Not Part Of The Plan

by Clare Lydon

Some partnerships are made in heaven. This one? Definitely hell…

Poppy Voss has successfully dodged the family watch business her entire adult life, until her aunt threatens to sell it out from under her. Suddenly desperate to preserve the legacy, Poppy persuades her aunt to give her a chance to prove herself. There's just one tiny, soul-crushing catch: she has to work alongside Eliza Carpenter, the childhood best friend she's been expertly avoiding since they were teenagers.

Dragging the company into the 21st century should be simple enough. Except Poppy keeps getting distracted by how annoyingly attractive Eliza has become. Meanwhile, her sister won't stop consulting mediums about their dead mother, and then there's her growing suspicion that Eliza isn't revealing the full story.

With everything she's ever cared about on the line — her family's legacy, her heart, and her future — Poppy must learn to rely on the one person she's not sure she can forgive, while discovering the most difficult person to believe in might be herself. But she better hurry up before time runs out…

Genres: Lesbian, LGBT, Paranormal, Lesbian Romance, Contemporary, Queer, Romance

Published November 5, 2025

About the author

Clare Lydon is a London-based writer of contemporary lesbian romance. She's a No.1 best-seller on lesbian fiction charts around the globe with five full-length novels to her name, as well as writing the All I Want series, set to continue throughout 2016. If you love romantic comedies, prepare to fall head over heels in love.

If you like books shot through with witty dialogue, 3D characters and sharp observations of modern lesbian life, why not give Clare's books a try?

More at: www.clarelydon.co.uk

Get a copy of my free Christmas novella 'It Had To Be You' by signing up to my mailing list here:

www.clarelydon.co.uk/it-had-to-be-you

Reviews

[Teddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the idea of this book and the characters, and the Highlands setting. The ghosts gave me a bit of pause. Also, and I know this is unfair, but I think I would have enjoyed it more from Eliza’s pov. She seemed to grow a lot from their relationship but I didn’t know enough to know why and I wanted to bc I liked her. I also would have loved more from the second chance aspect- more memories and pining. So for me the premise was there, I just wanted a little more.

Short summary: Poppy has 3 months to prove she can take over her family’s company or her aunt will sell it. And she has to do it with her friend-turned-enemy, Eliza.

Thanks to the author, Clare Lydon. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

[RomanceReadingJess · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars for me. Thank you to the author Clare Lydon for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. I've read several of Clare's books at this point and I honestly feel like they just keep getting better. This story is a childhoods friends to enemies(ish) to lovers story. It's about reconnecting with someone from your past and learning that second chances can be worth it. This was a slow burn with plenty of tension and I loved that. It had fun witty banter, emotional moments, and even a little supernatural element. I really enjoyed seeing Poppy's character development and learning to trust herself. The only thing I had a small issue with was that I feel like the ultimate conflict was cleaned up a little too easily maybe? Don't want to say too much to spoil, but if I had to pick a criticism, that would be the only thing. This book will be perfect for anyone that likes sapphic romance, second chance, enemies to lovers, healing arcs, or books about finding a new path, you'll love this one.

[Vita L. Licari · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous enemies to lovers love story! Poppy and Eliza we're best friends growing up. Eliza was 4 yrs older and when she went higher grades and to University she ignored Poppy.This po'd Poppy. Her family started and owns Voss Watches, but both Poppy's grand mother and Mother passed within 4 days of each other. Poppy's and Katy’s Aunt took over as CEO. NOW she wants to sell the company. Poppy who isn't 30 yet has no say, but Margot gives her3 months to prove herself. Only problem is Eliza has to help her.
This is a fabulous book! A FAVORITE! I LOVE THIS BOOK! 5tars!!!!

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

[Mari Stark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful enemies-to-lovers/second-chance romance

I absolutely loved this book! From the very first page, I was hooked by the story's unique blend of romance and a touch of the paranormal. It adds just the right amount of intrigue and magic to make the plot stand out. It’s a well-written second-chance romance that I enjoyed greatly.

The author masterfully weaves together some of my favorite tropes: enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, fake girlfriends, and, of course, that sweet second-chance-at-love. Each one is used in a way that feels fresh and exciting, and the chemistry between the characters is off the charts.

The pacing is a little fast at times, but it works. The story flows with energy and emotion, and the characters are so well-written that I didn’t want to put it down. The ending was absolutely beautiful, romantic, heartfelt, and the perfect conclusion to a story I didn’t want to end.

If you love romance with a twist, unforgettable characters, and all the tropes that make your heart flutter, this book is a must-read. Highly recommended!

I received an ARC for an honest review.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read and have been entertained by several books written by Clare Lydon so always eagerly await her next offering. Not Part of the Plan fulfilled my expectations. Poppy and Eliza are childhood friends who grew apart as they grew up and, years later, are forced to work together in adulthood. The story is told from Poppy's point of view, so we're privy to her thoughts and feelings throughout and can easily empathize with each decision she made. I was anxious to learn what secrets, if any, Eliza might be hiding and was rooting for them despite any apprehension I might have had. I especially loved the dialogue and the humor in this slow burn romance. If you're a fan of enemies to lovers second chance romances, you should enjoy this one, too.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Maz Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The writing is brilliant, drawing me in from the very first page. The characters are richly developed, and I was especially moved by the way they gradually overcome their hatred and unease toward each other. It was a beautiful and believable transformation, and I loved how the author explored the complexities of their emotions. The pacing was perfect, and the character development really stood out to me. Overall, a captivating read that kept me hooked until the end.

[Shannon Luchies · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poppy has (mostly) avoided her family legacy with Voss Watches, especially as everyone has sort of expected her to take it over one day. But hearing from her sister Katy that her Aunt might sell the company bothers her.

Poppy makes a pitch, but Aunt Margot is dubious. She's also, apparently, sleeping with the potential buyer. So she'll let Poppy try for six months, and she has to work with Poppy's childhood crush, Eliza Carpenter, the buyer's daughter.

(As Margot is literally sleeping with the buyer, isn't that unethical? She should at least remove herself from the decision making progress.)

Eliza is actually supportive, and seems to want to resume their friendship, but she's also there as Max's eyes and ears. Poppy, bluntly, doesn't trust her.

Poppy's idea is to shoot for a younger, queer market, and they successfully sign rocker Roka. At the same time on the trip Eliza and Poppy sleep together. But after they get home, she overhears a conversation implying Eliza is keeping secrets.

(The regular appearances of the psychic medium really irks me. I am just NOT into that shit and it's annoying. Here's hoping she gets revealed as a fraud.)

The big launch is great, then Poppy finds out that Max is plotting with Eliza to oust her, then sell off the more successful company for more. And Margot is involved.

Third act breakup, Poppy tells off everybody.

Katy is as appalled as Poppy is, and both go to confront Aunt Margot. She confesses that she was trying to sell because the girls' Mom had thought they didn't want it, and asked Margot to sell. Tearful discussion follows. (Wouldn't Poppy just go 'Why shouldn't I assume you're lying? Again?')
A fix would be having a actual, physical letter from Mom.

Margot also wants to keep seeing Max. In any reasonable world Poppy would go 'Fuck no, I don't trust him out of my sight.'

They agree that no sale, and Poppy stays on. Then Eliza apologizes, and everything is ok again.
Yeah, just did NOT buy the ending. Didn't feel credible to me.

3 out of 5 stars. Good writing, good-ish story until the end.

[Carol Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time for a change!

Poppy has never been interested in being a part of the family business making watches in Scotland, but when her aunt is planning to sell it, she wants to save the legacy from being ruined by big business. There is only one problem, to prove herself and that she can bring the business into modern day she has to work with Eliza. They were firm friends when they were younger until life took them in different directions, but having avoided Eliza for so long, Poppy has quite the challenge ahead of her.

Such a fun story, especially with the tension between Poppy and Eliza because of Poppy trying to avoid her. They have a lot of history, but Poppy can’t help still being attracted to Eliza and it just elevates this challenge to a whole other level for her. For Poppy and her sister, having lost their mother when they were young, I could totally understand why both of them had been reluctant to follow in her footsteps and commit to the business. I loved how their mum, and grandmother still played a big part in the story and Poppy’s journey into running it.

We’d had a glimpse into the past and what she and Poppy had shared as friends, and then only Poppy’s side of things when she found out she had to work with Eliza. Eliza was just as I expected her to be, but she also surprised me a lot, and Poppy too. She was warm and her only real goal was to help Poppy, not do the bidding of others that wanted to do things differently, like her father, but it took her being involved in the business with Poppy to realise that fully. I adored them together, and they supported one another until Poppy thought Eliza had been working against her the whole time.

Of course this had all the expected humour from Clare Lydon, wrapped up in a lovely story with just the right amount of drama to make it a perfect second chance at romance. I adored this story and just got wrapped up in all the excitement of Poppy’s success and the budding romance between her and Eliza.

[Hope Freed · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this Clare Lydon produces another immensely readable and satisfying rom-com that touches on multiple tropes - childhood friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, having to share one bed and even a bit of ‘fake romance’ thrown in for good measure. The story is told from Poppy’s perspective as she faces up to her responsibilities in the aftermath of grief. She has run scared from her family’s ‘successful but in need of new ideas’ watch company for all her life so far. However, when she learns that the company may be sold to a corporate asset stripper, she makes a somewhat sudden ‘about face’ and decides she wants to try a stint as CEO. Her old childhood friend, now nemesis, Eliza, (a successful businesswoman in her own right) is brought in to oversee matters and it’s not long before sparks are flying. Meanwhile, Poppy is receiving some messages from ‘beyond the grave’ and comes up with a really good idea to make the brand appeal to a younger demographic….
Poppy and Eliza are both likeable characters (even if you do feel inclined at one particular time to give Poppy a good shake about the way she doesn’t listen and jumps to conclusions!). The sex is sizzling but this is rom-com most of the way and I LOL’d at the boating incident in particular. As I’ve said, it’s all immensely readable and I raced through this in what felt like very little time. If you’re looking for a feel-good pick me up, then this will certainly fit the bill!

[Gina L · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 28th Story That Has So Much Merit Just Like The Writer 💕

This is a book that has so much depth to it. It has happiness, it has sadness, it has awkwardness, it has untrusting, it has broken hearts & broken dreams. Despite all this, Poppy is fighting for her shot to run the family watch company Voss, before her Aunt sells. And although she doesn’t really have a say until she is 30, she is 29 and going to fight for it. But her Aunt gives her one chance with stipulations. Stipulations that brings back her childhood best friend, Eliza who ghosted her after she left for college. Eliza was four years older than Poppy who had a serious crush. As things start to happen, suddenly Poppy finds her hard work that she and Eliza are doing are not being done for the same reasons. The story takes us through different turns and events happen that keeps us so focused that you can’t help finishing this is one sitting. Lots going on. But you are going to be pissed off at a few characters. It is going to get all emotional. You are going to appreciate Clare Lydon’s storytelling. A Must Read as this is Clare’s best.

[Henriette · Rating 4 out of 5]

sexy, thoughtful and (partly) set in Scotland
Clare Lydon again takes us on an epic journey: self-discovery, second chance romance and family secrets, London, NYC, Scotland, Switzerland.
Poppy has shied away from the family business - luxury watches - for good reason. Now she wants to try and is teamed up with her first crush Eliza who is a savy business woman and part of her father‘s business. Turns out Poppy has a knack for great business ideas. And then there is the slow simmer with Eliza with lots of times together. But family business have their own rules and there are some twists ahead.
I loved the slow burn, the enthusiasm of Poppy‘s ideas. The pinch of paranormal fitted into the story surprisingly well. I liked their travelling and esp. the Scottish setting.
As always with Clare Lydon: well-written, great chemistry and a good story.

I received an ARC. The review is left voluntarily.

[MS J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this latest story from Claire Lydon.
Poppy Voss, what a great name by the way, had no desire to ever run the company that stole so much of both her Mother and Grandmother.
Poppy has fond memories of her childhood summers spent in Scotland near the families company factory. Those summers included spending time with her unrequited love interest, the older family friend, Eliza.
They once dreamed of living in Scotland in a quaint cottage, but childhood dreams don't come true. The friends seem to be poles apart, Eliza married and became a shark in the world of business.
When the two find themselves having to work together for 3 or is it 6 months to save the company spark fly. If you haven't read a Clare Lydon story this one won't disappoint. It's on my TBR pile for a second round.

[Mireille · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely Recommend

Clare Lyndon does not disappoint with her latest release, Not Part of the Plan. It’s enemies to lovers meets second chance with a dash of mystery and betrayal. Add in family drama, angst, and a couple of ghosts for good measure, and you’ve got yourself a page turner. I feel like I’ve given too many spoilers. (Spoiler: I haven’t)

Poppy and Eliza were once good friends who drifted apart. Their paths intersect when their family businesses collide. The drama, betrayal, and heart-wrenching pain of grief will have you in tears. Bring tissues. Lots of tissues.

I devoured this on one sleepy Sunday morning in bed with a cuppa and a cheese toastie.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Clare's writing! Whether it's a book or her newsletter, you know her special blend of humor will be there. In this book, it was a little more subtle than some of hers, but she is still one of the "Queens of Rom Coms!"

In Part of the Plan, both Poppy and Eliza make ginormous transformations from friendship to hatred to love. Told from Poppy's POV, the reader is privvy to all her thoughts and feelings. The characters were well developed and the ending was just delightful. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to all of Clare's books!

[DS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lydon kicks up the heat a few levels in this second chance romance. Set in London and Scotland, the story is craftfully told of the once childhood friends Poppy and Eliza, who reconnect after nineteen years under less than ideal circumstances. There are a few surprising characters along the way. And honestly, I bounced between loving and not liking some of the characters throughout the book, but Lydon did a beautiful job of tying everything up nicely by the end. Great writing, a fun story, lots of heat, and great chemistry. What more could you ask for? Except, maybe a trip to Scotland.

[Xiaoqing · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as ARC reader and I am totally enjoying it! The enemy to lover romance is dramatic and interesting, both women are strong, independent and successful, their red hot chemistry and their tangled history and complicated family relationships made the story addictive and believable. My only regret is that I wish the wealthy CEOs in the book be more generous toward their employees and give back more to the society! I really root for the adorable couple and it is such a pleasure to lose myself in their bittersweet romance!

[Fran Sappharc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start! Great middle! Great end! I think almost every Lydon book is my favourite. This has the humour and humanity I would expect but it also has an honesty about death and living that really struck me. It is definitely the favourite!
I trusted a happy ending but I had no idea how that would be achieved..... Wow. All the stars!!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Poppy and Eliza from the beginning. This is an enjoyable romance, with the right amount of hiccups along the way. I do believe that I will revisit this story in the future. Definitely recommended!

[Bon Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVELY STORY

Clare weaves a wonderful tale, starring the Scottish Highlands and two beautiful young girls growing up with big dreams. Conflict ensues through adulthood. They reconnect and sparks fly. The journey is a delight.

[Kexx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cool book: loved it. Business, family, lots of excellent minor characters, even paranormal advice which was done is such a way it convinced me! Highly recommended.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 on the kicking my feet and twirling my hair scale.

Could have done without the ghosts. While I love a ghost, they didn't really make sense in this type of story.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook and that narrator not a favourite. Very difficult to focus when I also struggled to connect with the MCs.

[K D · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enemies to lovers / second chance romance.
I think the crisis was pretty predictable but it's all good.

[Sai · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story, the ending was good but kinda underwhelming and predictable

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming is the first word that comes to mind when I think of @clarefic's books and Not Part of the Plan definitely is a charmer. Eliza and Poppy (one of my favorite character names) have such wonderful chemistry as two former childhood friends working together to save Poppy's family business.
Clare Lydon is an author whose books become favorites, I return to when I need a comfort read. And this will go on the bookshelf with The Princess Match as one of those I will read many more times.