Altar’d Plans

by Alexis Almanzar

Almost a year after being left at the altar, Juniper Whitmore finds herself waking from a rendezvous with a twenty-two-year-old college student. She does her walk of shame looking like a train wreck through a convenience store where she runs into – quite literally - a 6’4” tattooed hottie named James. Full of embarrassment, she thanks the universe she won’t ever have to see him again… until she runs into him again at his restaurant during a horrible blind date.

Later, Juniper’s ex-fiancé shows up at her work with his pregnant fiancée to ask Juniper to take back her dog on the stipulation that she brings him to their wedding to be their ring bearer. She catches herself agreeing to go and lying about her happy life with her nonexistent boyfriend.

So, who does she call when she needs a fake date? James, the man she never wanted to see again.

Eventually, James asks her to return the favor to fend off a life ruining ex-girlfriend at a family reunion, who does whatever she can to get in the way.


Will their fake relationship blossom into more or will the events of the family reunion and Juniper’s ex-fiancé be a dealbreaker for them?

231 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 14, 2025

Reviews

[Ashley Skolrud · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm going to start this review by saying something controversial: while this book has a similar premise to Funny Story by Emily Henry - and achieves what I would have thought to be impossible: it does the concept better! Now, this is not an insult to the Queen of the Beach Read, Funny Story had been my favorite romance book of the year until Altar'd Plans went and dethroned it. However, I know I need to back up such a strong statement with facts, so here we go...

Full Review: https://ipreferreading.com/altar-d-pl...

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to congratulate Alex on a beautiful debut novel in Altar'd Plans 💛
Having received the ARC this morning, I BLAZED through it (pun intended, you'll know when you know 😉)
This is a scintillating fake dating romance that had my breath catching and my feet kicking 🤭😍
The twist!? I straight up GASPED.
As for James?? The protective, tattooed, consent king of an MMC? 🥵🫠 Alex, bravo, and thank you for my latest book boyfriend obsession 🙌🏻

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was beyond CUTE! Juniper is left at the altar, then has an overbearing mother who tries to set her up with just anymore, and starts to feel not good enough. Then comes James who is instantly drawn to her, so he goes along with the plan to fake date.

The tension between these two and the easy comfortability they have towards one another is intoxicating to read. He makes her finally see her worth! Just a perfect book boyfriend and the perfect ending 💕.

[Hailey Herring · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story and wished it was longer!

[Jessica H · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Everyone is worthy of love. Just because someone treats you less than you treat them, doesn’t mean it’s your fault. It’s theirs. And all you can do is hope for them to heal themselves too.”

I couldn’t be happier that Altar’d Plans was officially the last book I read in 2024!
This was a perfect romance debut, that didn’t shy away from how messy people can be. In a lot of romances, the characters are a bit too perfect. But Alexis Almanzar captures how we all deserve love, no matter how imperfect we all are as humans.

We follow Dr. Juniper Whitmore - a veterinarian who was left at the altar by Everett Cooper almost a year ago. She is leaving a bad one-night stand with a college student on his dorm floor (gross!) She is a hot mess when she collides with James Morrison in a convenience store right after. She lands on her butt. Her chest is exposed. What’s the opposite of a meet-cute? This!

Things don’t get much better for Juniper. Her ex-fiancé and his pregnant new fiancée show up at her vet office with the dog Everett didn’t let Juniper take. (Dognapper!) And she can only have the dog back if she promises to bring him to Everett’s wedding, so the dog can be the ring bearer. (His betrayal is more heartbreaking if you’ve read the prequel Ghosts of Christmas Love in the Finch Benson Naughty and Nice Anthology.)

It’s a good thing Juniper has a habit of running into James - a 6’4, tattooed, muscular, motorcycle-riding consent king! Because their second run in during an awful blind date ends with James sneaking his number in her purse. When she calls him, we fall into one of my favorite tropes - fake dating!

Alexis expertly unfolds this story through all its twists and turns. And there is a big reveal that literally made me gasp and cover my mouth. And there are so many feet-kicking moments that romance novels wouldn’t be complete without!

I cannot wait to read the next novel Alexis puts out in the world.

**I received a free ARC from the publisher, and am writing this review voluntarily**

[Crystal Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just want to start by saying this is an amazing debut book, major kudos to Alexis!

I absolutely loved this book. Picked it up and couldn’t put it down. It was just written so well and the growth of the FMC, loved it.

Juniper, our FMC, is a veterinarian who gets left at the altar. Just for him to come back and want her to take the dog they once shared, but there is a catch, she has to bring him to the wedding. This leads to her having a fake boyfriend, James. Juniper is so down on herself and doesn’t think she is worthy of love.

James, our oh so handsome and genuine MMC. He is just what Juniper needs and he is smitten with her since the day she ran into him at the convenience store. He is just the sweetest and most thoughtful guy. You can’t help but love him and root for him and juniper together.

And the twist!!!! I was not prepared for either of them. The way my mouth hung open reading them.

4⭐️
1🌶️

[Destiny Imperati · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review ✨️

♡Juniper & James♡

New to me author, and I found myself quickly fascinated with the writing! The story was emotional, beautiful, and such an amazing story to get lost in. 🥹🙌😍

Juniper is a veterinarian, and sadly, she was left at the altar by her now ex. If that wasn't bad enough, she's currently leaving a one night stand. Ashamed of herself as she's leaving, she ends up coming across James. They meet in such an embarrassing way and I definitely laughed a bit when it happened 🤣 I just felt that it was such a relatable experience embarrassing yourself meeting someone cute🤣🤦‍♀️ If that wasn't bad enough, her ex comes back for blackmail. They ended up helping each other out by fake dating😍🙌

I really enjoyed the plot, the twists, and of course, the characters! This author did such a wonderful job on this debut 👏 🙌🖤

Tropes:
🖤Fake Dating
🖤Rom-com
🖤Relatable FMC

Huge thankyou to the author and Finch Benson Publishing for the ARC!

[kn_cozy_bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic read. It was funny, relatable, the characters felt real, were very well written, and for those that hate this as much as I do…NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP OVER STUPID SH*T! Yesssss!

Juniper’s feelings regarding relationships and being left at the altar felt very valid and real and I loved that about the book. She also had a great sense of humor and an awesome outlook on life despite her intrusive thoughts from that day.

James is a dream. I cannot say enough about him. He is funny, supportive, his intuition when it comes to Juniper is amazing. He knew just what to do or say when he could feel Juniper’s self confidence issues rearing its head. And the way he handles the issue that could have led to a third act breakup? What a king supporting his queen!

This is a romcom that will make you laugh out loud. James and Juniper’s meet cute was one in a million and made me die of mortification just sitting on my couch. It has characters you will love to hate and love to love.

I have no doubt this book will remain as a top read for me in 2025. Excellent job Alexis, I can’t wait for more from you! ♥️

[Lena Book Graveyard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex did amazing on this debut book!! Fake dating is a trope that I am still exploring, and honestly, this story makes me love fake dating more. Juniper and James are ♥️🔥♥️🔥♥️🔥 and I will definitely say that James is my first book boyfriends of 2025!!

If you want a cozy, cute romance read that you can power through, make sure to check this one out!!!

[Carly Mariner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im in love with this book 🥰

First off, I had no idea when I was first reading this it was from a debut author. The characters are fun and relatable, the storyline is cute and fun. It’s the perfect romance novel! 10 outta 10 would recommend

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read this book as an ARC and I have to say it is def a very sweet read that I ultimately enjoyed. The twist wasn’t quite what I expected but it was def a twist. It took me a bit to get into it, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down until I was finished.

[Nupur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being Left at the Altar was a devastating experience for Juniper but it happened for good. By chance of fate, she meets a tall handsome stranger and things go from there for them. James asks Juniper to be her fake gf, and things change between them, things are not so fake anymore. This lovely tale had me hooked and I enjoyed every bit. I recommend this book to all Romance Lovers.

[Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Finch Benson Publishing and the author for providing me a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book! I wish it was longer, I felt like I breezed through it. I picked it up and did not put it back down. James and Juniper's romance was adorable and there were several moments that made me smile or laugh. This is such a cute, cozy read. I will definitely read anything else Alexis writes! I can't wait for the physical book to come out so I can buy it.

I do wish there was a little more depth to the story. I'm not saying there was not - we do get some with Juniper's feelings on being left behind at the altar. However, I would have enjoyed some techniques to add more history to Juniper's feelings, like flashbacks or maybe deeper conversations with her mother.

[Amy Collinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice light hearted read but with some heavy subjects in certain parts of the book. I enjoyed it a lot and can’t wait to read more from this author!

[Alexis Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this one as it contained so much drama and heartbreak stemming from the previous book and the way I really enjoyed how everything was handled by each person. I loved James, he was hot and everything that was needed for this one he’s a favorite for sure . I loved the twist, Alex took this one out of the park and it was so loved by me and so happy I got to read

[Zip · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this one. The story was well done, along with the characters. I do want to say that while there is a lot of side characters, it's not hard to keep track of everyone. While not the main focus, there is some spice.
*Thanks to Alexis Almanzar and Finch Benson Publishing for the chance to read the ARC*

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute quick read if you need a palate cleanser between other works.
At just over 200 pages it can easily be read in one sitting. It was “hallmark-esque” in its plot with a fake dating trope after the FMC gets left at the altar.

The writing is simplistic and the sub plots are a little bit convoluted but still enjoyable. If anything I wish it was a bit longer so it could be more substantial.

I am thankful to have gotten an eARC for free from Finch Benson Publishing as I am a member of their ARC team, to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.

This comes out on 1/14/25 just in time for a fun Valentine’s Day quick read.
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.

⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun cozy read. James might be one of my favorite book boyfriends of all time. Loved the sprinkle of spice. This read definitely kept me on my toes and I loved the relationship between James and Juniper.

[Ayse Gulkanat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an adorable little book had me giggle all the way. loved the ending.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review: Altar’d Plans
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Alexis Almanzar, a debut novelist, has written a wonderful book. Thank you to Finch Benson Publishing and the author for providing an advance review copy.

The protagonist, Juniper, is a veterinarian who was left at the altar approximately a year ago. Since then, her mother has been attempting to set her up with various single men, but Juniper is uninterested. Her ex, Everett, is an unpleasant character who has custody of their dog. The story commences with Juniper’s bad day, which includes a disappointing one-night stand and an encounter with James at a convenience store, where her dress breaks, and she inadvertently exposes herself. James is a tattooed, Harley-riding, 6’4” attractive man who causes Juniper to become flustered. Several weeks later, Juniper meets James again at a lunch meeting arranged by her mother. James discreetly provides Juniper with his business card, which includes his phone number. Everett appears at Juniper’s office with their dog and his pregnant fiancée, requesting that Juniper care for the dog during their honeymoon and attend their wedding with the dog as the ring bearer. Juniper, unwilling to attend the wedding alone, contacts James and asks for his accompaniment, pretending that he is her boyfriend. This development sets the stage for a fake dating scenario, which is a trope that I thoroughly enjoy. The narrative becomes increasingly engaging, with numerous twists and turns that will leave readers astonished. The chemistry between Juniper and James is palpable, and their affectionate nicknames for each other are endearing. The conclusion of the book is perfectly executed.

[Eleanor Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is everything. It grabs you from page one and does not let go. It’s packed with drama, twists, and so many moments where you’ll be yelling at the pages (in the best way). Just when you think you’ve got it figured out—BOOM—Alexis Almanzar hits you with a twist that will leave you stunned.

Juniper, the main character, is a hot mess in the most relatable way. She’s a vet who got left at the altar, full of self-doubt, and stuck cleaning up the pieces of her life. Then there’s James. Oh. My. God. James. He’s a 6’4", tattooed, motorcycle-riding, heart-melting dream. Their first meeting is a disaster (think total chaos), but by the second time they run into each other? Fake dating magic. The sparks are real, and you will be rooting for them every step of the way.

The side characters are perfect—some you’ll adore, some you’ll loathe, and let’s not forget Dudley, the dog who will steal your heart. But this book isn’t just about swoon-worthy romance (although there’s plenty of that). It dives deep into self-love, forgiveness, and learning that being imperfect doesn’t mean you’re unworthy of love.

Oh, and the twists. There’s one reveal that made me literally scream. It’s THAT good. Think Emily Henry-level brilliance, but honestly? This book takes the trope to a whole new level.

Alexis Almanzar has absolutely crushed it with this debut. It’s hilarious, heartwarming, messy, and real in the most perfect way. I couldn’t put it down, and you won’t be able to either. Run—don’t walk—and read this immediately. It’s going to blow you away.

[Marharyta · Rating 5 out of 5]

💕This book reads like a tantalising soap opera; full of emotional highs and lows. From OMG NO to THEY DID WHAT? to YOU’RE KIDDING ME! You think you know where this is going but then the author drops another bombshell. Lots and lots of drama. Soooo good!

A broken woman left at the altar consumed by self-doubt. A tattooed, motorcycle riding hottie that’s surprisingly soft and gooey on the inside.

It’s a fabulously fun read. Juniper is a hot mess trying her best, but that voice in her head that’s saying “you’re not good enough” is always nagging. You know the one right? I sure do.

A great mix of side characters; some to love and some to hate. An interweaving storyline, but surprisingly easy to follow. A cute doggy named Dudley who gives lots of kisses. Mixed in all that swooniness and laughter, some real life lessons in learning to love yourself.

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌶️🌶️🌶️

Wow! Where do I start?! This book was amazing!! The writing was so good!! I loved the story of Juniper and James! I relate to Juniper so much. I was on an emotional rollercoaster, I felt so many emotions... The ending had me tearing up! I am just speechless! I was shocked and just felt so mad with Johnny and Everett.. Juniper is a champ! She stood her ground when Everett wanted her back. She is happier with James and Everett is just jealous. I am so obsessed with this book!! I love James! He is a sweetheart!! Ahh! My new fav couple of 2025!! Juniper and James!!

I received this as an advanced reader copy and I'm writing this review voluntarily.

[lisa_lou_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

When one door closes another one always opens and in walks James.
This is such a cute romcom about Juniper and James.
It’s a fun, quick read with some twists.
If you love fake dating, one bed, he falls first, then this is the book for you.
I was so happy to receive an arc for this book for my honest review.

[SAM217 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love the story! So cute and hot!