The Perfect Plan: A single parent, best friend's brother, surrogacy romance

by M.L. Pennock

It’s the perfect plan.

Single mom Elise’s best friend’s older brother wants to start a family. Simple, right? One problem. He’s unattached with no prospects making it difficult to turn Damian into Daddy.

For every problem there must be a solution, so he’s taking control of the situation. But the last thing Elise wants for Damian is a stranger carrying his baby. Two words change everything.

“Choose me.”

As his surrogate, the arrangement is mutually beneficial — her money woes disappear and his dream of being a dad is realized.

It would have been the perfect plan ... if their hearts weren't involved.

212 pages, Paperback

Published March 20, 2025

About the author

M.L. Pennock is a former journalist turned author. She attended Alfred University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English and communication studies, before going on to earn a Master of Arts in communications from SUNY College at Brockport. She lives in Central New York with her husband, four children, and two Siberian huskies.

M.L. Pennock is the author of the To Have series and has begun work on a spinoff series, Famous in a Small Town.

Visit facebook.com/mlpennock or mlpennock.com for more information about what she’s working on next.

Reviews

[Erica Gough · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story sucked me in right from the beginning. A wonderful story of two people coming together after a long awaited period. A must read!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elise and Damian what a beautiful amazing love story not a conventional relationship but definitely it was in the making for a long time it's a definite five star must read M.L. Pennock you rock this book I couldn't put it down.

[Nora Ellen (Nbbookery) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a stand-in father figure to his little sister's best friend, Elise's daughter has given Damien the desire for his own family. When Elise learns about his plans to find a surrogate, she volunteers to be that for him. They agree to keep things friendly but quickly fall off the wagon with all the emotions and hormones going wild. The plus sign is just the beginning of their journey as Elise worries about her, and her daughter's, place in Damien's new family, while he's ready to move heaven and earth to get them to be a permanent part of his life.

The tropes got me with this one. Such a sucker for a no-feelings-attached plan that immediately dives headfirst into a whole lot of feelings. Elise and Damien have been harboring secret crushes on each other for a decade, but life took them in different directions. I love how Damien didn't even question how he was Elise's daughter's dad, despite her actual bio father being a consistent nuisance. Angela, his sister and her best friend, was a fun character, and I'd love to see her get a story one day. There were some great side characters that really carried the story in places. Gotta love a supportive network! This one is all about the emotions, so if you want to get deep into the feels, look no further.

[Erica Marselas · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Reader!!

This book was simply amazing.
Maybe it’s because from the first page I related soo much to Elise. The single mom, trying to make it with a dips*** ex. But trying to be kind (sometimes to kind), and doing the best for my child because no matter what your child is innocent in it all.
Then enter Mr. Damon. Aww swoon. The man with a heart who has always been there, her bff brother. And loves her daughter like a father should. Ironic.
This story is romance and real life parallels that *Eye* haven't read in a long time. Like I said before its because it hit home for me. (Minus the surrogacy thing, buttt parallels, parallels i say)
It is beautifully written. I loved both characters and her bff angela and little avery.
If you're looking for a romance book that is full of romance, feelings, a Male hero that is all Green flags (because we really need more of those) passionate, and real. Read this.

[Laura Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

M.L. Pennock never disappoints. She understands people, family dynamics, and the fact that family might be those that you have CHOSEN to include in that special group.

This book is a moving, well-written story about Damian, a man that steps up for a child that isn’t even his own. It is a story about Avery. The little girl who unfortunately understands her dad isn’t up to snuff. She is walking sunshine. Avery recognizes and appreciates - no loves - that Damian is her rock. Lastly, it is about Elise, Avery's mom. Doesn't every person, young and old, deserve their happily ever after?

I highly recommend this book to everyone… everyone has or knows a story about the dad that just couldn’t or didn’t step up for his children.

[Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase · Rating 4 out of 5]

Family is not always blood relatives, it is those that you decide are part of your inner circle and hold the keys to your heart. Damian is looking into surrogacy in order to make him a dad, Elise is his best friend's sister who is a single mom who Damian has always been there to support. But when she says yes to his plan, they both get more than they bargain for. M.L. Pennock created a honest portrayal of the need to have a family all on your own while at the same time giving her readers a heartwarming love story. From start to finish she had my heart in her hands.

[Emerie Quyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story from start to finish, it surprised me in all the best ways! Damian and Elise tackle the intimate questions of surrogacy, single parenting and blended family with humor, depth and authenticity. The story was sassy, sweet and engaging without being cliche. I loved the way that Avery was included and respected as her own person. Five Stars for The Perfect Plan. It was the perfect way to spend a Saturday!

[Emma Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a loyal reader of M.L. Pennock’s books, and I can say that The Perfect Plan did not disappoint! As an avid romance reader, I have never read another story like this, so Damian and Elise’s story captivated me. If you love a friends-to-lovers storyline, then this book is definitely for you! And, if you love The Perfect Plan, take a second to check out the other books by M.L. Pennock.

[VicciReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet romantic read! This book really makes you believe in friendship and love. The book definitely makes you fall in the love with the characters. I was just in awe by the beauty of this book. Truly a perfect HEA! Grab this amazing book Now!

[Kristine Grager · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I probably would have read this faster if I didn't sleep, but I read it in 36 hours. Definitely recommend this book for everyone to read. Love that a few little things are pulled in from the other books that have been written previously. Can't wait for the next book to come out.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this author's stories, and this one is another fantastic read!

Full review below; take this opportunity to check out her back list. Highly recommend!!!

😍😍😍

Damian & Elise's story is fantastic! They're best friends & he's always been there for her & her daughter, Avery. Elise & Damian's sister are also best friends, but Angela doesn't know they have had feelings for each other for years, bc they've both kept those romantic feelings hidden.

When Elise finds out Damian's plans for starting a family of his own, she offers to help. And the journey we go on with them as they create this unique family dynamic is so beautiful & well crafted!

I love the conversations they have, the way Avery is involved in age appropriate ways, the love & support of their family & friend group. I adore Damian! He's the greenest of green flags.

There are bits of drama involving situations with Avery's dad & also Angela, and they're handled brilliantly. 👏 I'm especially fond of where Angela's decisions take her. 😁

This story has so many of my favorite things... highly recommend!!

😍😍😍