The Love Plot by Samantha Young (Review by Amanda Gavigan)

5 Stars

Who knew that you could meet the man of your dreams dressed as Merida at a children’s birthday party? Star Shine Meadows loves to make people happy, whether it’s dressed up as a costumed character or as a line sitter for the latest commodity. The other thing Star Shine treasures above all else? The freedom to do whatever she wants is clear. But when she meets Rafe Whitman, a veterinarian with a trust fund, at his niece’s birthday party, Star finds herself questioning what else might make her happy.

The Love Plot is a slow burn with an extra sizzle as Samantha Young delights readers with this thoroughly enjoyable book. Showing off her talent for writing humorous situations, Samantha will have readers laughing out loud as Star encounters Rafe for the second time and leaves a lasting impression on him, prompting him to make our freedom-loving heroine an offer she can’t refuse.

Rafe needs a break from having eligible women shoved at him everywhere he goes by his sister and mother, so when Star provokes him in their second encounter, Rafe thinks he may have found the solution to his problems. If Star will pretend to be his girlfriend, Rafe is happy to compensate her for her time.

Soon Star must decide where Rafe’s offer ends and where her own feelings begin, as she grapples with the way she was brought up by her two bohemian parents and her own free spirit. Samantha Young approaches the deep reflection Star encounters in a thoughtful way while weaving in the inner struggle of not becoming your parents and staying authentically you.

Not to be mistaken for a fluff romcom, The Love Plot features a wonderful and strong female in her quest to cement her identity as she falls in love. While predictable, The Love Plot was thoroughly enjoyable, as it was artfully written without the cringe factor playing a part. Readers will not be disappointed and will laugh out loud wherever they find themselves reading the book.