Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

According to Plan

Rate this book
Madison Alexander fled Huntington, South Carolina the day after graduating from high school and has refused to look back since. Being in the very center of a scandal in her small-town made the decision to pack up and leave easy.

After putting herself through college and starting her photography business, life in New York City was looking up...

Until she receives a call that her dad is hospitalized and she is catapulted straight back into all the reasons she ran away from her small, southern town in the first place.

Enter Travis Ford, the ultimate southern gentleman and Madi's first crush. He's agreed to help Madi's dad fix up the old farmhouse she grew up in. Sure, five years have passed since she's laid eyes on Travis, but how can five years be that good to a man? More importantly, did Travis have that chiseled of a jawline and those perfect, drool-worthy muscles back in high school?

No sooner than Madi and Travis reconnect, he's the one leaving this time, and for the turbulent world known as the military. The two say their goodbyes and promise that his tour won't stand in the way of their potential to be together.

But, life isn't always fair and seldom goes according to plan.

According to plan is a small-town romance that promises:
-A HEA
-No Cheating
-Steamy Scenes
-Friends to Lovers Romance

According to Plan is the SECOND book in a SIX book STAND ALONE romance series!

250 pages, Paperback

Published September 7, 2020

19 people are currently reading
95 people want to read

About the author

Victoria Ellis

34 books459 followers
This author is also published under the pen name Eve Parrish.

Victoria Ellis (V.K. Ellis) is a multi-genre author that publishes Psychological Thrillers, Suspense, and Romance novels. She is also the author of two poetry collections.

Victoria is the founder of Cruel Ink Publishing, LLC.

She resides near Chicago, Illinois with her husband, newborn daughter, and an abundance of animals.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
60 (65%)
4 stars
21 (23%)
3 stars
5 (5%)
2 stars
3 (3%)
1 star
2 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Heather Davidson-Norman.
327 reviews3 followers
September 5, 2020
I just finished one of the sweetest books ever! According to Plan by Victoria Ellis was amazing! Such an amazing story about childhood friends falling in love while dealing with some harsh circumstances. Victoria Ellis did great with perfectly describing the scenes and the characters. It's definitely a book you can watch play out in your head while you're reading. ATP leaves you wanting more. More of the characters and their lives and stories. While I definitely want more of Madi and Travis, I need separate stories of the whole crew. I feel like we barely touched on them and that makes me sad! They play a big role in the main characters lives so I feel like I need to get to know them better. Lol. There are some parts that I wish had more than what's there and some I felt a little rushed, but overall it is a sweet, sweet book! This book is a definite make you smile, laugh, and cry book. There's one particular part (no spoilers) that had me cringing in embarrassment for Madi (you'll know it when you read it). It's a very good and page turning part. Speaking of page turning.. This was another book that I didn't want to put down! I wanted to pick it up every five seconds and just read it all. It definitely can be read in one sitting! Loved it! 4.5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐




**I received and ARC of According to Plan in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Laura Jackson.
411 reviews21 followers
August 28, 2020
“I can’t kiss you without wanting more of you,Madison Alexander~ So that means not kissing you at all.” -Travis

Madison Alexander has been running away from her small town past for 6 years... trying to forget, how do you that’s worked out for her?

Travis has been missing her for as long and when an accident brings her home.. will they finally get their act together and figure it out?

What happens when he gets deployed? Will Madison wait for him or run like she does best?

This is a story of love, loss, friendship to lovers! Is it possible to love someone so much that no one else compares? I loved this book, they didn’t have it easy by any means but they finally have each other.. cancer, PTSD and life drama in general isn’t without pain and sorrow but it’s also got joy and love and laughter!!

I loved their letters to each other and their friends are awesome too!
There were some hard parts for me to read but that’s because I know first hand how war affects your family.
This book is incredible and I really hope y’all will give it a read! I recommend this book to anyone who needs to believe in love after pain or loss! I cried and laughed and it was worth every word!
5 reviews
August 27, 2020
*I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review*

Here's what I think makes an amazing love story...

When the main characters are NOT facing odds between each other (cheating, distance, whatever)....but instead are facing odds against the world and outside forces.

That's exactly what According to Plan gives me as a reader and I'm so grateful that Victoria allowed me to read this book early. I will be buying a paperback as soon as I can. I loved Madison and Travis on their own, but together, they are a force to be reckoned with. Madison ran away from her hometown, leaving everyone in her dust. She comes home when her father is in an accident and finds her entire world uprooted.

When Travis is called back to the military for a second tour, it threatens their relationship.

You will have to read to find out just what happens. I can tell you I loved the heavier topics like the military, cancer, and PTSD. I loved how the characters grew. Beautiful book!!! This is my second book by Victoria Ellis and I cannot wait to read more.
Profile Image for Sara Reads Romance.
740 reviews124 followers
September 17, 2020
Someone get the tissues ready!!

This was such a great read. Everything about Travis and Madison’s story and journey from beginning to end was memorable, heartwarming, touching, and definitely realistic. I honestly don’t think there was a second when I was reading this book that I wasn’t swooning over these two. I honestly love their friendship and how it grew into something more in a very genuine way. I didn’t feel forced or rushed at all. Most of you know I have been reading a lot of dark romance this year, so being able to read something like this is definitely refreshing, even though there is definitely some heartbreak in this book. I shed some tears, though it was light and a great palate cleanser! This was my first book by Victoria Ellis and I definitely don’t think it’ll be my last. If you’re looking for a wholesome, small town romance that will definitely make you cry and want nothing but the best for our two main characters Travis and Madison then this is something you definitely need to pick up!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Susan.
550 reviews5 followers
August 29, 2020
I truly enjoyed reading this novel. It deals with some serious issues and does so in a way I hope all can appreciate. It is an awesome friends to lovers trope that keeps you wanting more!
Madison escaped the small town as soon as she could after graduation but has to return after her dad is in an accident. She cut almost all ties with everyone from home 6 years ago when she went to NYC. She has to face everything when she returns home and Travis is working on her dad’s house. They have obstacles to overcome including him being called back to active duty.
Profile Image for Chasity.
Author 9 books44 followers
August 31, 2020
Oh my gosh the actual feels. This beautiful second chance romance had me on an emotional rollercoaster. Victoria made me feel every little thing in this story. I laughed, cried, hurt, and rejoiced with her amazing characters. I LOVE Madi and Travis! Travis is such a southern gentleman and Madi is a girl with so much on her plate and still has one of the biggest hearts I have ever read about. Such a beautiful story with relatable characters that was written perfectly. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Kat.
73 reviews9 followers
September 21, 2020
Oh Madison & Travis.
Best friends in high school. Both secretly care deeper about one another yet neither is willing to cross that line. Then tragedy strikes and Madi runs from embarrassment and hurt to New York City.

Six years later she returns home to care for her father after an accident. This is her first time home since running. Almost immediately after returning she bumps into her best friend Travis in her fathers kitchen. Their friendship picks right back like it never was set off track.

Their love story faces many challenges, medical diagnosis, mental ailments and military deployment. Chapter 22 had tears rolling down my face. It reminded me of times saying goodbye to my dad when he deployed. After Chapter 22 I was anxious and on edge. I was terrified about what Travis was going to have to endure over in Iraq.

This is my first romance by Victoria Ellis and I was absolutely enthralled. Travis was a true southern gentleman. Madi had a beautiful kind soul. Their story was realistic and simply beautiful. It reminds us to seize every moment. Say, “I love you’s”. Don’t take today, this hour, this minute, this second for granted,

Excited for the next installment in the Stone Haven series. Each book is a complete standalone.

Thank you to the author an ARC copy for an honest review!
Profile Image for book_loversdreams Betty.
95 reviews10 followers
September 21, 2020
BOOK REVIEW:

“According to Plan” by Victoria Ellis

Romance Novels if written well for me have this way of taking me on a trip that’s sometimes filled with emotions of love and sadness. Victoria Ellis has done just that and with such a beautiful plot line.

We are first introduced to Madison Alexander. She has been in NYC for 6 years to escape her past life in Huntington, SC. She has a photography business that is just starting to make money and has renewed her leased apartment for another year. Except this time what she avoided for 6 years gives her no choice but to go back home. Her father Johnson is hospitalized after passing out while driving and she needs to help him recover. Sadly they come to find out he has lung cancer and she will stay for however long it takes depending on the prognosis.

Going home means that whatever caused Madi, which most of her family and friends call her, to run away 6 years ago will be waiting for her to deal with once again. She will face her best childhood friend Travis Ford, her ex-fiancé Jake, the memory of her brothers death and her moms running off with another man thereby leaving her and her father alone.

When Madi sees Travis again feelings that they both had but tried never to talk of come flooding back. They both try to pretend they they are just good friends and that they will never be more than that.

So what will happen next? Well my friends that is for you to find out. I will say I recommend this book for all those who love romance novels. I give this book a 5/5.

2 reviews
August 28, 2020
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review and let me tell you!

I thought I wanted more after reading the first story in this series, but According to Plan takes the cake. Travis and Madison are both down to earth, hometown people, which really speaks to me in a book. I feel like I can relate to them. According to Plan keeps you wanting more, with the tight knit relationships between all of the characters in different ways, the backstory, and the possibilities throughout the story. It’s a strong friendship turned true love type of book, but in a way that it’s realistic, not forced. I need more though! The author, Victoria Ellis really outdid herself with this book. I’ve read every book she’s released and they get better each time!
Profile Image for Megan.
437 reviews11 followers
August 29, 2020
How could I not rate this 5 stars?

I've been in the depths of dark romance for the last few months, and this book gave me the chance to read something lighter. I'm so glad I read it, I couldn't have wished for a better book.

A friends to lovers book is a tough one to write, because crossing the line from friendship to romance can be difficult to work with! Victoria gave these characters the right amount of chemistry, and gave these two the perfect story.

Travis is a perfect guy, and I couldn't fault him. Compassionate, patient and so loving...he just blew me away, and I think Madi is the perfect girl for him. Though this book was a slow burner, it portrayed their connection perfectly and I finished it in one sitting.

Victoria amazed me with this book, I'm in awe of her writing and cannot wait to read more of her romances!❤
Profile Image for Elisa.
1 review
August 27, 2020
Thank you for the ARC copy for a review. This is an honest review of According to Plan.

This book. WOW. I read Blurred Lines from Victoria in July and that was instantly my new favorite book of her (I've read 3 from her ) and this one takes the cake. This is my new favorite.

I loved every minute of this book. I stayed up until almost two in the morning reading it, could not put it down. You will love this love story.
5 reviews
August 28, 2020
I very much enjoyed this southern romance. This is the small-town romance of Travis and Madison. Trope is friends to lovers with a hint of second chance, two of my favorites!

I loved how both of these characters had to wade through some bullshit and tough times. They had to grow, work through their own demons, and both are better for it.

Such a real and inspiring story! Loved this one! I need to mention I was provided with an advanced readers copy and this is a totally honest review.
4 reviews
August 30, 2020
I feel so lucky to be one of victoria's first readers!

This is one of my top books by Victoria Ellis and one of my tops of the year so far. I love the way she can bring forth so many emotions inside of me. Beautifully written!

This is a tragic account of what can happen when a loved one goes off to the military, but a brilliant story of the love you can find.

Such a lovely book!
Profile Image for Daniele.
530 reviews3 followers
September 3, 2020
There’s this moment when you read a book and you just know you love it. Mine was right at the beginning, I was smiling. This book makes you a believer. You just will know true love exists and no matter what obstacles lies in your way - love wins. According to Plan takes you on this sentimental, hopeful, loving journey.

Madi Johnson comes home to help her father and is instantly faced with her past her best friend Travis, the town she left behind and all the feelings that come rushing back. You will feel all the feels.

Words are hard to find that captures all the emotions I felt once I finished, nostalgia, hope, family and always love. This fierce love that was felt in this book is amazing. It’s felt in so many different ways and I love that with Victoria’s writing, it’s so rich with emotions.

According to Plan is definitely a book that will stay with me.
Profile Image for Shelly Tooley.
202 reviews10 followers
September 4, 2020
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and in my opinion, this book is amazing!

This is the first book that I have read by this Author and I can honestly say that I will be going to download any other book that she has written as well. This book is well written and flows so smoothly!

Madison & Travis’s story is bittersweet! I love how they got their HEA. I experienced so many different emotions while reading this ARC. I love when an Author can do that to me. The letters to each other were perfect! Such an amazing aspect of their story.

I pinky promise that I love this book so much!
Profile Image for DC.
83 reviews
September 20, 2020
Pretty dang boring. Not sure how Madi can’t live without Travis after two weeks of being around him again but was perfectly fine leaving him for 6 years and it should be noted that the only reason she came back to her hometown was because of her dad, otherwise she would have continued her life in NY without Travis, having ghosted him and Parker and not thought twice.
Profile Image for S. Zapata.
Author 2 books3 followers
August 28, 2020
*I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review*

Victoria Ellis has brought to life southern, small town living in her latest book about returning to your childhood home after leaving it all behind. Madison Alexander left her best friend and first love, Travis Ford, behind when she fled her small town for New York. Now with her father ill she decides to come back and finds that she still loves Trav. I read this book in 2 days, I couldn't stop!
269 reviews2 followers
September 5, 2020
According To Plan is a phenomenal love story by Victoria Ellis. Ellis runs the gauntlet of emotions in this book. Expect to shed a few happy tears, a. few sad tears, some worried tears. Her characters are first rate, well developed, lovable and believable. This is a very enjoyable book plan on reading nonstop. This book is part of the Stone Haven series but can be read as a stand alone with out an problem.

Thank you, Victoria Ellis for providing me with an ARC.
1,299 reviews16 followers
August 27, 2020
Charismatic characters in a story that is poignant, tragic and triumphant. Ms. Ellis has it all here
in one evolving and touching novel.
A free book, this is my honest and freely given review.
Profile Image for Brigitte Thomas.
Author 76 books77 followers
September 21, 2020
I loved every second of it. This series is seriously amazing. I can't wait to read more and follow the stories of this wonderful group of people. I couldn't put it down.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
471 reviews
October 16, 2020
All the feels! I loved this second chance small town romance!! Travis is everything you want in a book boyfriend and more. I can't wait to read more in this series.
Profile Image for Lauren Bottoms.
8 reviews
August 28, 2020
Perfect small town romance mixed with military and friends to lovers trope. Love the setting and these characters. Everything Ellis touches is gold.
Profile Image for Elyse.
6 reviews
August 31, 2020
I always know a good book when I see one - I don’t want to put it down! There were nights I wanted to read it but my eyes failed me due to being tired. Beautiful book as they met when they were kids and never disconnected. I love Travis’s gentlemen ways and Madison’s gentle nature. Such a sweet friendship most of us don’t have or receive anymore. I have to admit though, I was literally in tears when Travis got injured and almost died because it reminded me of my close friend who died and wasn’t so lucky, however Travis was. I also loved the ending. I hope there’s a sequel! Thank you Victoria Ellis for this advanced copy. I always become so giddy whenever you give these to us :)
Profile Image for Megan.
250 reviews
September 4, 2020
I promise to keep this spoiler free!

Love love love love love

Victoria is truly amazing in her writing. This book was the perfect summer read. I couldn't put it down. I laughed, I cried, I yelled at Madi and Travis a few times.

Beautiful book, can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,472 reviews9 followers
July 19, 2021
Good second chance / small town love story.
Profile Image for Jenni Lennen.
180 reviews1 follower
September 1, 2020
This book was everything!!! Best friends to lovers is the best kind of romance, in my opinion.
I loved everything about this book. This story made me laugh, cry, smile and get angry. Yes, angry. I had all the feels with this one and I loved every single word of it!!!
Profile Image for Rebecca Harris .
63 reviews3 followers
July 17, 2021
Sweet story

This book made me sad and happy for all the right reasons. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Linda.
691 reviews37 followers
August 31, 2020
Omg this book will get you in the “feels”. It’s about family loyalty and long lost love. It’s a must read
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews132 followers
Want to read
July 12, 2021
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/12/2021)! 🎁
Profile Image for Julie.
138 reviews7 followers
September 19, 2020
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review

I loved this book. Madison and Travis are childhood best friends. After some events happened in her small little town Madi left it behind along with Travis. Years later she is home due to a family emergency. Travis and Madi reconnect only to have to be separated again after just admitting feeling that they were more then just best friends. These two face real life circumstances and obstacles and nothing can keep these two apart. This story is sweet and charming and I truly enjoyed Madi and Trav so much.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.