I was cheered to see that The Contingency Plan was generally well received by reviewers. It’s a happy little feel-good story in which Prince Marcelo receives shocking news that doesn’t end up being as horrifying as he initially worries it might be. It’s a short story that highlights a turning point in our heroes’ lives, then we get to imagine them trotting merrily into their happily ever after.

The primary complaint—if it can be called that—is that the story doesn’t go on and on detailing that HEA (or perhaps giving our heroes some challenges on the road toward it). Readers didn’t want this meet-cute short story to end. I think I’ll consider that a compliment. 😁

And never fear dear readers/reviewers…I’ve got a followup story brewing for the happy princes. I’m still mulling over the possibilities, and don’t yet know if it’ll be a longer adventure or if they’ll maybe get a series of shorts (again highlighting significant events in their lives), but I do have a title in mind: The Best Laid Plans. And we all know what happens to the best laid plans of mice and men, right?

If you’ve already read and enjoyed The Contingency Plan and would like to see the opening scenes of the story retold from Prince Efren’s perspective, keep your eyes on this blog June 4-8!

Anyway, here’s a rundown of some of my favorite soundbites from the reviews:

“What I liked about this story is that it didn’t try to fit a lifetime into a few words. The author picked one event and ran with it. The way Prince Marcelo is enlightened and finds awe in new knowledge gave him a delightful innocence. The story itself gave me a period of lovely escapism.” – Freya, Sinfully MM Book Reviews

“This story is just a little gem! I loved Marcelo and Zefren and the way they regarded each other and came together with mutual respect.” – Sadonna, The Novel Approach

“Short and sweet this was a nice read to take a break to and while it will always be nice to see what happens next, I’m quite happy with how the story left off.  If you’re looking for a quick read without any angst, I’d recommend giving this one a look.” – Sarina, Love Bytes Reviews

“I really, really enjoyed this short story. Marcelo was specially endearing, and I loved his kindness and empathy, combined with an open thirst for knowledge.” – Min, Min and Her Books

“I found The Contingency Plan to be a very sweet story. I think part of the reason it works is that rather than trying to shove too much into it, the author focuses on two pivotal days in Marcelo’s life.” – Angela, Wicked Reads

“This is a very short read – but actually packs a lot of punch in those pages.” – Ruthie, Wicked Reads

“I’m rather impressed that the world this story is set in has come to life for me, despite the fact that the short story format didn’t allow for extensive descriptions and explanations. With just a few words the author managed to explain both Marcelo’s matriarchal society and Efren’s more traditional (by our standards) country.” – Helena, The Way She Reads

“The Contingency Plan may be short in pages but it’s words are full of heart.  I fell in love with Prince Marcelo and his sheltered life immediately and wanted him to find his HEA.” – Heather, Padme’s Library

“Given that the book is so short, I was surprised at the level of detail achieved…but that did make me crave more.  I’m really hoping that there will be a follow-up story coming, because this just made me want more of Marcelo and Efren.” – Carra, Making it Happen

“Addison did a great job of adding just enough info into such a short story. It’s just so intriguing that I would love more. Heck, I even liked Marcello’s servant, Erich!” – Elizabeth, We Three Queens Book Blog

“This was a quick and enjoyable story to read. I’d like to read a follow up story to see how these two guys are doing.” – ButtonsMom2003, Xtreme Delusions

“I know I wouldn’t say no to more of these two regarding their future or just a new edition expanding on all the potential this little story contains. More please!” – A Reader Obsessed, Boy Meets Boy Reviews

“This was a fun read, one that I commend for its originality and creative spin on the usual royal romance sub-genre. I appreciated the fact that there were no sudden or instant declarations of love from either Marcelo or [Efren], although I was all for the beginnings of care and affection before the two. There was nearly no angst, which you would think would bother an angst addict like myself, but after having read my fair share of angsty books this week, turned out to be a welcome change of pace for me.” – Jen, Dogeared Daydreams