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Brian Benson is the nice guy every girl dreams of marrying.
Too bad he’s off the market—for good.
He’s sworn off women since the last girl he dated broke his heart.
Determined to start over in New York, his sole focus is to climb the corporate ladder—no distractions.


Until one minor collision propels him into the path of small-town-girl but bombshell babe, Kendy Miller.


Kendy walks with a sass she was born with.
Single and ready to mingle, she’s on the prowl.
Moving from her tiny town of Bowlesville to work as a nurse at New York Cornell Hospital, she is introduced to Dr. Hot Pants.
She feels it in her bones—he only belongs to her.


When Kendy formulates a grand scheme to land Dr. Hot Pants and uses Brian to do it, Brian is all in because he could use a little fun.


Things were going to plan, until one night lines were crossed, kisses were exchanged and clothes flew off.


Fate collides, fortunes are tested and plans backfire, but Kendy is still determined to land her doctor.


Problem is… Brian was only there to assist in the plot. Falling in love with the girl wasn’t part of THE SCHEME.


*Due to descriptive sexual situations and mature themes, this novel is not intended for readers under the age of 18.*

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First published July 25, 2015

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About the author

Mia Kayla

20 books1,408 followers
Mia Kayla is a USA Today Bestselling romance author of hunky heroes and sassy heroines that always get their happily forever afters.

On the weekdays, she can be caught wearing a suit, commuting to her corporate job in downtown Chicago and raising three beautiful munchkins in the suburbs, four if you count the husband. Most of the time, she can be caught on the train with her nose in a book sporting a cheeky grin because the main characters finally get their happily-ever-after at the end.

She loves reading about happy endings but has more fun writing them.

To find out more about my upcoming release, sign up for my newsletter. Click here to sign up.

FULL LIST OF BOOKS

Series

FOREVER AFTER SERIES
Marry Me for Money (Forever After, #1) by Mia Kayla Love After Marriage (Forever After, #2) by Mia Kayla The Scheme (Forever After, #3) by Mia KaylaNaughty Not Nice (Forever After, #4) by Mia Kayla

THE TORN DUET
Torn Between Two (The Torn Duet, #1) by Mia KaylaChoosing Forever (The Torn Duet, #2) by Mia Kayla

BRISKEN BILLIONAIRE BROTHERS
Nanny I Want to Mate (Briskin Billionaire Brothers #1) by Mia KaylaBoss I Love to Hate by Mia KaylaTeacher I Want to Date by Mia Kayla

RYDER BILLIONAIRE BROTHERS
Unraveled by Mia KaylaUndone by Mia Kayla

Stand Alone
Everything Has Changed by Mia KaylaSweet Love by Mia Kayla

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
Profile Image for Christie«SHBBblogger».
988 reviews1,302 followers
July 30, 2015



Title: The Scheme
Series: Standalone
Author: Mia Kayla
Release date: July 25, 2015
Cliffhanger: No
HEA



When I came across this book, I figured I'd be getting lighthearted and fun with a heavy dose of humor thrown in the mix. And that's what I was up for. Of course, I was taking a risk since this author was completely new to me. But in my attempt to discover new authors and broaden my horizon, I took the gamble. Did it pay off? The story didn't quite pan out quite like I was expecting. I had some issues with this particular story, but I was impressed with the writing enough to spend more time on Mia Kayla's future books.

What immediately appealed to me after reading the synopsis was the uniqueness in the characters. Instead of what's so common:

a) Bad boy/tough guy/bossy alpha
and...
b)Good girl and/or pushover heroine

We get Mr. Nice Guy (the guy who usually finishes last) with a sassy and bold heroine. Poor Brian had his heart set on a girl and then another man came along a swept her right out from under him. So he packed his bags and moved to NYC to stay with his best friend and start over. Brian is a banker. The "safe" choice, the dependable one. He's always been the good guy-too much for his own good.

Life was a bitch sometimes. More recently, it seemed that bitch was intent on taking me down.

When Kendy runs into Brian in her hospital waiting for stitches, she's a whole lot less than enthused. As a matter of fact, she's pissed. You see, she's not fond of reminders of where she grew up. After a life altering experience, she left and tried to forever eradicate every memory of her past. Seeing her best friend's ex isn't helping the situation. The problem is, Brian's not put off by her hostile attitude or her comments meant to keep him away. Her sass and her misconceptions about how he's staid and boring make him want to spend time proving every theory of hers wrong. Brian was about to surprise her and make her rethink everything she though she knew.

"Come on. Give it to me, your best kiss ever."
And then he cupped the side of my face, grazing my cheek gently with his thumb. I shouldn't have felt anything, but I felt everything.




Kendy and Brian evolve from acquaintances, to grudging friends, to more. It's the more that should have been the best part. For me, I wasn't thrilled with how it was set up. Simply because when they finally succumb to their attraction, it's with her stipulation that it will be a casual, "FTF" hook-up. FTF being, friends that fuck. *facepalm* Friends with Benefits is really not my thing. But I powered on and hoped for the best.

And here's where I mention my issues. I could look past the FTF trope, seeing as the characters were strongly built, the humor was impressive, and the plot was moving along at a fast pace for me. But the heroine. She slowly transformed from a brave and bold girl who took no prisoners to one who was revealed to be very traumatized and putting on a front for the world.



Inside, she was shattered and she was clinging to a silly idea of what she thought she "needed" in order to have a happy life, to heal. And that happened to be a total douchebag at the hospital where she worked who didn't give her the time of day. I cannot tell you how much she frustrated me when she continually refused to acknowledge what was right in front of her face with Brian. The hurtful things she said and did were hard to stomach because it all came from the fear and unwillingness to face her past. It's been seven years since the horrible betrayal from her ex and in all that time she never found a way to deal with it in a healthy way.



I really badly wanted her to see what an amazing catch he was and take the leap of faith. He was so incredibly sweet and gone for her and just waiting for her to finally reveal herself to him.

The best thing about this-about us-is falling," he whispered. "Fall back, baby, and know I'm never going to let you hit the ground."

On the positive side, I was pleasantly surprised with the balance of steam that was infused throughout the book. It's not that common for a humorous romance to have well written or graphic heat as well, but these two had some fantastic chemistry. I was loving the combustive quality to their dynamic. I liked the freshness of the plot, the character development, and the style of writing. Although I didn't love this one, there was still a lot to like and I can see a lot of people seeing the heroine's issues as added angst and being fine with it. I would still recommend this book to anyone who's in the mood for something a little bit different than the norm.



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Profile Image for M Bea.
125 reviews
February 19, 2017
The Scheme
Mia Kayla
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Falling in love, sometimes it's really scary, it doesn't have any certainty, and for sure it doesn't always have the planned ending to it.
Kendall was always afraid of falling once again for a guy who made her feel like her ex, all consuming love that eats you inside out when you get burned. Brian on the other hand is tired of always getting hurt when it comes to love.
Their journey in falling together in love is a constant roller coaster ride of laughter, sex, predictions and confusing feelings for each other.
In the end love won, but it up to you to find out their fun while reading into their story.
It was fun and funny but at the same time honest truths about the reality of falling in love with the 'it' person.
Watch out for the Book 4 of the Forever After Series, Naughty Not Nice also by Mia Kayla.
Profile Image for Danielle .
2,565 reviews76 followers
July 27, 2015
4.5 stars....
4.5 stars

If you are looking for a funny romantic comedy, just like those movies you love, then you have to read Mia Kayla's books. Her quirky love stories never disappoint me. I love reading her book because they leave me with a smile on my face the entire book. This was no different with The Scheme. Funny, cute, romantic and heartwarming.

Brian Benson is the nice guy and as you all know, nice guys finish last. Brian is living proof that this is true. He never gets the girl, he is always the other guy. He has now moved to NYC to a fresh start. In a city so big, he is bound to meet someone, right?

After a funny and crazy night of events, Brain ends up at the ER where is his nurse is Kendy Miller. Kenny and Brian has a past, see Brain used to date Kendy's friend.... until she left his for the other guy.

Kendy has also moved to NYC to start over. She wants big city life with all the amazing things that comes with. No more small time living for her. Her number one goal seems to be landing the doctor at work. She was to be married to a doctor and lived that happily ever after that everyone talks about. What better way then being married to a rich doctor and living in NYC?

Kenny comes up with a "scheme" to land the sexy doctor, but she is going to need Brian's help. Brian agrees, not because he cares about her getting with the doctor, but because a switch has been flipped in Brian and he is now attracted to Kendy. He seems to take his time her any way he can.

One kiss leads to so much more between these two and what starts off as a friends with befits arrangement leads to more. But again, Brian knows this is not going to end well for him, because he is "the nice guy". He is not the friends with benefits type of guy. He is the forever guy.

I love, loved, loved this book. I loved Brian and wanted to keep him for myself. I loved their funny banter. I loved Kendy's sass!! This was an awesome book all around. Whenever I read a Mia Kayla book, when I am done, I am all giddy and in a good mood. You will love this book! No doubt!!
Profile Image for Emily Goodman.
1,070 reviews39 followers
July 21, 2015
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review...

It is a wonderful thing in life when you can find that author who writes consistently amazing books every single time. Mia Kayla is that kind of author! This is Kayla's third book, and second in series. However, it can easily be read as a stand alone. She does an amazing job of never ruining her other book enabling the reader to read them in any way they choose. But, why would you not read all three? They are some of my all time favorites!
Kayla does not hold back with the swoon worthy good boy and gentlemen Brian Benson. Brian is the epitome of marriage material and what every woman wants. Well, every woman but Kendy. Kendy is a vivacious, spunky, and tenacious woman set on finding her forever man the tarot reader said she would marry. Although Brian isn't whom she believes the tarot reader prophesized, sometimes attractions fly and hands can't be kept to themselves.
From the first few chapters of this book I was sucked in. I loved these characters, their hopes, struggles, fears and mostly their intense feelings for one another. Kayla nails friends to lovers read every single time leaving you googly eyed, giggling, and rejoicing over another happily ever after. An amazingly great book by a wonderfully consistent author who will always manage to give you an amazing happily ever after.
Profile Image for Kristy /Obsessed with Romance.
327 reviews37 followers
July 28, 2015
First, I have to admit...I did kind of stalk Mia for an ARC of this book...relentlessly. I adored Marry Me for Money and I was so eager to find out what happened to Brian that I was a little...umm...persistent. The problem with that much anticipation is that it tends to lead to high expectations. So yeah...I had high expectations. LUCKY FOR ME...Mia did not disappoint.

Brian and Kendy have a bit of a history together seeing as they have a very significant mutual acquaintance, but both are now in New York and trying hard to leave the past behind. When they run into each other under less than ideal circumstances, an unexpected friendship begins and soon Brian finds himself part of a scheme to help Kendy win the man of her dreams. But you know what they say about the best laid plans....

Brian is everything I hoped he was going to be and then a little bit more. He is sweet and funny and kind with just the right amount of hot, bad, dirty boy thrown in. I absolutely loved watching Brian navigate his way through a mine field of feelings and circumstances he swore he'd never deal with again. And I am SUCH a sucker for a book where the main character's have a great friendship and Brian proves himself to be a great friend. But the "friends with benefits" arrangement they come up with just might not be enough.

Kendy is a fun, funny girl. She's determined to snag the doctor she's had her eye on, convinced that he is her "meant to be." And when Brian agrees to be her wingman, Kendy can't help but accept the offer. Though spending time with Brian turns out to be more than Kendy expected, she's sure about the her future and determined not to get off track.

This book just hit all the right notes for me. A great, fun, sincere friendship is perfectly, believably portrayed. It's romantic, it's heartwarming and heart breaking all at the same time. This book is sweet and funny and bitter and sad. It's just really, really good.
Profile Image for Melissa Mendoza.
2,598 reviews54 followers
July 23, 2015
Received a copy in exchange for an honest review

“Her body was exquisite, beautiful. The light illuminated her curvy figure perfectly, and the flawless span of her skin had me wanting to lick every part of her.”

5 stars. This story is super romantic and some parts funny! It’s hard not to love this book!!

Brian Benson is the nice guy every girl dreams of marrying.
Too bad he’s off the market—for good.
He’s sworn off women since the last girl he dated broke his heart.
Determined to start over in New York, his sole focus is to climb the corporate ladder—no distractions.

Until one minor collision propels him into the path of small-town-girl but bombshell babe, Kendy Miller.

Kendy walks with a sass she was born with.
Single and ready to mingle, she’s on the prowl.
Moving from her tiny town of Bowlesville to work as a nurse at New York Cornell Hospital, she is introduced to Dr. Hot Pants.
She feels it in her bones—he only belongs to her.

When Kendy formulates a grand scheme to land Dr. Hot Pants and uses Brian to do it, Brian is all in because he could use a little fun.

Things were going to plan, until one night lines were crossed, kisses were exchanged and clothes flew off.

Fate collides, fortunes are tested and plans backfire, but Kendy is still determined to land her doctor.

Problem is… Brian was only there to assist in the plot. Falling in love with the girl wasn’t part of THE SCHEME

This story was so cute and so romantic. The characters were charming and fun to learn and read about. The writing is insanely good and flows so smoothly. I couldn’t find anything wrong with this book. This is the second book in the series, but can be read as a stand alone! I really enjoyed this author and her books!! Great job!!

**Received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed by Melissa for Alpha Book Club**
Profile Image for Carra.
1,732 reviews31 followers
August 4, 2015
Love the premise...the friends-to-more and friends with benefits tropes are always a favorite for me. The writing is excellent, and the characters are fun...and there's just the right amount of angst with the issues from both Brian and Kendy's pasts to add some tension. The chemistry between the two of them just jumps right off the pages too.

Brian's character is wonderful-he's sweet and really is the "nice guy"...with the added bonus of being a whirlwind with Kendy in the bedroom. I did empathize with him with what had happened to him in the past, and I was wishing the whole way through this story that everything would work out for him since he really deserves a happy ending.

Kendy though--she kind of grated on me with her slightly immature attitude and pretty shallow outlook on finding her "one". This became even more pronounced the further into the story when it becomes blatantly obvious how Brian and Kendy BOTH feel about each other. The fact that she continues to have faith in her interpretation of things she's been told in the past just drove me batty.

Thankfully, about two-thirds of the way through Kendy seems to start coming around and acting more like the grown-up she is...though until you get to the very end, you still won't know how everything will end up.

For me, Brian is the character that truly makes this story. I just really couldn't warm up to Kendy at all, even at the very end. But Brian...he's a keeper, pure and simple. And Mia Kayla's writing will keep you tuned in to the story from start to finish. 3.5 stars.
136 reviews
October 16, 2015
I was given a copy for an honest review.

Mia has become one of my absolute favorite authors. I have literally fallen in love with each of her books and The Scheme is no exception! I was absolutely pulled in right from the first page! Mia has an unbelievable way of capturing your attentuon with not only her amazing writing, but with her characters!

I honestly loved everything about this book. The chemistry was amazing, and I still have a huge smile on my face after reading!! There is also the perfect combination of some drama and angst to keep you on your toes!! I honestly felt myself rooting for these two characters. I loved their dynamic together, but sometimes things in the past will hold people back!

I would 100% recommend this book to everyone! It is a sweet, funny, and amazing read! I am looking forward to what Mia has to come in the future and will be anxiously waiting!!
Profile Image for Pooja.
63 reviews15 followers
July 27, 2015
Absolutely LOVED this book!! <3
The main characters in this book Brian & Kendy are the secondary characters from Mia Kayla's first book Marry Me For Money. This book can be read as a standalone but I really loved Marry Me for Money and I would highly recommend both the books to everyone!
I had already fallen in love with Brian Benson's character in the first book so I was really thrilled that I get to read more about him and delighted that he gets the girl in this book!!
This book was so amazing, I was completely into it and for those few hours nothing else held my interest but the book. The story is captivating and it keeps you wanting for more. Kendy & Brian's chemistry was off the charts and scenes including them would leave you hot and bothered!
All in all a very nice & funny story with romance to melt your heart-a complete package!!

Profile Image for Irene.
1,025 reviews120 followers
September 3, 2024
This book was a huge dissapointment. It was very predictable with no surprises to the very end. I won't give up to author yet because her first book is a favorite of mine but another one as the latest and I won't be bothering again.
Profile Image for Aaly.
1,358 reviews55 followers
July 29, 2015
** ARC kindly provided by the author for an honest review. **

Funny, sweet and entertaining, The Scheme has everything to be a great romantic comedy! When a woman (Kendy) blindsided by a prediction concerning her soulmate found love ... But not with in the way she expected!

The author, Mia Kayla, has well-played this part with a surprising and refreshing tone! Kendy is a woman with a bubbly personality, a free spirit and obsessed with one thing : make a particular doctor to fall in love with her!

Reading about how she's gonna reach her goal, was a little crazy, and totally hilarious!





She's bold and daring. In her way to find happiness, she met again Brian Benson, the charmer and sexy financial banker.








Brian is a good guy, not lucky in love, invested in his job. With everything happened in his love life, being busy is the best way to forget and maybe move on. When he crossed path again with the feisty and sexy Kendy, he was drawn to her personality. And Brian wasn't so sweet and good after all.


Between the two of them, it was electrifying, a lot of flirting and some very steamy moments. As you might guess, their agreement is gonna be flawed, when the lines between friendship and love were blurred. Their chemistry is off the charts. Kendy and Brian rocked the boat! The part about the scheme was written with humor and sexiness. I was rooting for them and I was eager to see how they will find their HEA.








To be honest, I read this one before Marry Me For Money , and it didn't bother me. I could follow easily the story. (Even if Brian had history with an other character on book #1). The sweetness was well counteracting with the hotness. The characters had great chemistry and banter! Great job for the entertainment here, I liked it!
Profile Image for Sarah Reads "Reading in Sarah's Corner".
414 reviews34 followers
July 26, 2015
There may be a spoiler in this review! You have been warned!

Can I just say I loved this story so much! I heart the crap out of Mia Kayla!!

Mia Kayla swept me up into the world of Brian Benson and Kendall Miller. The way Mia writes makes it easy for her readers to get lost in all the humor, a fun plot, and oh so yummy scenes. I pouted when this book was over. I was not quite ready to let Brian and Kendy go.

When Mia Kayla told me she was writing Brian’s story I was absolutely giddy. I loved Brian in Marry Me For Money but it just wasn’t his time to snag the girl yet. Brian is the all American boy next door. He is work driven, handsome as hell, and needed a woman to show him there was more to life than work.

This story started out with Brian not interested in anything other than work and Kendall aka Kendy dead set on getting with the doctor of her dreams. The only problem is the doctor does not seem to have Kendy on his radar. When Kendy asks Brian to help her win over the hot Doc. and make him jealous I knew he was a goner.

Brian cannot help but start falling for Kendy, she pushes him and makes him want more to life besides work. He knows he shouldn’t but she is just too cute when she pouts at him and tries to get her way. He realizes for him Kendy’s rules are made to be broke. That he is the man for her. I was like Brian’s biggest cheerleader when he started fighting for her and doing everything he could to get her to realize he was her forever man.

“An emotion I couldn’t place crossed his face right before he bent down and kissed me, long and hard, leaving me breathless.

Yes, I was convinced Beth had chosen wrong. Because good boy Brian was indeed a very, very bad boy in bed.”
← I totally agree with Kendy!! Hello sexy dominate Brian!!

Kendy was one stubborn woman. She had a past that she did not want anyone to know about. She had been hurt and would do anything to not relive that pain. She set her sights on the sexy doctor that her psychic told her would be her forever man. I wanted to growl at Kendy every time she pushed her feelings for Brian away. She could feel their connection but would not admit to to herself or him. She wanted to believe the psychic was right.

““It’s okay,” I whispered, smoothing a hand down her back. ‘It’s okay, baby; it’s okay. I’ve got you.’ I tucked her under my chin and she curled in, unresisting.

I didn’t know what had frightened her. All I knew was that I wanted to fucking jump back into her nightmare and the boogie man to a pulp.”
← just freakin’ swoons. This scene turned me to mush!

I kid you not, Brian had me swooning constantly. This man put Kendy first, he wanted her to be safe, cared for, and with him always. He hated that she had skeletons in her closet that he couldn’t squash.

When this story comes to a head and Kendy realizes she lost what she never knew she wanted. I loved how Mia made Kendy beg and prove that she made a mistake. It was not one of those oh okay. I love you too scenes. Kendy had to prove herself more than once.

I really want to place a quote here but I think its best you just read the story and see for yourself.

If you are looking for a book to get swept away in this is the book for you. This sweet romance is just what I needed to get back into my groove.






Profile Image for Ashley Jasper.
1,842 reviews24 followers
July 28, 2015
This is the second book I've read from this author and I liked it just as much as the first. The Scheme came at a good time for me because I had just finished a few really intense and heavy books and this one is light and easy to fall into. The main characters, Kendy and Brian are both relateable and likeable. While they do have their faults and strengths, together they are a match made on the moon.

That Brian, he is just an all around nice guy. He works hard and looks out for those he cares about. But when it comes to love and relationships he just seems to fall flat every time. So when fate brings Kendy into his life and they come up with their little plan, he thinks he has finally got it figured out. What he didn't expect was to fall for the woman who told him up front she was just going to use him and he could in return use her right back. For most of the book Kendy is portrayed as a woman who is set on getting her hands on the doctor who can help take care of her and all her needs. However, as her and Brian spend more and more time together, her plan begins to unravel. As real feelings develop between her and Brian, her true colors really come out. It takes a good while to see the softer side of Kendy but its there, deep down she really has a heart of gold. When she opened up about her past and why she had her heart set the way it was, I really felt for her. She was holding onto the hope with the innocence of a child; a child that she wasn't anymore. But instead of mocking or ridiculing her, Brian gave her the support and encouragement that she needed in that moment.

Of course, Brian being the great guy that he is, falls hard for his friend and isn't quite sure what to do with those feelings. They had an agreement but he wants more...I loved his kindness and gentleness. I found myself just wanting to hug him and soak up some of his goodness. And good for him for making the hard decision and letting Kendy learn the lesson that she needed to on her own. How she could think anyone would be better for her than Brian is beyond me. Thankfully, it didn't take her too long to come to her senses and see that the best thing had been in front of her all along. While I would've liked Brian to have made her work for it some more, it also wouldn't have been his character.

The Scheme delivers on all fronts for me. There is a great cast of characters. The sweetness is balanced well with steaminess, drama and humor. It was quick and easy to get into. I found myself trying to flip for more pages that weren't there when I was finished reading. Oh, and that ending, can you say full circle? It was perfectly Brian and Kendy.
Profile Image for Kirke.
903 reviews51 followers
August 2, 2015
The Scheme was such a hoot to read. I think Kendy might not be completely sane, but she’s certainly entertaining. For the past ten years her life’s choices have been based on a fortune teller’s predictions. Since every single one of them has come true, so must the last. That’s why she has her eyes set on Dr. Hot Pants. Unfortunately her attempts at catching his attention haven’t really paid off, yet.

Enter Brian. The poor guy was just minding his own business when he ran into Kendy. The thing is you can not, not notice her. Her personality is too big to be contained, the words that come out of her mouth will have you cracking up and well Brian can’t say no to her.

He had planned to stay away from woman for a while, and focus a bit more on his career. Though before he knows it, he’s dragged into Kendy’s scheme to make Dr. Hot Pants jealous. He doesn’t understand what the big deal is about him, but meanwhile he get to spend a lot of fun times with a very pretty girl.

Both these characters were so refreshing. Brian is actually a really nice guy, though not so in the bedroom. He isn’t into loose flings, and prefers to find someone who he can settle down with. While his arrangement with Kendy starts off as a benefits thing, it’s clear from the beginning this means much more for Brian. Such a sweetheart, but not a pushover at all. He’s total dream man material.

Meanwhile Kendy is enjoying her time with Brian, but she’s still focused on Dr. Hot Pants. She’s pretty much afraid to give into what’s been growing between her and Brian, because it’s scary. Kendy’s been hurt really bad in the past, and this almost overwhelming feeling she has for Brian is too much. With the use of humor she tries to deflect, though she has to be careful she doesn’t loose the man she truly belongs with.

The Scheme is another great one for Mia Kayla. I like her writing style, and her use of humor in her stories. The main characters are both interesting, funny, dreamy, but also real. They are so easy to connect with, and you immediately get swept up in their story. There are plenty of sexy and sizzling scenes, and while it seems to be just a lighthearted tale, there is a layer of depth underneath that might surprise you.

*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Kerry Fletcher.
584 reviews9 followers
July 27, 2015
A is for Alpha B is for Books

Finally The Good Guy Wins!

I received an ARC in return for an honest review.

Awwwwwwwww!!!

This is my first book by Mia Kayla and i've gotta say i really enjoyed it!

This book follows the story of Brian and Kendy. Brian is a career guy. He had his heart broken and moved away from home to New York. He made the decision to throw himself into work and to climb the corporate ladder. Kendy also new to New York left home for a new life in the city after having her heart and soul broken by her first love.

The story starts with Kendy setting her sights on a Doctor that she works with. She is determined to make him hers as years ago a fortune teller predicted her broken heart would be mended by someone she meets at work. On one of her shifts she meets someone from her past, Brian. They had met through her cousin and best friend Beth who had dated him for a while. Brian attended the ER after agreeing to go out with his roommate and best friend Trey who had to convince him to go out and have fun. Unfortunately a little too much fun was had and Brian ended up in a fight which required him getting stitches. After meeting Kendy he can't get her out of his head and ends up attending a club he knows she will be. As the night ends they reach an agreement to be FTFing (you'll find out what that means in the book) and the story goes from here.

This is such a feel good book. Most of the book i read with a little smile on my face and a warm heart. Brian was so sweet but also hot. He's just such a good guy, the one you root for to get the girl. Kendy had a great sense of humor that had me chuckling but i gotta be honest i could have smacked her upside the head on more than one occasion for not seeing what was in front of her!

Overall i really enjoyed this book, a little angst but not laid down with it, and a whole lotta sweetness that'll make you sigh and swoon. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a sweet smiley read. There's not really any action in it but sometimes it's just nice to sit and read a book and smile!

4.5 stars
Profile Image for Christy  (CaptainReadsALot.
667 reviews30 followers
July 27, 2015
Let's start with the good.
I adored Brian. He was so likable. He is severely career minded and doesn't want to waste his time on random hook ups with random women. He isn't ready to settle down but when he is, you can tell he will be completely all in and just as dedicated to his wife/family as he is his job.
Kendy's complete back story was heartbreaking. It's easy to see why she was reluctant to let another man into her heart after what her scumbag ex did to her. She's ready for her forever man, which she thinks is a doctor she works with.
When the two of them eventually end up together, it's incredibly steamy. When their relations hip is solidified, it works great. They are really, really good for each other.
I really liked Brian's room mate (and hope to read a book about him!) and Kendy's mom. It was nice that they both had someone to ground them.
Not story related, but I love Mia's writing.

The Okay
The whole psychic thing was weird but understandable. I never understood why she took it so seriously when most people think that kind of thing is just for fun. Kendy was absolutely positive everything this psychic said to her was law.
Kendy's total dedication to landing her doctor co-worker as a husband became annoying. It was clear the doctor was a Grade-A Douche to everyone BUT her.

The Not So Good
Kendy's attitude about their relationship in the beginning is ... atrocious. She labels them "FTF" (friends that eff). She makes up rules as they go strictly to put distance between them.
I didn't like how she fought so hard against the obvious. Obviously, the doctor was a poor choice and Brian was the better choice.
I didn't like Kendy's nurse co-worker. She seemed to be an unnecessary character except to let Kendy know where to find Dr. Hot Pants.


Overall Rating: 3.5 Stars
I did like this book. I would certainly recommend it as a light and easy read. I look forward to reading more from Mia!

Profile Image for Alexandra.
433 reviews
August 17, 2015
Received ARC in exchange for an honest review for Fallen from Books Reviewers

A solid 4 STAR read

The Scheme is one of those 'feel good' books - it's sweet, funny and enjoyable - it's perfect for the summer and not only. If you're looking for a wonderful 'friends-to-lovers' who's plan backfires story and not only you should give it a chance.

This is the story of Kendall aka Kendy and Brian - she's a a girl from a small town working as a nurse in NYC and he's a smart guy from the same area who's a banker.
Kendy has a plan that 'included a house, marriage, and a baby carriage', but Brian is not the man for her - she has her sight set on 'Dr. Hot Pants', James Klein. Why, you wonder...because a psychic told her in her teens that she'll marry the man who'll give her the 'moon', and James did that in the form of a notepad.

Brian is coming out of a recent break up that left him devastated. He left his old life behind and moved to NYC in order to forget the one that got away. But little does he know that here he'll meet her BFF, who soon enough will enlist him in her plan to get her crush's attention. Long story short - like all this type of plans this too might have its flaws ;)

I truly enjoyed it - the writing is easy to follow and engaging - I felt like I was following these two protagonists around and seeing them in 'action' first hand rather than be told what they were doing. Both Brian and Kendy were amazing - they were smart, working individuals, with 'real' friends and problems. This is a story that could happen to anyone and they are the type pf characters that you could have as friends in real life.

I hope that there will be more books about other characters as I really want to read more about them.

<3
Profile Image for Jessica.
757 reviews
July 27, 2015
Mia Kayla is new to me author but after reading her latest release The Scheme, I'm now a huge fan. Her book was so much fun to read and I highly recommend you check it out.

The Scheme's plot is all about Kendy landing her perfect man. She moved to New York for a job and to fulfill an old prophecy given to her by a psychic when she was a teenager. She has it in her head that a certain doctor is everything she wants and needs.


Enter Brian - an old acquaintance from back home.

When an opportunity arises to make Dr. Hot Pants jealous - she jumps at the chance to use Brian in an attempt to get what she desires. However, it turns out completely different than Kendy expected. Brian and Kendy start spending their free time together and then their feelings and desires erupt - almost uncontrollable in nature. It's confusing for the two but awesome to experience. I loved it!!

Brian and Kendy's romance was light hearted and sweet. Their ploy to entice the good doctor is filled with hilarity and you know what will eventually become of the two. But that doesn't make their journey any less enjoyable or boring. Their quick wit and banter pulls you in and you're completely enchanted by their relationship.

I absolutely adored this story. It was entertaining and a must read for any fans of contemporary romance.
Profile Image for Jill-Ann.
106 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2015
I was approached by Emily and asked to read The Scheme and review on her behalf as a guest reviewer. In reading the synopsis, I was extremely excited to help out. I knew it would be a quick and feel good kind of read. Needless to say I was not disappointed.
Mia Kayla writes this book from first person, but from both main characters. The split and transition flows very well through the book. Where Kend y(main female) ends the story, Brian (main male) picks right up. You aren’t left with any holes in transition or in the story.
I really enjoyed all of Kendy’s sass and witty comebacks throughout. It gave her a sense of realism that you don’t always get from female leads in some books. And how could you not instantly love Brian!? His no-nonsense attitude contradicting the playfulness that he exhibits once getting to know Kendy is what really brings him to life. I won’t lie; the sex scenes were great too! Not overdone with too much detail, but enough description to give you a visual but yet leaving some to the imagination.
While the ending was predictable, girl gets her guy and everyone lives happily ever after, it was just the right amount of fluff, sex and laughs I needed today!
My overall rating of this book is a 4. I’ve already added Mia’s other books to my GoodReads “to read” shelf!
Profile Image for Samantha Schwerin.
507 reviews28 followers
May 24, 2016
Full disclosure: I skimmed a lot of this book.

The plot was incredibly predictable. The only character I actually liked was Brian. It was almost like his character's pov was written by someone else because Kendall was really freaking obnoxious. She was whiny, bratty, self centered, and way too used to getting her way. Lets be real- She wanted the doctor because of his title and money. All the while claiming that she's not a gold digger!


In fact, I have absolutely no idea why Brian even fell for her in the first place. All he kept going on about was her beauty. They had zero in common and she was way too wrapped up in herself to see the great guy that he was.

Plus she based her life off of a freaking fortune teller. Because that always ends up well.


PS: Kendy is a really freaking awkward nickname and I kept saying it wrong in my head and cringing. Actually, it might be perfect for the character because I basically cringed anytime she opened her mouth/did anything. Kendall is a pretty name and she didn't seem like a full Kendall. So0 I guess my point is that I hated the nickname and hated the character.
Profile Image for reading the sheets.
267 reviews8 followers
July 27, 2015
Brian Benson hes the kind of man every woman dreams of,but he had his heart broken for the last time hes done with romance and love.Hes aways unlucky in love,the good guy never winning the girl.Starting over in New York he focusing on work nothing more…..until Kendy.
Kendy s fun,outgoing and single,shes also a nurse and shes moved to new York to work in the hospital.Determined to land “Dr Hotpants” she sets out to make him hers.
One night Brian ends up in ER Kendy works in they know each other from back home.Kendy asks Brian to help her by making Dr Hotpants jealous and Brian jumps at the chance as he has feelings growing for her,spending time together their feelings take a different turn and they find their desire for each other reaching boiling point.After that one night things aren’t the same the plan no long going the way it was supposed too!!!
Will Brian get the girl this time or will he yet again have his heartbroken?Will Kendy see whats been under her nose all along?
Loved this book it’s a fun,feel good, sexy funny read.I loved the banter,the characters,the romance…once I started I kept on reading till I finished.This book is part of a series but can be read as astandalone.Im ooking forward to the next book in this feel good series.
Profile Image for Reflections of a Book Geek.
722 reviews24 followers
September 16, 2015

4 Stars
I found this book a little harder to get into than Marry Me For Money, it didn't have the same pull for me but I think that had more to do with some of the characters than it did the storyline or the writing since I really enjoyed both.

I loved Brian, I felt so sad for him after the whole ordeal with Beth! I couldn't understand why he thought Kendy was worth the hassle! She treated him like shit even when it was her best friend who broke his heart! There is as just something about Brian that completely melted my heart and made me swoon!!

I'm sorry but Kendy wasn't for me!! I really couldn't warm to her at all and she is the only reason I struggled with this book!! The story was good and the writing was great but it was her character I couldn't relate to at all. No matter how much I tried I couldn't warm to her.I found Kendy to be very hard work and at times, I really could have happily left the book down! There were a few times in the book that made me completely cringe at how into herself she was and it was not attractive in the slightest!!


I love the fact that this one was in dual POV, i really enjoyed hearing Brian's thoughts and feelings throughout it all.

Thank you for the opportunity to review.


Profile Image for A little birdie told me....
627 reviews31 followers
September 13, 2015
I almost put this book down several times, especially in the beginning. I couldn't connect with the characters and the silly premise.

The main chick, Kendy, felt, to me, more like a YA character rather than the 24 year old she was. I found her incredibly immature and very annoying, with the actions and speech patterns of a high schooler. Her trusting of a psychic's prediction from years ago was ridiculous. I couldn't wrap my head around Brian's attraction to her.

Then, Kendy turned into this broken damsel in distress with a hard core case of PTSD, triggered by her growing feelings for Brian. It made me empathize with her, but I still had a hard time liking her. Although I understood her resistance, I still didn't have warm fuzziness for her.

The book did get better toward the end, but I never quite overcame my dislike for Kendy.
Profile Image for Michelle (Adventure in Bookland).
325 reviews1 follower
July 28, 2015
The Scheme is the second book in a series, but I was able to read it as a stand-alone. In a way I am glad that I didn’t read Marry Me For Money because I got to get to know Brian away from his pervious relationship. I absolutely adored him in this story and I know I would have loved him just as much in the other story. I will however read, Marry Me For Money, now I know whom I want Brian with. Kendy was extremely likeable as well. I love how honest and blunt she was. These two were adorable together and I was rooting for their relationship the whole time. I’m not going to lie, the end tore me up, for sometime I didn’t like Kendy too much!

If you are look for a fun light hearted romance that will keeping you laughing then I suggest you take a look at this book.
373 reviews6 followers
February 23, 2020
Fun story

I did enjoy the story. I just wanna put that out there because I'm about to trash Brian. Brian of course is absolute garbage. They say hes a nice guy but he spends all his time laughing at Kendy. Making her feel stupid. His judgment and looking down on her is awful. She offers him a friends with benefits opportunity which he excepts but the whole time he's trying to manipulate her into choosing him over the guy she really wants. He could have been up front about wanting more from her but of course he's self centered and manipulative so he doesn't go that route. She on the other hand is very straight forward with what she wants even if it's kind of ridiculous but at least she was open and honest. The part that absolutely ruined Brian for me though is after he pushes and pushes and she finally gives in and tells him about her past He shows absolutely no respect for what she went through. He immediately begins pushing her past where she's comfortable. Always pushing. When she is trying to create space between them and he keeps advancing on her and refuses to give her personal space. After what she told him her ex did to her??? Absolute garbage person. I felt terrible for Kendy. Brian is not a good guy. Laughing in her face. Disrespecting her wishes. Disgusting.
Profile Image for Drava.
481 reviews3 followers
September 5, 2019
2.75 Stars

It was an okay book but nothing special. Kendy is a maneater and is hung up on a psychic's predictions. She is a nurse and feels in her bones that her Dr Klein co-work is THE ONE for her. Unfortunately he doesn't pay attention to her and so she enlists the help of Brian, someone she kind of know . . . he's her friend's ex boyfriend.

Brian is amused by her and decides to play along but attraction between them builds up so they decide to become FWB (FTF). But slowly lines get blurry and crossed and both fall in love with the other. But Kendy is a maneater for because she doesn't want to get close to anyone after her experience in high school with a guy named Cole. Cole romanced her but eventually cheated and then raped her when she tried to break it off. After that, Kendy always has to be in control and guard her heart.

So she breaks it off with Brian after he confesses his feelings, goes on a date with Dr. Klein and feels nothing and decides she can't live in fear and wins Brian back. HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jenn.
54 reviews2 followers
November 30, 2015
“The course of true love never did run smooth.”

Brian Bensen had his heart ripped out from his last relationship, so he decided to pick up and move to New York and put all his energy on work and not so much on women. And that’s exactly what he did. He moved in with his best friend, Trey and became a workaholic. It didn’t bother, him much since he needed to make his way from the ground up and the only way to do that way to keep his head in the game; which meant no girls. Trey gets tired of his working ways that he gets him out of the house to relax, loosen him up and try to get a girl into his system, thinking it will get him out of his slump. But the one girl that catches his eye lands him in the ER where he meets someone from that past that will change things for him.

“Listen, I’m saving you the trouble. I’m too much woman for a good boy like you to handle.”
“This woman is intoxicating, and I was powerless to resist her.”
“Behind the façade of a confident woman was a vulnerable girl, utterly broken.”

Kendy Miller is one very confident woman or yet it seems. She knows what she wants and she goes after it if she doesn’t get it. She also is one that needs to be in control of situations. Kendy decided to leave her mom behind in their small home town to pursue her nursing career and to start fresh in New York where she works in the ER department. According to a fortune teller long ago, Kendy feels Dr. Hot Pants is the man for her. He’s the total package, from what she can tell anyway. Kendy tries everything to get him to notice her, but he’s not budging and it’s frustrating her. Meeting Brian again throws her off her game, especially since he seems to give off some weird feelings. But after much stalking of the hot doctor, maybe seeing Brian again could put her in a good position.

“Love was scary; love could be wrong. Love was blind. One minute, it elevated you to an unbelievable high, and the next, it could crush you to the ground leaving you broken. Most of all, love was uncontrollable, and that was one thing I promised I wouldn’t relinquish-control.”

Of all the ideas that Kendy has cooked up, I think this by far has been the nuttiest of them all. When all her plans to score the hot doctor have failed, use your last resort I guess. She sees Brian at the bar and shoots down all his advances on her, saying that he is too nice of a guy. Then she sees the doctor come in with another woman and he doesn’t notice her not once, it leaves her disappointed. Instead of Brian leaving her fend for herself, he entertains her. And that’s when she comes up with her brilliant idea. She will use Brian in a little ploy to get the doctor to notice her. Since neither wants a real relationship, why can’t they have a fake one? Brian can show her that he isn’t the good boy after all, plus this could break his of his little funk.. But with only one kiss, they know they will be in deeper than what they both bargained for.

“I shouldn’t have felt anything, but I felt everything.”
“When we touched, I jolted from the electricity that coursed between us. I hadn’t expected that. At. All.”

I really like Kendy character here. She gives that strong, confident woman front which is very attractive for her, but yet the more Brian gets to know her, he starts to crack down on her. He is determined to get to know more of her, more than just intimately, but on a deeper level. There’s an instant connection between the two of them. He can sense it and he knows she can sense it too. Brian just needs to find a way to make her see it. There’s a woman in there battling demons from her past. She’s afraid to move on, which is also a reason for why is the way she always needs to be in control of things. When he cracks her, she slowly starts to fade away because he’s getting way too close for her. She was okay with just the way things were; they were just having fun, no strings attach. But little does she know that Brian is fighting is own battle inside. He can’t just have fun without getting attached. Brian is just as scared as she is because he too has been hurt and she knows it. But when he realizes his feelings he doesn’t really know what to do with them because he hasn’t felt this way before. When the hot doctor finally notices Kendy and asks her out, she of course takes the opportunity. It’s what they’ve been working on this whole entire time.

“I know that sometimes you don’t realize the perfect guy could be right in front of you all along.”

Will Kendy go on the date with the hot doctor? Will it be everything that she imagined? Or will it be filled with regret? Can Brian be the good guy and let her go? Or will he take a stand and fight for her? Will Kendy be able to admit her feelings for Brian? Or can they say that they truly crossed the lines and it cannot be uncrossed? Where will their relationship go from here?
“Paths can change; future can change.”

I really liked this book. Brian and Kendy originally knew each other from the past and they collided pasts and used each other in a scheme. But that may have backfired on them. You can tell from how Mia wrote the book the instant chemistry between the two of them. Brian and Kendy have both been hurt from the past and have made excuses for themselves to not get involved with anyone else, which is why this “scheme” fit perfectly for them. But little did they know the outcome of it all. It was funny how Brian tried playfully to get Kendy and she kept shooting him down. But he eventually got her, even if it was without any strings. Kendy kept cracking me up, you can’t predict anything that came out of that girl’s mouth. The stuff she says I tell you. Brian is such a sweetheart, he would do anything for her, and I mean anything. And that means something. Brian is your typical dream guy. She was blind to not see it. I wanted to smack her several times and make her want to see it. Good job Mia.

I received an advanced copy for my honest review.
Profile Image for Vilma .
875 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2020
Fake boyfriend to lovers

First off, I loved Brian from the first book in the series. And while I was happy to see Beth and Kent get together, I definitely bad for Brian..... you know the nice guys finish last thing.

I loved Kendall (Kendy) as the badass cousin/best friend of Beth. But damn was I mad at how she treated Brian. In the end, Brian was able to get his girl, but they went through a lot of hurdles almost all of which can be attrition Kendy.

But this book has some serious laugh out loud moments and lots of tender and touching scenes as well.
642 reviews
July 6, 2020
Loved it!

I was so happy to read Kendy and Brian's story of finding each other after heartbreak. This was a sweet romance - but a little "out there" when it came to the fortune teller's prediction and Kendy's belief in it. It was also difficult to imagine someone like Kendy having such a responsible job and being so silly in a lot of ways. Overall, though, it was a very good read.
1,312 reviews3 followers
May 17, 2020
Wow

Enjoyed Kendy and Brian‘s book. I’m so happy Brian finally found someone he could be with. It was a bit long for me, how many times can she be with him and tell him she wants to be with somebody else… Once or twice is plenty but over and over and over again it’s just boring. Enjoyed the series
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