REVIEW: The Best Laid Plans by Karla Sorensen

The Best Laid Plans by Karla Sorensen: Retired professional football player Burke Barrette has had his entire life turned upside down in a very short period of time, and to say that he has not been taking these changes very well would be an understatement. If losing his best friend wasn’t a blow enough now Burke has to deal with the old dilapidated house that was left to him in the will. The last thing Burke expected to learn was that the run down Michigan house comes with one very eager and optimistic renovation manager that also happens to be a total knock out beauty. Restoration expert Charlotte Cunningham is yet to meet a project that she can’t whip into shape, so when her new reno comes with a big sulky football player she is more than ready to go toe to toe with him every step of the way even of she is insanely attracted to him… But what happens when house walls are not the only one being broken down, can Burke convince Charlotte that maybe their arrangement should be the real deal?

I loved this book big time! Not only was The Best Laid Plans a sports romance but it had the forced proximity trope mixed in as well and let me just tell you it was pure book perfection. If you are a fan of HGTV shows then this book is so for you, with two very different personalities who have very different tastes it was pure gold getting to see them try to come to compromises as they redid the house. There was something so completely moreish about this story that I could not help but get drawn into Charlotte and Burke’s journey, I will say that I loved the fact that even though this book had loads of soft cute moments it also dealt with some darker more emotional issues.

I loved these two characters, they were the perfect sunshine meets grump duo and getting to see them fall in love over the course of this book was like a warm hug after a stormy night. I will say Burke had a lot of demons to face, some to do with his inability to properly express and process his emotions due to anterior trauma, but I did like seeing his character battle through these issues to make his relationship with Charlotte work. It entire renovation process was very cathartic for Burke and played a crucial role in his healing and mourning process. As for our leading lady, well Charlotte was a total ball of light. I loved her passion and strength and the fact that she was able to always try to find the good in a situation. I loved her character right from the moment she hand cuffed herself to the stair railing to prove her devotion to the house, this was only the start to showing the power to her character. I really admire the way she handled Burke and his lack of EQ. I will say that I do wish we got to dive a bit deeper into Charlottes issues but this was not a major issue.

The connection between Charlotte and Burke was perfect. There was something very natural and relatable about their relationship and getting to see them grow from friends with benefits to forming a more meaningful relationship. I did find that Charlotte did most of the work in making their relationship work but our hero did finally come through at the end. The steam factor in this book was mild but it worked in this book.

The Best Laid Plans is a total must read. This emotionally beautiful forced proximity, grump meets sunshine, fixer upper, sports romance will melt your heart with its realistic characters and heartwarming journey.

Book Info:

Publication: October 3, 2023 | Montlake | The Best Men #1

A tough-as-leather football player. A happy-go-lucky historian. It’s love against all odds in a warm and emotional romance about found family, friendship, and the restorative powers of the heart.

Former Dallas football player Burke Barrett is weathering a lot of changes. He’s retired from football. He’s mourning the loss of his best friend. And now he’s been bequeathed a dilapidated house in northern Michigan he doesn’t want. To his surprise it comes with a long-legged, blindly optimistic renovation manager with big ideas for Burke’s inheritance. She’s passionate, irritating, and irresistible.

Restoration expert Charlotte Cunningham is used to rough exteriors. This surly client, with his stubbled jaw, towering physique, and inflexible attitude, is worth smoothing over. The attraction sizzles, and a proposal is in order: a romantic tryst to relieve the tension. No strings attached. A safe bet for both of them since Burke is prepared to renovate, sell, and move on.

A pet project with an end date. Does that go for love too? Burke must decide what he really wants and what he’s willing to risk. He should know by now that the best-laid plans can change in a heartbeat.