Book Title: Wreck My Plans
Author: Kelsey Clayton
Series: North Haven University #3
Publication Date: March 18, 2021
Length: 366 pages
Genre: YA Romance
***My Review***
As a fan of the North Haven University series, I was excited to dive into the third book, “Wreck My Plans,” by Kelsey Clayton. And let me tell you, this book did not disappoint.
The story begins with Tye, a young woman who is grieving the loss of her best friend Davi. She blames Carter, an entitled, rich boy who she believes played a part in Davi’s death. Tye is consumed by her anger and is determined to make Carter pay for what she sees as his role in her friend’s passing.
However, as Tye’s plan for revenge begins to unfold, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to Carter. Despite his privileged upbringing and past mistakes, Carter has undergone a transformation since the events of the previous book in the series. He is patient, kind, and deeply committed to helping Tye navigate her pain and heal from her trauma.
But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that things are not as simple as they seem. Tye and Carter have a complicated history, and there are layers of pain and trauma that have shaped both of their lives. As they are forced to confront their past and the feelings they have been suppressing, they find themselves drawn to each other in ways they never expected.
The author expertly crafts a storyline that is both emotionally gripping and cathartic. Clayton’s vivid descriptions bring to life the intense emotions that Tye and Carter experience, making it impossible to put the book down. The reader is taken on a journey through the complex and nuanced relationships between the characters, as they navigate their way through grief, guilt, and forgiveness.
One of the things I appreciated most about this book was how well-drawn the characters were. Tye’s pain and grief were palpable, and I felt for her as she struggled to come to terms with her loss. Her anger and desire for revenge were understandable, even as they led her down a destructive path.
Carter, too, was a well-developed character. He may have come from a place of privilege, but the trauma he has experienced has left him struggling to find his place in the world. I appreciated that the author didn’t shy away from showing his flaws and imperfections, even as he worked to become a better person.
Of course, the heart of the story was the relationship between Tye and Carter. While the enemies-to-lovers trope has been done before, Clayton’s take on it felt fresh and original. Tye and Carter’s dynamic was complicated and messy, and I appreciated that the author didn’t shy away from showing the characters’ flaws and imperfections.
Tye and Carter’s relationship is complex and multifaceted, with layers of hurt, anger, and passion.
As the story unfolds, we see Tye struggling to come to terms with her feelings for Carter. On the one hand, she is consumed with anger and grief, and she blames him for her best friend’s death. On the other hand, she is drawn to him in a way that she can’t quite explain. Carter, for his part, is equally conflicted. He has carried a torch for Tye since they first met, but he is also grappling with his own guilt and grief over Davi’s death.
Despite these challenges, Tye and Carter’s relationship is characterized by a deep and abiding love. Carter is patient and understanding, and he is determined to help Tye work through her pain and come out the other side. He becomes her safe haven, a place where she can let down her guard and be vulnerable. Over time, Tye comes to see Carter in a new light, recognizing the depth of his love and the sincerity of his intentions.
Their chemistry was electric, and the tension between them was palpable. I found myself rooting for them despite their rocky past, and the way their relationship unfolded felt authentic and true to the characters.
And, of course, no romance novel would be complete without some steamy scenes, and “Wreck My Plans” definitely delivered in that department. The sex scenes were hot and well-written, and added an extra layer of intensity to the story.
The sexual content in Wreck My Plans by Kelsey Clayton is consensual and explores themes of intimacy, trust, and vulnerability. The scenes are not gratuitous, but rather serve to deepen the emotional connection between the characters. The author, Kelsey Clayton, approaches these scenes with sensitivity and care, and they are woven seamlessly into the narrative.
However, it’s worth noting that this book does deal with some mature themes, including grief, trauma, and revenge. Additionally, some of the characters’ behavior could be seen as toxic, so if those are triggers for you, this may not be the book for you.
One aspect of the book that I particularly enjoyed was how well it fit into the larger North Haven University series. While “Wreck My Plans” can be read as a standalone, there are nods to previous books in the series that will be appreciated by fans. Additionally, the book sets up some intriguing storylines for future books in the series.
If I had one criticism of the book, it would be that the pacing was slow at times. There were moments when the story felt like it was dragging, and I found myself wishing for the plot to move forward. However, the characters and their journey more than made up for any pacing issues.
Overall, Wreck My Plans by Kelsey Clayton was an emotional and engaging read that I couldn’t put down. It was a rollercoaster of a story, full of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. While it wasn’t perfect, the characters and their journey more than made up for any flaws. If you’re a fan of the North Haven University series or enemies-to-lovers romances in general, I highly recommend giving this book a read.