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Perfect Plans
He’s math; she’s theater. He's spreadsheets; she's improv. He speaks data optimization; she speaks fluent human. Ryan Porter grew up at an Arctic research station, helping scientist parents track marine-mammal migration and model ice-core data. Sofie Chen grew up helping her stage-manager mother handle backstage drama and avoid onstage disasters.
Now Sofie and Ryan are colleagues at Prestige Events, a boutique convention-planning firm in New York where logic meets lunacy on a daily basis, as their clients range from sex-positivists to futurologists, Lincoln impersonators to flat-earthers. He wants to bring order to the chaos with data and systems. She needs him to understand that human connection can’t always be graphed.
"Perfect Plans" is a smart, offbeat rom-com—funny, warm, and entirely unconventional. If you loved "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" or "The Rosie Project," this slow-burn, sweet romance might be your next great read.
Now Sofie and Ryan are colleagues at Prestige Events, a boutique convention-planning firm in New York where logic meets lunacy on a daily basis, as their clients range from sex-positivists to futurologists, Lincoln impersonators to flat-earthers. He wants to bring order to the chaos with data and systems. She needs him to understand that human connection can’t always be graphed.
"Perfect Plans" is a smart, offbeat rom-com—funny, warm, and entirely unconventional. If you loved "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" or "The Rosie Project," this slow-burn, sweet romance might be your next great read.
Paperback
Published August 1, 2025
53 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
J.T. Tierney
4 books7 followersJohn Tierney writes fiction in various genres. His newest release in August, 2025, is Perfect Plans, an opposites-attract workplace rom-com set in the world of New York event planning.
His best-selling novel is The Butcher on Colfax, a work of historical fiction that immerses readers in the lives of Irish immigrants in 1890s Denver. We are at their sides as they navigate intense challenges amidst sweeping social and economic changes, A devastating dispute shatters their world, testing their resolve to move forward.
He'a also the author of Extreme Malice, a psychological thriller about political conflict over COVID policies in a small Colorado city.
His debut novel, Love, Literally, is a contemporary smart romance, set on Cape Cod—a heartwarming story of two people in mid-life whose mutual attraction is sparked by a love of British literature and witty wordplay.
Before venturing into fiction, Tierney was a professor and teacher for decades.
He lives outside Chicago with Sue Tierney, his wife of 43 years, and their Great Pyrenees
His best-selling novel is The Butcher on Colfax, a work of historical fiction that immerses readers in the lives of Irish immigrants in 1890s Denver. We are at their sides as they navigate intense challenges amidst sweeping social and economic changes, A devastating dispute shatters their world, testing their resolve to move forward.
He'a also the author of Extreme Malice, a psychological thriller about political conflict over COVID policies in a small Colorado city.
His debut novel, Love, Literally, is a contemporary smart romance, set on Cape Cod—a heartwarming story of two people in mid-life whose mutual attraction is sparked by a love of British literature and witty wordplay.
Before venturing into fiction, Tierney was a professor and teacher for decades.
He lives outside Chicago with Sue Tierney, his wife of 43 years, and their Great Pyrenees
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 17, 2025
Cute and funny
I enjoyed reading this unlikely romance between Sophie and Ryan. I liked getting to know both of these characters and their personality quirks. It’s good to know that sometimes opposites attract.
I enjoyed reading this unlikely romance between Sophie and Ryan. I liked getting to know both of these characters and their personality quirks. It’s good to know that sometimes opposites attract.
August 27, 2025
"I’m beginning to see that human variables, though messier, have their own kind of structure. Like snowflakes—unique, ephemeral, and shaped by invisible principles."
Ryan Porter sees the world through spreadsheets and systems—thanks to a childhood spent in an Arctic research station with scientist parents. People? Still confusing. When he starts working at a chaotic New York event-planning company, he’s thrown into a world of bizarre clients and unpredictable drama. Sofie Chen, his coworker, is his total opposite—intuitive, people-smart, and quick on her feet. As they deal with event disasters and office messes, they both start to question how they see the world—and each other.
The very first sentence was a strong hook, and I couldn’t put the book down from there. The story pulled me in with its compelling plot, sharp dialogue, and a pair of main characters (the two love interests) who feel mismatched and yet absolutely perfect for each other.
Ryan is the human embodiment of a spreadsheet—precise and data-driven. If a computer and Mr. Darcy had a baby who was raised in a remote research station, you’d get Ryan. He’s brilliant, baffling, and charming in his rigidity. He struggles with unexpected change and chaos, but he’s learning to adapt. He’s genuinely adorable to watch. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be neurodivergent, Ryan is a fantastic lens. He sees the world in patterns, but can’t “turn off” that thinking, which creates tension. He will have to learn to accept the chaos and to find joy in the illogical to grow as a person.
Sofie, although not as different from Ryan, is neurodivergent in a distinctly different way. She’s empathy personified. She feels everything deeply and relies on instinct, nuance, and emotional intelligence. Her world is ruled by relationships and perception. She’s learned the hard way that the most dangerous people at work aren’t the obvious bullies, but the manipulators—the ones who make you feel special until you realize you’re just playing a part in their one-man show.
Then there’s Trevor. The perfect catalyst. The perfect ex. The perfect bit of drama. But he’s not one-note—we get a few chapters from his perspective that add layers and nuance. I loved the depth we get into his backstory, even if it doesn’t excuse his behavior.
I also have to mention the workplace/convention space itself—it practically functions as a third main character. The chaos and hilarity of event planning are part of why I couldn’t stop reading. It’s unpredictable, it’s messy, and it’s revenue-driven chaos at its best. The conventions themselves are often celebrations of people’s niche obsessions, which is just fun to read about.
Every sentence in this book feels deliberate and sharp. The writing distills big truths about human behavior and relationships with clarity and heart. I did a lot of highlighting as I read. It’s the most fun I’ve had reading in a while, and also one of the most insightful portrayals of how two wildly different brains navigate the same chaos. If you're a fan of rom-coms or just love reading about flawed, fascinating humans figuring things out, you’ll enjoy this contemporary novel.
I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery
Ryan Porter sees the world through spreadsheets and systems—thanks to a childhood spent in an Arctic research station with scientist parents. People? Still confusing. When he starts working at a chaotic New York event-planning company, he’s thrown into a world of bizarre clients and unpredictable drama. Sofie Chen, his coworker, is his total opposite—intuitive, people-smart, and quick on her feet. As they deal with event disasters and office messes, they both start to question how they see the world—and each other.
The very first sentence was a strong hook, and I couldn’t put the book down from there. The story pulled me in with its compelling plot, sharp dialogue, and a pair of main characters (the two love interests) who feel mismatched and yet absolutely perfect for each other.
Ryan is the human embodiment of a spreadsheet—precise and data-driven. If a computer and Mr. Darcy had a baby who was raised in a remote research station, you’d get Ryan. He’s brilliant, baffling, and charming in his rigidity. He struggles with unexpected change and chaos, but he’s learning to adapt. He’s genuinely adorable to watch. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be neurodivergent, Ryan is a fantastic lens. He sees the world in patterns, but can’t “turn off” that thinking, which creates tension. He will have to learn to accept the chaos and to find joy in the illogical to grow as a person.
Sofie, although not as different from Ryan, is neurodivergent in a distinctly different way. She’s empathy personified. She feels everything deeply and relies on instinct, nuance, and emotional intelligence. Her world is ruled by relationships and perception. She’s learned the hard way that the most dangerous people at work aren’t the obvious bullies, but the manipulators—the ones who make you feel special until you realize you’re just playing a part in their one-man show.
Then there’s Trevor. The perfect catalyst. The perfect ex. The perfect bit of drama. But he’s not one-note—we get a few chapters from his perspective that add layers and nuance. I loved the depth we get into his backstory, even if it doesn’t excuse his behavior.
I also have to mention the workplace/convention space itself—it practically functions as a third main character. The chaos and hilarity of event planning are part of why I couldn’t stop reading. It’s unpredictable, it’s messy, and it’s revenue-driven chaos at its best. The conventions themselves are often celebrations of people’s niche obsessions, which is just fun to read about.
Every sentence in this book feels deliberate and sharp. The writing distills big truths about human behavior and relationships with clarity and heart. I did a lot of highlighting as I read. It’s the most fun I’ve had reading in a while, and also one of the most insightful portrayals of how two wildly different brains navigate the same chaos. If you're a fan of rom-coms or just love reading about flawed, fascinating humans figuring things out, you’ll enjoy this contemporary novel.
I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery
February 3, 2026
Perfect Plans is a sharp, funny, and warmly observant workplace rom-com that finds its heart in the space between structure and spontaneity.
Ryan Porter lives by spreadsheets and systems; Sofie Chen navigates the world through emotional intelligence and instinct. Paired together at a New York event-planning firm where chaos is part of the daily routine, they become unlikely collaborators and even more unlikely complements. J.T. Tierney handles their opposites-attract dynamic with care, allowing tension and chemistry to build through mutual respect rather than forced conflict.
The event-planning setting is a constant source of humor and momentum. From eccentric clients to behind the scenes workplace politics, the novel understands that no plan survives first contact with real people. The banter is natural, the pacing confident, and the slow-burn romance unfolds with patience and charm.
What truly sets Perfect Plans apart is its emotional intelligence. The story is funny and engaging, but it’s also quietly thoughtful about collaboration, trust, and learning to value someone else’s way of seeing the world.
A delightful, character-driven rom com with heart, wit, and warmth perfect for readers who enjoy smart romance that lingers after the final page.
Ryan Porter lives by spreadsheets and systems; Sofie Chen navigates the world through emotional intelligence and instinct. Paired together at a New York event-planning firm where chaos is part of the daily routine, they become unlikely collaborators and even more unlikely complements. J.T. Tierney handles their opposites-attract dynamic with care, allowing tension and chemistry to build through mutual respect rather than forced conflict.
The event-planning setting is a constant source of humor and momentum. From eccentric clients to behind the scenes workplace politics, the novel understands that no plan survives first contact with real people. The banter is natural, the pacing confident, and the slow-burn romance unfolds with patience and charm.
What truly sets Perfect Plans apart is its emotional intelligence. The story is funny and engaging, but it’s also quietly thoughtful about collaboration, trust, and learning to value someone else’s way of seeing the world.
A delightful, character-driven rom com with heart, wit, and warmth perfect for readers who enjoy smart romance that lingers after the final page.
August 14, 2025
This book kept throwing me for wild loops. One fun twist and curve after another. The craziness just keeps coming: sex freaks vs. Jesus freaks; psychics & mystics; bug eaters; evil insurance executives; rare-water snobs; Jane Austen enthusiasts. Who knew conventions could involve so much chaos, be so much fun? (I may have to start going to some.)
Every character is a treasure. Especially Sofie and Ryan. I love a good opposites-attract romantic comedy. This is among the best I've ever read. Perfectly planned!
Every character is a treasure. Especially Sofie and Ryan. I love a good opposites-attract romantic comedy. This is among the best I've ever read. Perfectly planned!
January 18, 2026
This book is a hoot. it's a workplace rom com masquerading as a window into some of the zanier mishaps that can arise in event-planning-gone-wrong episodes. The basic plot surrounds a slow-burning relationship between Ryan, a hyper-analytical, uber-organized, earnest young man who joins an event-planning business in New York City, and Sophie, his more seasoned, creative, outgoing, right-brained female counterpart. Of course, there's a not-very-subtle antagonist who gets in the way. The result is some mad-cap and hilarious events that go awry. Very fun. Charming. You'll love it.
August 27, 2025
One of the most inventive books I've read! Such excellent writing. The author must have an encyclopedic mind or he did some wonderfully obscure research (or both!) to have come up with the wildly creative mind that Ryan has. Both Ryan and Sofie are well drawn and the evolution of their relationship is so sweet. I haven't enjoyed a book this much for a very long time!
August 14, 2025
I loved this book. What a fun read! Setting it in the convention-planning world was an inspired choice. Totally crazy situations. The satire is perfect. The romance is slow burn, but realistic for these engaging characters.
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December 29, 2025Full review to come.
August 14, 2025
This book kept throwing me for wild loops. One fun twist and curve after another. The craziness just keeps coming: sex freaks vs. Jesus freaks; psychics & mystics; bug eaters; evil insurance executives; rare-water snobs; Jane Austen enthusiasts. Who knew conventions could involve so much chaos, be so much fun? (I may have to start going to some.)
Every character is a treasure. Especially Sofie and Ryan. I love a good opposites-attract romantic comedy. This is among the best I've ever read. Perfectly planned!
Every character is a treasure. Especially Sofie and Ryan. I love a good opposites-attract romantic comedy. This is among the best I've ever read. Perfectly planned!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews