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Plan B
Penny didn’t expect to be left holding the baby when she agreed to be a surrogate,
She wanted her payday and for her life to get a little easier for once.
Matt didn’t expect to lose his wife before the baby even arrived,
He wanted to forget the whole thing and drown himself in alcohol.
Tragedy changed their plans and made their worlds collide,
Out of all the pain, can two very different people achieve the ultimate Plan B?
Plan B - A love story in reverse
She wanted her payday and for her life to get a little easier for once.
Matt didn’t expect to lose his wife before the baby even arrived,
He wanted to forget the whole thing and drown himself in alcohol.
Tragedy changed their plans and made their worlds collide,
Out of all the pain, can two very different people achieve the ultimate Plan B?
Plan B - A love story in reverse
Kindle Edition
Published June 12, 2020
10 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Hayley Oakes
8 books51 followersI am a mother of two and a wife to Paul.
I live in Blackpool, England and love reading and writing.
I like a bit of angst but with a nice HEA.
I live in Blackpool, England and love reading and writing.
I like a bit of angst but with a nice HEA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 18, 2020
I was given an ARC of Plan B from the author for an honest review and to sum the book up in one word AMAZING. From the first page you are sucked right in. I couldn't put the book down.
At the beginning of the book Penny is faced with a situation on what to do with the Baby. This wasn't how things were suppose to go, or at least that's what she thought. How could she love another soul when she didn't know what love is or how to love because she was never on the receiving end of that until she was a teenager? How could she give this baby a life she deserved when her own upbringing wasn't great? Like any mother, when you meet your baby for the first time, the emotions come rushing forward and you can't help but not to love the child and become determined to give the child a life you never had. That's exactly what Penny Does. Then by fate, she meets Matthew. A sour widower at the beginning of the book who made some pretty bad decisions, but as the book goes on, you understand why he made them. Loosing what he thought was the love of his life, the women he was going to spend the rest of his life with, Matthew wasn't sure how to move on. Until he meets Penny and the Baby. Can they prove to each other that they are exactly what they needed all along? That you can overcome some of the hardest moment's in your life with the help of someone else?
Throughout the book, the Author also gave us Gemma's side. Gemma is Matt's late wife and you will grow to be disappointed in her but again the author has a way of bringing everything full circle and you understand what is going through her head because of having her side in the story, not just Matt's POV of her. So towards the end of the book, my emotions turned from disappointment to feeling sad for her. All she wanted to do is love and fill a void that you will understand why when reading the book.
I have not read a book yet this year where i have literally felt like i was witnessing some of the scenes in real life and Hayley has done just that with Plan B. There were times throughout the book that i cried. Tears of sadness and tears of joy. There were times that i was really pissed off at both Matthew, his smothering mother and Gemma. Hayley was able to create and provide a book to all of us that will leave you on the edge of your seat and wanting to know what happens next. Any book that can bring the emotions out of you deserves more than just 5 stars. I highly recommend this book, you won't be disappointed that you read it, you'll be wanting more of it :)
At the beginning of the book Penny is faced with a situation on what to do with the Baby. This wasn't how things were suppose to go, or at least that's what she thought. How could she love another soul when she didn't know what love is or how to love because she was never on the receiving end of that until she was a teenager? How could she give this baby a life she deserved when her own upbringing wasn't great? Like any mother, when you meet your baby for the first time, the emotions come rushing forward and you can't help but not to love the child and become determined to give the child a life you never had. That's exactly what Penny Does. Then by fate, she meets Matthew. A sour widower at the beginning of the book who made some pretty bad decisions, but as the book goes on, you understand why he made them. Loosing what he thought was the love of his life, the women he was going to spend the rest of his life with, Matthew wasn't sure how to move on. Until he meets Penny and the Baby. Can they prove to each other that they are exactly what they needed all along? That you can overcome some of the hardest moment's in your life with the help of someone else?
Throughout the book, the Author also gave us Gemma's side. Gemma is Matt's late wife and you will grow to be disappointed in her but again the author has a way of bringing everything full circle and you understand what is going through her head because of having her side in the story, not just Matt's POV of her. So towards the end of the book, my emotions turned from disappointment to feeling sad for her. All she wanted to do is love and fill a void that you will understand why when reading the book.
I have not read a book yet this year where i have literally felt like i was witnessing some of the scenes in real life and Hayley has done just that with Plan B. There were times throughout the book that i cried. Tears of sadness and tears of joy. There were times that i was really pissed off at both Matthew, his smothering mother and Gemma. Hayley was able to create and provide a book to all of us that will leave you on the edge of your seat and wanting to know what happens next. Any book that can bring the emotions out of you deserves more than just 5 stars. I highly recommend this book, you won't be disappointed that you read it, you'll be wanting more of it :)
June 12, 2020
My first read by this author and i was thoroughly delighted to find i loved it! Beautiful, heartbreaking and original. I'd not read a book with this kind of theme before so very happy i picked it up!
It starts out with a tragedy in Matt's life. His whole existance is smashed to pieces in one night. He finds it hard to cope afterwards and takes his anger out on anyone in his path. Lost and hurting he's forced into contact with Penny, the bio mother of a child he never really wanted.
Penny never thought she'd be left holding the baby. She hadn't had a good life so far but had been determined to make the best of it she could. At no time did she think she would be a single mom. She couldn't afford to be but she couldn't give up the baby either. Forced to contact Matt to help her, her first encounter with him doesn't go well.
Over time she agree's to let Matt into their daughters life and along the way he enters her's too.
Poor Penny! Throughout the story you feel her hurt. Let down time after time by the people surrounding her, unyet she remained a good person. She forgave and trusted as much as she could. It killed me when she thought she wasn't good enough to be her baby's mom!
Poor Matt! His loss and devastation were hard to read. He had no control over his life and i think he struggled to trust himself to make decisions which sometimes hurt Penny unintentionally.
I loved them together. Considering she was a lot younger than Matt i think her life had made her grow up pretty quickly, so even though there was an age gap it never showed. She seemed to trust him where she had never trusted others. There was a connection between them and over the book it grew and grew.
As i've said i loved the storyline. It was unique and gripping and kept me turning the pages. The writing was pretty good too keeping me engaged, entertained and emotional.
The only thing i personally felt was that i needed a bit more from Matt. At parts i kind of felt his feelings were kind of tossed aside a little over Penny's. But being a widower myself i guess i would see his side more and i wanted him to have a bit more understanding. But it didn't bother me too much because the rest of it was great!
Beautiful read i highly recommend!
A is for Alpha B is for Books
It starts out with a tragedy in Matt's life. His whole existance is smashed to pieces in one night. He finds it hard to cope afterwards and takes his anger out on anyone in his path. Lost and hurting he's forced into contact with Penny, the bio mother of a child he never really wanted.
Penny never thought she'd be left holding the baby. She hadn't had a good life so far but had been determined to make the best of it she could. At no time did she think she would be a single mom. She couldn't afford to be but she couldn't give up the baby either. Forced to contact Matt to help her, her first encounter with him doesn't go well.
Over time she agree's to let Matt into their daughters life and along the way he enters her's too.
Poor Penny! Throughout the story you feel her hurt. Let down time after time by the people surrounding her, unyet she remained a good person. She forgave and trusted as much as she could. It killed me when she thought she wasn't good enough to be her baby's mom!
Poor Matt! His loss and devastation were hard to read. He had no control over his life and i think he struggled to trust himself to make decisions which sometimes hurt Penny unintentionally.
I loved them together. Considering she was a lot younger than Matt i think her life had made her grow up pretty quickly, so even though there was an age gap it never showed. She seemed to trust him where she had never trusted others. There was a connection between them and over the book it grew and grew.
As i've said i loved the storyline. It was unique and gripping and kept me turning the pages. The writing was pretty good too keeping me engaged, entertained and emotional.
The only thing i personally felt was that i needed a bit more from Matt. At parts i kind of felt his feelings were kind of tossed aside a little over Penny's. But being a widower myself i guess i would see his side more and i wanted him to have a bit more understanding. But it didn't bother me too much because the rest of it was great!
Beautiful read i highly recommend!
A is for Alpha B is for Books
May 19, 2020
From the moment I picked the book up I was gripped. I couldn’t put it down I just wanted to carry on reading as I was eager to see what happened. Another amazing story from a great author that lets you see different views of each of the characters and gives you a chance to form a great picture of the overall story. I absolutely loved reading it as I have with all her other books.
June 12, 2020
Absolutely loved this book. Devoured it, just like every hayley Oakes book. Such an unusual story line which makes you wonder what you'd do in the same situation. Written beautifully with amazing chemistry x
May 25, 2020
When Penny decided to be a surrogate mother for Matthew and Jemma she never expected to be left holding the baby, but after tragedy strikes she finds herself left in a situation she never thought she'd be in. Struggling to juggle between caring for the baby she's been left with and earning enough money from her job to look after them both, Penny finally caves and contacts the man who is the father of her child to ask for help. But he really isn't what she expected, a broken man who is left a widower after his wife dies, who wants nothing to do with his child.
Plan B is a truly heartbreaking story, not only because of what happened to Jemma but as we delve further into Penny's childhood and find out more about why she is the way she is, it breaks your heart that much more. The story is told from three perspectives, Penny as she struggles to take care of herself and Ivy, Matthew who is on self destruct and also of Jemma, the now deceased wife with events leading up to the end of her life.
This story was brilliantly written and once I started it I couldn't put it down and ended up reading it in one sitting. So bravo to author Hayley Oakes for dragging you into the story and making it so you didn't want to leave.
Plan B is a truly heartbreaking story, not only because of what happened to Jemma but as we delve further into Penny's childhood and find out more about why she is the way she is, it breaks your heart that much more. The story is told from three perspectives, Penny as she struggles to take care of herself and Ivy, Matthew who is on self destruct and also of Jemma, the now deceased wife with events leading up to the end of her life.
This story was brilliantly written and once I started it I couldn't put it down and ended up reading it in one sitting. So bravo to author Hayley Oakes for dragging you into the story and making it so you didn't want to leave.
June 11, 2020
Wow! Just, WOW!!! This is such an emotional book. I laughed and I CRIED rivers but I couldn't put it down. It's compulsive reading.
Penny is going to be a surrogate for the perfect couple, Matt and Gemma, who can't have a baby naturally. But Gemma passes away and Matt hits the bottle and wants nothing to do with his child or the surrogate. And this is where the story absolutely drags you in. It's written from 3 points of view.
The story is told through a series of vignettes, flashing back and forth to build the whole picture so you can draw your own conclusions of these people. Penny has nothing. She's honourable and kind. And she steps up to the mark and does all that needs to be done. Including bringing up a child against all the odds. Matt and Gemma, go from being the perfect couple to a complete waste and in Gemma's case, the layers are peeled back and she actually isn't a nice person. And then I became annoyed with Matt and got frustrated with him for a time.
Hayley Oakes certainly knows how to keep your attention! So many emotions!
Highly recommended.
Penny is going to be a surrogate for the perfect couple, Matt and Gemma, who can't have a baby naturally. But Gemma passes away and Matt hits the bottle and wants nothing to do with his child or the surrogate. And this is where the story absolutely drags you in. It's written from 3 points of view.
The story is told through a series of vignettes, flashing back and forth to build the whole picture so you can draw your own conclusions of these people. Penny has nothing. She's honourable and kind. And she steps up to the mark and does all that needs to be done. Including bringing up a child against all the odds. Matt and Gemma, go from being the perfect couple to a complete waste and in Gemma's case, the layers are peeled back and she actually isn't a nice person. And then I became annoyed with Matt and got frustrated with him for a time.
Hayley Oakes certainly knows how to keep your attention! So many emotions!
Highly recommended.
June 9, 2020
Oh my goodness!!!!! Boy oh boy did this book pull me in and not let me go. I was drawn into the story from the very moment I started reading and couldn't put it down. My heart broke for both Penny and Matt. The things that they were each forced to face because of the loss of Jemma really turned both of their worlds upside down.
This was such a wonderful and unique story line. I absolutely loved the authors writing and could not get enough of these characters. Penny had been through so much in her life and unexpectedly becoming a mother was just another challenge that she faced head on. She was strong, driven and so kind. Matt was a jerk in the beginning and not one of my favorites, but I understood that he was still grieving the loss of his wife and he soon grew on me.
This book had me feeling so many feels. I really enjoyed how the story would bounce between not only Penny and Matt's point of view, but we also get to hear the story from Jemma's perspective. There were some heartbreaking moments and ones that had my wanting to grab the characters and give them a shake. Of course there are also a few surprises that I never saw coming!
A must read book for sure!
By Alisa
This was such a wonderful and unique story line. I absolutely loved the authors writing and could not get enough of these characters. Penny had been through so much in her life and unexpectedly becoming a mother was just another challenge that she faced head on. She was strong, driven and so kind. Matt was a jerk in the beginning and not one of my favorites, but I understood that he was still grieving the loss of his wife and he soon grew on me.
This book had me feeling so many feels. I really enjoyed how the story would bounce between not only Penny and Matt's point of view, but we also get to hear the story from Jemma's perspective. There were some heartbreaking moments and ones that had my wanting to grab the characters and give them a shake. Of course there are also a few surprises that I never saw coming!
A must read book for sure!
By Alisa
May 21, 2020
Penny was a surrogate for Jemma and Matt. When something tragic happens and Matt tells her to give the baby up, she knows she can't do that. After the childhood she went through, she wants better for her baby. She's struggling to make it and tries to get the money owed to her for having the baby. Matt wants nothing to do with the baby. When he finds out the birth mother is coming after money owed he goes to her apartment and makes an ass of himself. After speaking to his lawyer and parents they come to a support agreement. Matt shows back up at her place she's leery but decides to give him a chance. Little did they know they'd fall for each other. After messing up and huting her, all he wants to do is give her and ivy the world. All she wants is to be left alone. This is a great book love this author.
June 9, 2020
Oh my goodness!!!!! Boy oh boy did this book pull me in and not let me go. I was drawn into the story from the very moment I started reading and couldn't put it down. My heart broke for both Penny and Matt. The things that they were each forced to face because of the loss of Jemma really turned both of their worlds upside down.
This was such a wonderful and unique story line. I absolutely loved the authors writing and could not get enough of these characters. Penny had been through so much in her life and unexpectedly becoming a mother was just another challenge that she faced head on. She was strong, driven and so kind. Matt was a jerk in the beginning and not one of my favorites, but I understood that he was still grieving the loss of his wife and he soon grew on me.
This book had me feeling so many feels. I really enjoyed how the story would bounce between not only Penny and Matt's point of view, but we also get to hear the story from Jemma's perspective. There were some heartbreaking moments and ones that had my wanting to grab the characters and give them a shake. Of course there are also a few surprises that I never saw coming!
A must read book for sure!
By Alisa
This was such a wonderful and unique story line. I absolutely loved the authors writing and could not get enough of these characters. Penny had been through so much in her life and unexpectedly becoming a mother was just another challenge that she faced head on. She was strong, driven and so kind. Matt was a jerk in the beginning and not one of my favorites, but I understood that he was still grieving the loss of his wife and he soon grew on me.
This book had me feeling so many feels. I really enjoyed how the story would bounce between not only Penny and Matt's point of view, but we also get to hear the story from Jemma's perspective. There were some heartbreaking moments and ones that had my wanting to grab the characters and give them a shake. Of course there are also a few surprises that I never saw coming!
A must read book for sure!
By Alisa
June 10, 2020
You had better ensure you have some spare time before you start this book as you are not going to want to put it down! Another brilliantly written book from Hayley Oakes. Plan B will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions as you follow Matthew and Penny trying to navigate their way through a devastating situation they have found themselves in that no one could ever have predicted.
Hayley writes beautifully with the characters telling their story separately each chapter.
Sad, emotional, sexy and heartwarming. Plan B is a definite read this summer.
Hayley writes beautifully with the characters telling their story separately each chapter.
Sad, emotional, sexy and heartwarming. Plan B is a definite read this summer.
June 18, 2020
This was an amazing story of a surrogate who got the baby she never planned on. I loved the author's writing style, set in London she used UK verbiage and didn't try to Americanize it. The characters had such depth and I felt I really knew them and why they acted as they did with all their backstories, fears, and emotions. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.
June 10, 2020
Another brilliantly moving book from Hayley Oakes. She brings the characters to life so that not only do you feel like they are your friends, but you feel like you are living through the whole story with them. A page turner from beginning to end, I just couldn't put it down. It had me laughing and crying. I've read all of Hayley's books so far and I can't wait for the next one :)
May 21, 2020
Plan B is a gripping story. Hayley has you hooked from the beginning till the end. Matt and Penny's story is an emotional journey, jaw dropping moments with angst and a HEA. I highly recommend Plan B.
May 20, 2020
I’ve read all of Hayley’s books she’s a brilliant author and like always her books have me hooked as soon as I start reading, I never want to put them down, an excellent read as always thanks Hayley, looking forward to the next one
May 14, 2022
3 stars
I enjoyed it but it really dragged in the middle. I ended up skimming a lot . Jema was not a likeable character at all
I enjoyed it but it really dragged in the middle. I ended up skimming a lot . Jema was not a likeable character at all
May 20, 2020
This is another master piece by Hayley absolutely loved it from beginning to end couldn't put it down. It's a really heart warming story and I enjoyed every minute of it I was gutted when I'd finished it. I have read all Hayley's books and would highly recommend them all. Look forward to many more.
May 26, 2020
Excellent writing from Hayley again. I couldn't put the book down. I loved the characters, I laughed & cried! Amazing book, can't wait for the next one!
May 28, 2020
I was gripped from the first page! Not surprising as the author has a talent bringing relatable characters to life in all of her books. This one particularly resonates with me showing how choices and chance can take life in a totally different path than expected. I don’t want to give any spoilers but I would say I left this book feeling happy and I can’t wait for the next one!
December 17, 2021
This was an amazing story. Definitely not the usual storyline I'd usually read but I loved it.
December 16, 2020
I read this book a while ago and just recently re-read it. I'd forgot how wonderful of a story this is!
This book has some many emotions thrown at you. I don't believe I've ever read something like it. It's told through Penny and Matthew but you also get an inside look at Jemma's thoughts.
Penny is a part-time dance teacher at the school she started dancing at when she was 12 yrs old. She's just recently given birth to a baby girl that wasn't meant to be hers. A while back she was approach by Jemma (a familiar person from her past) at a yoga studio and became friends, then Jemma presents her with an option that could give her an opportunity that could change her life. Jemma asked Penny to be a surrogate for her and her husband. Unfortunately life has other plans and Jemma is killed before Penny gives birth. Jemma's husband (Matthew) and father of the baby (Ivy) decides he doesn't want anything to do with Penny or Ivy after losing his wife. Penny not having planned on raising a child doesn't have much money and not able to work as much as before she's limited on funds. She decides to try and get child support from Matthew.
Matthew is in distress after losing his wife (Jemma), he's been drinking a great deal. The last thing he needs is a baby (that he didn't even want) to take care of. He's also is furious that the mother of his child (Penny) has decided to keep the baby after he told her to put her up for adoption and is trying to get him to pay child support. He wasn't involved in the arrangement that Jemma and Penny made and thinks that Penny is just after money. He goes to confront Penny, he yells at her and says means things about her.
"Look, you may have fooled my wife and made out to be some knight in shining armour but I know you're just some money grabbing waster and you won't be getting a penny out of me."
After meeting with his lawyer and speaking with his parents he decides that he doesn't have much of a chose and reaches out to Penny and tries to establish a relationship with Penny and his daughter.
Matthew even though it seems, isn't the bad guy in this story. His and Penny relationship is so endearing. And little Ivy is so sweet and adorable. Penny goes through self growth and you fall in love with the ppl that she keeps close.
This book has some many emotions thrown at you. I don't believe I've ever read something like it. It's told through Penny and Matthew but you also get an inside look at Jemma's thoughts.
Penny is a part-time dance teacher at the school she started dancing at when she was 12 yrs old. She's just recently given birth to a baby girl that wasn't meant to be hers. A while back she was approach by Jemma (a familiar person from her past) at a yoga studio and became friends, then Jemma presents her with an option that could give her an opportunity that could change her life. Jemma asked Penny to be a surrogate for her and her husband. Unfortunately life has other plans and Jemma is killed before Penny gives birth. Jemma's husband (Matthew) and father of the baby (Ivy) decides he doesn't want anything to do with Penny or Ivy after losing his wife. Penny not having planned on raising a child doesn't have much money and not able to work as much as before she's limited on funds. She decides to try and get child support from Matthew.
Matthew is in distress after losing his wife (Jemma), he's been drinking a great deal. The last thing he needs is a baby (that he didn't even want) to take care of. He's also is furious that the mother of his child (Penny) has decided to keep the baby after he told her to put her up for adoption and is trying to get him to pay child support. He wasn't involved in the arrangement that Jemma and Penny made and thinks that Penny is just after money. He goes to confront Penny, he yells at her and says means things about her.
"Look, you may have fooled my wife and made out to be some knight in shining armour but I know you're just some money grabbing waster and you won't be getting a penny out of me."
After meeting with his lawyer and speaking with his parents he decides that he doesn't have much of a chose and reaches out to Penny and tries to establish a relationship with Penny and his daughter.
Matthew even though it seems, isn't the bad guy in this story. His and Penny relationship is so endearing. And little Ivy is so sweet and adorable. Penny goes through self growth and you fall in love with the ppl that she keeps close.
June 15, 2020
Plan B
Hayley Oakes is a new author to me. This book, once I started I couldn't put it down.
This booked slayed me, I was an emotional wreck on parts, laughing at the banter, annoyed and elated...all the feels.
Penny and Matt didn't have the best circumstances to build a relationship on after losing his wife, but life isn't always predictable and the wrong roads get taken to get through plan A to get through and build on plan B.
⛔ SOME SPOILERS ⛔
Ivy was the baby they both never knew they needed, she should have been Matt & Gemma's future, Penny was only ever supposed to be the incubator, but life threw them through a loop leaving Penny unexpectedly holding the baby, while Matt was grieving and denying Ivy, but Penny was determined that little girl would be loved no matter what, whether it be as a single mum, co-parenting or as a complete family, Ivy would never feel unloved or go without.
These people also needs a mention.
Matt's parents are hilarious as a couple, his mum has no filter and seems thrieve on lovingly interfering and his dad is the voice of reason -- when he can get a word in edgeways -- and has to gently rein her in.
Penny's lucky to have loving friends to remind her she's worth it, and her foster-parents are amazing, love her like their own, one is more alpha and would go to war then ask why after and the other is more like her personal shrink getting her to slyly open up.
🔻 On a personal view 🔻
Penny's life pre-Ivy reminded me of my birth-mother and my feelings of not fitting, thinking you're not good enough and disposable, all ring home for me. All these things go went my head and still do, even thought I was adopted by my paternal grandparents and loved. I always ask why me when she kept my 2 year older half-sister...so I can really relate to Penny and her Pre-Ivy life.
Hayley Oakes is a new author to me. This book, once I started I couldn't put it down.
This booked slayed me, I was an emotional wreck on parts, laughing at the banter, annoyed and elated...all the feels.
Penny and Matt didn't have the best circumstances to build a relationship on after losing his wife, but life isn't always predictable and the wrong roads get taken to get through plan A to get through and build on plan B.
⛔ SOME SPOILERS ⛔
Ivy was the baby they both never knew they needed, she should have been Matt & Gemma's future, Penny was only ever supposed to be the incubator, but life threw them through a loop leaving Penny unexpectedly holding the baby, while Matt was grieving and denying Ivy, but Penny was determined that little girl would be loved no matter what, whether it be as a single mum, co-parenting or as a complete family, Ivy would never feel unloved or go without.
These people also needs a mention.
Matt's parents are hilarious as a couple, his mum has no filter and seems thrieve on lovingly interfering and his dad is the voice of reason -- when he can get a word in edgeways -- and has to gently rein her in.
Penny's lucky to have loving friends to remind her she's worth it, and her foster-parents are amazing, love her like their own, one is more alpha and would go to war then ask why after and the other is more like her personal shrink getting her to slyly open up.
🔻 On a personal view 🔻
Penny's life pre-Ivy reminded me of my birth-mother and my feelings of not fitting, thinking you're not good enough and disposable, all ring home for me. All these things go went my head and still do, even thought I was adopted by my paternal grandparents and loved. I always ask why me when she kept my 2 year older half-sister...so I can really relate to Penny and her Pre-Ivy life.
October 17, 2021
In serious need of a decent proofreader
While the story is interesting, though more detail at key times would have been appreciated, the editing is nonexistent. The author has no concept of proper sentence structure and very often misuses a comma to connect two unrelated sentences. Run-on sentences abound, incomplete sentences are aplenty, and comma usage is random at best. There are missing words, misplaced words, and misused words. All this to say, while the author may be a good storyteller, she isn't a particularly good writer. I know Indie writers publish without the aid of a professional editor, but this author really needs to find someone with even a basic understanding of English grammar rules to proofread her work before she hits "publish".
With all that said though, the story concept was interesting and kept me reading until the end. There were many times I would have liked more detail, particularly when Matt met the dads, but, overall, I enjoyed the story. I doubt I'll read any of her other books, though, and I wouldn't recommend this one to friends without a strong disclaimer.
In the end, the best thing about Plan B was the cover and, overall, was just a 2.5 star read for me.
While the story is interesting, though more detail at key times would have been appreciated, the editing is nonexistent. The author has no concept of proper sentence structure and very often misuses a comma to connect two unrelated sentences. Run-on sentences abound, incomplete sentences are aplenty, and comma usage is random at best. There are missing words, misplaced words, and misused words. All this to say, while the author may be a good storyteller, she isn't a particularly good writer. I know Indie writers publish without the aid of a professional editor, but this author really needs to find someone with even a basic understanding of English grammar rules to proofread her work before she hits "publish".
With all that said though, the story concept was interesting and kept me reading until the end. There were many times I would have liked more detail, particularly when Matt met the dads, but, overall, I enjoyed the story. I doubt I'll read any of her other books, though, and I wouldn't recommend this one to friends without a strong disclaimer.
In the end, the best thing about Plan B was the cover and, overall, was just a 2.5 star read for me.
June 12, 2020
Note: An ARC was provided by the author via Nutty Squirrel PR.
I loved the story and the characters, and I need to tip my hat to the author for coming up with such a unique romance and cast. Having this be told from three different perspectives was interesting, what with Jemma's POV serving as third-person flashbacks. Where the book falters a tad, however, is in its execution. There's a great deal of telling rather than showing, and there's a tendency for the author to start quoted dialogues of her characters to begin in lowercase letters if they're in the middle of a text rather than in uppercase. Things like this niggle at me given that my job requires me to notice these issues. So yeah, the lowercase thing was distracting to a degree. Still, I fell in love with Matthew, Penny, and baby Ivy, and I can't help but appreciate Hayley Oakes's efforts, so all thing considered, I'm giving Plan B four stars. 🖤
I loved the story and the characters, and I need to tip my hat to the author for coming up with such a unique romance and cast. Having this be told from three different perspectives was interesting, what with Jemma's POV serving as third-person flashbacks. Where the book falters a tad, however, is in its execution. There's a great deal of telling rather than showing, and there's a tendency for the author to start quoted dialogues of her characters to begin in lowercase letters if they're in the middle of a text rather than in uppercase. Things like this niggle at me given that my job requires me to notice these issues. So yeah, the lowercase thing was distracting to a degree. Still, I fell in love with Matthew, Penny, and baby Ivy, and I can't help but appreciate Hayley Oakes's efforts, so all thing considered, I'm giving Plan B four stars. 🖤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2020
O wow, I really loved this book. Poor Penny was literally left holding the baby, ok, it was technically her baby, but not one she planned to keep. Life definitely threw her a curve ball.
Everything went wrong for Penny when the mum to be died whilst Penny was pregnant. Matt, the dad, fell into a hole following the loss of his wife, then faced with a baby, he didn’t even want, turns his back on Penny and his child.
Luckily there was a HEA where everything turned out for the best.
Could not put this book down!!
March 4, 2021
Bad things first...I hated the writing style in this book. It felt elementary and some things unnecessarily dragged on for so long. Which is funny because the beginning seemed to fly by. The characters were okay. I liked their love and growth but I genuinely did not like anyone else in the book.. Matt's mom, the weird sister with the horse(why was that talked about so much?), Matt's friends, Gail...just annoying folks that took away from the story. I am glad they both got their lovely HEA that they deserved.
November 23, 2020
Loved this book, romance, life’s ups and downs. Really enjoyed reading it Romance fans will love this book
Romantic novel, ups and downs of life. Really enjoyable read. Totally absorbed in the story line Recommended for romance readers
Romantic novel, ups and downs of life. Really enjoyable read. Totally absorbed in the story line Recommended for romance readers
June 13, 2020
Great read
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Couldn't put it down. Another great read from a very talented author. Looking forward to next book
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Couldn't put it down. Another great read from a very talented author. Looking forward to next book
June 15, 2020
I believe this is a new author for me, I enjoyed this book but found it a little too drawn out, it got a bit boring around 80% so I skimmed abit but enjoyed the ending
June 27, 2020
This was a wonderful story with a good mix of angst, emotion and humour, I loved the characters and the way their relationship developed. I would recommend this book and read more of this author.
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