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The Nine Month Plan
Nina Chickalini has a plan: Get out of Queens. But something keeps stopping her. Maybe it's the four siblings she raised almost single-handedly. Or the family pizzeria she's running so Pop can take it easy. Or maybe it's her best friend, Joe Materi, who's just made an incredible request: Have his baby! Nina doesn't need another reason to feel tied down, but how can she refuse the man who's always been there for her?
Getting in the family way turns out to be easy, and suddenly she's seeing Joe in a whole new light-his muscular arms cradling a baby, his sexy voice crooning a lullaby...
With the entire neighborhood meddling to get them to tie the knot-and Joe looking like he wants them to tie the knot-Nina might have to stop dreaming of grand adventures and settle for something even better: love.
Getting in the family way turns out to be easy, and suddenly she's seeing Joe in a whole new light-his muscular arms cradling a baby, his sexy voice crooning a lullaby...
With the entire neighborhood meddling to get them to tie the knot-and Joe looking like he wants them to tie the knot-Nina might have to stop dreaming of grand adventures and settle for something even better: love.
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 2003
5 people are currently reading
559 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Markham
37 books204 followersNew York Times bestseller Wendy Corsi Staub is the award-winning author of more than seventy published novels and has sold more than three million books worldwide. Under her own name, Wendy achieved New York Times bestselling status with her single title psychological suspense novels. Those novels and the women's fiction she writes under the pseudonym Wendy Markham have also frequently appeared on the USA Today, Barnes and Noble Top Ten, and Bookscan bestseller lists.
Wendy grew up in a large, close-knit family in rural southwestern New York State and decided she wanted to become an author while in third grade. She worked in two independent bookstores during college, then moved alone to New York City at 21 to pursue her dream. After stints as a book editor for a Manhattan publishing house and an account coordinator for a major advertising agency, she sold her first novel, the supernatural young adult thriller SUMMER LIGHTNING. Early in her writing career, she published in various genres including suspense, horror, historical and contemporary romance, television and movie tie-in, and biography. She also co-authored a mystery series with former New York City mayor Ed Koch and has ghost-written for a number of bestselling authors and celebrities.
Wendy now lives in the New York City suburbs with her husband of nineteen years and their two children. A 1986 graduate of the State University of New York at Fredonia, she proudly delivered the keynote commencement address at her alma mater in May 2008 and is serving a three-year appointment to the Dean's Advisory Council for the College of Arts and Sciences.
Wendy grew up in a large, close-knit family in rural southwestern New York State and decided she wanted to become an author while in third grade. She worked in two independent bookstores during college, then moved alone to New York City at 21 to pursue her dream. After stints as a book editor for a Manhattan publishing house and an account coordinator for a major advertising agency, she sold her first novel, the supernatural young adult thriller SUMMER LIGHTNING. Early in her writing career, she published in various genres including suspense, horror, historical and contemporary romance, television and movie tie-in, and biography. She also co-authored a mystery series with former New York City mayor Ed Koch and has ghost-written for a number of bestselling authors and celebrities.
Wendy now lives in the New York City suburbs with her husband of nineteen years and their two children. A 1986 graduate of the State University of New York at Fredonia, she proudly delivered the keynote commencement address at her alma mater in May 2008 and is serving a three-year appointment to the Dean's Advisory Council for the College of Arts and Sciences.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 10, 2015
This book was exactly what I was in the mood for. Not only was it a friends to lovers story, but it was a great fluffy romance that wasn't full of angst.
I loved the friendship between Joey and Nina. I thought there was great history between them and chemistry.
I think my biggest complaint would be that Joe and Nina didn't communicate enough. And when they did they always blew off important things as a joke, leaving important feelings to the 11th hour to be expressed.
There was never any doubt in my mind that Nina was going to stick around for her baby and Joey, but I wish she hadn't been so adamant throughout the whole book that she was going to leave.
Overall, I found this to be extremely enjoyable. Once I started it I could not put it down.
I loved the friendship between Joey and Nina. I thought there was great history between them and chemistry.
I think my biggest complaint would be that Joe and Nina didn't communicate enough. And when they did they always blew off important things as a joke, leaving important feelings to the 11th hour to be expressed.
There was never any doubt in my mind that Nina was going to stick around for her baby and Joey, but I wish she hadn't been so adamant throughout the whole book that she was going to leave.
Overall, I found this to be extremely enjoyable. Once I started it I could not put it down.
October 22, 2015
I will begin by saying that I really loved this book :-) It's so nice to read a story where the main characters are in their mid thirties and have known each other all their lives.
I think I enjoyed it so much because I am a catholic girl and have a large extended family, just like Nina has. I too have lived in the city that I was born in all of my life so far and totally connected with Joe's desire to stay living in his childhood neighbourhood and raise a family there.
This was such a sweet story about childhood friends Nina and Joe. They live across the road from each other, have grown up together and know everything these is to know about each other. They are both in their mid thirties and still single. Individually they have dated different people and at one time Joe was engaged, actually he has been engaged twice but neither relationships worked out.
Joe has a successful career, loves living in his childhood home and his life would be complete if he could find a woman he could fall in love with, marry and have a family with. He wants to be a father more than anything.
Nina could not be more opposite but with good reason. After the death of her mother, when she was a teenager, Nina took on the role of mother and home maker to her family. She gave up all notions of going to college and travelling the world to dedicate herself to her family and helping her father in their family restaurant business. Nina has always put her family's needs before her own. She has an end goal in mind though. In 12 months time she will leave Queens to travel the world and finally enjoy her well earned freedom.
'The thought of settling into the sameness, the predictability of marriage - of spending the rest of her life in the Queens neighbourhood - fills her with desperation. How could she imagine, even for one moment, that she could survive that?'
Here is the thing though, Nina knows how much Joe wants to be a father and he has done so much for her and her family over the years. He has been a huge support to them when they have been faced with huge struggles. Nina wants to give back to him so she agrees to 'mother' a baby for him. She will just be an incubator if you like and at the end of the pregnancy she will simply hand the baby to him and set off on a jet plane on her much anticipated adventure.
Sounds like a great plan right? We all know that things don't always go to plan and plans sometimes have to adapt to their current situations.
I have to say that I absolutely LOVED Joe, he was everything a woman could want in a husband/father. He was very sweet, thoughtful and so lovely with Nina. I loved all the internal dialogue in this book, the things they weren't saying was the real story. I got completely hooked in to this wonderful journey with Nina and Joe and loved every minute of it.
I think I enjoyed it so much because I am a catholic girl and have a large extended family, just like Nina has. I too have lived in the city that I was born in all of my life so far and totally connected with Joe's desire to stay living in his childhood neighbourhood and raise a family there.
This was such a sweet story about childhood friends Nina and Joe. They live across the road from each other, have grown up together and know everything these is to know about each other. They are both in their mid thirties and still single. Individually they have dated different people and at one time Joe was engaged, actually he has been engaged twice but neither relationships worked out.
Joe has a successful career, loves living in his childhood home and his life would be complete if he could find a woman he could fall in love with, marry and have a family with. He wants to be a father more than anything.
Nina could not be more opposite but with good reason. After the death of her mother, when she was a teenager, Nina took on the role of mother and home maker to her family. She gave up all notions of going to college and travelling the world to dedicate herself to her family and helping her father in their family restaurant business. Nina has always put her family's needs before her own. She has an end goal in mind though. In 12 months time she will leave Queens to travel the world and finally enjoy her well earned freedom.
'The thought of settling into the sameness, the predictability of marriage - of spending the rest of her life in the Queens neighbourhood - fills her with desperation. How could she imagine, even for one moment, that she could survive that?'
Here is the thing though, Nina knows how much Joe wants to be a father and he has done so much for her and her family over the years. He has been a huge support to them when they have been faced with huge struggles. Nina wants to give back to him so she agrees to 'mother' a baby for him. She will just be an incubator if you like and at the end of the pregnancy she will simply hand the baby to him and set off on a jet plane on her much anticipated adventure.
Sounds like a great plan right? We all know that things don't always go to plan and plans sometimes have to adapt to their current situations.
I have to say that I absolutely LOVED Joe, he was everything a woman could want in a husband/father. He was very sweet, thoughtful and so lovely with Nina. I loved all the internal dialogue in this book, the things they weren't saying was the real story. I got completely hooked in to this wonderful journey with Nina and Joe and loved every minute of it.
April 20, 2010
I made it through the first three chapters of this book before giving up. First of all, the plot was a little crazy but I thought good writing could make up for it. Unfortunately, the writing was just plain awful!
The story was about two best friends. They lived in a small town and had been friends since they were younger. The girl couldn't wait to leave but had to wait until her youngest brother was graduated from high school to do so. (Her mother died when he was born so she helped raise him.) The guy proposes that she have a baby for him, or at least that's what it says on the back cover. I didn't read far enough to find out how it all happened.
The book was written in third-person, present-tense and didn't flow well at all! Present-tense works BEST with first-person and makes third-person seem so passive and weak. It made the entire writing sound awkward and awful.
The story was about two best friends. They lived in a small town and had been friends since they were younger. The girl couldn't wait to leave but had to wait until her youngest brother was graduated from high school to do so. (Her mother died when he was born so she helped raise him.) The guy proposes that she have a baby for him, or at least that's what it says on the back cover. I didn't read far enough to find out how it all happened.
The book was written in third-person, present-tense and didn't flow well at all! Present-tense works BEST with first-person and makes third-person seem so passive and weak. It made the entire writing sound awkward and awful.
September 8, 2009
I'm a sucker for a cute cover. I don't care much what the blurb says. If it is a romance novel, the story will be about a man meets a woman. They have some sort of attraction. They fall in love. They overcome some obstacle. They live happily ever after. Is this one any diffeent? Not really. In this one, Nina Chickalini can't wait to get out of Queens. After her mother died giving birth to her youngest brother, she has been stuck raising a family. Now the date is set on her calender to get out of Queens for good. Her best friend for life has just one final request before she goes – have his baby. Next door neighbor/friend Joe Materi is an idiot. Nina is an idiot. The plot is unlikely. But it is light and airy.
January 6, 2009
Cute book with an interesting story line! Somewhat predictable but I still enjoyed it!
January 11, 2025
What happens when you realize everything you’ve wanted, needed, dreamed of, has been right in front of you all along?
In this light, heart warming story of love, soulmates and happily ever after, you’ll read of a pair of best friends who have always been there for one another in any capacity the other needs. But how does one, give the other his hearts biggest dream without realizing that rather than having to chase what she thought her dreams were, all she has to do is open up her heart to accept everything she never even knew she wanted.
This story is filled with laughter, joy, romantic tension and so much love. If you didn’t believe in fate and taking chances before, read this one and you certainly will!
In this light, heart warming story of love, soulmates and happily ever after, you’ll read of a pair of best friends who have always been there for one another in any capacity the other needs. But how does one, give the other his hearts biggest dream without realizing that rather than having to chase what she thought her dreams were, all she has to do is open up her heart to accept everything she never even knew she wanted.
This story is filled with laughter, joy, romantic tension and so much love. If you didn’t believe in fate and taking chances before, read this one and you certainly will!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2024
This book was very wholesome, not at all what I typically read, and made me smile many times throughout. The fact that I found it in a wooden library on the side of the road makes it all the more special that it was actually a hit. I love when taking the risk with a less “known” book pays off.
December 30, 2016
It would have been better had it not been told in present tense. Like we were getting a play by play.
March 14, 2020
arts of this book are funny, but it drags amd drags, and gets annoyingly repetitive. Reads like a first draft. Needs an editor.
November 2, 2015
This review was originally posted on [www.125pages.com]
3.5 Stars
I received this book for free from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I remember Wendy Markham from the golden age of Red Dress Ink. From about 2004 - 2008 there was a surge of chick lit and hot mommy books being pumped out. I used to walk the aisles of my local library looking for that small red logo on the spines and when found would check them out without ever reading the synopsis or looking at the cover. During that time I read Markham's Slightly series and I remember enjoying it. So when I saw The Nine Month Plan come around, I jumped at the chance to read it. And it was everything I hoped it would be. Nina and her best friend Joe have shared everything. Now Nina is ready to leave their hometown for good, but Joe proposes that while she waits for her plan to fall in place they have a baby. Joe will raise the baby and Nina will get to experience pregnancy and then be able to travel the world. The world created, pacing and characters created were all good and this was a very quick read. Funny, cutesy and formulaic; this book brought me back to when a book was just pure enjoyment. Could I guess 90% of the plot? Yes. Did I mind? No. I read The Nine Month Plan to be entertained, that's it. No deep thought, no life lessons; and sometimes that is just what you need.
Favorite lines - "Looking up into his familiar brown eyes, Nina glimpses something she has never seen before: a raw intensity that catches her off guard. With that, all that is purely physical in the act seems to give way to a profound spiritual connection. This isn’t about Joe, or Nina, or their being together in the past or apart in the future. This is about the power to create a miracle, right here, right now."
Biggest cliche - "No, I can't love you. It doesn't fit in my plans."
Have you read The Nine Month Plan, or added it to your TBR?
3.5 Stars
I received this book for free from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I remember Wendy Markham from the golden age of Red Dress Ink. From about 2004 - 2008 there was a surge of chick lit and hot mommy books being pumped out. I used to walk the aisles of my local library looking for that small red logo on the spines and when found would check them out without ever reading the synopsis or looking at the cover. During that time I read Markham's Slightly series and I remember enjoying it. So when I saw The Nine Month Plan come around, I jumped at the chance to read it. And it was everything I hoped it would be. Nina and her best friend Joe have shared everything. Now Nina is ready to leave their hometown for good, but Joe proposes that while she waits for her plan to fall in place they have a baby. Joe will raise the baby and Nina will get to experience pregnancy and then be able to travel the world. The world created, pacing and characters created were all good and this was a very quick read. Funny, cutesy and formulaic; this book brought me back to when a book was just pure enjoyment. Could I guess 90% of the plot? Yes. Did I mind? No. I read The Nine Month Plan to be entertained, that's it. No deep thought, no life lessons; and sometimes that is just what you need.
Favorite lines - "Looking up into his familiar brown eyes, Nina glimpses something she has never seen before: a raw intensity that catches her off guard. With that, all that is purely physical in the act seems to give way to a profound spiritual connection. This isn’t about Joe, or Nina, or their being together in the past or apart in the future. This is about the power to create a miracle, right here, right now."
Biggest cliche - "No, I can't love you. It doesn't fit in my plans."
Have you read The Nine Month Plan, or added it to your TBR?
November 12, 2015
Lindsay's Review:
This book was exactly what I was in the mood for. Not only was it a friends to lovers story, but it was a great fluffy romance that wasn't full of angst.
I loved the friendship between Joey and Nina. I thought there was great history between them and chemistry.
I think my biggest complaint would be that Joe and Nina didn't communicate enough. And when they did they always blew off important things as a joke, leaving important feelings to the 11th hour to be expressed.
There was never any doubt in my mind that Nina was going to stick around for her baby and Joey, but I wish she hadn't been so adamant throughout the whole book that she was going to leave.
Overall, I found this to be extremely enjoyable. Once I started it I could not put it down.
Jenn's Reviewi:
I agree with Lindsay's review. It was a cute read, and I loved the friends to lovers aspect. They were great friends and I loved their internal battle of possibly being more, but didn't know exactly how to go about expressing it correctly.
I liked that the angst was a bare minimum. What I really liked was the parts when they would get jealous- thinking the other was with someone else in the way they didn't want them to be. Though, I wish there had been better communication with the couple the further into the story I read.
One of my favorite moments was the whole 'teddy bear collection' comments. It made me laugh over the reason they went with that idea. I did find some cute and funny things in this story and I enjoyed their chemistry.
But! I really wasn't a fan of how long it too for them to have a final resolution. Though, I have to say, it did tug on my heart strings when Nina went through inner turmoil over what to do, after having the baby. I'm glad it all ended up the way it should have.
November 2, 2015
Talk about a funny read from the beginning, with Nina thinking she killed the Priest, to her 'friend' running away the night before her wedding. To staying best friends with the jilted fiancee. Her life seems to be rather funny. What will life be like for Nina in nine months when she leaves on her world tour? That will be when her youngest sibling has graduated from High School and she will no longer be needed.When she rescued her friend Joey after his fiancee left him at the altar, almost literally, he returns the favor of that time in many ways. What does he ask of Nina, in a manner of speaking, as a way to pay back everything he has done for her and her family? What has he actually done? What are their feelings for one another? What happens when Nina and Joey hook up with her trying to get pregnant in order for her to be able to give Joey the child he has always wanted? Does she get pregnant or does she not? Clearly when Joey picks up an early detection pregnancy test it comes back negative. Do they continue trying after that? If so or if not, what happens? Does this ruin their friendship or bring them closer with her even being willing to attempt to get pregnant for Joey to have a child. This is a cute romance story and some fun ensues on the part of the reader as we read what happens throughout this book. Watching life move along for everyone but Nina who was left to take over the raising of her younger siblings when her mother died....well, that puts a crimp on everything doesn't it? When people find out about Nina's plan, what happens? What is said or done? Enjoy the read. I know I did. I'm not saying anymore because I want things to be a surprise.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M.Brennan.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M.Brennan.
November 12, 2015
In The Nine Month Plan by Wendy Markham, Nina Chickalini has long dreamed of getting away. After her mother's death years ago in childbirth, she put her dreams of seeing the world on hold to be mother to her younger siblings. She also works full shifts helping her father in the family pizza parlor. With her youngest brother about to graduate from high school and her other brother due to return from college and take his place in the family business, Nina finally thinks she will be free to pursue her plans. Nina has already raised a family and has no plans to marry or have a family of her own.
Nina's best friend is her next door neighbor, Joey Materi. Nina and Joey have a great relationship. They laugh and joke like best friends often do. The interplay between the two characters made up some of the best parts in the book. Joey has been unlucky in love, and he feels more than ready to meet the girl of his dreams and settle down. He's ready to be a father. Joey has been a good friend to the Chickalini family, bailing them out financially and more years before when Nina's father had a heart attack and was unable to work. Nina feels indebted to Joey. When Joey jokingly suggests that Nina have a baby for him, Nina after consideration, agrees. Will Nina have the baby and leave, giving Joey the greatest gift of all, or will Nina have a change of heart?
I haven't read a simple romance novel in quite some time. This story was cute, and I plowed through it in one day. I found it while home recuperating from a surgical procedure, and once I started it, I couldn't put it down. I read several reviews where readers complained about the author's use of present tense. That didn't bother me at all. I was so wrapped up in the story itself I didn't care what tense it was written in. I enjoyed the story and would recommend it. The author has written other stories about the Chickalini family, and I have already purchased those. If you want a simple romance that will make you smile, try this one.
Nina's best friend is her next door neighbor, Joey Materi. Nina and Joey have a great relationship. They laugh and joke like best friends often do. The interplay between the two characters made up some of the best parts in the book. Joey has been unlucky in love, and he feels more than ready to meet the girl of his dreams and settle down. He's ready to be a father. Joey has been a good friend to the Chickalini family, bailing them out financially and more years before when Nina's father had a heart attack and was unable to work. Nina feels indebted to Joey. When Joey jokingly suggests that Nina have a baby for him, Nina after consideration, agrees. Will Nina have the baby and leave, giving Joey the greatest gift of all, or will Nina have a change of heart?
I haven't read a simple romance novel in quite some time. This story was cute, and I plowed through it in one day. I found it while home recuperating from a surgical procedure, and once I started it, I couldn't put it down. I read several reviews where readers complained about the author's use of present tense. That didn't bother me at all. I was so wrapped up in the story itself I didn't care what tense it was written in. I enjoyed the story and would recommend it. The author has written other stories about the Chickalini family, and I have already purchased those. If you want a simple romance that will make you smile, try this one.
October 18, 2015
I was given an ARC book for an honest review free of persuasion from the author or anyone else affiliated with this book.
CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS
This book really shows you how you can get lost in your own head and dreams and not see what is really in front of you. How can everything you possibly want or need be right under your nose and you dont know it? I really enjoyed this book. I have seen in other reviews where readers were upset that it was set in present tense, but I had no problem with that. I didn't see that as taking away from the story at all. I read this book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. I was worried that if I put it down, the characters would "wake up and smell the roses" and I would miss it.
Joe Materi is the classic boy next door. He and Nina have grown up together and been through everything together. Nina was there by Joe's side when he was left standing at the alter alone. Joe was there for Nina and her family when Nina's dad almost died from a heart attack. Joe has helped to support Nina as she raised her siblings after her mother's death. Nina feels her family is forever indebted to Joe. How in the world will she ever repay him? When Joe starts talking about wanting to be a dad, Nina steps up to help him. She plans on carrying his baby for nine months, deliver it to Joe, and then set off on her globe trotting trip that she has always wanted and planned for. What Nina doesn't expect is the hormones and feelings that comes along with being pregnant. What lies ahead for Nina and Joe? Will Nina get to travel as she has always planned?
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by Wendy Markham.
CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS
This book really shows you how you can get lost in your own head and dreams and not see what is really in front of you. How can everything you possibly want or need be right under your nose and you dont know it? I really enjoyed this book. I have seen in other reviews where readers were upset that it was set in present tense, but I had no problem with that. I didn't see that as taking away from the story at all. I read this book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. I was worried that if I put it down, the characters would "wake up and smell the roses" and I would miss it.
Joe Materi is the classic boy next door. He and Nina have grown up together and been through everything together. Nina was there by Joe's side when he was left standing at the alter alone. Joe was there for Nina and her family when Nina's dad almost died from a heart attack. Joe has helped to support Nina as she raised her siblings after her mother's death. Nina feels her family is forever indebted to Joe. How in the world will she ever repay him? When Joe starts talking about wanting to be a dad, Nina steps up to help him. She plans on carrying his baby for nine months, deliver it to Joe, and then set off on her globe trotting trip that she has always wanted and planned for. What Nina doesn't expect is the hormones and feelings that comes along with being pregnant. What lies ahead for Nina and Joe? Will Nina get to travel as she has always planned?
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by Wendy Markham.
October 23, 2015
This was a fast, fun read. Nina and Joe have lived next door to each other all their lives, and have been friends forever. Platonic friends, at least that's what they keep telling each other. Both are in their 30's and still single.
Nina's mother died in childbirth when she was a teen and she's spent her life raising her younger brothers and sisters. The youngest is a senior in high school. Nina thinks when he graduates, she will be free to leave, to travel the world. She's been saving and planning it for years and everybody knows it. She never wants to marry and have children, she had enough child rearing already with her siblings.
Joe is just the opposite. He wants to be a father more than anything in the world. He's been successful in his career and says if he had a child he would quit work to be a full time parent.
The title makes the plot clear. The two friends embark on a nine month plan. Nina will have a baby for Joe. She thinks she will leave the baby with Joe and head off to Europe in the Spring. It's easy to guess how the story will end, it is a romance after all.In a romance, it's not the destination, it's the journey. The Nine Month Plan has a whole cast of quirky family members and friends and enough everyday aggravation to make the world of Nina and Joe ring true.
Nina and Joe have sex, but there are no graphic descriptions. No violence.
November 3, 2015
There's no denying that this was a cute story, two people that have been friends for all their lives, know each other in every way that counts and decide to embark in a not so conventional journey to help each other.
Nina Chickalini has sacrificed her life and her career to take care of her family and their business, but she has a plan to get out of Brooklyn and go explore the world, and there's nothing or no one who will mess that up for her.
Enter her best friend, Joe Materi. He's established, has a successful career and loves his neighborhood. And after many failed relationships, Joe is ready for to have kids and who better to help him reach his goal than his best friend Nina.
While I enjoyed the relationship between Nina and Joe and how they discovered that sometimes what you're looking for is right in front of you, I found that the story dragged at times, and the dialogue was a bit monotonous from time to time.
The characters are likable and their journey was sweet and funny, so that makes for and enjoyable book.
Not a lot of angst, and not graphic sex, sweet and romantic.
Nina Chickalini has sacrificed her life and her career to take care of her family and their business, but she has a plan to get out of Brooklyn and go explore the world, and there's nothing or no one who will mess that up for her.
Enter her best friend, Joe Materi. He's established, has a successful career and loves his neighborhood. And after many failed relationships, Joe is ready for to have kids and who better to help him reach his goal than his best friend Nina.
While I enjoyed the relationship between Nina and Joe and how they discovered that sometimes what you're looking for is right in front of you, I found that the story dragged at times, and the dialogue was a bit monotonous from time to time.
The characters are likable and their journey was sweet and funny, so that makes for and enjoyable book.
Not a lot of angst, and not graphic sex, sweet and romantic.
October 26, 2015
It was a cute read, and I loved the friends to lovers aspect. They were great friends and I loved their internal battle of possibly being more, but didn't know exactly how to go about expressing it correctly.
I liked that the angst was a bare minimum. What I really liked was the parts when they would get jealous- thinking the other was with someone else in the way they didn't want them to be. Though, I wish there had been better communication with the couple the further into the story I read.
One of my favorite moments was the whole 'teddy bear collection' comments. It made me laugh over the reason they went with that idea. I did find some cute and funny things in this story and I enjoyed their chemistry.
But! I really wasn't a fan of how long it too for them to have a final resolution. Though, I have to say, it did tug on my heart strings when Nina went through inner turmoil over what to do, after having the baby. I'm glad it all ended up the way it should have.
I liked that the angst was a bare minimum. What I really liked was the parts when they would get jealous- thinking the other was with someone else in the way they didn't want them to be. Though, I wish there had been better communication with the couple the further into the story I read.
One of my favorite moments was the whole 'teddy bear collection' comments. It made me laugh over the reason they went with that idea. I did find some cute and funny things in this story and I enjoyed their chemistry.
But! I really wasn't a fan of how long it too for them to have a final resolution. Though, I have to say, it did tug on my heart strings when Nina went through inner turmoil over what to do, after having the baby. I'm glad it all ended up the way it should have.
September 29, 2008
Nina and Joe have been best friends since childhood. And since Nina owes Joe big time, she agrees to bear his (and her) child for him before she starts her world travel in nine months.
To me it appeared like chick lit at first sight, but it is rather a modern romance. And these american romances tend to have annoying repetitions, often combined with these "inner monologues" of the characters that go like that: Oh maybe I want him, but no I really shouldn't he's my best friend and only wants a baby not me, but oh it was so great with him but no it wouldn't work but it felt so good, but he probably only sees me as a good friend and I want to get out from here and see the world and I don't wanna be a mom, but his kisses are soo good....You get the idea. Things like that over and over again.
But the characters were likeable, which made up for a lot. And therefore 3 stars from me.
To me it appeared like chick lit at first sight, but it is rather a modern romance. And these american romances tend to have annoying repetitions, often combined with these "inner monologues" of the characters that go like that: Oh maybe I want him, but no I really shouldn't he's my best friend and only wants a baby not me, but oh it was so great with him but no it wouldn't work but it felt so good, but he probably only sees me as a good friend and I want to get out from here and see the world and I don't wanna be a mom, but his kisses are soo good....You get the idea. Things like that over and over again.
But the characters were likeable, which made up for a lot. And therefore 3 stars from me.
November 3, 2015
A Fun, Lighthearted Read
I really enjoyed this book, not only am I a sucker for a friends to lovers story but this book really grabs you, its fun, funny, and just a real feel good read. The only complaint that I have, and maybe it's just my personal reading preferences getting in the way but they way that the story is told as a present tense, first person, kind of throws off the flow of the book a bit, but I was still able to enjoy it. I think if it weren't for that part this would be a 5 star rather than a four star review. I was really able to connect with Nina being a person that has taken care of my siblings, and her strong family values. If you are looking for a fun, sweet romance then grab a copy of The Nine Month Plan! I was generously provided a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book, not only am I a sucker for a friends to lovers story but this book really grabs you, its fun, funny, and just a real feel good read. The only complaint that I have, and maybe it's just my personal reading preferences getting in the way but they way that the story is told as a present tense, first person, kind of throws off the flow of the book a bit, but I was still able to enjoy it. I think if it weren't for that part this would be a 5 star rather than a four star review. I was really able to connect with Nina being a person that has taken care of my siblings, and her strong family values. If you are looking for a fun, sweet romance then grab a copy of The Nine Month Plan! I was generously provided a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
June 14, 2013
Wendy Markham always creates lovable characters, and Nina Chickalini is no exception. She is from a large Italian family who grew up in Queens, New York. Her mom died when she was almost a teenager and as the oldest, she was handed the responsibility of helping her dad raise her siblings. All she wants to do is leave home. But when her best friend, Joe Materi wants a child to raise, she feels obligated to help.
I don't think someone would actually offer to be a surrogate mother for a single father, but I guess it works for this character. It was enjoyable and I felt that throughout the book, I was rooting for the two to become a pair. A cute story and very easy to read.
I don't think someone would actually offer to be a surrogate mother for a single father, but I guess it works for this character. It was enjoyable and I felt that throughout the book, I was rooting for the two to become a pair. A cute story and very easy to read.
October 19, 2015
This was a cute and sweet romance about two friends who eventually figure out they're in love. It's a bit slow going as they move from best friends to lovers, and as they adjust their lives around the arrival of their child. Joe was a real sweetheart and you could tell he would be a great dad. Nina on the other hand, was already a good mom to her brothers and sisters, but did not think she wanted to be a mother. She struggled a bit through what her head wanted and what her heart wanted. The ending was a bit predictable, but I still really enjoyed the story.
I received an ARC via Edelweiss for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review, all conclusions are my own.
I received an ARC via Edelweiss for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review, all conclusions are my own.
July 9, 2012
This has to be one of the best books I've read in awhile! Nina Chickalini has been waiting her entire life to get outta Queens. Now she's struggling to remember what those reasons were that she can't wait to ditch Astoria and see the world. Her best friend wants her to have his baby, but she's spent her life raising her siblings. This book has laughs, and tears. It made me want to stop everything and just keep reading it. I cried when Nina and Joey cried. And laughed when they laughed. Heck, I cursed at Bebe and Rosalee when they were being ignorant! It's one of those books you can't wait to get through, but then you want to keep reading more about the characters.
June 17, 2012
I really enjoyed this book! I'm not sure why, but I was pleasantly surprised. I should have known better, as I've read books by Wendy Markham/Wendy Morgan/Wendy Corsi Staub before, and always enjoyed them.
This one sure made the ticking of my biological clock extra loud! I thought it was a great story, great characters, but I didn't agree with Nina's reasons for the "plan" and her rationalizations for still wanting to leave. Her heart was in the right place, though.
This one sure made the ticking of my biological clock extra loud! I thought it was a great story, great characters, but I didn't agree with Nina's reasons for the "plan" and her rationalizations for still wanting to leave. Her heart was in the right place, though.
October 13, 2015
I had read several of the reviews prior to reading the book. Even though I do that at times, I still judge the book off of my own experience. With saying that I must say that even thought the book was predictable at times, it was still enjoyable. I was still able to escape into the characters life and daily living.
*Received for an honest review*
*Received for an honest review*
March 12, 2009
Even though I knew the ending of this book (because I had read a book from later on in the series first) it was still great. It had some unexpected things and the characters were great. I really felt for them and what they were going though.
September 7, 2009
Nice light reading. It really give me butterflies when I read this book. You feel for the main character Nina, what she feels and what she goes through. Love the book, a little dreamy and I couldn't put it down.
July 25, 2011
Very cute. She writes just like she speaks (free book from RWA conference). A professional and inspirational writer.
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July 23, 2015
4.5. I read this awhile ago and while some people might think it's cheesy or not that wonderful, it's one that has stuck with me quite a bit. I really liked it-but that just may be because I am obsessed with the "Friends to Lovers" trope, but who knows?
September 10, 2013
This was a major chic-lit book - something I normally wouldn't read but when you get a free book...
Anyway, it was fun and a reminder that as much as you make a plan for yourself, you should always be open to options. :)
Anyway, it was fun and a reminder that as much as you make a plan for yourself, you should always be open to options. :)
December 29, 2013
This book was entertaining. The characters were good, but infuriating. They took a ridiculous amount of time to realize they were in love with each other. I also found the last couple pages really cheesy, and that's saying something because I can usually take a lot cheese.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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