Best Laid Plans

Madaris Family Saga #22

by Brenda Jackson

Love wasn’t supposed to be a part of the deal…

Even a famed matchmaker like Nolan Madaris’s great-grandmother can’t get it right every time. Nolan, the notorious fun-loving ladies’ man, could never connect with someone as straitlaced as tech whiz Ivy Chapman. Yet the scheme Ivy proposes is tempting—they can pretend to be a couple, just long enough to satisfy their families.

But someone forgot to clue in their hearts

What happens, though, when Ivy’s plan to get her relatives off her back has an unexpected side getting her into Nolan’s bed? Houston’s number one womanizer may have found the only one who can truly satisfy him, body and soul. But with a man from Ivy’s past determined to be part of her future, both she and Nolan will have to decide what’s fake, what’s real and what’s worth fighting for…

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, African American

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 27, 2018

About the author

In 1994, Brenda Jackson’s first novel, Tonight and Forever, was released. Since then she has had more than 100 novels and novellas published (the first African-American author to accomplish such a feat) and has over 3 million books in print.

A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.

In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.

In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.

Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.

Reviews

[Inês Sagres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review up on the blog: Under the pages

[Somia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nolan Madaris’s famed matchmaker great-grandmother and Ivy Chapman's grandmother have decided Nolan and Ivy would be perfect for each other, something both disagree with, fed up with it all, they agree to pretend to date for a bit in an attempt to escape the laser focus of said grandparents, what neither count on is the attraction that refuses to be ignored. Some good chemistry between the two, although sometimes how things were articulated didn't always work for me.

There's a side plot with Ivy's ex-boyfriend which needed more intensity, it felt a little lacklustre in a all honestly.

It was nice catching up with characters from previous books such as Reese and Kenna.

Overall, this was a nice and light one time read - not one of my favourites in the series.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading stories that have a family matriarch matchmaking with her friends to marry off the next generation. This story follows that formula but has several twists to keep you wondering how this will get to the expected conclusion. Nolan watches the rest of his cousins getting married and starting families and is now like a deer in the headlights of his great-grandmother. Ivy isn't interested in marriage either but her grandmother is good friends with Nolan's great-grandmother. Computer technology plays an important part with hacking taken right from the headlines. A very satisfying read. I received a copy of the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Laid Plans sets out to seduce with cunning women, alpha males, hot romance and a hint of suspense. This time around Mama Laverne sets her sights on Nolan and with a little help from her family and friends, just may get her wish. Ivy and Nolan take readers on a tempting chase of danger, romance and stubbornness. What begins as a meeting of the minds turns into a lesson in love. Count on Brenda Jackson to deliver a lesson in family while writing an epic love song along the way.

[SassyMama · Rating 4 out of 5]

HUGE fan of the Madaris series...Great-Grandma Laverne is up to her usual “tricks” with matchmaking and she’s set her sights on hooking up Nolan and Ivy Chapman...but they’re both determined to make their own decisions regarding their love life and set out to teach Granny and Nana (Ivy’s grandma) a lesson...however in pretending and trying to teach their meddling elders a lesson they discover they have a lot in common and a whole lot of chemistry...will they continue to fight their attraction or give into the feelings developing in their hearts...a bit cheesy at times and repetitive w/the dialogue...but still ENJOYED the romance and the brief intrigue. Looking forward to Victoria’s story.

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the BJ novels that I love to read! I must admit I was hesitant to read this book because lately her books haven’t been up to par, but boy this book was like old times. It was steamy with good characters and plot. I liked how she tied in other family members and friends in this story. Ivy was endearing and Jake was hot! This is a book I’d highly recommend and is definitely one that deserves a reread. I’d would normally be irritated how the ex and his ridiculous flimsy scheme was thrown in to cause the damsel in distress in the plot, but this story was so good I didn’t mind.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mama Laverne is back at it and she pulls out all the stops to get Nolan and Ivy together. They try to fight it by coming up with a plan, but they fail. They gain each other. I loved how they were honest with each other about their feelings. Another great Madaris story.

[Bri Little · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick and steamy read. I'm a fan of Brenda Jackson's writing because her characters are interesting, fun, and Black. My only complaint with this one is that there are SO many people in the Madaris family that it was hard to keep up. Too many couples who didn't really play an important role in the story. I was also annoyed that despite her independence and intelligence, Ivy still had the mentality of dressing to impress men instead of owning her own style. Overall it was a good read; I'm such a sucker for the fake relationship trope!

[Deb Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mama Laverne is at it again…

[Cassandra Jerido · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

I couldn’t put it down. Brenda Jackson is a wonderful storyteller. She just draws you in, until the last page.

[Karen Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot hot hot!

What a turn of events in this story. Exciting, hot and breath taking. Lust turned to love even when they both thought it would never happened. You must read this book because the passion just flows of the pages.

[Aisha Oaktree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally Reviewed on Bewitching Bibliophile

Y'all are used to me saying when it's a fave author I don't even read the synopsis, I one click and keep it moving. and when I got approved I did a happy dance. This one isn't part of the Westmoreland Clan it's one of her other series the Madaris family saga and I'm just as in love with it. This one is a great romantic story filled with comedy, hints of suspense, meddling elders and children who think they can outsmart them at their game.

I really enjoyed this one because it felt like coming home and being enveloped in with family. I really enjoyed how the story unfolded, how much these two tried their best to beat their elders at their matchmaking plans and inadvertently ended up right where they were supposed to. I loved that they were both headstrong individuals who were successful in so many aspects of their lives but this one. I absolutely loved their Elders; they were determined to get these two together and they knew they couldn't just introduce them, they had to meddle as much as possible.

Ivy is super successful, she created her own company because she knew she wouldn't fit in with corporate deadlines & politics. She created a firm that was successful based on her love for computers and while it might not make her the most popular person it does fulfill her. She has her best friend and her Grandmother, who needs more?? Nolan for his part grew up a nerd surrounded by a loving and supportive family with his Great Grandmother as the Matriarch, she pushed all her kids to be successful, to find love and make their community better. When she sees that Nolan isn't getting past her last relationship she decides to step in. Nolan was the nerd that went from Urkel to Stephan, he embraced the success that came with that change and when he realizes his Great Gran as about to but in he launched a plan to make himself extremely unattractive to women he doesn't believe is right for him.

From sending them letters and notes from each other to rigging events to get them together these older women were not to be deterred. Having been in relationships that ended poorly Nolan & Ivy were determined to find their own happiness without their Grandmother's and Great Gran's intervention. Making a plan to beat the two older women at their matchmaking they tried at first to fight fire with fire then they simply made it appear that they were giving in. Within this dance of deception comes the past bring with it danger and trouble and without the friends that Ivy has made can her heart survive??

I do have one bone to pick with this story, and that is with Nolan's choice of women to aide him in his subterfuge. I know he states it was a good option but for me it makes me give him the side eye other than that I loved this story so much, I laughed and commiserated with Ivy & Nolan. I loved their exploration of their feelings, I loved how Ivy confronted Nolan when she was uncertain and how Nolan reacted when he realized the plan was working a little better than he expected. Their chemistry was off the wall and I loved all the moments of them exploring these moments as well.

I totally understood being cornered by those you love and feeling like you can't get out of it without hurting their feelings. I loved the glimpse of the expanse of the Madaris family and definitely need to catch up on this series. There were so many different family members introduced, with only small glimpses of their stories. I can't wait to see just where the series goes because she has introduced the next generation already and it should be interesting to see how they succeed.
★★★★☆

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Happy Reading my loves,

[Dafort · Rating 4 out of 5]

CONCEPT
Attempt to foil a matchmaking plan backfire when the heart gets involved.
STORY
Love wasn’t supposed to be a part of the deal…
Even a famed matchmaker like Nolan Madaris’s great-grandmother can’t get it right every time. Nolan, the notorious fun-loving ladies’ man, could never connect with someone as straitlaced as tech whiz Ivy Chapman. Yet the scheme Ivy proposes is tempting—they can pretend to be a couple, just long enough to satisfy their families.
But someone forgot to clue in their hearts
What happens, though, when Ivy’s plan to get her relatives off her back has an unexpected side effect: getting her into Nolan’s bed? Houston’s number one womanizer may have found the only one who can truly satisfy him, body and soul. But with a man from Ivy’s past determined to be part of her future, both she and Nolan will have to decide what’s fake, what’s real and what’s worth fighting for
CHARACTERS
When first reading the description of Ivy Chapman, readers may think she is not a good fit for Nolan Madaris. Upon their initial meeting, Nolan realizes what a spitfire Ivy can be. Mrs. Jackson did a good job with the character development where readers get to see Ivy fight her attraction for Nolan as well as show how independent and how well knowledge she is of technology. She tries hard to ensure Nolan does not see how much his presence affects her and she hatches the plan to try and fool their families. Nolan is portrayed as a ladies man and he is far from that. He is not keen on his great-grandmother’s matchmaking attempt and agrees to Ivy’s plan. But close quarters and spending enough time together these two find they have a lot in common.
DIALOGUE
The dialogue was appropriate for the setting of the story
STRUCTURE
The story was well-crafted and structured.
OVERALL
I enjoyed Nolan and Ivy’s journey. These were two headstrong individuals that did not appreciate their families’ matchmaking attempts and thought they could form a plan to beat Ms. Laverne. They never expected the instant attraction to hit them full force. This was a good installment to the Madaris series and it was good to see Jake and Clayton make an appearance in this segment.

DAFortner
UrbanDivaz Reviews

[Books and Spoons · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sensual, adorable, and eloquent romance that had me swooning and sighing from one moment to the other.
I have said it before yet it bears to be repeated: Brenda Jackson can tell a story that seduces the mind and heart of the reader while the tale smoothly flows off the pages.
The Madaris family is a known and established book series, yet it was easy to jump into the story even if you haven't met the family before. The binding love, loyalty, and commitment the whole extended family has for each other is a beautiful thing to witness, and something to learn from, for sure.
I enjoy the pretend-relationship storyline, especially when it sizzles and swoons like this one did. Nolan Madaris and Ivy Chapman might think they are just pretending, but the fire, the chemistry, the connection between them is true, nearly a visible force, that even they can't deny for long.
I loved how the relationship developed over time between Nolan and Ivy. They are both stubborn, determined not to fall for what they feel are manipulations from their elders. Nolan is willing to go to great lengths to make sure there is no chance for anything to develop between him and Ivy, ever. Yet the first actual face to face meeting ignite the spark, and then it just takes its time to smolder until the adoration between them turns into an inferno.
Two smart, sharp, professionals who both have been hurt in relationships before, who both share the attributes of loyalty, honor, honesty, and dignity, who both love technology, their families, and jogging try to outsmart the grandparent who knows it the best. Mix in the alluring temptation of the attraction they feel for each other, sensual seduction of mind, heart, and body, fun with the family, and a dash of suspense and danger, and you have an intriguing story that was a pleasure to read and impossible to put down until the very satisfying, beautiful ending.
A well-written story that leaves you smiling and feeling all good, warm, and fuzzy inside. Ah, it was just perfectly lovely.
~ Five Spoons

[Debby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nolan Madaris's great-grandmother is a fantastic matchmaker, having made many successful matches. And while that may be true, Nolan is determined that he will not be one of them. He plans on remaining single and care-free. He knows straight-laced tech whiz Ivy Chapman is not for him. Ivy could not agree more, but she also knows that the relatives will never give up. She proposes a scheme where they pretend to be a couple to get them off their backs. Later they can break up and return to their regular lives.

The only problem is that the scheme backfires and the two find themselves enjoying each other's company. When a man from Ivy's past causes problems, Nolan cannot leave Ivy facing this problem alone . He and Ivy will need to decide what they want for the future.

Brenda Jackson is truly a gifted story teller. Each book is incredibly fresh and exciting. Best Laid Plans was fun to read as we watched these two try so hard to stymie their relatives. It did not work as planned. We can all hop on the love train and follow as these two fight their relatives and themselves to stay single. Another winner for Brenda Jackson.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mama Laverne and Ms. Helen have been friends for years, ever since the first time Mama Laverne had a parent-teacher conference with Ms. Helen about one of her sons. Now, they are working together to bring Mama Laverne’s great grandson Nolan together with Ms. Helen’s granddaughter Ivy.
Neither Nolan nor Ivy want to be pushed into a relationship. When the pair is manipulated by the family and end up at the same house at the same time for a week, they come up with a foolproof plan to push back. They decide to fake a relationship, then after a while break up.
This story is just so good. I loved everything from the manipulating grandmothers, to the family’s involvement all the way through, to the pair themselves. This cast of characters are so real, it felt like watching a good movie instead of reading a totally awesome story. I wanted to keep reading, I didn’t want it to end! I believe that this might be the first book I’ve read by Ms. Jackson, but I can guarantee that it won’t be the last.

[Badass Lioness · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars!  Two intelligent, attractive people are being set up by their matchmaking great grandmother and grandmother. To outsmart them, they come up with "best laid plans" of faking falling in love and dating to prove their relatives wrong. It is a common romance trope done fairly well here. If you like the fake boyfriend/girlfriend storyline, I think that you will like this one.

I really liked Nolan and Ivy. Both graduated from MIT and had their own companies at young ages. She is a professional hacker with a cybersecurity company, and he runs Madaris Innovations, a tech company. So, I was a bit disappointed that the plan did not have a twist. 

The beginning was a bit expected as he became the "playboy" to throw off any prospects. Ivy wore glasses and swore that she was not pretty. She doesn't want to get married ever, and he simply doesn't want his great grandmother arranging any marriages for him. But as they went past that and got to know each other, that is where the story worked for me. There were lots of hot, sexy scenes too.

I enjoyed Tessa, her friend, and I was able to meet many Madaris family members as well as related or affiliated people. They helped to make it fun as they would keep Nolan on his toes.The suspense story with her ex-boyfriend, Damien, was building in the background until it became the main storyline. And the Madaris family pitched in to help. That is what families are supposed to do. The family theme was the strongest in this story and worked very well.
 
I have read a few Brenda Jackson romances before, which was one of the reasons that I signed up for this review tour. This was an easy, sexy, romance read without straying far from the expected. I really liked how close the Madaras family is and how the many relatives all played a role in getting Ivy and Nolan together.

Note: I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley. This is my honest review.

[Dj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love wasn’t supposed to be a part of the deal…Even a famed matchmaker like Nolan Madaris’s great-grandmother Mama Laverne can’t get it right every time. Nolan, the notorious fun-loving ladies’ man, could never connect with someone as straitlaced as (tech whiz) Ivy Chapman. Yet the scheme Ivy proposes is tempting—they can pretend to be a couple, just long enough to satisfy their families. But someone forgot to clue in their hearts What happens, though, when Ivy’s plan to get her relatives off her back has an unexpected side effect: getting her into Nolan’s bed? Houston’s number one womanizer may have found the only one who can truly satisfy him, body and soul. But with a man from Ivy’s past, Damien Fargo is determined to be part of her future, threatening her grandmother’s life if she doesn’t use her hacking skills for his boss. both she and Nolan will have to decide what’s fake, what’s real and what’s worth fighting for…

Great romance, with a side of suspense, fantastic!

[KDRBCK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best Laid Plans by Brenda Jackson is part of the Madaris Family and Friends Series.
Meet Nolan Madaris and Ivy Chapman. Both are successful business man/ owner , not man in Ivy´s case. She´s all woman, a bit geekish, brilliant, bohemian beauty, woman.
Both their grannies are determined to set them up and meddle heavily to get them together. Nolan and Ivy have no chance at escaping. First they´re strictly opposed to aforementioned plans, only that changes over time and they become more.
Best Laid Plans is a beautiful story, very well written with lovable characters. Not only the hero and the heroine, the sidekicks are great too. I had a good time reading the witty and fun bicker between Nolan and Ivy and give sweet 4 stars.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nolan has watched the single family members around him fall victim to the matchmaking skills of his great-grandmother but he is about to prove that she isn’t always right.

Ivy’s experience with men has shown that they are not to be trusted and she is better off being single. She will ensure that she resists her grandmother’s matchmaking plans no matter how sexy Nolan is.

In order to appease their families Nolan and Ivy agree to pretend to be together but will they be able to deny their attraction to each other and stick to their arrangement?

The combination of humor, suspense and chemistry makes this an enjoyable read. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Kate Vale · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of the Madaris Family series, in which we meet Nolan Madaris and Ivy Chapman. When a great-grandmother wants her great-grandson married off before she dies, look out. When a grandmother wants her granddaughter happily married, be careful. When both old ladies get together, do the adult children they love have a chance? Neither Nolan nor Ivy is looking to get married, but when they are thrown together on a tropical island, you know what's likely to happen. And it does.

Then add in an ex-boyfriend with nothing good up his sleeve for Ivy, and one has a story in which Nolan's large family and group of friends are called on to keep her safe. Oh, and don't forget those old ladies and what they want.

[Kaci Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book by Brenda Jackson but it won't be my last. I will say that all the brothers and sisters and grandaunts and great grandmothers was a bit confusing at times but overall it wasn't to difficult to follow. Ivy and Nolan are an amazing couple. They are great together and their love is palatable. Normally in these types of books both parties try to purposely sabotage their love even though they know they're made for each other. But Brenda took it a different direction. They never hurt each other, yes they fought their love in their heads, but listened to their hearts 99% of the time. This book was fun and mostly light hearted. Great way to start my relationship with Ms. Jackson!!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the books in the Madaris Family & Friends series. I love books that you have an interfering grandmother or great grandmother. I knew this book would grabbed me from page 1 and would not let me go until the very end. Nolan & Ivy thinks they can out scheme their great grandmother and grandmother. When you put two people together like this, something will get complicated!!

This was my first book by this author and it won't be my last. I found a new to me author!

☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa

[CaroMommie · Rating 2 out of 5]

If this is your first book that you read of hers, it’s an ok read, but if you’ve gone through her catalogue, this was cringe worthy.

I lost count of how many times ‘great grandmother’ was used. Along with ‘swept her into his arms’, and really, who goes around saying ‘hey Great Uncle Jake’? Slanting and crashing ones mouth was beat to death also.

The first half the book was spent with their desire, their needing and wanting. It was unbelievably cheesy. I couldn’t believe it was Brenda who was writing it.

Really, it felt like a first timer put it together & it slipped through the editing phase. It was that bad in the beginning.

It ended well, but it was just painful from the start.

[Read.Review.Repeat Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book by Brenda Jackson but it won't be my last. I will say that all the brothers and sisters and grandaunts and great grandmothers was a bit confusing at times but overall it wasn't to difficult to follow. Ivy and Nolan are an amazing couple. They are great together and their love is palatable. Normally in these types of books both parties try to purposely sabotage their love even though they know they're made for each other. But Brenda took it a different direction. They never hurt each other, yes they fought their love in their heads, but listened to their hearts 99% of the time. This book was fun and mostly light hearted. Great way to start my relationship with Ms. Jackson!!

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fate has it's purpose and will always be fulfilled

Nolan and Ivy, brought together via the meddling of grand parents. You'll appreciate the added element of mystery as Ivy's ex Damien enters the picture. You'll love how the family comes together when crisis arises. Having the ability to revisit with other Madris family members and friends. What's even more endearing is the friendship between Ivy and Tessa. Everyone needs a champion and a great best friend. The story reads smoothly and you'll root for all the journey between Nolan and Ivy. One thing is for sure, even the best laid plans cannot overcome fate.

[United Indie Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEWER: LINDSEY
RATING: 4.5 STARS
Loved this story . It held me captivated and interested. Ivy and Nolan were great loveable characters that drew me into their world . I got lost in their story and loved every second of it . I knew this story was going be great and so worth reading. The story was very well written ,the characters warm and loveable, and the plot good. This has to be one of my favorite books by Ms.Jackson . This roller-coaster ride of love and matchmaking is so worth reading. I loved every second and can’t wait for more to come.Love,drama,and heat that’s what I call a good book.

[Vondetta Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nolan Madaris has determined to not allow his Grandmother pick his wife even though she has a near perfect record. Ivy Chapman's grandmother is a "great friend" of Mama Laverne. At times this story is hilarious in how two Senior Citizens orchestrate their interactions. However, very quickly Nolan "the player" is getting hooked in the plan he and Ivy put together. They find they have much in common.
However, a blast from Ivy's past tries to use her to do something totally against who she is.
Ms. Jackson once again, told the story of what seemed to be an unlikely pair who finds their happy ending..great read.

[Andrena G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance Coupled with Intrigue

It's always refreshing whenever Brenda Jackson concentrates more on plot and character development than on unending sex scenes. In "Best Laid Plans", the author succeeded in bestowing Ivy and Nolan with admirable qualities, including intelligence, resourcefulness, wit, and wisdom. Although the couple's plan to circumvent the matchmaking of their elderly relatives, there was no doubt that the young'uns eventually would be outfoxed. The element of danger provided by the scoundrel Damien added fire to the storyline and led to an exciting and satisfying ending. 🤗

[Tigger · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am really thinking that I should rate this 3.75 stars.

I could not wait for this book, then it was finally here

I have read all of Brenda Jackson books all except two

Usually I read her books in one day, even if that means staying up all night

Best Laid Plans for me went this way, started to read it, and it was slow, tried to hang in there until chapter seven then finally gave up and skipped to chapter thirteen, then I was into their story and loved the book from that point on.
Can not wait for the next story in this series