The Knocked Up Plan

by Lauren Blakely

[kimbacaffeinate]

THE KNOCKED UP PLAN, written by Lauren Blakley and narrated by Sebastian York, and Andi Arndt, was the perfect summer romantic comedy.  I love "arrangement" tropes, and Blakely delivered. Miscommunication, adorable pets, and two flawed characters had me devouring this in two listens.

Coffee Dates with The Knocked Up Plan

First Date: Blakely introduces us to co-workers Nicole and Ryder. These two enjoy a great friendship and have mutual respect for one another.  Both host radio talk shows where listeners dial in to talk about sex, love, and relationships. Nicole and Ryder are both likable characters with funny, confident on-air personalities. However, when it comes to love and committed relationships both have issues.  Nicole has made a decision to have a baby on her own. After researching sperm banks, she decides to ask Ryder to donate his sperm. Thus begins their plan to skip the sperm bank and make a baby the old fashion way. The chemistry between them was sizzling, but this is strictly an arrangement with legally binding contracts. Oh yeah, we all know how this is gonna play out! With York and Arndt narrating I am all in.

Second Date: We get to see previous characters from Blakley's books and friends of the four-legged variety. The middle of the story is all about making the baby, spending time together and it is hot, funny and delicious with lots of swoony moments and sizzling scenes. It is clear the two are attracted to the other, and the chemistry is off the chart.  They build a friendship beyond work mates and slowly they form an emotional attachment. I loved them together as Blakely did an excellent job of allowing me to connect. Once the deed is done, the two go back to being friends but both miss the other, and I loved how Blakley created moments and built things up.

Third Date: With the"arrangement" trope nothing goes according to the plan. Now, these two have feelings, and No One is Talking! *pulls out hair* While I never doubted the outcome I was curious to see how Blakely would bring it all about and dang miscommunication aside she nailed it. Forget the outside world I listened until the bitter end in one sitting. I laughed, pulled my hair in frustration and wanted to knock some heads. Thankful Blakley knows just how to get me engaged without overdoing it and soon I was left grinning like a dork.

Narration: York and Arndt are magic together. They both captured the personalities of the hero and heroine while enhancing the story from snark to swoons.

Audio provided by the author. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer