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Blue Moon #4
Not Part of the Plan
“He’s the kind of man who would talk you into dropping your panties in a coat closet at a party, dole out orgasms like after-dinner mints, and then never call you again.”
Photographer Nikolai Vulkov is a love ’em and leave ’em bad boy with a leather jacket, motorcycle, and sexy-as-sin grin.
He is not Emma Merrill’s type. The feisty brewery manager isn’t impressed by Niko’s charm or his “no strings attached” offer. She’s the kind of girl a man settles down with. And the small town of Blue Moon is where she and her sisters have decided to put down roots.
In Niko’s experience, relationships only lead to heartache. Besides, he’s only in town until he finds a way to get his creative mojo back. He and Emma are completely wrong for each other. Even the matchmaking Beautification Committee agrees. They should definitely stay in the friend zone.
Okay. So maybe they gave in to their attraction that one time. Fine. Five times. Who’s counting? But once Emma’s ex-boyfriend shows up in town, she’ll come to her senses, and Niko will go back to New York. Right?
Photographer Nikolai Vulkov is a love ’em and leave ’em bad boy with a leather jacket, motorcycle, and sexy-as-sin grin.
He is not Emma Merrill’s type. The feisty brewery manager isn’t impressed by Niko’s charm or his “no strings attached” offer. She’s the kind of girl a man settles down with. And the small town of Blue Moon is where she and her sisters have decided to put down roots.
In Niko’s experience, relationships only lead to heartache. Besides, he’s only in town until he finds a way to get his creative mojo back. He and Emma are completely wrong for each other. Even the matchmaking Beautification Committee agrees. They should definitely stay in the friend zone.
Okay. So maybe they gave in to their attraction that one time. Fine. Five times. Who’s counting? But once Emma’s ex-boyfriend shows up in town, she’ll come to her senses, and Niko will go back to New York. Right?
356 pages, Paperback
First published April 10, 2017
9320 people are currently reading
15712 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Score
67 books59.3k followersLucy Score is an instant #1 New York Times bestselling author. She grew up in a literary family who insisted that the dinner table was for reading and earned a degree in journalism.
She writes full-time from the Pennsylvania home she and Mr. Lucy share with their obnoxious cat, Cleo. When not spending hours crafting heartbreaker heroes and kick-ass heroines, Lucy can be found on the couch, in the kitchen, or at the gym.
She hopes to someday write from a sailboat, oceanfront condo, or tropical island with reliable Wi-Fi.
Sign up for her never annoying newsletter at https://www.lucyscore.net/subscribe-l....
She writes full-time from the Pennsylvania home she and Mr. Lucy share with their obnoxious cat, Cleo. When not spending hours crafting heartbreaker heroes and kick-ass heroines, Lucy can be found on the couch, in the kitchen, or at the gym.
She hopes to someday write from a sailboat, oceanfront condo, or tropical island with reliable Wi-Fi.
Sign up for her never annoying newsletter at https://www.lucyscore.net/subscribe-l....
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February 6, 2020
RATING 4.5 STARS
Not Part of the Plan is book four in the Blue Moon series by Lucy Score. You can definitely read this as a stand alone. I have not read any of the other books in the series and had no problem jumping right on in!
Emmaline (Emma) Merill came to Blue Moon almost one year ago, leaving her life in Los Angeles for life in a small, very quirky town, to be near her family. She is now managing John Pierce Brews, the town’s brewery and restaurant. She loves her job and loves this little town. She has all but decided that living here will be permanent.
Emma has a plan for her life. To find a very stable man that she is compatible with in every way. Love needn’t be a part of the equation, only similar goals. She’s experienced pain through loss before and never again will allow anyone the power to hurt her. She definitely doesn’t want to be attracted to the town’s newest addition, a bad boy in a leather jacket. But her body has other ideas. So do the town’s local match makers.
Nikolai (Niko) Vulkov is a famous photographer living in New York. Lately his work has lost it’s spark. The quality of his pictures sub-par. Something is missing and he needs some time away to try to figure out what it is. So off to Blue Moon he goes to visit his best friend. The minute he first met the fiery restaurant manager, he felt the pull to her. Niko is a known player. He is always seen with beautiful models and always just for one night. He’s here in Blue Moon to try to find out what his life is missing, and maybe he has found it, just not in the way he thought!
“In Blue Moon, you were good enough just because you existed.”
I adored this fun little town. Through watching his friends and their families, Niko experienced the close knit, loving relationships his life lacked. It made him take a long hard look at his life and the way he lived it. He can’t seem to get Emma off his mind. She seems determined to keep him in the friend zone. He’ll go along with that, for now. But he has no plans on staying there.
“I’m a fixer. You confided a problem to me, and now it gives me great joy to force solutions on you until the problem is solved.”
Emma is a fixer. When she realizes that Niko needs help, she wants to help him to find what he needs to get his life back on track. But in the process, she can’t ignore the attraction sizzling between them. Emma doesn’t do spur of the minute, she doesn’t do the live for today thing. She wants plans, goals, steady. Can she step out of her comfort zone for the time that Niko is here and just enjoy what they have? Can she just live in the present and not worry about the future?
“And that’s love. It can and should be the source of your greatest strength, not your biggest fear.”
This was such an adorable book. You can’t help but to love these two. And this town! I want to live there! Emma and Niko were perfect for each other. Somehow Niko just has to get her to drop her guard and let him in. Watching him work his magic was so much fun.
I enjoyed this book so much. My heart was caught up not only in these two but in the entire town right from the start. I most definitely will be going back to visit again.
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Not Part of the Plan is book four in the Blue Moon series by Lucy Score. You can definitely read this as a stand alone. I have not read any of the other books in the series and had no problem jumping right on in!
Emmaline (Emma) Merill came to Blue Moon almost one year ago, leaving her life in Los Angeles for life in a small, very quirky town, to be near her family. She is now managing John Pierce Brews, the town’s brewery and restaurant. She loves her job and loves this little town. She has all but decided that living here will be permanent.
Emma has a plan for her life. To find a very stable man that she is compatible with in every way. Love needn’t be a part of the equation, only similar goals. She’s experienced pain through loss before and never again will allow anyone the power to hurt her. She definitely doesn’t want to be attracted to the town’s newest addition, a bad boy in a leather jacket. But her body has other ideas. So do the town’s local match makers.
Nikolai (Niko) Vulkov is a famous photographer living in New York. Lately his work has lost it’s spark. The quality of his pictures sub-par. Something is missing and he needs some time away to try to figure out what it is. So off to Blue Moon he goes to visit his best friend. The minute he first met the fiery restaurant manager, he felt the pull to her. Niko is a known player. He is always seen with beautiful models and always just for one night. He’s here in Blue Moon to try to find out what his life is missing, and maybe he has found it, just not in the way he thought!
“In Blue Moon, you were good enough just because you existed.”
I adored this fun little town. Through watching his friends and their families, Niko experienced the close knit, loving relationships his life lacked. It made him take a long hard look at his life and the way he lived it. He can’t seem to get Emma off his mind. She seems determined to keep him in the friend zone. He’ll go along with that, for now. But he has no plans on staying there.
“I’m a fixer. You confided a problem to me, and now it gives me great joy to force solutions on you until the problem is solved.”
Emma is a fixer. When she realizes that Niko needs help, she wants to help him to find what he needs to get his life back on track. But in the process, she can’t ignore the attraction sizzling between them. Emma doesn’t do spur of the minute, she doesn’t do the live for today thing. She wants plans, goals, steady. Can she step out of her comfort zone for the time that Niko is here and just enjoy what they have? Can she just live in the present and not worry about the future?
“And that’s love. It can and should be the source of your greatest strength, not your biggest fear.”
This was such an adorable book. You can’t help but to love these two. And this town! I want to live there! Emma and Niko were perfect for each other. Somehow Niko just has to get her to drop her guard and let him in. Watching him work his magic was so much fun.
I enjoyed this book so much. My heart was caught up not only in these two but in the entire town right from the start. I most definitely will be going back to visit again.
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
March 6, 2018
2.5 stars
A handsome womanizer, famous photographer, who ‘dated’ many models…
How ‘refreshing’… zzzzzzzzz
I hoped to like the heroine – and she was cool and strong till she wasn’t (as she apologized to him at the end), but I since I didn’t support her choice and my only advice to her about this man would be:
I didn’t enjoy this book a lot.
And again. Aaaaaaaaaaaa! Unprotected sex with manwhore without any talk about health status, only ‘I’m on birth control’.
WTF???
Is there any new method of birth control, which protects from STDs, I don’t know about?
Please update me!
What I liked: family dynamic, my 2 favorite couples and sweet & funny moments . I liked side characters and it was the main reason I read this book.
Fingers crossed the next one doesn’t have any womanizer!!! Donovan, I’m counting on you!
A handsome womanizer, famous photographer, who ‘dated’ many models…
How ‘refreshing’… zzzzzzzzz
I hoped to like the heroine – and she was cool and strong till she wasn’t (as she apologized to him at the end), but I since I didn’t support her choice and my only advice to her about this man would be:
I didn’t enjoy this book a lot.
And again. Aaaaaaaaaaaa! Unprotected sex with manwhore without any talk about health status, only ‘I’m on birth control’.
WTF???
Is there any new method of birth control, which protects from STDs, I don’t know about?
Please update me!
What I liked: family dynamic, my 2 favorite couples and sweet & funny moments . I liked side characters and it was the main reason I read this book.
Fingers crossed the next one doesn’t have any womanizer!!! Donovan, I’m counting on you!
Read
June 11, 2025DNF 🌧️
i’m normally a fan of these types of book, but this one just wasn’t working for me. it was very cliche, and wasn’t holding my attention. at one point the FMC even says “Hands off, Big Bad Wolf. I’m no one’s Red Riding Hood.” overall, i think this book will definitely find it’s audience, but unfortunately, that wasn’t me.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc - all thoughts are my own <3
i’m normally a fan of these types of book, but this one just wasn’t working for me. it was very cliche, and wasn’t holding my attention. at one point the FMC even says “Hands off, Big Bad Wolf. I’m no one’s Red Riding Hood.” overall, i think this book will definitely find it’s audience, but unfortunately, that wasn’t me.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc - all thoughts are my own <3
August 18, 2025
4/5⭐️ I want to move to blue moon 😭 having such a silly goofy time reading this series 🩷 another great book by Lucy Score
August 26, 2019
Wow, I enjoyed the first and second book in this series, the third book not as much, but author Lucy Score blew me away with book 4, Not Part of the Plan. From book one when famed fashion photographer Niko stepped on the page, I wanted to know more about him despite his womanizing ways and the more that was uncovered as this book went on the more I fell in love with him. Engaging, fun, emotional, and so damn sexy, I loved Not Part of the Plan.
When Niko shows up on Summer and Carter’s doorstep, they are surprised and not expecting him. Summer being his best friend knows something is up, but Niko doesn’t want to talk about it and she lets him alone letting him know she’s there if he needs her. When Niko meets Emma he is enchanted and the more time they spend together despite her resistance, Niko realizes she gets him like no one else ever has and despite her placing him in the friendzone he is determined to win her over.
I really loved watching these two together, the player Niko insisting he didn’t want long term and Emma steering clear because that’s what she claimed she wanted. Niko admitting he wanted a love like his parent’s had and Emma running scared. They had obstacles to overcome but they were so good together both in and out of bed.
Watching them fall, watching their relationship develop and grow, and watching them fall so deeply in love while enjoying each other completely and fully , this book was romance perfection.
A swoon worthy hero and a strong heroine and a love story for the ages, Not Part of the Plan is my favorite book in this series.
When Niko shows up on Summer and Carter’s doorstep, they are surprised and not expecting him. Summer being his best friend knows something is up, but Niko doesn’t want to talk about it and she lets him alone letting him know she’s there if he needs her. When Niko meets Emma he is enchanted and the more time they spend together despite her resistance, Niko realizes she gets him like no one else ever has and despite her placing him in the friendzone he is determined to win her over.
I really loved watching these two together, the player Niko insisting he didn’t want long term and Emma steering clear because that’s what she claimed she wanted. Niko admitting he wanted a love like his parent’s had and Emma running scared. They had obstacles to overcome but they were so good together both in and out of bed.
Watching them fall, watching their relationship develop and grow, and watching them fall so deeply in love while enjoying each other completely and fully , this book was romance perfection.
A swoon worthy hero and a strong heroine and a love story for the ages, Not Part of the Plan is my favorite book in this series.
June 22, 2024
This would be a 3.5 star book for me, but Emma made me so mad, and she was so selfish. Yes, she made up for it, but she made me so mad by how she was to Niko!! Overall, the ending made it better!
Bottom line, there were two main reasons this book was a very near miss for me. Firstly, I believe there is a fine line between building sympathy/empathy for the main characters and beating the reader over the head with their frailties. When that happens, this reader stops rooting for the character and starts wishing them their just desserts. I really, REALLY began to tire of Emma’s histrionics in the climactic scene between Emma and Niko. Secondly, the method used by the Blue Moon Beautification Committee to shock Emma into good sense was far-fetched and in MHO, unrealistic. Lucy Score is usually clever than that.
On the plus side, the pacing, humor, and series recurring characters provided enough humor to keep me reading. Overall, this is a very good series to take your mind off the troubles of the world for a while. This book was not the best of them, unfortunately. I couldn't even finish it. This series is now on hold.
Online audiobook 🎶
Bottom line, there were two main reasons this book was a very near miss for me. Firstly, I believe there is a fine line between building sympathy/empathy for the main characters and beating the reader over the head with their frailties. When that happens, this reader stops rooting for the character and starts wishing them their just desserts. I really, REALLY began to tire of Emma’s histrionics in the climactic scene between Emma and Niko. Secondly, the method used by the Blue Moon Beautification Committee to shock Emma into good sense was far-fetched and in MHO, unrealistic. Lucy Score is usually clever than that.
On the plus side, the pacing, humor, and series recurring characters provided enough humor to keep me reading. Overall, this is a very good series to take your mind off the troubles of the world for a while. This book was not the best of them, unfortunately. I couldn't even finish it. This series is now on hold.
Online audiobook 🎶
April 15, 2017
3.75 Stars
July 7, 2025
Somewhere between 2.5 and 3 🌟.
This is a cute, predictable and sometimes cheesy small town romance. I thought to first half of the book was solid but the second half lost steam and became a bit melodramatic for me. The expected third act break up was followed by a very rapid recovery and quickly executed HEA that were disappointingly predictable. I liked the FMC and MMC, their connection and the their story. The parallel storylines and the supporting cast were just too cutsie-cozy for me, though, and didn’t add to the story. I’m not a big Lucy Score fan but I did like this book more than the last book I read of hers.
This is a re-release of the fourth book in this series. It can be read as a standalone but there are a lot of characters from other books in the series with backstories I didn’t understand, having not read their books. Would definitely recommend reading the series from the start for the full experience.
Overall, this was a cute, simple small town romance with solid main characters that I enjoyed, however I’m not planning to read the rest in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for the chance to read a copy!
This is a cute, predictable and sometimes cheesy small town romance. I thought to first half of the book was solid but the second half lost steam and became a bit melodramatic for me. The expected third act break up was followed by a very rapid recovery and quickly executed HEA that were disappointingly predictable. I liked the FMC and MMC, their connection and the their story. The parallel storylines and the supporting cast were just too cutsie-cozy for me, though, and didn’t add to the story. I’m not a big Lucy Score fan but I did like this book more than the last book I read of hers.
This is a re-release of the fourth book in this series. It can be read as a standalone but there are a lot of characters from other books in the series with backstories I didn’t understand, having not read their books. Would definitely recommend reading the series from the start for the full experience.
Overall, this was a cute, simple small town romance with solid main characters that I enjoyed, however I’m not planning to read the rest in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for the chance to read a copy!
October 29, 2023
Muy normalejo, buen palet cleanser pero nada más. La tensión se resuelve muy rápido y ella se enfada por tonterías.
June 11, 2018
Lucy Score’s delightful writing, charming characters, and witty dialogue won me over when I happened upon book one in her Blue Moon series, No More Secrets. I’ve been hooked ever since.
Famous photographer and infamous player, Niko, never thought he’d get tired of the fast-paced, glamorous life of travel and beautiful models, but … something is off. He’s lost his creative mojo. Maybe a quick trip to Blue Moon and a visit with his bestie, Summer Pierce, will help get him back on track. The country air should clear away his confusion, right? But what’s supposed to solidify how much he loves his no-strings, NYC life and breathe new life into his art backfires when he meets level-headed, take no chances with bad boys, Emma— brew pub manager and part of the Pierce clan.
One of the best things about this series is the small town of Blue Moon Bend in upstate New York. The quirky, blast-from-the-past hippie residents are hilarious and adorable. The Beautification Committee—code for busybodies—and their relentless pursuit of Happily Ever Afters for the residents provides lots of entertainment and endearing antics.
Not Part of the Plan is another awesomely sexy and fun addition to Blue Moon.
Famous photographer and infamous player, Niko, never thought he’d get tired of the fast-paced, glamorous life of travel and beautiful models, but … something is off. He’s lost his creative mojo. Maybe a quick trip to Blue Moon and a visit with his bestie, Summer Pierce, will help get him back on track. The country air should clear away his confusion, right? But what’s supposed to solidify how much he loves his no-strings, NYC life and breathe new life into his art backfires when he meets level-headed, take no chances with bad boys, Emma— brew pub manager and part of the Pierce clan.
One of the best things about this series is the small town of Blue Moon Bend in upstate New York. The quirky, blast-from-the-past hippie residents are hilarious and adorable. The Beautification Committee—code for busybodies—and their relentless pursuit of Happily Ever Afters for the residents provides lots of entertainment and endearing antics.
Not Part of the Plan is another awesomely sexy and fun addition to Blue Moon.
October 13, 2025
A fun, light, sexy read.
Emma and Nico are great characters. Both have issues in their pasts that they have never gotten over, Emma more so than Nico, who is at least open to change. When they first meet it is an instant lightning bolt for Nico, and possibly the same for Emma, except it scares her more than thrills her.
I like that when Nico reflects on his life he sees how shallow it has been and regrets being emotionally distant from his father. When Emma reflects on her past, she only sees fear of getting abandoned and hurt again. Her quest for a perfect life where she cannot get hurt again is doomed for failure, as everyone around her can see, especially Nico. How he goes about breaking down those emotional barriers makes this a fun and fascinating read. You gotta love a story where the man falls in love first and hard!
Although this book can be read as a stand alone, this is the 4th book in the series and it probably would have been helpful to read the first 3 books first, if only to keep all the characters straight (and there are a lot of characters, including young children, to keep straight!)
Now I’m going to want to read the first 3 books in this series…in order!
Emma and Nico are great characters. Both have issues in their pasts that they have never gotten over, Emma more so than Nico, who is at least open to change. When they first meet it is an instant lightning bolt for Nico, and possibly the same for Emma, except it scares her more than thrills her.
I like that when Nico reflects on his life he sees how shallow it has been and regrets being emotionally distant from his father. When Emma reflects on her past, she only sees fear of getting abandoned and hurt again. Her quest for a perfect life where she cannot get hurt again is doomed for failure, as everyone around her can see, especially Nico. How he goes about breaking down those emotional barriers makes this a fun and fascinating read. You gotta love a story where the man falls in love first and hard!
Although this book can be read as a stand alone, this is the 4th book in the series and it probably would have been helpful to read the first 3 books first, if only to keep all the characters straight (and there are a lot of characters, including young children, to keep straight!)
Now I’m going to want to read the first 3 books in this series…in order!
July 13, 2025
4/4.5 ⭐️ I just adore these
June 3, 2017
I absolutely love Lucy Score's Blue Moon series and was so excited that it was continuing after she had written about all of the Pierce brothers. Blue Moon is such a fun town and the people living there are quirky and entertaining which adds a deep richness to the stories. All of the familiar faces of past books return making the book feel like a true homecoming. Not Part of the Plan can be read as a standalone but it contains far too many spoilers from the first three books so do yourself a favor and read those stories first b/c the backstories of all of the characters and this community are ones you don't want to miss!
Nico is a complex character---on the surface he's this bad boy womanizer who is a famous, uber talented fashion photographer from NYC. However, underneath the tough, sexy facade is a man who has an aversion to connecting with women on a deeper level due to events in his past. When he meets Emma he is instantly smitten and uses his alpha ways to make it impossible for her not to fall into bed with him. Emma is a strong, independent female who also has let events of the past shape who she is. She wants nothing to do with quick hookups and is only looking for long-term. The chemistry between the two of them is intense from their first meeting and no matter how hard Emma tries, she cannot stay away from Nico. When she finally gives into the passion in their "friends with benefits" style agreement, the story becomes super hot and steamy.
This story has it all---steamy sexy scenes, laugh-out-loud moments, romance, fun witty dialogue and a rich history between all of the characters. Score makes the reader feel right at home in this quirky community full of zany personalities. I can't wait for the next Blue Moon story!!
Nico is a complex character---on the surface he's this bad boy womanizer who is a famous, uber talented fashion photographer from NYC. However, underneath the tough, sexy facade is a man who has an aversion to connecting with women on a deeper level due to events in his past. When he meets Emma he is instantly smitten and uses his alpha ways to make it impossible for her not to fall into bed with him. Emma is a strong, independent female who also has let events of the past shape who she is. She wants nothing to do with quick hookups and is only looking for long-term. The chemistry between the two of them is intense from their first meeting and no matter how hard Emma tries, she cannot stay away from Nico. When she finally gives into the passion in their "friends with benefits" style agreement, the story becomes super hot and steamy.
This story has it all---steamy sexy scenes, laugh-out-loud moments, romance, fun witty dialogue and a rich history between all of the characters. Score makes the reader feel right at home in this quirky community full of zany personalities. I can't wait for the next Blue Moon story!!
May 7, 2018
Like I said in my review of book #3, Lucy Score is a must read author, another book, another good read. I haven't had an bad book from her yet.
Emma is the new manager of the brewery the boys own. She is a hard worker, almost maniacal. She came home, breaking up with her nice guy boyfriend, so when sex on a stick player and photographer, Niko takes a shine to her, she is eager to raise the bridge and guard the walls. She is not willing to go down that road again. Problem is Niko is more than the people who dont know him see him as. Sure he has had his share, ok, more than his share, of models, stars etc but he also isnt the bad boy many take him for and he is prepared to show Emma that.
In Emma, Niko sees and feels things he never knew he craved or wanted and he is willing to play the friends game to get the prize of her. As more than friends. To do so he will need to show her that she is everything and he is willing to fight for more and to stick around.
I love this series. I dont want it to ever end.
Emma is the new manager of the brewery the boys own. She is a hard worker, almost maniacal. She came home, breaking up with her nice guy boyfriend, so when sex on a stick player and photographer, Niko takes a shine to her, she is eager to raise the bridge and guard the walls. She is not willing to go down that road again. Problem is Niko is more than the people who dont know him see him as. Sure he has had his share, ok, more than his share, of models, stars etc but he also isnt the bad boy many take him for and he is prepared to show Emma that.
In Emma, Niko sees and feels things he never knew he craved or wanted and he is willing to play the friends game to get the prize of her. As more than friends. To do so he will need to show her that she is everything and he is willing to fight for more and to stick around.
I love this series. I dont want it to ever end.
July 6, 2025
This was an enjoyable read, although a little long which found me losing interest and skipping towards the end. 😬 Overall very charming small town romance, close knit friends with great dynamics and banter.
As for our main characters, Emma and Nikolai, I loved Niko and tolerated Emma. She had a lot of trauma to eventually face but the continuous beating us over the head and her running from it got a little tiresome. I loved that she finally saw what everyone else was telling her and went for the risk at the end. Niko on the other hand I loved from the start. Bad boy with the heart of a cinnamon roll.
As for our main characters, Emma and Nikolai, I loved Niko and tolerated Emma. She had a lot of trauma to eventually face but the continuous beating us over the head and her running from it got a little tiresome. I loved that she finally saw what everyone else was telling her and went for the risk at the end. Niko on the other hand I loved from the start. Bad boy with the heart of a cinnamon roll.
September 6, 2025
I don’t think I’ve read a book this fast in a long time 😂 this was actually such a good book! I’ve heard a lot of people say they don’t like Emma because she’s super annoying with her avoidance, and while I understand that, I think it’s deeper than that if it’s trauma she hasn’t worked through. And a man that chases her 🥵 there was very little communication, he was straight up with what he wanted and I really appreciated that. I didn’t realize this was like the fourth book in the series until I started it and it’s super easy to read without prior knowledge but I will definitely be going back and starting the series from the beginning.
January 10, 2021
5 Stars!
Chalk up another excellent read in this series!
Chalk up another excellent read in this series!
September 11, 2022
Emma & Niko
Good story! I love the whole opposites attract trope. I like the little side story of Reva and Caleb, which made me tear up. I can't wait to read about Eva and Donovan next.
Good story! I love the whole opposites attract trope. I like the little side story of Reva and Caleb, which made me tear up. I can't wait to read about Eva and Donovan next.
August 6, 2025
4.5 stars, my favorite so far.
August 8, 2025
Another quirky and charming addition to the blue moon series! While I didn’t love Emma, Nicko made up for it! He was such a fun and sweet cinnamon roll! Overall a cute read!
July 10, 2020
Friend Zoned
Omg the feels this series has delivered is beyond my expectations. I seriously don’t want it to end.
I can rate a handful of series I’ve read and fallen head first in love with and this is right up there. Remarkable characters and a story you can just lose yourself in.
Emma is our lead. She likes control. She has goals and sexy photographer Niko is not part of those plans. He’s too gorgeous and screams bad boy. He’s not the safe stable man she’s envisioned spending her life with. Putting his firmly in the friend zone she’ll ignore the burning chemistry that simmers between them.
Niko is at a crossroads in his life. Suffering burn out and not feeling the passion he once had he arrives in Blue Moon hoping to find it here. Spending time with his friend Summer and her family may bring it back.
Meeting Emma was not part of the plan. Expect fire works and a sizzling happily ever that’ll leave you with a satisfied smile.
Can’t rate it enough.
Omg the feels this series has delivered is beyond my expectations. I seriously don’t want it to end.
I can rate a handful of series I’ve read and fallen head first in love with and this is right up there. Remarkable characters and a story you can just lose yourself in.
Emma is our lead. She likes control. She has goals and sexy photographer Niko is not part of those plans. He’s too gorgeous and screams bad boy. He’s not the safe stable man she’s envisioned spending her life with. Putting his firmly in the friend zone she’ll ignore the burning chemistry that simmers between them.
Niko is at a crossroads in his life. Suffering burn out and not feeling the passion he once had he arrives in Blue Moon hoping to find it here. Spending time with his friend Summer and her family may bring it back.
Meeting Emma was not part of the plan. Expect fire works and a sizzling happily ever that’ll leave you with a satisfied smile.
Can’t rate it enough.
April 10, 2017
The talented and famous photographer, Niko, has come to Blue Moon to visit his pal Summer and basically take a break from his life. Apparently, a couple of weeks on a farm should shake him out of his funk and have him appreciating his glamorous life once again. If only he knew the powers of Blue Moon, he would never expect to leave this town unscathed.
Emma, Gia's sister, who is managing the restaurant/brewery for the Pierce brothers, plays it safe. She wants control of every aspect of her life. The perfect man is the one who will be around to file taxes and discuss 401K plans, not the guy who ignites passion into your life. Niko is interested but Emma is not having it. Niko is not the type of man she wants anything to do with, but she will accept being his friend and only that. Do you see where this is going? I mean who are we kidding, this is Blue Moon.
Where there is sexual chemistry the Beautification Committee sets to work in full force, and there is sexual chemistry no matter how Emma tries to fight it. The BC devise quite a plan for these two. It is like no other plan we have read and while Emma and Niko are waiting for the plotting on their behalf, they are left scratching their heads as to what is going on. Seriously, I love these people! The beauty of the relationships of the entire town is unprecedented. The way people look out for one another even when it is unsolicited is moving.
The characters are so well developed throughout the entire series that I almost feel as though these are real people that I want to look up and hang out with. Every character flows perfectly throughout the series. The entire town is revisited so do not worry, you will get to catch up with everyone.
>>>>>A beautiful and most unexpected surprise for Jax and Joey is revealed. <<<<<
Emma tries to fight the developing relationship with Niko is pretty exceptional in his pursuing. I truly fell deeply in love with their story. Niko wants a love like his parents had. (Discovering his back story and how it plays out is heart-warming) Emma wants someone that won't leave like her mother did. I recommend this book, the entire series, and all works by Lucy Score. My words cannot accurately do justice to Not Part of the Plan, but you are missing out if you do not stop by Blue Moon for a spell. #Blue Mooner for life.
Emma, Gia's sister, who is managing the restaurant/brewery for the Pierce brothers, plays it safe. She wants control of every aspect of her life. The perfect man is the one who will be around to file taxes and discuss 401K plans, not the guy who ignites passion into your life. Niko is interested but Emma is not having it. Niko is not the type of man she wants anything to do with, but she will accept being his friend and only that. Do you see where this is going? I mean who are we kidding, this is Blue Moon.
Where there is sexual chemistry the Beautification Committee sets to work in full force, and there is sexual chemistry no matter how Emma tries to fight it. The BC devise quite a plan for these two. It is like no other plan we have read and while Emma and Niko are waiting for the plotting on their behalf, they are left scratching their heads as to what is going on. Seriously, I love these people! The beauty of the relationships of the entire town is unprecedented. The way people look out for one another even when it is unsolicited is moving.
The characters are so well developed throughout the entire series that I almost feel as though these are real people that I want to look up and hang out with. Every character flows perfectly throughout the series. The entire town is revisited so do not worry, you will get to catch up with everyone.
>>>>>A beautiful and most unexpected surprise for Jax and Joey is revealed. <<<<<
Emma tries to fight the developing relationship with Niko is pretty exceptional in his pursuing. I truly fell deeply in love with their story. Niko wants a love like his parents had. (Discovering his back story and how it plays out is heart-warming) Emma wants someone that won't leave like her mother did. I recommend this book, the entire series, and all works by Lucy Score. My words cannot accurately do justice to Not Part of the Plan, but you are missing out if you do not stop by Blue Moon for a spell. #Blue Mooner for life.
July 11, 2025
Not Part of the Plan is exactly why I’m obsessed with the Blue Moon series—the one that pulled me out of a reading slump and never let go. It’s small-town romance with big feelings, steamy tension, and characters you can’t help but root for.
Niko and Emma? Total opposites with off-the-charts chemistry. He’s all “no strings,” she’s all “I’m not interested”… until suddenly, they’re both way too invested. The banter snaps, the steam builds, and the emotional moments sneak up on you in the best way.
If you haven’t started this series yet, you’re seriously missing out—No More Secrets is where it all begins, and trust me, you’ll want the whole set.
Niko and Emma? Total opposites with off-the-charts chemistry. He’s all “no strings,” she’s all “I’m not interested”… until suddenly, they’re both way too invested. The banter snaps, the steam builds, and the emotional moments sneak up on you in the best way.
If you haven’t started this series yet, you’re seriously missing out—No More Secrets is where it all begins, and trust me, you’ll want the whole set.
August 4, 2017
The book was enjoyable and funny as all of the Blue Moon series. It is a nice book to read when you got nothing to read, smooth read.
What attracts me to this series is that I keep learning more about characters in previous books and therefore its like a continuous epilogue.
The least favorite scene was Mason's, it was so not necessary and the timing everything basically.
The best scene was the one when Niko felt she was not OK with having his exs in the gallery and how bad Niko felt.
What attracts me to this series is that I keep learning more about characters in previous books and therefore its like a continuous epilogue.
The least favorite scene was Mason's, it was so not necessary and the timing everything basically.
The best scene was the one when Niko felt she was not OK with having his exs in the gallery and how bad Niko felt.
June 14, 2022
I really like this series and how I get to continue to watch the characters from past book intertwine with the new main characters 😭 again hate the cover, love the cute rom com read. Niko and Emma were adorable. I see way to much of my self in Emma so it made the read even more fun and equally annoying lmao
April 1, 2020
I ended up dnf on this right at the end. It had been a bit of a drag after the previous books being great. Then the angst at 80% was stupid and just didn't really care to finish it.
June 25, 2025
3.5⭐️
Book 4 in the Blue Moon series, and we get Nikolai (Summer's bestie from book 1) & Emmaline aka Emma (Gia from book 2's sister). Nikolai arrives in Blue Moon for a change of scenery as he has become disenfranchised with his jet-setting, no-commitment life as a fashion photographer. Emma moved to Blue Moon almost a year ago to run the brewery opened up by the Pierce brothers, one of which is her sister's husband. Emma instantly pegs Nikolai for the player he is and refuses to entertain his advances, but Nikolai is determined to get the intriguing Emmaline to look his way.
This is my favourite of the series so far by just a hair. This book jumps forward in time a bit from the end of book 3, with Summer & Carter now being parents to their twin toddlers. Beckett & Gia have added to their brood, and Joey & Jax are about to become parents to the first foal for the stables' breeding program. I really liked the banter and dynamics between all the characters in this one, although I never fully connected with Emmaline as her issues weren't all that unique, and she basically cuts her own nose off to spite her face on more than one occasion thanks to not dealing with her abandonment issues... whilst professing a desire to settle down but running from it at every opportunity. I found that aspect a bit tedious. Nikolai I enjoyed more as he didn't pretend to be someone he wasn't; he was all in with Emma, even though he didn't realize it to begin with, and he was great at pushing her buttons in a fun way, and the spice was decent.
Overall, an enjoyable read with the low-angst energy I was after. 🌶🌶
"I'm a fixer. You confided a problem in me, and now it gives me great joy to force solutions on you until the problem is solved."
"Don't be afraid of pain, or less-than-perfect, daughter of mine. That's where the real joy comes from. Life gets its color from challenges and ad- versity. You can't plan your way to happiness, you know."
"Future or no future, there's no point in toning yourself down for any guy Got it? say what you want to say Do what you want to do regardless. Otherwise you're just building a house on a shaky foundation. You know?"
"Baby, you deserve a life of love and passion and adventure. Not some coma of bore. dom. I can give you what you need, what you've been telling yourself is wrong and scary. And I can still protect you. Let me give you what you need. Let me love you, Emma."
Book 4 in the Blue Moon series, and we get Nikolai (Summer's bestie from book 1) & Emmaline aka Emma (Gia from book 2's sister). Nikolai arrives in Blue Moon for a change of scenery as he has become disenfranchised with his jet-setting, no-commitment life as a fashion photographer. Emma moved to Blue Moon almost a year ago to run the brewery opened up by the Pierce brothers, one of which is her sister's husband. Emma instantly pegs Nikolai for the player he is and refuses to entertain his advances, but Nikolai is determined to get the intriguing Emmaline to look his way.
This is my favourite of the series so far by just a hair. This book jumps forward in time a bit from the end of book 3, with Summer & Carter now being parents to their twin toddlers. Beckett & Gia have added to their brood, and Joey & Jax are about to become parents to the first foal for the stables' breeding program. I really liked the banter and dynamics between all the characters in this one, although I never fully connected with Emmaline as her issues weren't all that unique, and she basically cuts her own nose off to spite her face on more than one occasion thanks to not dealing with her abandonment issues... whilst professing a desire to settle down but running from it at every opportunity. I found that aspect a bit tedious. Nikolai I enjoyed more as he didn't pretend to be someone he wasn't; he was all in with Emma, even though he didn't realize it to begin with, and he was great at pushing her buttons in a fun way, and the spice was decent.
Overall, an enjoyable read with the low-angst energy I was after. 🌶🌶
"I'm a fixer. You confided a problem in me, and now it gives me great joy to force solutions on you until the problem is solved."
"Don't be afraid of pain, or less-than-perfect, daughter of mine. That's where the real joy comes from. Life gets its color from challenges and ad- versity. You can't plan your way to happiness, you know."
"Future or no future, there's no point in toning yourself down for any guy Got it? say what you want to say Do what you want to do regardless. Otherwise you're just building a house on a shaky foundation. You know?"
"Baby, you deserve a life of love and passion and adventure. Not some coma of bore. dom. I can give you what you need, what you've been telling yourself is wrong and scary. And I can still protect you. Let me give you what you need. Let me love you, Emma."
July 25, 2018
Please, somebody help me. The house is sold, everything packed, car loaded and I’m ready to hit the road, but I can’t find Blue Moon Bend on the map to save my life!! Okay, a slight exaggeration, but I would live in this town if I could. Every book I read in this series is better than the last, and Emma and Niko's story is the best yet! I adore this town, these people, their matchmaking “Beautification Committee" and every last nosey interference and farm critter mishap that had me laughing throughout the book.
Niko is a world class fashion photographer whose life is all glitz, glam and façade. When his creative edge takes a hike, he takes a sabbatical in Blue Moon Bend to spend time with his good friend Summer, her husband Carter and their almost-toddler twins. He comes across as a bad boy player, so when Emma first meets him she gives him a brisk brush off. But Niko isn’t easily dissuaded and their “just friends" dance as they fall into deeper feelings is hugely entertaining and immensely satisfying to watch.
With as spontaneous and shallow as Niko's life is, Emma's is the opposite with every decision and action carefully thought out, ordered and controlled. Blue Moon Bend has a way of upending both of their lives and showing them both what they’ve been missing, and it’s so much more than just a soulmate. Authentic living, belonging, family and community. Score got everything in this one perfectly right. From the sprinkles of comic relief and hilarity from precocious children and uncooperative animals, to quirky, endearing, outrageous townsfolk, to the wisdom of elders (and a sage teenager) to the beautiful sentiment of family by choice. From a tilt-a-whirl of emotions to a rewarding conclusion, Emma and Niko's story is an entertaining, heartfelt, fantastic read.
*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
Niko is a world class fashion photographer whose life is all glitz, glam and façade. When his creative edge takes a hike, he takes a sabbatical in Blue Moon Bend to spend time with his good friend Summer, her husband Carter and their almost-toddler twins. He comes across as a bad boy player, so when Emma first meets him she gives him a brisk brush off. But Niko isn’t easily dissuaded and their “just friends" dance as they fall into deeper feelings is hugely entertaining and immensely satisfying to watch.
With as spontaneous and shallow as Niko's life is, Emma's is the opposite with every decision and action carefully thought out, ordered and controlled. Blue Moon Bend has a way of upending both of their lives and showing them both what they’ve been missing, and it’s so much more than just a soulmate. Authentic living, belonging, family and community. Score got everything in this one perfectly right. From the sprinkles of comic relief and hilarity from precocious children and uncooperative animals, to quirky, endearing, outrageous townsfolk, to the wisdom of elders (and a sage teenager) to the beautiful sentiment of family by choice. From a tilt-a-whirl of emotions to a rewarding conclusion, Emma and Niko's story is an entertaining, heartfelt, fantastic read.
*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
April 12, 2017
***Received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. It's also free on Kindle Unlimited right now - HIGHLY recommend.
The Blue Moon series has been a favorite of mine. Loved Books 1 and 2, 3 not so much. I wasn't sure what to expect from Niko since he wasn't a Pierce brother but Lucy Score did not fail this reader. When I finished the last page of this book I was literally slowing down because I didn't want it to end. When I did finish I just sighed because it was that good.
There are other books out there where the angst level is higher. Where the sex is more explicit. Where everything is just MORE, INSTA, etc. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Sometimes though I want something a little more relaxed, a little more lighthearted, and to engage me. This is that book.
The Blue Moon series is fantastic because its a series about love - family, brothers, wives/husbands - and it absolutely works. It was great to see the Pierce brothers and their families make appearances while letting the story be about Niko and Emma.
Emma's a strong heroine who more than holds her own. She has some abandonment issues which make sense, cause her to have some moments of temporary insanity, but she's great heroine. More than an equal to Niko.
Niko is just a box of candy and everything on top. I remembered him from the earlier books but wasn't sure how Lucy Score would spin his story. He was worth the wait and I loved him from beginning to end. He's a good friend, a good man, and his love for Emma is real and he wants to fight for them and for her. He was amazing and I can't say how refreshing it is to read a hero whose not an ass, has it together, is sexy, and absolutely loves a woman without being an alpha/control freak.
These two together were perfect and there was nothing but good feelings when I read this book. My only regret was that I didn't slow it down a little more as I was reading.
The Blue Moon series has been a favorite of mine. Loved Books 1 and 2, 3 not so much. I wasn't sure what to expect from Niko since he wasn't a Pierce brother but Lucy Score did not fail this reader. When I finished the last page of this book I was literally slowing down because I didn't want it to end. When I did finish I just sighed because it was that good.
There are other books out there where the angst level is higher. Where the sex is more explicit. Where everything is just MORE, INSTA, etc. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Sometimes though I want something a little more relaxed, a little more lighthearted, and to engage me. This is that book.
The Blue Moon series is fantastic because its a series about love - family, brothers, wives/husbands - and it absolutely works. It was great to see the Pierce brothers and their families make appearances while letting the story be about Niko and Emma.
Emma's a strong heroine who more than holds her own. She has some abandonment issues which make sense, cause her to have some moments of temporary insanity, but she's great heroine. More than an equal to Niko.
Niko is just a box of candy and everything on top. I remembered him from the earlier books but wasn't sure how Lucy Score would spin his story. He was worth the wait and I loved him from beginning to end. He's a good friend, a good man, and his love for Emma is real and he wants to fight for them and for her. He was amazing and I can't say how refreshing it is to read a hero whose not an ass, has it together, is sexy, and absolutely loves a woman without being an alpha/control freak.
These two together were perfect and there was nothing but good feelings when I read this book. My only regret was that I didn't slow it down a little more as I was reading.
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