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The Perfect Plan
When love is not part of the contract, you have to find a loophole.
She’s a bride without a groom…
With her wedding plans are cancelled at the altar, Tonya Corley vows to find a way to pay for law school without the help of a rich husband. When she snags a job as a paralegal for play-by-the-rules attorney Patrick Rhodes, she’s on the path to kick start her dream career.
… and falls in love with her employer.
The only problem is that Tonya’s finds herself attracted to Patrick despite his two-foot-rule to create a physical distance between them. He doesn’t want to date his employee – and he has good reasons for that. Tonya doesn’t want to lose her job as her only ticket to law school, but handsome in-and-out-of-a-suit Patrick is proving to be an irresistible distraction. Will she choose love over her career?
A modern-day contemporary romance
She’s a bride without a groom…
With her wedding plans are cancelled at the altar, Tonya Corley vows to find a way to pay for law school without the help of a rich husband. When she snags a job as a paralegal for play-by-the-rules attorney Patrick Rhodes, she’s on the path to kick start her dream career.
… and falls in love with her employer.
The only problem is that Tonya’s finds herself attracted to Patrick despite his two-foot-rule to create a physical distance between them. He doesn’t want to date his employee – and he has good reasons for that. Tonya doesn’t want to lose her job as her only ticket to law school, but handsome in-and-out-of-a-suit Patrick is proving to be an irresistible distraction. Will she choose love over her career?
A modern-day contemporary romance
201 pages, ebook
Published July 10, 2020
2 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 19, 2021
*I was kindly sent this in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley*
Nothing about this grabbed me. It just felt meh reading it which is a shame because I have read from this author before and thought it was decent.
Things I Liked...
CHARACTERS - I really like Tonya and Patrick. Their conversations were fun and it was a nice dynamic. We got a lot more background in this than the first book in the series so that was an improvement. I wish we got a little more however as somethings seemed to be brought up but then never developed - like Patrick's Mum and Ex, and also Tonya's relationship with her Mum, and weird friendship with Daron.
THE SIDE PLOT - I loved the whole legal side plot. I thought it was fun and interesting and developed at a good pace whilst feeling very accurate to the actual legal system. So that was a big yes from me.
Things I didn't like...
THE PACING - The pacing in this, especially the romance, was weird. One minute they go from professional, to suddenly having sex, to then ignoring each other...to him decalaring he loves her? They've never been on a date - they have had like 4 conversations alone. I wouldn't be mad at the pacing if it hadn't been love. Insta-love is such a big pet hate of mine.
THE LOGIC - So in the entirety of the previous novel Tonya was a mild antagonist because he was meant to marry Mark for his money so she could go to Law School...she needed to marry for money because she couldn't get a job in her desired field. And just as the book starts her dream job comes along??? I mean come on!!! She also didn't have to fight anyone else for the job? Like no. If it's as tough to get into as it was made out, where she was willing to marry for money - it means these jobs are hard to come by and impossible to get. No way this just happens. At least try and make their meeting or her getting the job feel natural and real and not some magic powers of the universe pushing them together.
THE WRITING - I was surprised by this because I quite enjoyed the last book I read from Anita Lemke, but this time something about the writing felt off. I don't know if it was the unanswered questions, the weird pacing, or just the questionable logic but I think the writer emphasized the other flaws of the book. Everything felt too explained.
So yeah, this had some good elements but ultimately the plot and pacing let it down too much for me to rate it very highly.
Nothing about this grabbed me. It just felt meh reading it which is a shame because I have read from this author before and thought it was decent.
Things I Liked...
CHARACTERS - I really like Tonya and Patrick. Their conversations were fun and it was a nice dynamic. We got a lot more background in this than the first book in the series so that was an improvement. I wish we got a little more however as somethings seemed to be brought up but then never developed - like Patrick's Mum and Ex, and also Tonya's relationship with her Mum, and weird friendship with Daron.
THE SIDE PLOT - I loved the whole legal side plot. I thought it was fun and interesting and developed at a good pace whilst feeling very accurate to the actual legal system. So that was a big yes from me.
Things I didn't like...
THE PACING - The pacing in this, especially the romance, was weird. One minute they go from professional, to suddenly having sex, to then ignoring each other...to him decalaring he loves her? They've never been on a date - they have had like 4 conversations alone. I wouldn't be mad at the pacing if it hadn't been love. Insta-love is such a big pet hate of mine.
THE LOGIC - So in the entirety of the previous novel Tonya was a mild antagonist because he was meant to marry Mark for his money so she could go to Law School...she needed to marry for money because she couldn't get a job in her desired field. And just as the book starts her dream job comes along??? I mean come on!!! She also didn't have to fight anyone else for the job? Like no. If it's as tough to get into as it was made out, where she was willing to marry for money - it means these jobs are hard to come by and impossible to get. No way this just happens. At least try and make their meeting or her getting the job feel natural and real and not some magic powers of the universe pushing them together.
THE WRITING - I was surprised by this because I quite enjoyed the last book I read from Anita Lemke, but this time something about the writing felt off. I don't know if it was the unanswered questions, the weird pacing, or just the questionable logic but I think the writer emphasized the other flaws of the book. Everything felt too explained.
So yeah, this had some good elements but ultimately the plot and pacing let it down too much for me to rate it very highly.
July 24, 2020
This is a well written book with strong,likable characters and a realistic story line. The author does a great job building their story and pulled me in right from the start. She delivers an intriguing read filled with suspense as well as the steamy romance. I loved this book and am looking forward to the next one.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
February 15, 2021
I jumped straight into this book without reading the first one and I felt like I could piece together the main points of the first book just fine. This book starts off with Tanya being left at the alter. Apparently Mark fell in love with Tanya's best friend, Victoria, and has decided he cannot go through with the marriage. That didn't upset Tanya because she didn't love Mark either. Mark was getting married so he could access his trust fund to pay for his mother's cancer treatments and Tanya was getting married so she could afford to attend law school. Kind of strange on both accounts, but oh well.
Now that Tanya doesn't have a honeymoon or a guy to pay for law school, she needs to find a job. But she wants a job doing something she likes - which means in the legal field. She finds one advertisement for a legal secretary / paralegal so she decides to show up at the office first thing the next day. When she does, she is taken aback by how Patrick quickly dismisses her without a second thought, Until later when she thinks of another way to force Patrick to hire her knowing that he will be impressed by her abilities at the office once she gets her foot in the door. But he has strange rules that she must follow - always refer to him as Mr.; never be closer than two feet to him and the clients always come first. She agrees to follow his rules, but soon she starts to feel attraction to him. Will he feel the same way and can he get over his crazy rules long enough to let something grow?
This book was cute - it was a quick read and quite enjoyable. I'll definitely read the next book in the series and I'll probably go back to book 1 also.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated above are mine without biases.
Now that Tanya doesn't have a honeymoon or a guy to pay for law school, she needs to find a job. But she wants a job doing something she likes - which means in the legal field. She finds one advertisement for a legal secretary / paralegal so she decides to show up at the office first thing the next day. When she does, she is taken aback by how Patrick quickly dismisses her without a second thought, Until later when she thinks of another way to force Patrick to hire her knowing that he will be impressed by her abilities at the office once she gets her foot in the door. But he has strange rules that she must follow - always refer to him as Mr.; never be closer than two feet to him and the clients always come first. She agrees to follow his rules, but soon she starts to feel attraction to him. Will he feel the same way and can he get over his crazy rules long enough to let something grow?
This book was cute - it was a quick read and quite enjoyable. I'll definitely read the next book in the series and I'll probably go back to book 1 also.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated above are mine without biases.
August 31, 2020
Unpredictable! Exquisite! Can’t wait to read the next book! Highly recommended!
Tonya Corley, a 30 year old good-looking blonde, was going to marry Mark Dunham as a business arrangement so she can go to law school (and help her Aunt Allyson). However, Mark had fallen in love with her best friend, Victoria. He broke up with her on their wedding day. Tonya was being pursued by Daron Faulkner, Mark’s best friend and best man at their wedding, but she thought of him as just a friend. Looking for a job, Tonya met Patrick Rhodes, a young lawyer, who became her employer. She became a paralegal and helped Patrick Rhodes solve several cases of swindled older adults like the Sheffields and their neighbors. Tonya and Patrick fell in love amid all the complications in their personal and professional lives. This love story had many unpredictable twists and turns.
The author was exquisite in her writing. She explained the details of the story’s main characters, places and circumstances very well.
We had not read a romantic novel for a long time but this novel made us wanting for more. We can’t wait to read the next book in the series! Highly recommended!
James L. Jordan, PhD, PhD and Deovina N. Jordan, PhD, MD
Tonya Corley, a 30 year old good-looking blonde, was going to marry Mark Dunham as a business arrangement so she can go to law school (and help her Aunt Allyson). However, Mark had fallen in love with her best friend, Victoria. He broke up with her on their wedding day. Tonya was being pursued by Daron Faulkner, Mark’s best friend and best man at their wedding, but she thought of him as just a friend. Looking for a job, Tonya met Patrick Rhodes, a young lawyer, who became her employer. She became a paralegal and helped Patrick Rhodes solve several cases of swindled older adults like the Sheffields and their neighbors. Tonya and Patrick fell in love amid all the complications in their personal and professional lives. This love story had many unpredictable twists and turns.
The author was exquisite in her writing. She explained the details of the story’s main characters, places and circumstances very well.
We had not read a romantic novel for a long time but this novel made us wanting for more. We can’t wait to read the next book in the series! Highly recommended!
James L. Jordan, PhD, PhD and Deovina N. Jordan, PhD, MD
February 20, 2021
The Perfect Plan was a quick, fun read. 3.5 Stars!
Tonya’s fiancé left her on their wedding day. Even though she is surprised, she isn’t heartbroken: she only wanted to marry Mark for his money, and Mark only wanted to marry her to get to his trust fund.
Now suddenly without either one, she has to find a new way to pay for law school- she has to find a job.
She starts working for up and coming attorney Patrick Rhodes. Even though they work great together, he seems to have an issue with her. He doesn’t want to be around her and Tonya just doesn’t understand why.
I like Tonya and Patrick together. There is a little bit of hate- to- love and it’s a workplace romance, both of which I love. Tonya herself is a little bit annoying at first. I didn’t like the whole marrying for money personality trait and I also think she forgave her best friend way to fast. This lady stole your fiancé, but you don’t care?! Okay ...
The main story line flowed nicely. I read it within a day and I like that it was fast moving, but I do wish the book would’ve been edited one more time. There were quite a few errors and unfinished sentences.
I received a free advanced copy from the author/ publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Tonya’s fiancé left her on their wedding day. Even though she is surprised, she isn’t heartbroken: she only wanted to marry Mark for his money, and Mark only wanted to marry her to get to his trust fund.
Now suddenly without either one, she has to find a new way to pay for law school- she has to find a job.
She starts working for up and coming attorney Patrick Rhodes. Even though they work great together, he seems to have an issue with her. He doesn’t want to be around her and Tonya just doesn’t understand why.
I like Tonya and Patrick together. There is a little bit of hate- to- love and it’s a workplace romance, both of which I love. Tonya herself is a little bit annoying at first. I didn’t like the whole marrying for money personality trait and I also think she forgave her best friend way to fast. This lady stole your fiancé, but you don’t care?! Okay ...
The main story line flowed nicely. I read it within a day and I like that it was fast moving, but I do wish the book would’ve been edited one more time. There were quite a few errors and unfinished sentences.
I received a free advanced copy from the author/ publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
April 22, 2021
This was quite a quick read for me, I think it was about 200 pages. Anita Lemke is a new to me author and I will go probably go on and read the next book in the series, although I haven't read the 1st book so I am not sure if this had an effect on my enjoyment of the second instalment.
Tonya is a 30 year old woman, left at the alter by her fiancé Mark after he falls for her best friend. The twist is they were only getting married for convenience and mutual benefit. Tonya is left wondering how she is going to put herself through law school and gets a job working for Patrick.The characters were very likeable, which kept the story interesting.
It is a nice rom-com and very easy to read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Tonya is a 30 year old woman, left at the alter by her fiancé Mark after he falls for her best friend. The twist is they were only getting married for convenience and mutual benefit. Tonya is left wondering how she is going to put herself through law school and gets a job working for Patrick.The characters were very likeable, which kept the story interesting.
It is a nice rom-com and very easy to read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 1, 2022
The Perfect Plan turned out to be just an okay read for me. I usually enjoy workplace romance, and this one isn't bad, it just isn't anything that stands out either. Even so, I think I probably would've rated it a little higher, but there were a lot of plotholes and unanswered questions. I won't go into details here because I don't want to offer up any spoilers.. What I will say is when I weighed the pros and cons of this one, I ended up on middle ground, and that pretty much summed up my feelings all the way through. I think if at least some pieces were fleshed out a bit more and were seen through to a conclusion, it would've been a more enjoyable read. I just don't expect this many unanswered questions in a romance like this one. The book is a quick read and at around 200 pages, it can easily be read in an afternoon.
July 8, 2020
Tonya needs to go to law school and Patrick needs a paralegal to help him start his own law firm. His dad is a high profile lawyer and Patrick isn't short on funds but he wants to prove his worth to himself and others.
After Tonya's failed relationships of the past, she doesn't want to get involved. She just wants her career to move forward. But you can sometimes fail to avoid the crash collision that your life will eventually take.
Sometimes plans don't always work out the way you want them to and instead give you just what you need.
After Tonya's failed relationships of the past, she doesn't want to get involved. She just wants her career to move forward. But you can sometimes fail to avoid the crash collision that your life will eventually take.
Sometimes plans don't always work out the way you want them to and instead give you just what you need.
July 10, 2020
I read the first book in this series and thoroughly enjoyed it so I was eager to read more. The story focuses on Tonya this time (readers of book 1 will know who I mean). It is a delightful, light read, full of well-rounded, relatable characters and just the right amount of steam. It's escapism and the perfect antidote to the worrisome times we live in. Would highly recommend for anyone who enjoys contemporary romance or who reads widely or who just wants to get lost in a good story.
July 10, 2020
Couldn't put it down
I'm new to this genre and found The Perfect Plan a heady mix of business and romance. When I started reading I realized that it had been too long since I had read for pure pleasure. I couldn't put it down because Ms Lemke wove the story together with intrigue and suspense, in a totally relatable way. Can't wait for the next book and I'll be reading Book 1 in the meantime.
I'm new to this genre and found The Perfect Plan a heady mix of business and romance. When I started reading I realized that it had been too long since I had read for pure pleasure. I couldn't put it down because Ms Lemke wove the story together with intrigue and suspense, in a totally relatable way. Can't wait for the next book and I'll be reading Book 1 in the meantime.
July 12, 2020
Finally a romance a with substance!
This book starts a little slow, but keep reading ... the romance is well worth it! The characters were simple yet nuanced enough to make you feel like they were real people. So believable! Plus, they had real jobs, pasts, hopes and fears. You get a nice glimpse of real legal work and get to see how girls handle romance in the real world.
I enjoyed this book so much that I'll definitely read more from Anita Leme!
This book starts a little slow, but keep reading ... the romance is well worth it! The characters were simple yet nuanced enough to make you feel like they were real people. So believable! Plus, they had real jobs, pasts, hopes and fears. You get a nice glimpse of real legal work and get to see how girls handle romance in the real world.
I enjoyed this book so much that I'll definitely read more from Anita Leme!
July 25, 2020
I felt that the author had the ability to convey some depth to the personalities of the characters bringing life and likability to every person.
The writing draws you in and keeps you interested until the end.
I was very impressed with how simply and effortlessly this author told this addicting, multi-layered story with well-developed world building and great characters.
This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.
The writing draws you in and keeps you interested until the end.
I was very impressed with how simply and effortlessly this author told this addicting, multi-layered story with well-developed world building and great characters.
This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.
April 17, 2021
This was interesting. Marrying for love wasn’t what Tonya wanted, she just wanted to go to school but with the loss of her fiancé now this game are changing.
Taking a job with a grumpy lawyer what could be worse ? Patrick has rules and keeps them in place to keep himself safe, but she’s all about trying those rules.
When their working relationship starts to bubble and burn when their chemistry boils over it gets interesting.
It was a decent read and I enjoyed it quite a bit.
Taking a job with a grumpy lawyer what could be worse ? Patrick has rules and keeps them in place to keep himself safe, but she’s all about trying those rules.
When their working relationship starts to bubble and burn when their chemistry boils over it gets interesting.
It was a decent read and I enjoyed it quite a bit.
May 1, 2021
Another great read from Anita Lemke although I read these books out of border they still made sense as although there are common characters each story focuses on one central couple with the others as linked character. Loved the strong female lead in Tonya and how she was able to find not only true live but a true partner who would support her dreams not squash them. Made me smile a nice easy fun read
July 26, 2020
This is the 1st book I've read written by Anita Lemke; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
July 27, 2020
I loved this main character, Tonya Crowley. She was the perfect combination of fierce and vulnerable. The whole story unfolded beautifully and I finished the book in one sitting. I liked this story so much, I immediately downloaded this author's first book and preordered her third. Can't wait to read them.
October 7, 2020
I really, really enjoy this author! This is my second book in her series and I already pre-ordered the third. "The Perfect Plan" was so enjoyable and fun. Great, well-rounded characters, fast-moving plot, and a satisfying ending. I love reading a series, especially when it keeps getting better with each book. Can't wait for the next one!
February 4, 2021
A quick and fun rom-com about a woman who ended up falling for her boss. She didn't like him initially but fell for him after she got to know him better. I like how they work well together. And it's always good to read a book with a happy ending. :)
I got this ARC from Netgalley but my opinions are my own.
I got this ARC from Netgalley but my opinions are my own.
March 29, 2021
This was an okay read for me, there were things that I liked and others that didn't make sense story-wise. Tonya and Patrick were nice characters but something was off.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book received from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book received from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 3, 2021
I received a complimentary copy of The Perfect Plan in exchange for an honest review. I read this as a standalone without any problem. The storyline was a little strange, but the writing style made up for it. I'm glad Patrick and Tonya were able to work through their pasts to make this relationship work for them.
July 14, 2020
Quick, Exciting Read
Tonya may have been left at the altar, but it doesn't stop her desire to go to law school. The chemistry between her and her new boss is a delight to read. I easily read this in a couple of hours and enjoyed the build up to the perfect relationship.
Tonya may have been left at the altar, but it doesn't stop her desire to go to law school. The chemistry between her and her new boss is a delight to read. I easily read this in a couple of hours and enjoyed the build up to the perfect relationship.
February 13, 2021
A super quick read that is exactly as described. If you need a romance with a touch of legal action, this is for you. I downloaded the next book right away to continue the story.
Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2020
Fun Series. Great characters. Fun story. Enjoyable fast read. Looking forward to the next book.
August 5, 2020
The author was able to convey the realistic emotions of the characters was this story played out. It was a fast read because I became immersed into the drama that was their lives. Well done.
August 16, 2022
What a cute story. I enjoyed reading this light romance. It was just what I needed to escape from the real world for a little. Tonya is a great character and I liked her philanthropic nature.
April 28, 2025
*This book was provided by NetGalley*
My Rating - 2.5/5
Tonya was supposed to marry Mark [From The Perfect Match ] who left her in the alter for her bestfriend, Victoria. But that marriage was going to be a marriage of convenience of course as she wanted money for Law School and Mark wanted access to his inheritance. That's not an option now which was why she went for an interview for a lawyer named Patrick who's hiring. He didn't give her the job though but Tonya was desperate and blackmailed him to give her a job. They started working together. Then business got mixed with pleasure. Some misunderstandings and argument happened. But Tonya and Patrick worked through their relationship.
Feel free to give it a try. I like this book but so many things were uncleared. So, in my opinion, it could've been better. It actually had the potential.
My Rating - 2.5/5
Tonya was supposed to marry Mark [From The Perfect Match ] who left her in the alter for her bestfriend, Victoria. But that marriage was going to be a marriage of convenience of course as she wanted money for Law School and Mark wanted access to his inheritance. That's not an option now which was why she went for an interview for a lawyer named Patrick who's hiring. He didn't give her the job though but Tonya was desperate and blackmailed him to give her a job. They started working together. Then business got mixed with pleasure. Some misunderstandings and argument happened. But Tonya and Patrick worked through their relationship.
Feel free to give it a try. I like this book but so many things were uncleared. So, in my opinion, it could've been better. It actually had the potential.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews