Just a Plot Twist

Tate Brothers #7

by Deb Goodman

They’re completely wrong for each other—and yet, with every unexpected rescue and reluctant favor, falling in love might be the biggest plot twist of all.

It was humiliating, okay?

When I suffer an accident high atop my favorite Longdale mountain, I don’t want Benson—my sister’s brother-in-law—to play hero. Unfortunately, he’s the one holding me upright. Literally.

Benson cannot fall in love. Between a painful divorce, two energetic kids, and his father’s finance business, he has more than enough going on. Besides, my grandparents despise the entire Tate clan.

They raised me, and I want to please them. Nothing wrong with merging their dreams for my life with my own, right? Sidenote: my grandparents’ dreams do not include the older, single dad, Benson.

But every time I trip (literally and metaphorically), he’s there to catch me—and sometimes feed me. Soon, I start to imagine what it would be like to choose my own vision for the future.

I’m chasing a promotion and my grandparents’ pride. He’s guarding a broken heart. Yet with every cringe-worthy collision, we discover our off-limits love isn’t what we expected.

But it might just be exactly what we need.

If you’re a fan of opposites attract, age gap, closed-door romance with laugh-out-loud banter, hot kisses, and saucy, geriatric bulldogs, Just a Plot Twist is the heartwarming finale to the Tate Brothers series that will leave you smiling long after the last page.

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2025

About the author

Join Deb's newsletter to get the book, Just a Road Trip, part of the Tate Brothers series, totally FREE!

https://debgoodmanwrites.com

Deb Goodman’s obsession with the written word started at age three, when she realized the old-timey newsprint wallpaper in her family’s bathroom had actual words on it. The only problem? By the time she learned to read a couple of years later, the wallpaper had been replaced with something else—boring, non-worded wallpaper—and to this day, she still doesn’t know what it said.

Now, she and her husband and four children live in Utah. They love sports, music, and doing slightly insulting, pretend voices for their little shorkie, Mavis.

Deb writes funny, small-town romance that you won’t need to shield your kids’ eyes from. Billionaires, friends-to-more, enemies-to-more, cowboys, fake relationships…there’s something for everyone here!

Writing lovey dovey books comes naturally to Deb since, to her, there’s nothing better than reading and writing about how two people fall in love.

Reviews

[Deb Goodman]

I can't wait to share this book with you. This is the culmination of three years of Tate brothers, and I couldn't be happier about how all of the faces you know and love show up in this book! It's with the editor now, so get excited. It'll be here soon!

[Shayla Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a PLOT TWIST
(Tate Brothers #7)
by: Deb Goodman
@debgoodmanwrites

••I give 4 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

~They’re completely wrong for each other-and yet, with every unexpected rescue and reluctant favor, falling in love might be the biggest plot twist of all…

“If this weren’t so unbelievably
embarrassing, it might actually be sort of romantic.”

-Friends, if you’re a fan of opposites attract, age gap, closed-door romance with laugh-out-loud banter, hot sparkling kisses, and saucy, geriatric bulldogs, Just a PlOT TWIST, is a delightful story, a fun hooray finale, to the Tate Brothers series, that will leave you smiling long after the last page. I enjoyed that even though there were obstacles and life twists and turns, there was still humor, and dear characters rising above, taking a stand, and choosing to focus on the good, and wanting their lives and selves matter! It was the small clumsy moments, where rescue and care came at just the right moment that was so lovely. Watching from where this story began to where this story took me, was such a fun adventure, that nicely ties up this fun series well. Also, I loved watching characters admit struggles and apologize. Themes of belonging, acceptance, honesty, forgiveness shine bright within. Worth the quick but dear read!🙌🏻📚☺️

“Life is a risk. That’s what makes us human.
We take a step forward and another one, and then we try and fail and try again. It’s messy but it’s living.”

•Content: past divorce, past death of loved ones, loss, geriatric dog, beginning stages of dementia, feelings of not measuring up/not being good enough, no peril/danger, no language, kisses only. Closed-door!

“Our minds are very powerful. It’s all
about choosing to believe.”

-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

“We’ve got this.”

#justaplottwist

“The hard stuff was worth it because of all the good things that came with having her here.”

#tatebrothers

“Don’t live a life full of regrets. Fix things. Do what needs to be done now.”

#debgoodmanwrites

“It’s not perfect. But it doesn’t have to be.”

#allaboutthebestreads

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family Comes in Different Forms -
This heartwarming romance story is about two people who have sworn off relationships for different reasons, but fate keeps bringing them together in one way or another. The adorable and engaging characters may be opposites in their nature, but they seem to perfectly fit into each other’s lives and are able to communicate like they have been friends for years. The fantastic storyline with a bit of drama, wonderful moments when the characters from previous stories and this story came together beautifully, made this a wonderful read.

I couldn’t for the life of me put this book down from the moment I started reading it, especially as it was the conclusion to an amazing series. If you are looking for a book that will keep you totally engrossed from the beginning until the end, then look no further than this book and you definitely won’t be disappointed.

I received an advanced review copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely ending for a fun series. I have liked all the books. And all the brothers and I was glad Benson was able to find his birth father and be accepted into this family of half brothers. I love when they all pull together in a cause. And while Mr. Tate isn't the easiest man to have for a parent, I'm glad that he made progress in having a relationship with his sons.

Claire was a fun love interest. And the number of times she accidentally runs into Benson in the beginning was funny. Especially with the accidents. I also enjoyed Benson's kids. They had their squabbles but were good kids.

It was a sweet romance and a lovely story with perhaps a little sadness but overall life was good for them. Enjoyable read.

[Cecelia Gardon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book! The plot was nicely written, and the characters were well flushed out in good. It was a lovely romance that was very cleanly written, which I appreciate a lot.

[Laramee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so sad that this is the last book in the series but such a fun way to wrap it up!

I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.

[DayDreamer8912 · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5
🚨TW: loss of love ones, trying to please her grandparents, hatred among families, being betrayed.
🚨CW: mentions of touching butt (don’t worry it is because he needs to piggyback her) & also show cleavage (not intentional because she was injured she is using clutches can’t spoil it you will have to find out)

Favourite Moments
🦴 They first meet during hiking
🦴 Them texting each other (can’t spoil it)
🦴 Them bickering, teasing and flirting with each other.
🦴 In the extravaganza (where they whisper to each other as gala)
🦴 Moments with Cinnamon the English bulldog, Dax and Indie
🦴 Peter’s birthday party (can’t spoil it)
🦴 At the lake. (can’t spoil it)
🦴 Them opening up to each other and encourage each other.
🦴 The dinner with his family.
(lots more)

Swoony Moments
🦴 He falls first
🦴 He is always there to catch her when she falls.
🦴 He love and respects her.
🦴 He cares for her, his family and his children.
🦴 He shows his vulnerable side to her.
🦴 He do whatever he can to help her.

Synopsis
Benson
The oldest of the Tate Brothers which doesn’t have their surname. Currently working with his father whom after for sometime get along with and so do his siblings. He is a single dad with two children and had been struggling to find love again.

Claire
A woman who strives to be a city manager. She is career driven and doesn’t want to let her grandparents down which made her no time to date.

They both met during hiking and they had been bumping to each other ever since and it seemed like he is always there to catch her when she falls. He is afraid to be hurt while she is afraid that falling in love will distract her if she falls in love or have a family. Worst still her grandparents don’t like the Tates. Will they have their happy ever after? Read Just a Plot Twist to find out!!

Review
These two are just so adorable together. Haha… love their bickering, teasing and also flirting with each other. Benson is always there to catch her when she falls. He had saved her like so many times. They both kept on bumping into each other and he always see her in her embarrassing moments though. She has always been a career driven woman and also she is trying her best to fulfil her grandparents dream which is to be part of the public office but somehow her mind wants to have a family on her own whereas Benson had been a tough road too he lost his adoptive parents and was divorced, he is afraid to fall in love again because he is afraid that he will get hurt. Both of them are always honest to each other and as they get to know each other they slowly develop feelings for each other.

However, their story is like Romeo and Juliet because her grandparents doesn’t like his biological family, there are obstacles that they have to go through in order to be together. Also, his father’s business that he is also a part of was in danger and kind of link to her grandparents as well. Love that her sister, friend and also his brother kind of being a matchmaker for them. Haha… and also his son, daughter and not to forget Cinnamon the English bulldog adore her too. Moments with all of them together are just the sweetest. Can’t spoil it too much. You will have to read it to find out. This book made me laugh, smile, swoon, and you will just want to cheer them to be together.

This is the last book of Tate Brothers Series. Can’t believe this is the last book of the series. Haven’t really read some of the books in the series yet but will get into it soon.

I was gifted complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own. Thanks @debgoodmanwrites for the ARC.

You can buy this book from Amazon and it’s available on KU.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire Lawson lost her mom when she was five and her sister Sophie older at nine . Raised by their grandparents , they wanted for nothing and Claire in the footsteps of her mum aced the political sciences ,she could be Mayor one day…. She works as assistant manager at Longdale ,Colorado , her heavily pregnant friend Inez is the manager there so yay. Benson is still reeling from the death of his adoptive mother and father only a couple of years apart . He has a big heart and it needs to be filled with joy . Indie his girl and Dax his boy fit the bill ,but how long will he have them? Especially after also being served divorce papers ahem. He didn’t know where he was or what to do ..His friend told him to go check his DNA . Why not send it in ,what’s he got to lose ,it could result in a win. Now he does find he’s a member of the Tate family and it doesn’t bind.Although he calls his real dad by his given name of Thomas . It’s fitting since the only real dad he’s known is his adoptive one. Suddenly his ex wife has moved near enough that he can have regular contact with his children alone. It’s all coming up roses in fact..He has a father and brothers .His kids stay with their mother but they do visit . And it’s exquisite.Benson isn’t cock a hoop though when Mrs Lambert turns up with Cinnamon the geriatric Bulldog on his stoop oh no. Especially now he’s found she is settling down as he looks on as if she’s home in front of the stove where it’s nice and warm. In the kitchen where the aromas of the hamburger soup waft ,this dog ain’t daft she knows where she’s itching to stay and she’s made her decision,she’s going to stay ,yay ! Then he finds out she has a special diet ,has diabetes and continence issues . Pass the tissues ! He’s gonna cry. At least she’ll be good with the kids he thinks in a half sigh..Cinnamon belongs to Reggie but a care home he must stay. He doesn’t take the dog along when he decides to take in a hiking trail . He meets a nice young woman and they get to talking as you do. “Oh! I know you. I mean, I know of you.My sister is Sophie, Oliver’s wife. And you must be his oldest brother?” Oh dear she can’t break the family rule and date a Tate! Technically he’s not a Tate by name as his is Kilpack and it’s her grandparents beef . But good grief ! What does she do. Well this was a to do and no mistake and there’s a plot in this book you don’t see coming and I loved it all . I’m still humming from this perfect book and all the plots and twist business . This sure is bliss! It’s by Deb Goodman ao of course it is! A delight ,a pleasure an absolute treasure of a read . Excellent storyline and well delivered storytelling that is even more satisfying and compelling

[W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire & Benson

Overall, this was a fun story to end my week with. I feel like this book is the end of this series; all lose ends feel resolved. It is the coming together of the Montagues and Capulets of Longdale, Colorado. Even if the names are Tate and Hanson/Lawson.
But Claire refuses to accept the family quarrel, and Benson, being raised without knowledge of his birth father until recently, never heard of it. It simply isn't a consideration in their lives.
Claire is far more concerned about taking over her friend's job as city manager of Longdale. Benson is focused on building a life post-divorce,, caring for his children, and getting to know the half-brothers he never knew he had.
I loved how both slid quietly into love with each other. Neither pushing or demanding of each other.
I liked the secondary plot of Benson working with his previously unknown father, and having to break the news that his father's best friend and business partner is trying to undermine the company to the benefit of his own daughter. There were some crazy twists in that situation. I was just sad that Claire's maternal grandparents were involved in the situation.

I received a free advance copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel and voluntarily chose to share my review.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

We've come to the very last Tate brother, and while I'm sad to say goodbye to this family, the series is ending on a high note with Benson and Claire's story... a single dad, a geriatric bulldog, and some Romeo and Juliet-like vibes (without the tragic ending, of course)... there was certainly a lot to enjoy in this story! Between their feuding families, him being her sister's brother-in-law, an 8-year age gap and neither really looking for love, there are a lot of things that should keep these two apart, but the chemistry between them is undeniable just the same. I couldn't help but enjoy these two together and root for their happily ever after. This was a really cute story and one that I very much enjoyed--- and of course, I loved catching up with the rest of the family too!

Just a Plot Twist is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. It is the seventh book in the Tate Brothers series, and while I think those who have read the previous books will have the best understanding of the family dynamics, I do think this could be enjoyed as a standalone as well.

** ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Dev G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful ending to the Tate Brothers series.

I really enjoyed this book journey. There were so many laugh out loud moments, predicaments that were just too funny and there were many situations of deep emotion and personal reflection.

Neither Benson nor Claire have romance on their mind, let alone marriage, but when they keep running into each other, changes start happening.

Both Benson and Claire had legitimate reasons/reservations about relationships in general and especially with one another. I loved how their story flowed with humor and heart. There were many things to overcome, be they logistical or emotional, and I was completely sucked in to watching them handle these with care and encouragement.

Benson turned out to be just the cutest swoony divorced dad ever. I loved watching him open up and fight for what he wanted.

Claire was the funniest, most accident prone sweetheart. Her heart was always thinking of others, but the joy came when she started realizing she deserved to think of what she wanted and to stand up for it.

Such sweetness and smiles. I loved it all.

Thank you to Deb Goodman for the copy. All opinions are my own.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Just a Plot Twist the aging Bulldog Cinnamon steals the show! I do not want to say goodbye to the Tate Brothers, but I am so glad that Benson finally got his HEA and that Claire finally figured out that she did not to fulfill her grandparents' dreams. There is great banter between these two and it seems like Benson is always there to catch Claire when she falls. These two slowly fall for each other despite not looking for a significant other. Ben is prioritizing his kids and working for his newly discovered biological father. Claire is running herself ragged hoping to end up as the new city planner despite the "Good Old Boys" network and trying to resist her grandparents attempt to get her to consider a larger political office. The special needs older dog bonds with Benson's kids and provides many hilarious scenes. It was such fun reading this book that I did not put it down! (I was up too late because of that, but . . .)

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

As hard as it is to see the end of a series that I (and countless other people) have loved, I think it was the best of the series! Like Benson was a surprise bonus "Tate" brother, Claire and Benson's story was a surprise that was so much more than ever expected!
The plot was perfect, filled with terrific characters, many funny things, smiles and "awwww" moments. Never rushed, always gently moving forward to a great ending. Delightful and a beautiful beginning of the happily ever after for the Tate family!

[Denice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story so much. This is the final story of the Tate brothers, it is sad to see it come to an end, but this book is so great and a fantastic wrap to the series. I loved Claire and Benson’s story and how they found each other. Cinnamon the English Bulldog was such a mess that it was funny and the love that Indie and Dax, Benson’s kids, have for the dog was sweet. I loved the banter, the sweet and swoony kisses. I loved how we got to see all the brothers in this story. This is such a great book I didn’t want to put it down, I hope you will love it as much as I do, highly recommend!

[Natscleanreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a Plot Twist is a great book!

This story had all the elements in it including, work rivals, forced proximity in the form of being carried after an injury, moving on after divorce, weighing two opposing dreams and desires, family rivalry/fued, family drama, and setting boundaries and being true to yourself.

I loved the cute dog, Cinnamon. He really steels the show. I loved seeing Benson navigate his first dip in the dating pool after his divorce. His children were great characters, too.

There are no swears or alcohol and level 1 kisses only. Dual POV.

[MommyO · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful read. This series has been a favorite so discovering how the oldest Tate brother finds his HEA wias worth the wait. Claire is a smart, lovely, kind, and exceptionally talented woman who gives Benson a run for his money. There were so many swoon worthy moments it warmed my heart. A bonus was getting caught up on the other Tate brothers, their spouses, and their parents as Benson and Claire’s HEA unfolded. LOVED!

[Alison Ramsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this final book in the Tate brothers series. Claire has aspirations of being city manager and Benson works for his father. Their paths cross several times and both are dealing with a lot of work pressures and Claire is also under considerable pressure from her grandparents. I liked the characters and the family dynamics and thought the whole series was worth reading.

[StitchnmommaReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final book in the Tate Brothers series did not disappoint. I loved it just as much as the others and it was great to see the entire family make an appearance in one way or another to help wrap things up.

Thank you so much to the author for including me on her ARC team.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.

They each have good, solid reasons for not wanting a relationship at this point in their lives... and then they meet. And it turns out they are perfect for each other...

[Abby Huffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Benson & Claire

Loved this one so much! A fantastic conclusion to the Tate Brothers. With all the obstacles against them, I loved that Claire & Benson found each other and a love for themselves. Adore this family!