Finding Love Without a Plan by Donna Jay
Author: Donna Jay
Publication Date: January 11, 2025
Genres: Romance
Representation: Lesbian
Without a Plan is a sweet and sexy romance that soars on the strength of its characters and the sincerity of their relationship. Claire and Zoe are a wonderful couple, coming into the story with some serious trust issues from their own relationships (complicated by uneven, at best, and unethical, at worst, power exchanges), and that pain is dealt with honestly and openly. As much as we want them to open their eyes, see what’s before them, and dive headlong into love, Donna Jay knows that would be a recipe for disaster.
While the two strangers quickly become fast friends, those trust issues make it difficult for them to admit their feelings for one another, especially when neither is sure the other is even interested. It makes for a slow, sweet tale, but it one that’s a joy to read. Watching the women get to know one another, come out of their respective shells, and settle into a life together is just wonderful. By the time they are ready to test the waters of love, it is already clear they are meant to be together.
There is some kink to the story (and kink behind the story), but while it’s important and very much plays into those trust issues, it’s not overwhelming. What Claire and Zoe have is a relationship enhanced by a safe, sane, consensual power exchange, not one that’s built entirely around it. It’s cute-kink, not cringe-kink, and lends itself more to blushing cheeks than reddened ass cheeks . . . but the history has a darkness to it, and that adds some drama and some doubt to a few events that test their newfound love..
By keeping the characters at the forefront, Donna Jay imbues her lesbian romance with just enough femdom to give it an erotic flair. Even if you’re just bi-curious or an erotic voyeur, you will come out of Without a Plan wanting what Claire and Zoe have.
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My sincere thanks to the author for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
