic for them.
I'm definitely impressed with my first Emily Spady romance, even if my rating isn't off the charts. There's a lot of talent here and i'm excited for whatever comes next, because my issues with The Party Plot was just the plot itself, so it's a ME thing 100%! Most importantly i thought this had great bones and a solid foundation to build from, so there's lots to look forward to in the future!
May 14, 2025
Reviewed for Love Bytes – 4 hearts
Rich playboy, Laurel, returns home to find the man he slept with several months ago, working as his mother's new party planner. But something’s not right. Laurel is many things, but stupid, he is not. As for Casey, until Laurel appeared at the dog wedding, he hadn’t connected Laurel with his employer. And didn’t that put a spanner in his plans?
I picked up this story because the previous book by this author was awesome. In this instalment, the author takes on a different venture, with what some sites call a romantic comedy. I would disagree with their assessment. The story may have begun as a romantic comedy, but from my viewpoint, it didn’t end up as one. While there are lighter moments, I smiled but didn’t laugh because the tale deals with serious issues, such as alcohol and predatory grooming (not the MC’s). Nevertheless, ignoring the ’comedy’ aspect, I eventually got into the story and enjoyed it.
The story is told from the viewpoints of Casey and Laurel. Throughout, plenty of situational descriptions of background, people, and places exist. As informative as these were, they occasionally got in the way of the story flow. In the novel's early chapters, worldbuilding dominates, so it took me a while to connect with the characters and their journey. But stick with it, as around a third of the way in, the whims of an attention-seeking woman, and associated issues, give way to a juicier story.
Laurel has issues. Given his riches, OTT's mother, and small-town hierarchy, it’s no wonder that when at home, he sinks into a bottle. At heart, he is a good person aiming to help those he can, often seeing the bigger picture of a situation. Laurel’s best friend, Melody, is a lady who deserves respect. She is one of the reasons why I hesitate to call this story a comedy.
Not much is revealed about Casey’s background – just a nugget here and there. I loved the interactions between Casey and his best friend, James. James doesn’t get much airtime, but it is memorable. Shout out here for raccoons. Anyhoo, Casey is a man with dreams, and not many ways to achieve them.
If you remove the comedy billing, this is a sweet tale of two men from opposite sides of the tracks who are, at heart, good people looking for happiness.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
Rich playboy, Laurel, returns home to find the man he slept with several months ago, working as his mother's new party planner. But something’s not right. Laurel is many things, but stupid, he is not. As for Casey, until Laurel appeared at the dog wedding, he hadn’t connected Laurel with his employer. And didn’t that put a spanner in his plans?
I picked up this story because the previous book by this author was awesome. In this instalment, the author takes on a different venture, with what some sites call a romantic comedy. I would disagree with their assessment. The story may have begun as a romantic comedy, but from my viewpoint, it didn’t end up as one. While there are lighter moments, I smiled but didn’t laugh because the tale deals with serious issues, such as alcohol and predatory grooming (not the MC’s). Nevertheless, ignoring the ’comedy’ aspect, I eventually got into the story and enjoyed it.
The story is told from the viewpoints of Casey and Laurel. Throughout, plenty of situational descriptions of background, people, and places exist. As informative as these were, they occasionally got in the way of the story flow. In the novel's early chapters, worldbuilding dominates, so it took me a while to connect with the characters and their journey. But stick with it, as around a third of the way in, the whims of an attention-seeking woman, and associated issues, give way to a juicier story.
Laurel has issues. Given his riches, OTT's mother, and small-town hierarchy, it’s no wonder that when at home, he sinks into a bottle. At heart, he is a good person aiming to help those he can, often seeing the bigger picture of a situation. Laurel’s best friend, Melody, is a lady who deserves respect. She is one of the reasons why I hesitate to call this story a comedy.
Not much is revealed about Casey’s background – just a nugget here and there. I loved the interactions between Casey and his best friend, James. James doesn’t get much airtime, but it is memorable. Shout out here for raccoons. Anyhoo, Casey is a man with dreams, and not many ways to achieve them.
If you remove the comedy billing, this is a sweet tale of two men from opposite sides of the tracks who are, at heart, good people looking for happiness.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
June 6, 2025
I was graciously gifted this book from the Author to BETA read. The review is my own and given without bias.
The Party Plot follows Laurel when he comes home for the summer. Stumbling into his mother’s lawn soiree for her dogs wedding, complete with string quartet. He comes face to face with the stranger that he spent an unforgettable night with three months ago in Vegas.
And now that man is working for his mother.
Casey Bright, is his mom’s new party planner, well fancy that. Something is off about Casey, and Laurel can’t put his finger on it. But His mother needs the party to be a success. She’s not old money, she’s desperate to fit in to society, and the last thing that Laurel needs in his life is his mother to start scrutinizing him, and his friends. Casey wants nothing to do with the spoiled little rich boy, and definitely doesn’t want to get entangled with him again. He just wants to get the job done. Plan the crown jewel of Denise Cabot Van Marke’s social calendar, the Halloween ball, and get out of town.
But Laurel knows something is awry. Now he's involved with the party planning for this Halloween spectacle, and maybe a little bit with Casey?
Listen, when I started this book I did not like either of these characters. These are not nice people, neither of them. Laurel is a stuck up brat, who has been given everything in his life, and is desperate to just fly under the radar so no one looks too hard. And with Casey you know something's up, you know he's not telling the truth, you know he is going to be nefarious. But slowly as the story unfolds you find that you really like them both. They are riddled with flaws, but they work and they bring out the best in each other.
There are also raccoons’, ridiculous costumes for Halloween, and a lot of good side characters. You definitely want to read the trigger warnings in this. Floral's best friend Melody has got a lot going on, and it's pretty central to the plot. Check those trigger warnings to make sure that this is an OK read for you. All in all, I loved the party plot it was an absolute joy to beta read for Emily. I really did enjoy the fact, that I didn't like either of these characters at the beginning of the book but by the end I loved them they were meant for each other. There's a lot of forgiveness, there's a lot of understanding where the other person is coming from and that they are flawed and that can't be helped but you can love them anyways and help them be a better person because they're going to help you be a better person.
The Party Plot follows Laurel when he comes home for the summer. Stumbling into his mother’s lawn soiree for her dogs wedding, complete with string quartet. He comes face to face with the stranger that he spent an unforgettable night with three months ago in Vegas.
And now that man is working for his mother.
Casey Bright, is his mom’s new party planner, well fancy that. Something is off about Casey, and Laurel can’t put his finger on it. But His mother needs the party to be a success. She’s not old money, she’s desperate to fit in to society, and the last thing that Laurel needs in his life is his mother to start scrutinizing him, and his friends. Casey wants nothing to do with the spoiled little rich boy, and definitely doesn’t want to get entangled with him again. He just wants to get the job done. Plan the crown jewel of Denise Cabot Van Marke’s social calendar, the Halloween ball, and get out of town.
But Laurel knows something is awry. Now he's involved with the party planning for this Halloween spectacle, and maybe a little bit with Casey?
Listen, when I started this book I did not like either of these characters. These are not nice people, neither of them. Laurel is a stuck up brat, who has been given everything in his life, and is desperate to just fly under the radar so no one looks too hard. And with Casey you know something's up, you know he's not telling the truth, you know he is going to be nefarious. But slowly as the story unfolds you find that you really like them both. They are riddled with flaws, but they work and they bring out the best in each other.
There are also raccoons’, ridiculous costumes for Halloween, and a lot of good side characters. You definitely want to read the trigger warnings in this. Floral's best friend Melody has got a lot going on, and it's pretty central to the plot. Check those trigger warnings to make sure that this is an OK read for you. All in all, I loved the party plot it was an absolute joy to beta read for Emily. I really did enjoy the fact, that I didn't like either of these characters at the beginning of the book but by the end I loved them they were meant for each other. There's a lot of forgiveness, there's a lot of understanding where the other person is coming from and that they are flawed and that can't be helped but you can love them anyways and help them be a better person because they're going to help you be a better person.
May 7, 2025
So good!! Laurel is still basking in his satisfaction from a one-night stand in Vegas when he returns to his mother's home in a small town in the South. No one back home knows he's gay, so he's a bit shocked to see his Vegas hookup is his mom's new party planner, Casey. What's even more concerning, however, is Casey is actually only there to scam the party money out of Laurel's mom. It turns out Laurel is quite the detective, despite Casey assuming he's a dumb, rich playboy. Casey isn't interested in a repeat with Laurel, but now they're stuck working on a party together. Hoo boy, so much drama!
🔥: Steamy and hot! Things start out hostile with these two, making everything way more exciting. Scenes are quick- to medium-paced with graphic details and plenty of angry desire.
😆: We get some comic relief from Laurel and his fun-loving personality, as well as some from Casey's wildly interesting best friend, Jamie.
😭: I didn't cry with this one, but things aren't easy for Casey or Laurel, especially in a town crawling with some very judgmental people. Laurel's friend, Melody, faces most of the obstacles in this one.
This is my favorite Emily Spady book so far! She nails the enemies-to-lovers trope and I loved watching both Laurel and Casey evolve over the course of the book. So many secrets to reveal!! Gotta love it!!
CW: discussion of addiction and sobriety, drug and alcohol use on the page, suicidal discussion by a side character on the page, discussion of abortion on the page, possible eating disorder on the page, discussion of abusive partner (not MC), neglectful parent, microaggressions regarding race, sexuality and gender on the page
🔥: Steamy and hot! Things start out hostile with these two, making everything way more exciting. Scenes are quick- to medium-paced with graphic details and plenty of angry desire.
😆: We get some comic relief from Laurel and his fun-loving personality, as well as some from Casey's wildly interesting best friend, Jamie.
😭: I didn't cry with this one, but things aren't easy for Casey or Laurel, especially in a town crawling with some very judgmental people. Laurel's friend, Melody, faces most of the obstacles in this one.
This is my favorite Emily Spady book so far! She nails the enemies-to-lovers trope and I loved watching both Laurel and Casey evolve over the course of the book. So many secrets to reveal!! Gotta love it!!
CW: discussion of addiction and sobriety, drug and alcohol use on the page, suicidal discussion by a side character on the page, discussion of abortion on the page, possible eating disorder on the page, discussion of abusive partner (not MC), neglectful parent, microaggressions regarding race, sexuality and gender on the page
April 16, 2025
Emily Spady’s The Party Plot is a book that had me on the fence. It sounded intriguing, but I find books labelled as romantic comedies are more often misses than hits for me. I blame the fact that I have a weird sense of humour for this, which is probably why I did not find this book funny. Although it is not something I would label a romantic comedy, it was a story that had me hooked.
I will be honest and say that my rating of The Party Plot is a three-point-five-star rating that I opted to round up. The book certainly had me engaged, invested in all that was playing out, but I wish there had been a bit more exploration of the heavier aspects of this story. There were so many heavy elements throughout, and I feel most of them were handled lightly. This is likely due to the romantic comedy label, but the fact I did not find it funny meant these elements felt underdeveloped. Of course, as the lack of humour is a me issue, I had to round my rating up. The story was engaging, I liked the way the characters played off each other, and I devoured the story in no time. All in all, it was an addictive little read.
Overall, while I would not fit this story into the intended category of romantic comedy, it was certainly a book that held my attention. The nod to other work from the author also has me curious, so I may give them another try.
I will be honest and say that my rating of The Party Plot is a three-point-five-star rating that I opted to round up. The book certainly had me engaged, invested in all that was playing out, but I wish there had been a bit more exploration of the heavier aspects of this story. There were so many heavy elements throughout, and I feel most of them were handled lightly. This is likely due to the romantic comedy label, but the fact I did not find it funny meant these elements felt underdeveloped. Of course, as the lack of humour is a me issue, I had to round my rating up. The story was engaging, I liked the way the characters played off each other, and I devoured the story in no time. All in all, it was an addictive little read.
Overall, while I would not fit this story into the intended category of romantic comedy, it was certainly a book that held my attention. The nod to other work from the author also has me curious, so I may give them another try.
May 10, 2025
This was a hard one to pick a rating for, it's probably more like a 3.5.
I really enjoyed parts of this book--the banter between Laurel and Casey, the Melody and Jamie of it all, and most of the back half of the book. The characters definitely did grow throughout the book, and I liked watching them all grow and mature in their own ways.
The parts I wasn't as fond of were most of the external plot points and definitely the beginning of the book. It kind of dropped us into a moment very abruptly, which led to a lot of inner monologue setting the scene instead of being allowed to gather the information from other places. I also thought that Laurel's reasons for wanting the ball to go on were a little thin (definitely very kindhearted but thin). Also, in the beginning neither character was coming off super well despite it being dual POV, which made it a little hard to get invested in their story. I liked that both characters had some negative qualities and weren't perfect, but they needed something in the very beginning to make me want to root for them despite themselves.
This is a cute story and I mostly enjoyed it, it just took a long time to really get invested.
CW: sexual content, disordered eating, past grooming/emotionally abusive relationship (side character), drug and alcohol abuse, addiction, homophobia, mention of abortion, toxic parents
I really enjoyed parts of this book--the banter between Laurel and Casey, the Melody and Jamie of it all, and most of the back half of the book. The characters definitely did grow throughout the book, and I liked watching them all grow and mature in their own ways.
The parts I wasn't as fond of were most of the external plot points and definitely the beginning of the book. It kind of dropped us into a moment very abruptly, which led to a lot of inner monologue setting the scene instead of being allowed to gather the information from other places. I also thought that Laurel's reasons for wanting the ball to go on were a little thin (definitely very kindhearted but thin). Also, in the beginning neither character was coming off super well despite it being dual POV, which made it a little hard to get invested in their story. I liked that both characters had some negative qualities and weren't perfect, but they needed something in the very beginning to make me want to root for them despite themselves.
This is a cute story and I mostly enjoyed it, it just took a long time to really get invested.
CW: sexual content, disordered eating, past grooming/emotionally abusive relationship (side character), drug and alcohol abuse, addiction, homophobia, mention of abortion, toxic parents
May 13, 2025
Enemies to lovers, small-town secrets, and a one-night stand turned complicated—this book was fun!
Laurel, a closeted trust fund kid under his controlling mother’s thumb, returns to his Southern hometown still thinking about a hot Vegas hookup. Surprise! That hookup—Casey—is now his mum’s new party planner. Even bigger twist? Casey’s a con man planning to scam the family out of their Halloween ball budget.
Laurel may come off like a clueless rich boy, but he’s sharper than he looks and starts digging into Casey’s past. What follows is a steamy, snarky, tension-filled ride as these two try (and fail) to resist each other. Their chemistry is off the charts, and while the romance sparks fast, it works thanks to the emotional depth that unfolds as they’re forced to work together.
There’s drama, secrets, hot hookups, and even some comic relief (shoutout to Jamie and Laurel’s wild personality). The story also explores deeper themes—addiction, abuse, judgement, and identity—with sensitivity and heart.
The Party Plot is an entertaining, spicy read with just enough heart to make the twists hit harder.
CW: Addiction, drug use, suicide discussion (side character), abortion, eating disorder, abuse, neglect, and microaggressions.
Laurel, a closeted trust fund kid under his controlling mother’s thumb, returns to his Southern hometown still thinking about a hot Vegas hookup. Surprise! That hookup—Casey—is now his mum’s new party planner. Even bigger twist? Casey’s a con man planning to scam the family out of their Halloween ball budget.
Laurel may come off like a clueless rich boy, but he’s sharper than he looks and starts digging into Casey’s past. What follows is a steamy, snarky, tension-filled ride as these two try (and fail) to resist each other. Their chemistry is off the charts, and while the romance sparks fast, it works thanks to the emotional depth that unfolds as they’re forced to work together.
There’s drama, secrets, hot hookups, and even some comic relief (shoutout to Jamie and Laurel’s wild personality). The story also explores deeper themes—addiction, abuse, judgement, and identity—with sensitivity and heart.
The Party Plot is an entertaining, spicy read with just enough heart to make the twists hit harder.
CW: Addiction, drug use, suicide discussion (side character), abortion, eating disorder, abuse, neglect, and microaggressions.
May 2, 2025
Standalone. One night stand. Opposites attract. Adversarial to lovers. Dual POV. Heed content warnings.
Laurel returns home from an extended vacation to find the one night stand he had a few months ago is his mother’s current party planner. Casey is worried Laurel is going to ruin his current con, but being discovered leads to more time spent together and brings the possibility of something more.
This story was different than I expected, with some really serious themes underpinning the slow building romance, so although I was expecting something light, the backgrounds of the main characters as well as some of the secondary ones were not easy. I actually wasn’t sure about Casey and Laurel for a good portion of the book, but they eventually won me over as they embraced their attraction and wanted to work on building something together. This was an entertaining read, and once Casey admitted his feelings beyond lust for Laurel there was plenty of sweetness along with steam, and acceptance that although neither of them knew how to have a relationship they both wanted to try with each other.
Laurel returns home from an extended vacation to find the one night stand he had a few months ago is his mother’s current party planner. Casey is worried Laurel is going to ruin his current con, but being discovered leads to more time spent together and brings the possibility of something more.
This story was different than I expected, with some really serious themes underpinning the slow building romance, so although I was expecting something light, the backgrounds of the main characters as well as some of the secondary ones were not easy. I actually wasn’t sure about Casey and Laurel for a good portion of the book, but they eventually won me over as they embraced their attraction and wanted to work on building something together. This was an entertaining read, and once Casey admitted his feelings beyond lust for Laurel there was plenty of sweetness along with steam, and acceptance that although neither of them knew how to have a relationship they both wanted to try with each other.
May 8, 2025
First of all, as a horse girl, it’s important for me to say that Spady writes the horses well. I always worry at horse parts in books, because if they are written badly by people who have only seen horses in movies, it is cringe. This book is done well! This is the second book I have read of hers. What I really appreciate is her beautiful writing. There is imagery, interesting descriptions, a style that is anything but ordinary. I also appreciate that the plot doesn’t hammer along exactly how you think it’s going to. It doesn’t take upsetting twists and turns, but it isn’t straightforward and it doesn’t follow predictable paths. This was a charming book with two very flawed main characters who learn about themselves and one another, and how to make it work. I recommend this and her previous book Duke for the Summer.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 9, 2025
This is the story of Laurel Van Marcke and Casey Bright. Laurel returns back home expecting the usual local gossip and scandals. What he doesn't expect is to meet his mom's newest party planner, Casey. The same nameless man that he spent one night with three months earlier. I should say an amazing night with. Casey is is con artist. He plans to assume responsibility for the upcoming new Halloween Ball. And he plans to escape with all the money. When they meet again, Laurel finds something off about Casey, so he decides to investigate. Then they end up working on the ball together. It is then that they begin to really see each other. Is there a plot twist in offing? This is their story. It was written well and was easy to read. A new to me author and I enjoyed the book.
I received a complimentary advanced review copy of this book from GBP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a complimentary advanced review copy of this book from GBP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 11, 2025
I loved this book - two characters you can't get behind wholeheartedly but nevertheless root for the entire book? Sign me up. C'mon - a trust fund baby and a con man? A man not wholly in control of himself and a man who needs to control every breath he takes? Two men flooded with the memories of their one night stand, but trying to remain "professional"?
If you add to that the writing - original metaphors and similes that emerge not as a obvious literary devices but as ways to get us to see the world from Laurel and Casey's points-of-view - you get a really a really irresistible book. I could feel what the characters felt, they were so embodied that their sweat and discomfort, as well as their lust and tenderness, transferred from the page. I felt the weather, the second-hand embarrassment, all of it.
I've only read one other Spady book but I will be rectifying that immediately.
If you add to that the writing - original metaphors and similes that emerge not as a obvious literary devices but as ways to get us to see the world from Laurel and Casey's points-of-view - you get a really a really irresistible book. I could feel what the characters felt, they were so embodied that their sweat and discomfort, as well as their lust and tenderness, transferred from the page. I felt the weather, the second-hand embarrassment, all of it.
I've only read one other Spady book but I will be rectifying that immediately.
May 22, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
This is a sweet, fluffy romance made all the more light by contrasting it with the darkness of Melody’s situation. While there’s some weight in the form of Casey’s background and Laurel’s coming out, it’s still just a sugary love story with a happy ending. The writing is strong, the pace is good, and I enjoyed both Laurel and Casey as characters. The resolution to Melody’s situation was realistic and both Denise and Howie were very nice foils to Laurel and Casey, showing how money and power without compassion or kindness can do great harm.
All in all, this is an excellent summer read. I hope you enjoy it!
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
This is a sweet, fluffy romance made all the more light by contrasting it with the darkness of Melody’s situation. While there’s some weight in the form of Casey’s background and Laurel’s coming out, it’s still just a sugary love story with a happy ending. The writing is strong, the pace is good, and I enjoyed both Laurel and Casey as characters. The resolution to Melody’s situation was realistic and both Denise and Howie were very nice foils to Laurel and Casey, showing how money and power without compassion or kindness can do great harm.
All in all, this is an excellent summer read. I hope you enjoy it!
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
May 11, 2025
MY OPINION: When you run into the guy who rocked your world as a one-night stand, you can’t help but want to repeat it. It seems like these two are on a path that forces them to end up together.
Laurel is a trust fund guy who wants for nothing, with an adversarial relationship with his mother. The hook is that Casey, the party planner, makes him feel all kinds of things. They hooked up in Vegas, and now there are a lot of feelings. Laurel proceeds to chase Casey, wanting more from him.
They stumble along in their attraction and find themselves with a happily ever after. There were quite a few moments I liked. The love story was sweet. This was a small-town story, with some fun characters. I am glad I got the chance to read this book.
Laurel is a trust fund guy who wants for nothing, with an adversarial relationship with his mother. The hook is that Casey, the party planner, makes him feel all kinds of things. They hooked up in Vegas, and now there are a lot of feelings. Laurel proceeds to chase Casey, wanting more from him.
They stumble along in their attraction and find themselves with a happily ever after. There were quite a few moments I liked. The love story was sweet. This was a small-town story, with some fun characters. I am glad I got the chance to read this book.
May 11, 2025
It seems both Laurel and Casey truly did not see one another as their type. These guys are as opposite as can be with Laurel being a trust fund baby under his mother's thumb and Casey being the son of a con man who knows how to hustle to get where he needs to go. They resist one another but ultimately they fall for one another. There were comedic elements in this story for sure but there were also some weighty topics that gave the story some heft and kept me engaged. There was good balance between these elements and I liked both Laurel and Casey and rooted for them to work through what they needed to to be together. And they did.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 8, 2025
From reading the plot and the cover, I read this book expecting fluffy light romance. What I got was a good book that had depth and emotion. Laurel and Casey were likable as individuals but does take a bit to warm us to them as a couple Seems Laurel returns home only to meet Casey, his hookup from a few months ago. I love how both are suspect and distrusting of one another but they heart and attraction ultimately win. A great opposites attracts book with some mystery, conning, distrust, and plenty of steam. When I finished I realized wow I love this book as that feeling sorta sneaked up on me. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.
June 3, 2025
This was a delightful and scintillating story of attraction between opposites, very graphic sex, complex emotions, and a setting that's at once magical and repellent. The descriptions of this part of the South and its ugly history were particularly vivid. The conflicts between characters were believable and often psychologically disturbing. We follow two damaged and sometimes self-destructive people living aimless or criminal lives, two lovers with good reasons to hate each other, as they try to find meaningful lives. Eventually, love wins! Not just romance, but acts of kindness and generosity prevail. The writing is succinct and clever, a great pleasure to read!
May 5, 2025
Pup-mosa, Toptimus Prime, washing the Costco hotdogs, 'Tobacco Vanille', ikebana, douchey name, 'Cabaret'
The beginning of the book is slow, but picks up about half way through. So I stuck it out and when it gets interesting, it's gets really engrossing. This reads like a TV soap opera with some humor sprinkled throughout.
Who'd thought that privileged and spoiled Laurel, a trust fund brat would reform Casey, a con artist? Given there's a HEA, it happens.
When all is said and done, I found this book enjoyable and satisfying. I recommend it.
The beginning of the book is slow, but picks up about half way through. So I stuck it out and when it gets interesting, it's gets really engrossing. This reads like a TV soap opera with some humor sprinkled throughout.
Who'd thought that privileged and spoiled Laurel, a trust fund brat would reform Casey, a con artist? Given there's a HEA, it happens.
When all is said and done, I found this book enjoyable and satisfying. I recommend it.
May 8, 2025
Thank you for the book, here is my honest opinion:
2.5⭐️I think I could have enjoyed a story focused on Casey and Laurel, they do have fun chemistry and Laurel, in particular is full of personality. There was too much focus on other things and has some truly unpleasant characters. Laurel’s bestie, Melody was a mess of a character, I can have empathy for her but had no interest in her drama. Laurel’s mother Denise, was also so off putting. Sorry, but I am very tired of these kind of female characters- this one wasn’t for me.
2.5⭐️I think I could have enjoyed a story focused on Casey and Laurel, they do have fun chemistry and Laurel, in particular is full of personality. There was too much focus on other things and has some truly unpleasant characters. Laurel’s bestie, Melody was a mess of a character, I can have empathy for her but had no interest in her drama. Laurel’s mother Denise, was also so off putting. Sorry, but I am very tired of these kind of female characters- this one wasn’t for me.
May 10, 2025
Entertaining MM romance
The Party Plot was funny and cute! I liked the dynamic between Laurel and Casey. They had a memorable one night stand several months before and never expected their path to cross again, but life had other plans.
I enjoyed the writing in this book; the chemistry between the two MCs was palpable and the steamy scenes were full of tension without being super explicit.
It was a nice MM romance with a side of financial scam, party planning, dog wedding, and feral raccoons.
The Party Plot was funny and cute! I liked the dynamic between Laurel and Casey. They had a memorable one night stand several months before and never expected their path to cross again, but life had other plans.
I enjoyed the writing in this book; the chemistry between the two MCs was palpable and the steamy scenes were full of tension without being super explicit.
It was a nice MM romance with a side of financial scam, party planning, dog wedding, and feral raccoons.
August 13, 2025
Didn't work for me
Fever And The Moon was a gothic horror, an oddity so well-written and very haunting. I liked The Hot Mess Prince and Duke For the Summer, both featuring engaging MCs and decent supporting casts, but I struggled to get into this one. The Party Plot's MCs weren't anywhere near as likeable and the supporting cast didn't help. This really wasn't a romantic comedy, dealing with heavy subjects but not in much depth. There was a lot going on and the romance almost took a back seat. It was a long book and I felt every page.
Fever And The Moon was a gothic horror, an oddity so well-written and very haunting. I liked The Hot Mess Prince and Duke For the Summer, both featuring engaging MCs and decent supporting casts, but I struggled to get into this one. The Party Plot's MCs weren't anywhere near as likeable and the supporting cast didn't help. This really wasn't a romantic comedy, dealing with heavy subjects but not in much depth. There was a lot going on and the romance almost took a back seat. It was a long book and I felt every page.
April 24, 2025
Unfortunately, this one just didn't hit for me. I had a hard time getting behind the couple given their dubious beginning. It did improve significantly by the end, but I was just lacking the emotional connection to the couple, especially Casey, and I wasn't invested in their story. I will say, if you're looking for a book with a good amount of plot in it, this would be a good choice for you.
***
I was provided with an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
***
I was provided with an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
May 6, 2025
Narrative: 📕📘📗📓
Angst: Moderate
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Humor: 😆😆
Heart: 💧💧💧💧
Romance: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Burn Time: Moderate
Definitely not what I was expecting until the best way. If your going in for the rom-com vibe of the party planner and the participant, your getting so much more. The back story and grumpy to grump, never do relationships duo is spectacular.
Can't say more without spoilers, so go enjoy.
Angst: Moderate
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Humor: 😆😆
Heart: 💧💧💧💧
Romance: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Burn Time: Moderate
Definitely not what I was expecting until the best way. If your going in for the rom-com vibe of the party planner and the participant, your getting so much more. The back story and grumpy to grump, never do relationships duo is spectacular.
Can't say more without spoilers, so go enjoy.
May 10, 2025
I mostly enjoyed this story, but it was a bit slow going for me. I have a hard time getting into stories written in third person. I enjoyed the enemies to lovers dynamic, and how they really were lusting for each other most of the time. There were a lot of heavy topics kind of sprinkled in, but it was kept light. Not sure how I feel about that. There was some fun banter between the two mains, but also the side characters. Overall, a fun read!
May 11, 2025
Cautious story where trust matters! Laurel, is home for the summer and the town and people haven't changed and seem as if he never left. Then he meets Casey, a prior one nighter from a few months ago is his Mom's party planner. Laurel, is uncomfortable thinking something is not quite right. Fun, funny story with a lot of unexpected corners. Good story, nicely done. I received an ARC adn am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 28, 2025
OVERALL it was a good book. I didn’t like how Casey’s fraud was handed at the end and Melody’s hard life IMO was not suitable for this book as her issues were worse than what CJ and Lauren were dealing with.
I liked the enemy to lovers part tho, and how Lauren started to grow on Casey and had Jamie helping him taking back his bf.
I liked the enemy to lovers part tho, and how Lauren started to grow on Casey and had Jamie helping him taking back his bf.
May 9, 2025
3.5⭐️s rounded up. I enjoyed aspects of this story and how Casey and Laurel were together but I thought the seriousness of some of the topics could’ve been dealt with differently especially when it was mostly about a side character and not the main MCs or their relationship and that took away from the romcom aspect for me.
May 12, 2025
Soooo... this was cute 😊
I love this author so I couldn't wait for this to come out and I wasn't disappointed at all. Loved the plot (it's a new one for me), loved the writing and I don't have a single criticism at all. Perfect
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love this author so I couldn't wait for this to come out and I wasn't disappointed at all. Loved the plot (it's a new one for me), loved the writing and I don't have a single criticism at all. Perfect
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 13, 2025
3.25/5 stars! I was hoping for a small-town romance along the lines of Lucy Lennox or May Archer. Instead it was a rather disjointed enemies-to-lovers story. There was a lot of depth to this story, but sometimes it was too deep and there were too many other subplots, which distracted me from the romance. I did really like the chemistry between Laurel and Casey.
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