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The Five-Year Plan
Two people. One epic love story. What if?
Pre-order the fun and heartwarming romance from the bestselling author of Marry Me Tomorrow
Orla is a trainee reporter with a five-year plan: work her way up the career ladder, move to London and secure a job on a big national newspaper. She doesn’t want a boyfriend, he’s only going to hold her back anyway.
Aiden spends his life travelling the world and living in a tent. He knows his goal: to photograph animals and raise awareness of global warming and wildlife conservation. He’s definitely not looking for a relationship past the odd casual hook-up!
So when Orla and Aiden’s lives collide, they do everything to not fall for each other – with the opposite effect. But they stick to their plans, and go their separate ways…
Five years later, they meet again…
If you love Mhairi McFarlane, Jo Watson and Paige Toon, you’ll LOVE Carla Burgess.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 20, 2020
81 people are currently reading
1884 people want to read
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May 20, 2020
tw: brief mention of parent dying from cancer
This is a second chance romance following Orla and Aiden, who met up when Orla was in her early 20s and Aiden was in his late 20s while he was in her town photographing otters, as he's a wildlife photographer. We follow the couple that summer when they fall in love, and then 5 years later when their paths cross again.
This was overall cute and I was pulling for the couple, because I love my angst and second chance romance always deals that out. It's one of my favorite tropes. The problem I had with this was Aiden. His character felt so all over the place to me. This may also be because we don't get his POV, only Orla's. While Aiden does not come off as an alpha male or malicious, he has so many behaviors that were red flags for me: saying he doesn't date and that women get mad at him for 'leaving them behind'; being really into his job but not taking Orla's as seriously; continually steamrolling her decisions when she responds in a way he doesn't like (in a lighthearted, non-aggressive way- but he still refuses to take no for an answer); telling her to "figure out why he's mad" instead of using his words like a grown man...
The problem is, the narrative doesn't really correct these behaviors but it also paints him as a generally nice guy! It's so disconcerting because he has all of these behaviors that got under my skin, but since he wasn't using them maliciously (besides the not using his words), I didn't find myself hating him but mostly mildly annoyed with him. And it didn't prevent me from pulling for them overall. Again, I think this could have been solved (or his red flag behavior been fully proven as a red flag) if we got his POV.
The pacing of this is a little off, as there's slow and repetitive bits that could have probably been skipped and a lot of miscommunication that didn't need to happen if the characters just used their words instead of trying to cover up their emotions. But I still felt the spark between them, especially in the 5 years later bits, and ultimately rooted for them to figure it out.
tropes:
- second chance romance
- friends to lovers
This is a second chance romance following Orla and Aiden, who met up when Orla was in her early 20s and Aiden was in his late 20s while he was in her town photographing otters, as he's a wildlife photographer. We follow the couple that summer when they fall in love, and then 5 years later when their paths cross again.
This was overall cute and I was pulling for the couple, because I love my angst and second chance romance always deals that out. It's one of my favorite tropes. The problem I had with this was Aiden. His character felt so all over the place to me. This may also be because we don't get his POV, only Orla's. While Aiden does not come off as an alpha male or malicious, he has so many behaviors that were red flags for me: saying he doesn't date and that women get mad at him for 'leaving them behind'; being really into his job but not taking Orla's as seriously; continually steamrolling her decisions when she responds in a way he doesn't like (in a lighthearted, non-aggressive way- but he still refuses to take no for an answer); telling her to "figure out why he's mad" instead of using his words like a grown man...
The problem is, the narrative doesn't really correct these behaviors but it also paints him as a generally nice guy! It's so disconcerting because he has all of these behaviors that got under my skin, but since he wasn't using them maliciously (besides the not using his words), I didn't find myself hating him but mostly mildly annoyed with him. And it didn't prevent me from pulling for them overall. Again, I think this could have been solved (or his red flag behavior been fully proven as a red flag) if we got his POV.
The pacing of this is a little off, as there's slow and repetitive bits that could have probably been skipped and a lot of miscommunication that didn't need to happen if the characters just used their words instead of trying to cover up their emotions. But I still felt the spark between them, especially in the 5 years later bits, and ultimately rooted for them to figure it out.
tropes:
- second chance romance
- friends to lovers
May 5, 2020
Otters and squirrels and foxes, oh my! A sweet second chance romance with a wild side. This is the story of Orla A girl with a five year plan. She is planning on getting her dream reporting job and moving to London in five years. Having a boyfriend and falling in love are definitely not in her plans. Then one day she goes to interview a man who is studying otters and finds herself falling into a rabbit hole and spraining her ankle. She also meets Aiden a wildlife photographer. Orla and Aiden have an instant connection that soon develops into more, the problem is Aiden will be leaving soon and the two of them are not looking for love. The two part ways and five years later their paths cross again.
Orla and Aiden were both very likable characters, but boy did they frustrate me. They seem to hash the same issues that they dealt with the first time the second time around as well. They also had a really hard time admitting their feelings to one another. I was also a bit annoyed that it seemed like it was Orla that needed to give up her hopes and dreams to be with Aiden, not the other way around. In spite of these things I really thought they were a cute couple and there was chemistry between them. I also loved all the wildlife in the story, made me want to go camping.
This book in emojis 🦦 ⛺️ 🗞 📸
*** Big thank you to HQ Digital for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
Orla and Aiden were both very likable characters, but boy did they frustrate me. They seem to hash the same issues that they dealt with the first time the second time around as well. They also had a really hard time admitting their feelings to one another. I was also a bit annoyed that it seemed like it was Orla that needed to give up her hopes and dreams to be with Aiden, not the other way around. In spite of these things I really thought they were a cute couple and there was chemistry between them. I also loved all the wildlife in the story, made me want to go camping.
This book in emojis 🦦 ⛺️ 🗞 📸
*** Big thank you to HQ Digital for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
June 8, 2020
-3.5- ⭐
I really wanted to love this book but it was just okay for me. I didn't like Aiden too much. He was so selfish...
***ARC provided via NetGalley.
I really wanted to love this book but it was just okay for me. I didn't like Aiden too much. He was so selfish...
***ARC provided via NetGalley.
February 10, 2020
Special thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review
He's a wildlife photographer, she sprains her ankle trying to interview him, he takes care of her, they become really good friends, have the most boring and shortest sex I have ever read in my life, he peaces out cause he's a traveling photographer, Orla can't go cause she's too focused on her journalism career, and he comes back five years later. That's literally the entire book.
The whole reason Orla can't travel with Aiden when he has to leave is because she is so entirely focused on her career, which I find to be hilarious considering the fact that there isn't a single chapter, nor a page that talks about her career in depth. The entire novel is told from Orla's perspective and we know alllll the details of Aiden's career, but none about hers. She repeatedly says to Aiden, "It's just not practical" anytime he asks her to come with him and it drove me nuts. Not a page goes by where she doesn't mention how much she either feels about Aiden, thinks about him, or wonders what she should do about him. It's insane.
Also, they both say they've never met anyone like the other in their lives but man oh man they are boring as hell. Don't get me wrong, the lifestyle Aiden lives actually is pretty interesting, but everything else about them is extremely mundane. I literally just yawned thinking about these characters.
The amount of repetition with the dialogue and the internal monologues was extremely frustrating and made this book feel very long and fluffy. It also reads as a 14-16 year old's diary, but these characters are 22 & 27 (Orla) and 28 & 32 (Aiden). You would NEVER know these characters are adults without being told.
Also, I think it would've been cool if Orla truly was a career driven woman to actually read about that story and how it would work out between them, but Aiden literally gets every single thing that he wants, and it felt really strange. When he starts talking to her about the prospect of having sex, it honestly made me super uncomfortable. He doesn't really push it on her, and she does want it, but it just was not cute or romantic to me at all. Plus, the sex was so dull. Orla finishes within like 20 seconds, and I'm sorry, I don't buy it.
When he comes back after five years, they go through the EXACT same situation a second time even down to having the same exact conversations and dialogue. It was so bad. I don't wanna read the same story twice within one book.
Every single side character in this book exists solely to get the main character talking about her love interest. Not a single one of them has their own personality. Seriously, it's painful to think about how every side character was just like Oh, what about Aiden? He's so hot! Wow! What are you guys up to now? You should be together! It seems like something is up between you two! UGH.
ANOTHER THING. Name a wildlife photographer. If you can, that's cool. Name 5 more people that could also name that photographer. Everyone in this book is like OMG AIDEN BYRNE?! THE AIDEN BYRNE?! and every time it happened I laughed so hard. Why in the hell does everyone know the full name of this wildlife photographer? Even if he was in a few nature documentaries, it just doesn't work for me. Also, to add that he was named the 50th sexiest man alive or whatever was SO RIDICULOUS why in the world was that included I couldn't stop laughing at that shit.
That ending was such trash and honestly made me upset. I said this earlier, but Aiden literally gets everything he wants. No compromises. Ultimately, the whole plot depends on the fact that Orla is too focused on her career to leave it for a man, but her actions beg to differ and that completely ruins the book for me. I wanted a strong female character, but ended up with a submissive woman who has this man's babies and worries about him leaving her all the time.
In the epilogue after she spends two sentences he comes in and says I have some bad news, and she freaks out and says, "You're leaving again?!" and he's like "No! Whole family is on the way, though." and I'm sorry, but if the woman panicking about her husband possibly leaving her literally seconds after is a part of your happy ending, I cannot support that.
Happy reading!
He's a wildlife photographer, she sprains her ankle trying to interview him, he takes care of her, they become really good friends, have the most boring and shortest sex I have ever read in my life, he peaces out cause he's a traveling photographer, Orla can't go cause she's too focused on her journalism career, and he comes back five years later. That's literally the entire book.
The whole reason Orla can't travel with Aiden when he has to leave is because she is so entirely focused on her career, which I find to be hilarious considering the fact that there isn't a single chapter, nor a page that talks about her career in depth. The entire novel is told from Orla's perspective and we know alllll the details of Aiden's career, but none about hers. She repeatedly says to Aiden, "It's just not practical" anytime he asks her to come with him and it drove me nuts. Not a page goes by where she doesn't mention how much she either feels about Aiden, thinks about him, or wonders what she should do about him. It's insane.
Also, they both say they've never met anyone like the other in their lives but man oh man they are boring as hell. Don't get me wrong, the lifestyle Aiden lives actually is pretty interesting, but everything else about them is extremely mundane. I literally just yawned thinking about these characters.
The amount of repetition with the dialogue and the internal monologues was extremely frustrating and made this book feel very long and fluffy. It also reads as a 14-16 year old's diary, but these characters are 22 & 27 (Orla) and 28 & 32 (Aiden). You would NEVER know these characters are adults without being told.
Also, I think it would've been cool if Orla truly was a career driven woman to actually read about that story and how it would work out between them, but Aiden literally gets every single thing that he wants, and it felt really strange. When he starts talking to her about the prospect of having sex, it honestly made me super uncomfortable. He doesn't really push it on her, and she does want it, but it just was not cute or romantic to me at all. Plus, the sex was so dull. Orla finishes within like 20 seconds, and I'm sorry, I don't buy it.
When he comes back after five years, they go through the EXACT same situation a second time even down to having the same exact conversations and dialogue. It was so bad. I don't wanna read the same story twice within one book.
Every single side character in this book exists solely to get the main character talking about her love interest. Not a single one of them has their own personality. Seriously, it's painful to think about how every side character was just like Oh, what about Aiden? He's so hot! Wow! What are you guys up to now? You should be together! It seems like something is up between you two! UGH.
ANOTHER THING. Name a wildlife photographer. If you can, that's cool. Name 5 more people that could also name that photographer. Everyone in this book is like OMG AIDEN BYRNE?! THE AIDEN BYRNE?! and every time it happened I laughed so hard. Why in the hell does everyone know the full name of this wildlife photographer? Even if he was in a few nature documentaries, it just doesn't work for me. Also, to add that he was named the 50th sexiest man alive or whatever was SO RIDICULOUS why in the world was that included I couldn't stop laughing at that shit.
That ending was such trash and honestly made me upset. I said this earlier, but Aiden literally gets everything he wants. No compromises. Ultimately, the whole plot depends on the fact that Orla is too focused on her career to leave it for a man, but her actions beg to differ and that completely ruins the book for me. I wanted a strong female character, but ended up with a submissive woman who has this man's babies and worries about him leaving her all the time.
In the epilogue after she spends two sentences he comes in and says I have some bad news, and she freaks out and says, "You're leaving again?!" and he's like "No! Whole family is on the way, though." and I'm sorry, but if the woman panicking about her husband possibly leaving her literally seconds after is a part of your happy ending, I cannot support that.
Happy reading!
March 2, 2020
While I liked the development of each character and the story overall, there are many moments and things in the book that I couldn’t overlook and it bothered me a lot.
I’m all for make your life as you want and live it at its fullest potential but somehow I got annoyed with both characters at times. He seems a bit to entitled to decide their future without actually considering her options and what she really wants for herself and at other times I think she was more of a doormat and accepted him as it came because of the fear of being alone over the years or of what ifs.
It’s a great story to reflect on and a well written one but unfortunately not a memorable one for me
March 24, 2020
There was nothing extraordinary about this one and yet I really enjoyed it! It's a very relationship driven story. By that I mean, you've got a lot of one on one time between characters but not much actually happens other than relationship building!
I loved how two strangers become so close in such a short amount of time, it didn't feel fake or unrealistic at all to me. That alone takes good writing! And both Orla and Aidan were great characters!
I also learned some stuff about otters... Who would have guessed it!
If you're looking for a fun read with some depth I highly recommend this one!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review!
I loved how two strangers become so close in such a short amount of time, it didn't feel fake or unrealistic at all to me. That alone takes good writing! And both Orla and Aidan were great characters!
I also learned some stuff about otters... Who would have guessed it!
If you're looking for a fun read with some depth I highly recommend this one!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review!
August 11, 2020
2.5 🌟🌟
Unnecessarily drawn out and unnoticeable except maybe the parts with otters in them.
Unnecessarily drawn out and unnoticeable except maybe the parts with otters in them.
April 10, 2020
I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
When I saw that the book was 555 pages, I’ll be honest, I wasn’t too thrilled despite how good the synopsis sounded. After that I lowered my expectations. However, I was pleasantly surprised, I enjoyed every second of it!
The book starts with Aiden and Orla in the present, meeting up after five years of no contact. After that we see into the past for half of the book. We see how they met, how they became friends and then closer. And we also see how they separate.
That’s when we get back to where we left off in the first chapter and all the feelings seem to rush back in as if they were never gone. But Orla’s new boyfriend and Aiden’s nomadic lifestyle prove to be hard to push through, mostly on Orla’s part.
I love how sweet and easy to read their story is, especially their past. Their carefree attitude and banter was entertaining and made me smile a bunch of times.
I think my only problem with the book stems from the miscommunication between them after Aiden announced his trip to India and Orla started bottling everything up. I get why she did it and I don’t think it was fair of him to ask her to leave everything behind and travel with him. However, I think she should have been honest about her feelings to him at the time.
Then later when they meet again. I think Aiden was a bit selfish when he got upset over her not confessing her feelings for him when she was already seeing someone. She had to break things off with James in person or it would have been a horrible thing to do.
In the end, I love that they settled down in Ireland together. But I’m even happier she still writes articles, even if they’re not the same kind. It was the only thing I didn’t want her to give up since she sacrificed so much to get the reporter job.
Anyways, this is getting pretty long. I really recommend this to people looking for second chance romances and the one that got away kind of thing. It’s a lengthier read than your average romance, but I think it’s worth it.
When I saw that the book was 555 pages, I’ll be honest, I wasn’t too thrilled despite how good the synopsis sounded. After that I lowered my expectations. However, I was pleasantly surprised, I enjoyed every second of it!
The book starts with Aiden and Orla in the present, meeting up after five years of no contact. After that we see into the past for half of the book. We see how they met, how they became friends and then closer. And we also see how they separate.
That’s when we get back to where we left off in the first chapter and all the feelings seem to rush back in as if they were never gone. But Orla’s new boyfriend and Aiden’s nomadic lifestyle prove to be hard to push through, mostly on Orla’s part.
I love how sweet and easy to read their story is, especially their past. Their carefree attitude and banter was entertaining and made me smile a bunch of times.
I think my only problem with the book stems from the miscommunication between them after Aiden announced his trip to India and Orla started bottling everything up. I get why she did it and I don’t think it was fair of him to ask her to leave everything behind and travel with him. However, I think she should have been honest about her feelings to him at the time.
Then later when they meet again. I think Aiden was a bit selfish when he got upset over her not confessing her feelings for him when she was already seeing someone. She had to break things off with James in person or it would have been a horrible thing to do.
In the end, I love that they settled down in Ireland together. But I’m even happier she still writes articles, even if they’re not the same kind. It was the only thing I didn’t want her to give up since she sacrificed so much to get the reporter job.
Anyways, this is getting pretty long. I really recommend this to people looking for second chance romances and the one that got away kind of thing. It’s a lengthier read than your average romance, but I think it’s worth it.
May 7, 2020
I didn't care much for this book, it just felt like a lot of repetition. I wasn't a fan of reading about their past. I just kinda felt bored while reading this book. While I did like the photography part I did find it unrealistic that EVERYONE knew him as a photographer. Overall it was just an okay read for me.
November 22, 2020
This was all nice, cute, fun and dandy until the epilogue because i've had: children, pregnancy and birthing in 10 pages and I hate all of that stuff so much so it left me with such a bitter taste, which I know it's not entirely fair because it's literally my personal preference, but you know what.... my house my rules.
November 29, 2022
Eh. Orla and Aiden was boring, the flashback was a little bit fun.
But the characters were boring and the story sort of predictable and not in a good way.
I got this eARC from Netgalley
But the characters were boring and the story sort of predictable and not in a good way.
I got this eARC from Netgalley
May 5, 2020
This is a contemporary romance involving a journalist with a plan and a wildlife photographer . . . . and five years apart.
The story starts in the present then goes back five years to reflect on everything that happened then for Orla’s point of view……. Have you been to interviews where one of the questions is, “Where do you see yourself in five years time?” Well, Orla has her five year plan in place and knows exactly where she wants to be. Unfortunately, meeting an attractive Irish wildlife photographer and falling in love with him just aren’t going to make her change her plans, “That wouldn’t be practical!”. We then return to the present when the two meet again. Will this be a second chance for romance for the two of them – or will it still not be practical for Orla?
This is a story of contrasts. Orla is so focussed on what she wants to achieve she’s scared of letting go or taking a chance, whilst Aiden is much less concerned, though he’s obviously hard working, independent, very patient and talented, he’s willing to go with the flow and make the most of life’s opportunities. She wants security and comfort. He enjoys getting close to nature and camping. There are also contrasts between their families, though many are resolved in the Epilogue. There are some vivid descriptions of the otters he’s filming when we first meet him, making it easy to imagine actually being there to see their antics. It is a heartwarming story, a cute contemporary romance that is lovely to escape into with some laughs along the way.
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and thoroughly enjoying doing so!
The story starts in the present then goes back five years to reflect on everything that happened then for Orla’s point of view……. Have you been to interviews where one of the questions is, “Where do you see yourself in five years time?” Well, Orla has her five year plan in place and knows exactly where she wants to be. Unfortunately, meeting an attractive Irish wildlife photographer and falling in love with him just aren’t going to make her change her plans, “That wouldn’t be practical!”. We then return to the present when the two meet again. Will this be a second chance for romance for the two of them – or will it still not be practical for Orla?
This is a story of contrasts. Orla is so focussed on what she wants to achieve she’s scared of letting go or taking a chance, whilst Aiden is much less concerned, though he’s obviously hard working, independent, very patient and talented, he’s willing to go with the flow and make the most of life’s opportunities. She wants security and comfort. He enjoys getting close to nature and camping. There are also contrasts between their families, though many are resolved in the Epilogue. There are some vivid descriptions of the otters he’s filming when we first meet him, making it easy to imagine actually being there to see their antics. It is a heartwarming story, a cute contemporary romance that is lovely to escape into with some laughs along the way.
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and thoroughly enjoying doing so!
March 11, 2020
The Five-year plan 3.5 stars it was a book that I really wanted to read, the Blurb caught my eye, the description sounded promising but as soon as I started reading the first pages, I started to feel like something was missing. Everything was there to make this book an amazing read but I felt like it was liking of depth.. The dialogs were too quick and the situations and scenarios change also very quickly, I had a little difficult time identifying when the dialogs change from character to character but other than that as I said it was a great story that got lost in the pages.
Oral and Aiden's story started five years ago, they meet by mistake and since that very moment both of them have never been the same, she was only there for her job and in the end, she felt like their encounter was more than just a simple interview but life and circumstances have a funny way of changing things and Aiden and Orla soon will find that nothing is set in stone.
Orlas' character was perfect for Aiden but at times her internal dialogs were very insecure, and sometimes a little immature for her age. she fought so much the attraction and the love they felt for each other but no matter how much she tried everything was meant to be
Aiden was determined and always knew what he wanted until he met Orla, a girl who will change his life and every rule he ever wanted to follow.
I recommend that you give this book a chance and make your own conclusions, what it wasn't for me maybe it ill be perfect for you.
Oral and Aiden's story started five years ago, they meet by mistake and since that very moment both of them have never been the same, she was only there for her job and in the end, she felt like their encounter was more than just a simple interview but life and circumstances have a funny way of changing things and Aiden and Orla soon will find that nothing is set in stone.
Orlas' character was perfect for Aiden but at times her internal dialogs were very insecure, and sometimes a little immature for her age. she fought so much the attraction and the love they felt for each other but no matter how much she tried everything was meant to be
Aiden was determined and always knew what he wanted until he met Orla, a girl who will change his life and every rule he ever wanted to follow.
I recommend that you give this book a chance and make your own conclusions, what it wasn't for me maybe it ill be perfect for you.
April 30, 2020
2.5*
I recieved an eARC of this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Honestly I dont really have a lot to say about this book, it was pretty much a typical romance book that has some British humour and a slight love triangle. I did enjoy the scenes set 5 years ago more because of the wildlife chapters but overall I found the rest quite cliche but enjoyable.
I recieved an eARC of this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Honestly I dont really have a lot to say about this book, it was pretty much a typical romance book that has some British humour and a slight love triangle. I did enjoy the scenes set 5 years ago more because of the wildlife chapters but overall I found the rest quite cliche but enjoyable.
May 22, 2020
Thank you, NetGalley for this ARC and; in exchange to that, I am writing my honest review for this book..
The book was just okay for me but I guess it's not my cuo of tea. I get bored with the career story all the time and it didn't clicked my attention and interest to it.
The book was just okay for me but I guess it's not my cuo of tea. I get bored with the career story all the time and it didn't clicked my attention and interest to it.
March 15, 2020
A quick, cute read!
Orla meets Aiden when she’s out to interview him about otters he’s photographing. What follows is a love that can’t be forgotten even after five years time has passed.
I found the first couple of chapters captivating, and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. I read eagerly on and kept wondering if guys like Aiden actually exist. He was very honest and open about his feelings, sometimes it felt slightly stalker-ish as he had just met Orla but kept showing up at her house etc. Something else I kept thinking about was how somebody like Aiden, who was quite adventurous, kept coming back to Orla - a person who had literally given up on life. It felt strange that these two combos of personalities could work and create this couple. They don’t make sense at all.
The story feels a little bit hollowed out since it focuses solely on Aiden and Orla, and their relationship.
I felt like towards the end the story became more and more of a cliche and it became a little bit harder to read without rolling my eyes every now and then. But I enjoyed the beginning and better half of the book.
If you’re looking for a quick, sweet read then this is it!
ARC provided by Netgalley.
Orla meets Aiden when she’s out to interview him about otters he’s photographing. What follows is a love that can’t be forgotten even after five years time has passed.
I found the first couple of chapters captivating, and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. I read eagerly on and kept wondering if guys like Aiden actually exist. He was very honest and open about his feelings, sometimes it felt slightly stalker-ish as he had just met Orla but kept showing up at her house etc. Something else I kept thinking about was how somebody like Aiden, who was quite adventurous, kept coming back to Orla - a person who had literally given up on life. It felt strange that these two combos of personalities could work and create this couple. They don’t make sense at all.
The story feels a little bit hollowed out since it focuses solely on Aiden and Orla, and their relationship.
I felt like towards the end the story became more and more of a cliche and it became a little bit harder to read without rolling my eyes every now and then. But I enjoyed the beginning and better half of the book.
If you’re looking for a quick, sweet read then this is it!
ARC provided by Netgalley.
February 6, 2022
Should I just go back to dark romance 😭
I won't lie but this book had its moments, from the daisy crown scene to train sequence but the writing was so off fleck and amateurish, the dialogue weirdly robotic and the characters were hella confusing.
The book is about two friends who apparently have amazing sex but are incompatible taking in consideration their lifestyles, aspirations and different goals in general, how will navigate their feelings?
sounds promising? Only if the characters actually were.
MMC was mixed signals personified, brother wanted sex with no strings attached but was hurt when she didn't leave her entire life behind to travel with him 🙂
FMC couldn't be honest to save her life and would assume the end of the world when its just Uncle Mason farting.
Their banter eventually became boring as they keep shoveling back and forth on who'll compromise
first and give them the "deserved" HEA and babies.
In conclusion, its not the plot its the characters.
I won't lie but this book had its moments, from the daisy crown scene to train sequence but the writing was so off fleck and amateurish, the dialogue weirdly robotic and the characters were hella confusing.
The book is about two friends who apparently have amazing sex but are incompatible taking in consideration their lifestyles, aspirations and different goals in general, how will navigate their feelings?
sounds promising? Only if the characters actually were.
MMC was mixed signals personified, brother wanted sex with no strings attached but was hurt when she didn't leave her entire life behind to travel with him 🙂
FMC couldn't be honest to save her life and would assume the end of the world when its just Uncle Mason farting.
Their banter eventually became boring as they keep shoveling back and forth on who'll compromise
first and give them the "deserved" HEA and babies.
In conclusion, its not the plot its the characters.
March 15, 2020
Loved the first chapter, and the end/epilogue redeemed what was a pretty hum-drum and so-so story throughout. It dragged in many places and what was said could've been said in half the words and episodes, but it carries along okay and can be enjoyed on a free afternoon
March 31, 2020
Cheers Netgalley/publisher for sending me the book.
A cheesy, fluffy read to brighten up your isolating days. (yes it is rather cheesy but I'm literally living for all the cheese right now. Give it all to me pls)
Well, this was cute! If you like slow-burn romances, nature, animals, the english countryside and sassy irishmen, you'll like this. I read this pretty quick considering it's quite a long book. This book involves a lot of camping, otters (you learn a lot about them and YAS I love otters), friendship, family and it talks a lot about spontaneity. Taking chances and doing what you love.
I actually took something away from this as I'm someone who is very into planing where I want to be in the future and this book nails that it's not all it's cracked up to be. Because honestly? It isn't always. People and opportunities come into your life and sometimes your ambitions are not always as great as they were five years ago. Burgess definitely demonstrates this through Orla's experiences.
I recommend you let this book take you out of your isolation (not literally, stay at home) and to go camping by the river, watching otters, talking about the future under the stars with a nature photographer. We need to escape what's going on right now!
The only downside, as I said, was that it felt a little too long. I think around 60% I was like 'okay, these conversations are going on for ages' or 'just get to the end now pls' but it was still enjoyable. Trust me, if I was bored, I'd DNF this. The characters were likeable enough for me to carry on and I wanted to see where it went.
Oh and I wish Orla would be quicker and better at making decisions. She'd um and ahh about something for so long when we all know what she's going to do. But who am I to talk, I can never make decisions.
TFYP is romantic, sweet, full of ambition and passion for what means the most to you. Very adorable.
A cheesy, fluffy read to brighten up your isolating days. (yes it is rather cheesy but I'm literally living for all the cheese right now. Give it all to me pls)
Well, this was cute! If you like slow-burn romances, nature, animals, the english countryside and sassy irishmen, you'll like this. I read this pretty quick considering it's quite a long book. This book involves a lot of camping, otters (you learn a lot about them and YAS I love otters), friendship, family and it talks a lot about spontaneity. Taking chances and doing what you love.
I actually took something away from this as I'm someone who is very into planing where I want to be in the future and this book nails that it's not all it's cracked up to be. Because honestly? It isn't always. People and opportunities come into your life and sometimes your ambitions are not always as great as they were five years ago. Burgess definitely demonstrates this through Orla's experiences.
I recommend you let this book take you out of your isolation (not literally, stay at home) and to go camping by the river, watching otters, talking about the future under the stars with a nature photographer. We need to escape what's going on right now!
The only downside, as I said, was that it felt a little too long. I think around 60% I was like 'okay, these conversations are going on for ages' or 'just get to the end now pls' but it was still enjoyable. Trust me, if I was bored, I'd DNF this. The characters were likeable enough for me to carry on and I wanted to see where it went.
Oh and I wish Orla would be quicker and better at making decisions. She'd um and ahh about something for so long when we all know what she's going to do. But who am I to talk, I can never make decisions.
TFYP is romantic, sweet, full of ambition and passion for what means the most to you. Very adorable.
May 4, 2020
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I loved this story and Orla and Aiden are fantastic characters!
I thought that the story was well written, I loved the pace and the author really brought the pages to life for me, I loved Aiden and I liked how much of nature the author added to the story, I have always been a bit of a nature fan and this one was a treat for me to read as there are not many books out there that feature a wildlife photographer in one of the main roles!
I read the book in an evening and the hours just flew by, I was hooked from the start and it was a superb way to spend an evening. I couldn’t wait to see how the story would end and where the author was taking me.
It is 4 stars from me for this one, iI thoroughly enjoyed it – highly recommended!
I loved this story and Orla and Aiden are fantastic characters!
I thought that the story was well written, I loved the pace and the author really brought the pages to life for me, I loved Aiden and I liked how much of nature the author added to the story, I have always been a bit of a nature fan and this one was a treat for me to read as there are not many books out there that feature a wildlife photographer in one of the main roles!
I read the book in an evening and the hours just flew by, I was hooked from the start and it was a superb way to spend an evening. I couldn’t wait to see how the story would end and where the author was taking me.
It is 4 stars from me for this one, iI thoroughly enjoyed it – highly recommended!
April 18, 2020
Two very different people: a ambitious young journalist who knows just what she wants and has a plan to get there; and an adventurous photojournalist who lives in a tent and takes life as it comes. Neither is interested in a committed relationship when they meet, but they fall in love--and then go their separate ways; their futures headed in two completely different directions. Several years later they meet again and their feelings for each other are as strong as ever. I really liked Aiden and Orla early on: the easy way they talked to each other and how well they complimented one another. I was not as impressed with Aiden years later, however. I imagine he was coming from a place of hurt feelings and so should cut him some slack, but I thought at times he was unkind to Orla and should have given her the benefit of the doubt. One minute he was mad at her and accusing her of not being honest with him (she was confused about her own feelings), and the next, when she asks him to tell her what was wrong, he refused and told her to let him know when she figured it out. I don't know why that bothered me so much. But it was moments like that that that annoyed me about him. Still, I did enjoy The Five Year Plan overall. It was funny, especially in those early years, and quite charming.
April 1, 2023
Really cute!
March 4, 2020
Special thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, HQ Digital, for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review
Oh boy.
I would have loved to start my blog with a glowing, amazing review but c'est la vie. First, let me tell you what this is all about. There may be spoilers below so be warned.
Summary:
Orla Kennedy receives an invitation to an art gallery showcasing her wildlife photographer ex-boyfriend Aiden Byrne. Aiden has achieved worldwide and household name success (WHAT?) as a wildlife photographer and documentarian (is that a word?). Orla is NERVOUS so she brings along Aiden's #1 groupie/her co-worker. From there Aiden and Orla reunite and things get awkward so Orla runs away in the rain and Aiden chases her onto the train. After this chapter, we are whisked back into time (five years ago) to relive Orla & Aiden's too long love story and we need to find out if these two crazy kids can make it work five years later. She has a CAREER! He doesn't want KIDS! He also TRAVELS and lives in a TENT! HOW CAN THEY MAKE IT WORK?
My thoughts:
Okay, honestly, this book's first chapter had promise. I loved the premise of the two of them reuniting and Aiden chasing her to the train. I even loved the flashback right after but then the flashback went on for what felt like years. The writing got sloppy and awkward and the dialogue made me cringe.
NOT ONLY THAT, but Aiden is a douchebag. He pressures Orla into sleeping with him because "They're just friends! Who cares???" and then expects her to drop everything including her crush on the Italian barista FABIO and her job and apartment to travel to India with him...nope. THEN, five years later, he pulls the same thing and expects her to drop everything including her career and her boyfriend (JUSTICE FOR JAMES) to move back to Ireland with him. He decides not to compromise at all and she does the majority of it. ANNOYING. Also there was more toilet humor in this book than I needed to hear about (I understand how people use the bathroom with camping, don't push that on me when I'm reading a romance novel).
Ugh. So, this one was difficult to finish. I hate DNFing books so I powered through it but yikes it was painful until the end. Like I said, it held promise right at the beginning but fell off so completely by the end. Another silver lining is that Aiden talks about otters a lot and who hates otters? Not me.
Release Date: 3/20/20
Rating: ⭐️
Oh boy.
I would have loved to start my blog with a glowing, amazing review but c'est la vie. First, let me tell you what this is all about. There may be spoilers below so be warned.
Summary:
Orla Kennedy receives an invitation to an art gallery showcasing her wildlife photographer ex-boyfriend Aiden Byrne. Aiden has achieved worldwide and household name success (WHAT?) as a wildlife photographer and documentarian (is that a word?). Orla is NERVOUS so she brings along Aiden's #1 groupie/her co-worker. From there Aiden and Orla reunite and things get awkward so Orla runs away in the rain and Aiden chases her onto the train. After this chapter, we are whisked back into time (five years ago) to relive Orla & Aiden's too long love story and we need to find out if these two crazy kids can make it work five years later. She has a CAREER! He doesn't want KIDS! He also TRAVELS and lives in a TENT! HOW CAN THEY MAKE IT WORK?
My thoughts:
Okay, honestly, this book's first chapter had promise. I loved the premise of the two of them reuniting and Aiden chasing her to the train. I even loved the flashback right after but then the flashback went on for what felt like years. The writing got sloppy and awkward and the dialogue made me cringe.
NOT ONLY THAT, but Aiden is a douchebag. He pressures Orla into sleeping with him because "They're just friends! Who cares???" and then expects her to drop everything including her crush on the Italian barista FABIO and her job and apartment to travel to India with him...nope. THEN, five years later, he pulls the same thing and expects her to drop everything including her career and her boyfriend (JUSTICE FOR JAMES) to move back to Ireland with him. He decides not to compromise at all and she does the majority of it. ANNOYING. Also there was more toilet humor in this book than I needed to hear about (I understand how people use the bathroom with camping, don't push that on me when I'm reading a romance novel).
Ugh. So, this one was difficult to finish. I hate DNFing books so I powered through it but yikes it was painful until the end. Like I said, it held promise right at the beginning but fell off so completely by the end. Another silver lining is that Aiden talks about otters a lot and who hates otters? Not me.
Release Date: 3/20/20
Rating: ⭐️
June 10, 2020
I think a lot of us get to a point in life where we look back and we wonder, what if. What if that one special first love who it didn’t work out with, came back into our life? What if we got a second chance?
This is the premise of The Five Year Plan. When journalist Orla is invited to an exhibition by wildlife photographer and old flame Aiden, the renewed attraction between them is unwelcome at best. Because five years ago, they were on very different paths - her determined to write for a major London newspaper, him happily travelling the world and sleeping in tents - and nothing really seems to have changed. They’re wonderful together, but they don’t want the same things. Their five year plans led them in very different directions.
Most of the first half of the book covers their original relationship, when Orla’s very first interview was with the guy tracking otters down by the river in her local town. Things actually go disastrously wrong when she sprains her ankle and Aiden comes to the rescue; they start what’s a very close friendship that Orla thinks can’t be anything more because he’s a free spirit. It progresses to a romance, but Orla was right… soon enough he’s off to India. He asks her to go with him, but doesn’t even really seem to have a plan for what exactly she might do with him there, and she says no, scared things won’t work out and she’ll be left stranded, alone and jobless halfway around the world.
To be honest I was uncomfortable with a lot of Aiden’s actions, both in the five years ago and the present timelines. He put a lot of pressure on Orla, and failed to make any meaningful moves himself. For example, when she confessed she still had feelings for him after they got back together and mentioned marriage, he immediately reacted with shock - what, marriage? Me? - leaving her wondering if she had stuck her neck out only for him to not reciprocate. He pressed her for honesty, getting angry with her when she was shy about her feelings, but he wasn’t honest himself. She was the one who had to say “I love you”, who had to make all the sacrifices, while he made subtle gestures and expected her to interpret them as grand declarations.
In the five years ago timeline, Aiden’s a free spirit and it was perfectly reasonable for Orla to have gently wistful thoughts of him as the one who got away. In the present day when he comes back into her life with an obvious agenda which he doesn’t state up front? He’s a manipulative jerk, and I wanted Orla to see right through him and find someone who didn’t want her to change anything about herself, who saw her as perfect just as she was. I didn’t want them to end up together, I was horrified by what their ‘happy ending’ as a couple looked like, and even though the writing here was very good, I just can’t bring myself to give it any more than two stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
This is the premise of The Five Year Plan. When journalist Orla is invited to an exhibition by wildlife photographer and old flame Aiden, the renewed attraction between them is unwelcome at best. Because five years ago, they were on very different paths - her determined to write for a major London newspaper, him happily travelling the world and sleeping in tents - and nothing really seems to have changed. They’re wonderful together, but they don’t want the same things. Their five year plans led them in very different directions.
Most of the first half of the book covers their original relationship, when Orla’s very first interview was with the guy tracking otters down by the river in her local town. Things actually go disastrously wrong when she sprains her ankle and Aiden comes to the rescue; they start what’s a very close friendship that Orla thinks can’t be anything more because he’s a free spirit. It progresses to a romance, but Orla was right… soon enough he’s off to India. He asks her to go with him, but doesn’t even really seem to have a plan for what exactly she might do with him there, and she says no, scared things won’t work out and she’ll be left stranded, alone and jobless halfway around the world.
To be honest I was uncomfortable with a lot of Aiden’s actions, both in the five years ago and the present timelines. He put a lot of pressure on Orla, and failed to make any meaningful moves himself. For example, when she confessed she still had feelings for him after they got back together and mentioned marriage, he immediately reacted with shock - what, marriage? Me? - leaving her wondering if she had stuck her neck out only for him to not reciprocate. He pressed her for honesty, getting angry with her when she was shy about her feelings, but he wasn’t honest himself. She was the one who had to say “I love you”, who had to make all the sacrifices, while he made subtle gestures and expected her to interpret them as grand declarations.
In the five years ago timeline, Aiden’s a free spirit and it was perfectly reasonable for Orla to have gently wistful thoughts of him as the one who got away. In the present day when he comes back into her life with an obvious agenda which he doesn’t state up front? He’s a manipulative jerk, and I wanted Orla to see right through him and find someone who didn’t want her to change anything about herself, who saw her as perfect just as she was. I didn’t want them to end up together, I was horrified by what their ‘happy ending’ as a couple looked like, and even though the writing here was very good, I just can’t bring myself to give it any more than two stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
March 12, 2020
***Copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review****
I really, really wanted to like this more than I did. I love a second chance romance, and I thought this had a lot of potential to recapture some of the things I loved about late 90s-early 00s "chick lit". But in the execution I had a number of problems with it. Firstly, I didn't think that either of the lead characters were particularly three dimensional. Although you're in Orla's head all the time, you never really get a sense of who she is - I couldn't name a hobby, or an interest or a band she liked. And because you're in Orla's head, you never really get to know Aiden except through her eyes - and even through her eyes he comes off as self centred and manipulative. I never really understood why they got on together so well or why she'd been so hung up on him for so long. Orla also felt like a "Not Like Other Girls" heroine because of the way she seemed to have changed Aiden's mind abotu relationships, but you never really understood what it was about her that she liked so much, other than her ability to sit in a tent with him and watch otters.
Away from the characters, I thought the long gap between the initial present day section where it filled in the whole of their previous relationship didn't work. I wasn't so interested in what happened back then, I wanted to know what happened next and it took a long time to get back to that. I think maybe it would have worked better with before and after a bit more intertwined. Quite a frustrating read - even before I get to the spoiler tags.
Now my main problem with the book has to go in spoilers
I really, really wanted to like this more than I did. I love a second chance romance, and I thought this had a lot of potential to recapture some of the things I loved about late 90s-early 00s "chick lit". But in the execution I had a number of problems with it. Firstly, I didn't think that either of the lead characters were particularly three dimensional. Although you're in Orla's head all the time, you never really get a sense of who she is - I couldn't name a hobby, or an interest or a band she liked. And because you're in Orla's head, you never really get to know Aiden except through her eyes - and even through her eyes he comes off as self centred and manipulative. I never really understood why they got on together so well or why she'd been so hung up on him for so long. Orla also felt like a "Not Like Other Girls" heroine because of the way she seemed to have changed Aiden's mind abotu relationships, but you never really understood what it was about her that she liked so much, other than her ability to sit in a tent with him and watch otters.
Away from the characters, I thought the long gap between the initial present day section where it filled in the whole of their previous relationship didn't work. I wasn't so interested in what happened back then, I wanted to know what happened next and it took a long time to get back to that. I think maybe it would have worked better with before and after a bit more intertwined. Quite a frustrating read - even before I get to the spoiler tags.
Now my main problem with the book has to go in spoilers
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2020
The book centres around Orla and Aiden. They meet when Orla is sent to interview a Wildlife photographer who sleeps under canvas. She has a five year plan which stands in the way of a beautiful blossoming romance. I loved their relationship and the way that she enjoys the pleasures of an outdoor life with the delightful Aiden
I couldn't wait to see where this book was leading.
I couldn't wait to see where this book was leading.
March 31, 2020
Rating: 3.6/❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Orla, a trainee journalist with the local daily meet Aiden, a wildlife photographer during an interview.They stuck up a chord, one thing led to another.But the commitment phobic Orla was not ready to give in, she instead followed her dreams.Five years later, doing her dream job she faces Aiden again.But does the old flame ignite again? or they settle in their own world? Read the book to find out.
:
The first few chapter gripped my attention.The story moves between different timelines, slowly grows on the reader.The detailed premise and well developed central characters made it a breezy read.The climax is quite predictable.
:
James made a fleeting appearance in the story, would had liked to see him more in the plot.Despite the tale narrated from the POV of Orla, very less was discussed about her career which played significant role in major decisions.As a character, I found Aiden quite intruding in the life of a person whom he met only once.
:
I would recommend the book to bookworms looking for a light read.
Orla, a trainee journalist with the local daily meet Aiden, a wildlife photographer during an interview.They stuck up a chord, one thing led to another.But the commitment phobic Orla was not ready to give in, she instead followed her dreams.Five years later, doing her dream job she faces Aiden again.But does the old flame ignite again? or they settle in their own world? Read the book to find out.
:
The first few chapter gripped my attention.The story moves between different timelines, slowly grows on the reader.The detailed premise and well developed central characters made it a breezy read.The climax is quite predictable.
:
James made a fleeting appearance in the story, would had liked to see him more in the plot.Despite the tale narrated from the POV of Orla, very less was discussed about her career which played significant role in major decisions.As a character, I found Aiden quite intruding in the life of a person whom he met only once.
:
I would recommend the book to bookworms looking for a light read.
Read
February 28, 2020TBH, I need to stop "hate-reading" books and just put things down when I lose interest. Anyways, thanks Netgalley for the eARC. This book had a lot of potential. The first chapter was really interesting - it started in the present and ended on a cliffhanger then spent several (several too many) chapters in the past., The overall relationship - which was really a fling that ended on good terms (in the sense that there was no animosity between the two when they first parted ways) - was just sort of bland. This would have been better as a short story. I don't know if anyone else got this vibe though, but Aiden seemed kind of annoyingly persistent in the beginning when he wanted to start hooking up with Orla.. I don't know, it just didn't sit well with me.
June 1, 2020
This is such a sweet read!
I really fell in love with every single character and got so invested in Aiden and Orla's relationship. It was like a modern-day fairytale.
Now, I have read a lot of reviews that don’t think the same as me, but I honestly loved everything about this book, everything just fell together evolving into a beautiful love story. It made me smile, chuckle and even shred a little tear (I don’t usually do this so might have been hormones haha). But all in all, if you want to feel happy, if you want a relaxing read, if you want to get engrossed into a book to take your mind off the world going crazy right now, this is the book for you!
I really fell in love with every single character and got so invested in Aiden and Orla's relationship. It was like a modern-day fairytale.
Now, I have read a lot of reviews that don’t think the same as me, but I honestly loved everything about this book, everything just fell together evolving into a beautiful love story. It made me smile, chuckle and even shred a little tear (I don’t usually do this so might have been hormones haha). But all in all, if you want to feel happy, if you want a relaxing read, if you want to get engrossed into a book to take your mind off the world going crazy right now, this is the book for you!
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