Best Laid Plans

by Meg Fitz

When it comes to guys, office supply obsessed, checklist loving, Kinsley has a set of hard fast rules. Guys must be fun, flirty and good at fooling around, (and if they are really lucky maybe another F word.) But she should never meet their family, plan her future around them or fall in love. Disaster strikes whenever she breaks her rules.

Davin is an artist with dark secrets and a tragic past who only has two rules: don’t have a panic attack in school. And admittedly he breaks that all the time. Also don’t be another family statistic who ruins a woman’s life.

When Kinsley and Davin are assigned to be writing partners, despite being total opposites neither of them can deny their connection or attraction.

Kinsley wants to keep their relationship hidden, between college application and planning the perfect senior year, she doesn’t have time for all the drama. But Davin assumes it’s because she doesn’t want to ruin her perfect image.

Will Davin’s personal demons threaten their future? How many rules can Kinsley bend before the snap and break her heart? Go on a journey with Davin and Kinsley as they learn about communication, first love and the relationship benefits of cosplaying goats.


Trigger Warnings:
Attempted suicide
Sexual harassment
Attempted drugging
intrusive thoughts
anxiety
family trauma

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, High School, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Rom Com

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2022

Reviews

[bee 🍉 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know this is bare minimum but I always truly appreciate when a book includes trigger warnings, especially when it covers such heavy topics as it does in this book. I’ll include them below this so people are aware of them.

This book discusses sexual assault, suicide, anxiety, self-harming, and intrusive thoughts. As well as family trauma, drunk driving and death.

It’s not very often that you read a story that portrays serious issues in the correct way. I’ve gone through these things myself and it was refreshing to read something that I could see myself in.

I only wish that the pace of the book had been slower as it did feel rushed in some parts. Overall, I enjoyed it and felt like this book can help people see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Thank you to BookSirens and Meg Fitz for providing me this arc!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Leeann · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all I wanted to say how grateful I am to have received and ARC from Hidden Gems Books. I haven’t read a book like this in a while and I am so glad I was able to get my hands on this.

The book starts out with the two main characters Kinsley and Davin. I immediately recognize that Davin has anxiety from my own experience with it and it makes me feel seen with how he goes through his anxiety. Throughout the book we realize Kinsley and Davin have been through a lot and it keeps me on my toes wondering if they’ll make it to the end together.

I really enjoyed this book and didn’t want to put it down! I’m so excited for the second book coming in Spring 2023. Hopefully there’s a movie or tv deal with this book in the future because I fell in love with all the characters and need them on my screen! I hope I can get my hands on a physical copy soon I absolutely adore this book.

[Yunie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was okay it wasn’t slow. It was fast. The pacing was not intriguing. The writing was not intriguing to me and did not make me pull attention to the story of the plot line. It wasn’t like anything spicy. It was very low spice mid spice not even mid spice just low spice no spice if I would say The characters were good. There’s not like much happening in the book that feels overwhelming or anything like that it’s very contemporary romance fluffy ISH so vibe it’s definitely like a quick read because it’s less than 400 pages and you can actually get this book done quite quickly but I don’t have any criticisms on the book entirely and I can’t tell you specifically what happened to the characters because I started this book in January of this year and it took me so long to finish it and I did start like three other books while reading this one January was not my reading month for some reason usually I’m pretty good at reading but this month in January it was not mine but so far in February, I’ve managed to finish this book at least.

[Andrea Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is amazing. First and foremost I applaud the trigger warning attached because the book does mention, hint toward,  or vaguely display certain traumatic events that may just be too much- especially if you're blindsided by it!

Aside from that start on the right foot I found the characters to be deeply developed and so well written that I was completely drawn in. I even cherished the little quirks. I will say that some of the scenes were a bit steamy for my taste considering they're young still- but dang the author knows how to write.

There were so many times my heart ached out or had flashbacks to my teenage self/ high school days and as a kid that struggled with so much- including mental health issues I can say the descriptions are so deeply real it's terrifyingly refreshing.  This book also could have helped me with some coping mechanisms when I had nothing (well nothing healthy).

This book was wonderfully written- definitely recommend.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶.25

I LOVED THIS BOOK!! I absolutely loved the teenage drama and love in this book. Kinsley and Davin are so amazing together. I feel bad about Davin. He been through a lot in his life. I really hate that Davin ruined their relationship for a little while but I am glad he fixed it. The way Kinsley and Davin fell in love just made my heart so happy and warm. It was not easy but they got through it together. I hate Davin’s dad and uncle. I also hate Todd.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was granted an arc for this book. It’s a good read about high school seniors dealing with life, trauma, and serious issues while maintaining a quirky upbeat vibe. It was beautifully done!

[Brittany Readss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book! I couldn’t put it down. Davin and Kinsley are well developed characters that I was rooting for throughout the whole book. Kinsley is a girl with goals who has sworn off romance for her senior year and Davin has severe anxiety that makes him a bit of an introvert. They’re thrown together for a class project and start to get to know each other. Neither are what the other expected. Should they set aside their past and plans and see where their relationship goes or is their trauma too much to let go of? I can’t wait to read the next one!

[TheBookLady · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book. I loved it!!! It's a fun and sweet books about high school seniors dealing with live. Wonderfully done!

[Valerie Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet and strong high school girl who loves to make lists and do everything just the way she plans it meets a shy but sexy boy who could mess up all her plans!
I loved everything about this story! It was fun and sweet, low spice levels but still an excellent attraction! I can't wait to read more. Meg is a one click author for me now!!!!

[Kim Concannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had its hooks in my by chapter one. I spent the whole day from 7am-3pm reading this damn book and let me tell you. I am OBSESSED. Kinsley is beautiful, popular, and typical blonde hair blue eyes BUT she is goal driven, fiercely loyal, confident, badass,hilarious, and can stand her ground. I love her and her character so much! She protects her friends and does her best to make the lives of everyone she loves Easier with out being a total bitch about it. She is calculated and her lists are everything! Now Davin, my sweet Davin. This guy has been through it and then some. He wasn’t your typical brooding loner guy and I think his development through the story is a great portrayal of anxiety and how our brains can betray us and cause us to have twisted views about our self worth. There whole relationship is amazing and the way they boost each other up and accept each others flaws is refreshing. They aren’t trying to fix each other but help each other grow. I don’t want to give spoilers but this book definitely has some trigger warnings about death and mental health and suicide as well as SA. It also has some sexy spicy scenes that are *chefs kiss* I can’t wait to see where the series takes our Kinsley and Davin!

[Malicious May · Rating 1 out of 5]

Is this for real? How is this book going to be sensitive to people on the spectrum, attempt to unravel stereotypes, take jabs at conservatives, be so obviously written by a liberal, but then have stereotypical, no-depth characters? Hypocrisy at its finest.

“As breasts go, I was confident in them; larger than average, NO PEPPERONI NIPPLES. They were great tits. My ass could have been better, though” (ch. 10). You don’t say? Way to insult any women out there who have bigger nipples. Do you know who started calling them pepperoni nipples? MEN. Do you know who refers to breasts as “tits”? MEN. Gross.

Nothing like fighting stereotypes with…stereotypes? Wtf is “white girl confidence”? If you wouldn’t write “black girl confidence” you shouldn’t be saying any race confidence. Kinsley is a white female archetype that people love to assume represents all white women. She is shallow, annoying, and has the personality of a walnut. Make of that what you will😒

Trash simile incoming: “She sounded like a cartoon rodent, with Fox News hate” (ch. 4). This doesn’t work because what does “Fox News hate” even sound like? I don’t watch Fox News but imagine if your readers do. Smart move.

Also, sentence fragments are a thing. A bad thing.😭

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from the author. This is a rom com that I absolutely adored.

It's senior year, and Kinsley tries to make it the best year possible. In her english class, the teacher that she has assigned writing partners, which she gets partnered up with Davin, a kid with a troubled past who is also very creative.

As they get together regarding their assignment, they get to know each other and feelings are developed. She wants to keep the relationship a secret so her reputation isn't tarnished. Can they keep the secret long enough or do they break down and admit to each other what each other feels for the other person.

If you love baby goats in costumes, this book has it. I loved Meg's writing. The character development, plot, spice...wonderful. I thought it was a slow burn, but either way, still a good read. I honestly could feel the emotions the characters were feeling and I even yelled at the book because I wanted the characters to hear me say "just get on with it and hook up!" I won't ruin it for those that want to read this book, but if you love romance, I recommend this to you.

[Sofie Sehested · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give this book 4,5 stars rounded up to 5 stars.

I really loved this book and I could see something of myself in Davin and his mental illness and I could see something of myself in Kinsley with her obsessive need to be perfect with her lists and need to put others first.

I am really thankful to the author for leaving us the trigger warnings in the beginning of the book so I was prepared for the deep and difficult topics that are discussed and shown in this heart stoppingly beautiful story of a young man in dire need of help and understanding.

I loved that the two main characters were very relatable although I found Kinsley to be really annoying and too fast to judge Davin at times even though he acts out the only way he knows how in some very dire situations. But I understand her too because she doesn’t know how to act when he has his mental breakdowns but she learns slow and steady.

This is a Young adult book set in high school but it has some sexual issues and scenarios and it is very dark at points just so you are warned.

I can definitely recommend this book.

I got this book from booksiren and Meg Fitz and this is my honest opinion and my voluntary review.

[Steph A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Best Laid Plans! It hooked me from the very first chapter and I found myself flying through the pages and really enjoying the story. Just make sure you check the trigger warnings before diving in because I didn’t and was a bit taken aback by how dark and intense some of the storylines are. It covers events such as teen death, attempted SA, mental health and drug use which seems like a lot for a book in the rom-com, NA genre. There is also a moderate level of spice especially considering the characters are only teenagers.
I thought Kinsley and Davin were both likeable and relatable MCs both in their own way and that their character development worked well for me. I also found the side characters entertaining too.
I had a lot of fun reading book 1 in The Plans series and will look forward to continuing the story.

** I was provided a free E-ARC from Book Sirens in exchange for an honest review of this book!

[Sherrie Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Devoured this Book in one sitting!! It's set in a Highschool Environment but I found it easy to connected with the Characters. Kinsley is Popular but very Goal Driven. She is Confident and funny but Fierce when need be! Her lists are Everything to her. Davin has had a hard go at life and wants to stay low key and not be seen. They're paired together to complete and assignment in class and both are not thrilled with the other. They start a friendship that turns into much more. They both learn that what you see isn't always the truth. I love how Kinsley is so Protective over Davin even at his lowest points. They've a strong connection that carries them through the ups and downs of a relationship. Even though this Book tugged at my Heartstrings I also Laughed out Loud at how Kinsley schooled The Broody Men in the story! And let's not forget the Adorable cosplaying Goats.. Definitely Your Next 5 ⭐ Read..

[The Arcist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boy, I'm conflicted with this book. I think the writing is great. I think I'm not the demographic for steamy high school romances…? It kind of weirded me out. My high school experience was drastically different so it felt really unrealistic (making it hard to get in to).

That being said, I loved the characters. The depiction of mental illness and the effects of your environment and other outside factors (i.e. family) were important and well done. I also appreciate that medication wasn't depicted as a weakness or shameful. I think for the right demographic this will be a well-loved series.

I do wish the book was longer. The pace was great but I just generally like books a bit more fleshed out.

Looking forward to more books in the series though.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced, forced proximity, mental health representation andddd SPICE! I loved this book and it’s characters, I think the writing was done so well and I was hooked from the first chapters.

Kinsley is high strung, a control freak, popular and insecure what’s not to love. Meanwhile we have brooding, anxious, outcast Davin (who now holds a place in my heart fyi). I enjoyed watching their story develop and learning how each was able to help the other.

The only thing stopping me from giving a 5 star rating was that I think it was a little too fast paced in some places and I think the side characters needed a little more spotlight as they are very influential throughout the story

Thank you to BookSirens and Meg Fitz for providing me this arc!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad I picked this book because I devoured it. The story hooked me. We meet Davin in middle school. Then again in his A.P English where he gets partnered with Kingsley who is a bit of an over achiever, but she is also very kind to everyone. She is a ride or die for her best friend. Together they each learn about she each other's faults. Davin lost his older brother and started using drugs in middle school because he lost is older brother he has panic attacks to the point of blacking out and possibly becoming violent. On the night of Davin's brother death Kingsley and her friend Casey are at party and Kingsley had to text him to come get her and her friend not knowing he was in the middle of panic attack. She drove him to her house stayed with the whole time even yelled at his uncle for being a shelf jerk. I can't wait to dive into the next book.

[Chloe I. Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic. Seriously. Best Laid Plans is a character-driven piece that sets out to hit you in the feels and does so time and time again. We meet Kinsley and Davin, two high school students who have nothing in common. Paired to work together on an assignment, both come to realize their misconceptions regarding one another are way off and slowly begin to slip into a relationship neither of them expected. It’s a swoon-worthy read that will have you remembering the exact moment in your own life when the real deal came calling.

There’s heavy subject matter addressed, and honestly, it was some of my favorite parts of the book because it’s handled so well. You’ll find yourself gasping more than once.

Oh, and there are goats in various costumes. Also, Kinsley is a badass. A loveable, brilliant badass.

[Evelyn V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book via Bookfunnel. I really enjoyed this book! Davin and Kinsley are high school students as well as being the main characters. Kinsley makes checklists and is dealing with typical high school angst such as prepping for homecoming and trying to figure out whether she should let herself fall in love or not. Davin is dealing with a lot of issues stemming from things in his past. Even though this book is based in High School,it is relatable beyond that age. Trigger warning: depression,panic attacks,suicide attempt,drug use and sexual harassment. There is a tame amount of spice.

[Brad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotional Roller Coaster for Two

Davin and Kinsley are the most unlikely couple. They get forced to be class partners which sets the story in motion. This is a beautiful story of two diametrically opposite personalities who struggle with their emotional baggage as they struggle with their developing relationship. The story is well told through the two person point of view. Fortunately, many of the people who are part of their lives get developed into full blown characters.

I really enjoyed the story and had trouble putting it down to get some sleep. The author has you rooting for Kinsley and Davin more than Mrs. Conroy.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the overachiever-loner pairing in this one. The characters have a lot of issues which may be triggering to some readers but I liked that they formed part of the story of two real-seeming people.

However the pacing of the story felt off, with some parts feeling really rushed. Also, it could use a good edit before it gets published (this was an ARC, so hopefully it’s edited again before publication).

I received an ARC of this book for free from BookSirens and this is my honest, voluntary review.

[Em · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really interested in the premise of this story and I was excited to see anxiety portrayed in a way that wasn't completely ridiculous. However. The pacing nearly killed me. The whole relationship felt very rushed and they barely knew each other. I understand that's kinda what high school relationships are like, but not to that degree. They got hot and heavy really fast without knowing basic information about each other.

Also. His name is Brendan Urie. Not Brandon Urie. That's very important to me. Has nothing to do with the rating, but it hurt my soul to read.

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

"Be ferociously loyal to your friends and drink the blood of your enemies."

This was such a quick enjoyable read. You felt the raw emotions of these characters.
Please check some triggers before reading.

You have Kinsley who is a perfectionist and needs to have things planned out. You then have Davin, a lost soul who just needs stability in his life. They are the perfect balance for each other.

Meg Fitz did such a wonderful job at creating their stories and showing us a realistic side to life.

[Yanet · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5⭐️
2.5-3/5 🌶️
Check triggers warnings

‘"I guess it pays to be friends with a princess."
"I'm not a princess. I am a goddess."’

Kinsley is the type of organized I strive to be! I found it really cute how she liked office supplies. And let me just say Davin is the type of guy every girl needs.
The communication between them is *chefs kiss* and don’t get me started on the goats!!!!!!
I want Casey and Reina as my friends. And Todd can get kicked by a goat lol!! Something that really intrigued me was the way mental illnesses were handled. And it couldn’t have been done more perfectly

This is the type of cute every needs in their life!!!

[Imogen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, I really appreciated the trigger warnings at the beginning and the way that the sensitive topics discussed within the books were handled.
As I was reading the book, I didn’t think I was going to enjoy it as much as I did. But I ended up really enjoying the way that both characters ended up being quite complex and normal.
It also highlighted the power of effective communication within a relationship and how it can either bring people together or tear them apart.
I really enjoyed reading a book that spoke about reality and real life situations for once!

[Sarah Havener · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read the e-arc of this and it was so cute and good! It's set in high school so it has the typical drama you would expect (and some you don't), it has an unlikely pairing and a little spice (but nothing out of the realm of what you would expect from high schoolers). Oh and the way the cosplaying goats are put in is perfect! This book broke my heart and put it back together again. I had all the feelings!

[A. Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

NO SPOILERS:::: ARC reader review

I don’t normally read high school romance but man this one got me. The characters are developed from the very start. I so enjoyed the story development. The author did a great job with warnings at the start of the book. They way Davin’s mental health is written about is *Chef kiss*. I cannot wait to read future stories from this author especially Kinsley and Davin’s story. So so good!

[Elisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me no time to read, I was so invested in the characters lives and what was going on I felt like I started and finished it super fast!

I definitely would read all the trigger warnings before reading.

I loved had Kinsley was able to help Davin navigate through his anxieties and be there for him whenever he really needed it. I loved their story and relationship and I’m excited to see how their relationship evolves.

Also, there are goats! How could you not love goats!?

[PollyAnna Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Davin and Kinsley

How in the world does a 17-year old girl know so much about how to help someone like Davin through his trauma crisis? However she knows, everything she does works to help Davin. I love the support system the school has set up to help him. They don't let him get away with acting out without consequences, but they do provide safe places and safe persons to be available. This is an amazing book that handles severe mental health issues beautifully.