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Never Planned on You: A Novel
A glittering, laugh-out-loud second chance romance that reminds us true love is sometimes the one thing you never planned on.
Ali Rubin has a reputation for spontaneity. Like that time she made a drunken bet in London that led to matching tattoos with a stranger. Her joie de vivre is one of her best qualities; she lives every day to the fullest and follows her dreams wherever they take her. And now, they’re taking her from her career as a chef in New York City back home to Baltimore, where she’s interning as a wedding planner.
Despite the occasional fantasy about her British tattoo twin, Ali never expected to see Graham again. So no one is more surprised than she is when he turns up in Baltimore, ordering a latte at her favorite cafe. When they reconnect during an enchanting evening together, Ali can’t help but wonder if Graham might be someone special.
At the same time, she's desperate to succeed in her new career and prove that she isn’t the family flake. When she gets a job planning a high profile wedding at a historic hotel, it seems like things are finally falling into place. That is, until Graham turns out to be the groom.
Graham’s family owns the once-grand, now struggling Black-Eyed Susan, and he’s returned to Baltimore to help his grandmother get it back on its feet. He’s certain that hosting a wedding at the hotel is just the publicity boost it needs. Ali’s boss agrees, and promises Ali a full-time gig if the affair goes off without a hitch. Unfortunately, Ali and Graham can't seem to ignore their rekindled chemistry, especially when it’s revealed that Graham and his fiancée are planning a marriage of convenience. Still, staying away from each other is the best thing they can do, since giving in to their growing feelings might cost them everything.
Because when it comes to love, all bets are off.
Ali Rubin has a reputation for spontaneity. Like that time she made a drunken bet in London that led to matching tattoos with a stranger. Her joie de vivre is one of her best qualities; she lives every day to the fullest and follows her dreams wherever they take her. And now, they’re taking her from her career as a chef in New York City back home to Baltimore, where she’s interning as a wedding planner.
Despite the occasional fantasy about her British tattoo twin, Ali never expected to see Graham again. So no one is more surprised than she is when he turns up in Baltimore, ordering a latte at her favorite cafe. When they reconnect during an enchanting evening together, Ali can’t help but wonder if Graham might be someone special.
At the same time, she's desperate to succeed in her new career and prove that she isn’t the family flake. When she gets a job planning a high profile wedding at a historic hotel, it seems like things are finally falling into place. That is, until Graham turns out to be the groom.
Graham’s family owns the once-grand, now struggling Black-Eyed Susan, and he’s returned to Baltimore to help his grandmother get it back on its feet. He’s certain that hosting a wedding at the hotel is just the publicity boost it needs. Ali’s boss agrees, and promises Ali a full-time gig if the affair goes off without a hitch. Unfortunately, Ali and Graham can't seem to ignore their rekindled chemistry, especially when it’s revealed that Graham and his fiancée are planning a marriage of convenience. Still, staying away from each other is the best thing they can do, since giving in to their growing feelings might cost them everything.
Because when it comes to love, all bets are off.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2025
69 people are currently reading
24233 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay Hameroff
3 books450 followersLindsay Hameroff lives in Harrisburg, PA with her husband and two kids. Her work has been published in McSweeneys, Weekly Humorist, and other humor outlets. She also co-edits Frazzled, a parenting humor site on Medium. TILL THERE WAS YOU is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 683 reviews
February 9, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review. Never Planned on You will be officially published on February 18th, 2025!
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The bad news: this entire book was a dumpster fire.
The good news:most all of the stuff I had complaints about is nothing that people don't already know from the synopsis of the book so I don't have to spoil anything that isn't already known from reading the blurb. This is also a hate review so I guess if you like hate reviews, here you go!
Let's start off with Graham Wyler, our MMC. He makes me want to bang my head against a wall. Repeatedly. There is a LOT of cheating going on in this story. It probably makes up about 80-90% of the book. If there's one trope I hate, it's the cheating trope. I don't care if Graham is in a marriage of convenience, it doesn't mean you cheat on your fianceé and make people question your motives. Not to mention that Graham doesn't tell Ali ANY of this until wayyyyyyy too late in the book for my liking. I kept reading wondering when he would say something to Ali but it felt like it was never going to come until it was almost too late. If there's another trope I hate as much as the cheating trope, it's the miscommunication trope. Like, everyone here is an adult. Why are you not talking it out and making things transparent from the get-go?
And Ali...girl, STAND UP! Why was she acting like a victim right from the get-go when she thought she and Graham were on a date when they weren't? Why did she continue to flirt and do things with Graham even after she knew he was engaged? She was FULLY aware-we get multple instances throughout the story about this-that she was playing with fire and she was going to get hurt at the end of it all, yet she still continued to do it anyways. Ali had a ton on the line here; she had a formal full-time position as an event planner on the line which would result in a larger paycheck and the ability to move out of her parents' house and get her own place. What does she do instead? She wanted to blow it all away on a fling that she had with someone who was a random stranger she drunkenly got a matching tattoo with and a drunk hook-up with 6-8 years prior.
Her personality was also super grating and annoying to me. I get that she's this little ball of energy and sunshine and it's said in the story that her MBTI personality is an ESFP--aka the direct opposite of mine, an INTJ--and she uses humor to cope with hardship, but all of her little one-liners and the constant pop culture references were just annoying to no end. There were references to Joe Goldberg from You, Zendaya, the Baltimore Ravens (to be fair, the story does take place in Baltimore), multiple mentions of Taylor Swift, the COVID-19 PANDEMIC, Lululemon, TikTok, the list goes on. I feel like the author was just trying to throw in as many pop culture references in there as possible to be cool and relatable or whatever the case may be, but I know this is just a personal gripe I have with the book and I'm sure many people wouldn't mind all of this.
(Also just as a side note, as a big NFL/American football fan...Ali calling football "sports ball" when SHE GREW UP IN BALTIMORE where they HAVE A FOOTBALL TEAM is wild to me. That's like going to any sporting event and saying, "Go sports!" Super cringy.)
Oh, and the opening scene after the prologue--no, really, it was literally the first page or two--was an engaged couple Ali was seeing at her job gushing over wanting a Shrek-themed wedding where they dress up as Fiona and Shrek and all of the guests dress like the other characters from the movies. That's where they started to lose me.
Second chance romance? I don't think so. Don't say a book is a second-chance romance if the characters are sneaking around behind people's backs and they're hooking up. Multiple times. AND one of the main characters is cheating on their fianceé. Both Ali and Graham are in the wrong and it was extremely hard to root for them throughout the story. I award them no points and may God have mercy on their souls. (If you get that reference ily)
2 stars
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Trigger warnings: mentions of death of a family member, cheating, sexual content (probably a 2-2.5/5 on the spice scale. This is all subjective based on the amount of spice each reader has read in other books in the past so take this as you will)
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"I came here because I want you. Every part of you. I don't want to live another day without you. You're the key to my lock, Ali."
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The bad news: this entire book was a dumpster fire.
The good news:
Let's start off with Graham Wyler, our MMC. He makes me want to bang my head against a wall. Repeatedly. There is a LOT of cheating going on in this story. It probably makes up about 80-90% of the book. If there's one trope I hate, it's the cheating trope. I don't care if Graham is in a marriage of convenience, it doesn't mean you cheat on your fianceé and make people question your motives. Not to mention that Graham doesn't tell Ali ANY of this until wayyyyyyy too late in the book for my liking. I kept reading wondering when he would say something to Ali but it felt like it was never going to come until it was almost too late. If there's another trope I hate as much as the cheating trope, it's the miscommunication trope. Like, everyone here is an adult. Why are you not talking it out and making things transparent from the get-go?
And Ali...girl, STAND UP! Why was she acting like a victim right from the get-go when she thought she and Graham were on a date when they weren't? Why did she continue to flirt and do things with Graham even after she knew he was engaged? She was FULLY aware-we get multple instances throughout the story about this-that she was playing with fire and she was going to get hurt at the end of it all, yet she still continued to do it anyways. Ali had a ton on the line here; she had a formal full-time position as an event planner on the line which would result in a larger paycheck and the ability to move out of her parents' house and get her own place. What does she do instead? She wanted to blow it all away on a fling that she had with someone who was a random stranger she drunkenly got a matching tattoo with and a drunk hook-up with 6-8 years prior.
Her personality was also super grating and annoying to me. I get that she's this little ball of energy and sunshine and it's said in the story that her MBTI personality is an ESFP--aka the direct opposite of mine, an INTJ--and she uses humor to cope with hardship, but all of her little one-liners and the constant pop culture references were just annoying to no end. There were references to Joe Goldberg from You, Zendaya, the Baltimore Ravens (to be fair, the story does take place in Baltimore), multiple mentions of Taylor Swift, the COVID-19 PANDEMIC, Lululemon, TikTok, the list goes on. I feel like the author was just trying to throw in as many pop culture references in there as possible to be cool and relatable or whatever the case may be, but I know this is just a personal gripe I have with the book and I'm sure many people wouldn't mind all of this.
(Also just as a side note, as a big NFL/American football fan...Ali calling football "sports ball" when SHE GREW UP IN BALTIMORE where they HAVE A FOOTBALL TEAM is wild to me. That's like going to any sporting event and saying, "Go sports!" Super cringy.)
Oh, and the opening scene after the prologue--no, really, it was literally the first page or two--was an engaged couple Ali was seeing at her job gushing over wanting a Shrek-themed wedding where they dress up as Fiona and Shrek and all of the guests dress like the other characters from the movies. That's where they started to lose me.
Second chance romance? I don't think so. Don't say a book is a second-chance romance if the characters are sneaking around behind people's backs and they're hooking up. Multiple times. AND one of the main characters is cheating on their fianceé. Both Ali and Graham are in the wrong and it was extremely hard to root for them throughout the story. I award them no points and may God have mercy on their souls. (If you get that reference ily)
2 stars
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Trigger warnings: mentions of death of a family member, cheating, sexual content (probably a 2-2.5/5 on the spice scale. This is all subjective based on the amount of spice each reader has read in other books in the past so take this as you will)
January 7, 2025
4 stars! 💫 Huge thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the e-ARC! 💙 Oh my heart—Never Planned on You by Lindsay Hameroff totally swept me off my feet! 😍 I thought it’d be a fun read, and WOW, I was so right! Ali and Graham’s paths cross again years after that wild, spontaneous night in Europe... and let me tell you, it’s funny, sweet, and totally swoon-worthy! I’m a sucker for a good second-chance romance, and this one delivered big time! 💕
Now, let's talk about all the amazing tropes packed into this book:
✧ Second Chance Romance 💘
✧ Opposites Attract 💗
✧ Workplace Romance 💓
✧ Marriage of Convenience 💍
✧ Spicy Chemistry 🌶
✧ Unforgettable First Meet 🥰
✧ Tattoos 🎨
Ali is SO much fun! 😂 She’s impulsive, witty, and always up for an adventure. I swear, I was just nodding along because I totally get her vibe. And Graham? Swoon central! 😍 His British charm had me melting. Their chemistry? OFF THE CHARTS! 💥 But I won’t lie, at first, I felt a little iffy about the whole “he’s engaged to someone else” situation... like, whoa! But no worries, Lindsay Hameroff handles it beautifully, and it never felt icky or wrong. Their connection just clicks and those moments between them? ALL the feels! 😩💕
The one teeny downside? The timeline felt a bit rushed, especially when they jumped from November to December in one paragraph. I would've loved to see more of them working through their relationship over those few months, but hey—time flies when you're falling in love, right? ✨
Also, the pop culture references are everything! 🎤 If you’re a fan of Taylor Swift and One Direction, you’re gonna love them! 🙌 That said, I’m not usually into real-world references in fiction, but that’s just me. The humor and banter? A+!! 😂 I couldn’t stop laughing and just had to root for these two to get their happily-ever-after! 🥳
All in all, this was a super fun, lighthearted read with so much depth and heart! If you're into rom-coms with quirky characters and a little spice, don’t miss this one when it hits your TBR for February 2025! 💖
Now, let's talk about all the amazing tropes packed into this book:
✧ Second Chance Romance 💘
✧ Opposites Attract 💗
✧ Workplace Romance 💓
✧ Marriage of Convenience 💍
✧ Spicy Chemistry 🌶
✧ Unforgettable First Meet 🥰
✧ Tattoos 🎨
Ali is SO much fun! 😂 She’s impulsive, witty, and always up for an adventure. I swear, I was just nodding along because I totally get her vibe. And Graham? Swoon central! 😍 His British charm had me melting. Their chemistry? OFF THE CHARTS! 💥 But I won’t lie, at first, I felt a little iffy about the whole “he’s engaged to someone else” situation... like, whoa! But no worries, Lindsay Hameroff handles it beautifully, and it never felt icky or wrong. Their connection just clicks and those moments between them? ALL the feels! 😩💕
The one teeny downside? The timeline felt a bit rushed, especially when they jumped from November to December in one paragraph. I would've loved to see more of them working through their relationship over those few months, but hey—time flies when you're falling in love, right? ✨
Also, the pop culture references are everything! 🎤 If you’re a fan of Taylor Swift and One Direction, you’re gonna love them! 🙌 That said, I’m not usually into real-world references in fiction, but that’s just me. The humor and banter? A+!! 😂 I couldn’t stop laughing and just had to root for these two to get their happily-ever-after! 🥳
All in all, this was a super fun, lighthearted read with so much depth and heart! If you're into rom-coms with quirky characters and a little spice, don’t miss this one when it hits your TBR for February 2025! 💖
April 8, 2025
Ali Rubin has always lived life to the fullest. When a night of drunken fun in London leads to matching tattoos with a stranger, followed by a passionate and memorable one-night stand, Ali has trouble leaving Graham behind. Now, eight years later, Ali’s joie de vivre has taken her from NYC to Baltimore, where she is one wedding away from being a successful wedding planner. Unfortunately for them both, the groom just so happens to be her one-night stand, Graham.
With such a cute cover and an author that’s been on my to-be-read list for more than a minute, I went into this one wanting so badly to love it. And yet, not every book is for every person, and unfortunately, that is the case with me and this book. Although it didn’t work for me, I can definitely appreciate the love others have for Lindsay Hameroff and this story.
While the premise sounds amazing along with all of the tropes, something didn’t work as well for me in the execution, almost right off the bat. To start with, this really isn’t my definition of second-chance romance, as they had only spent one evening together 8 years prior (granted it was an action-filled evening 😉😂) And because their relationship is therefore built on insta-love, I struggled to have any kind of emotional attachment to their relationship in the present. I mean, eight years later and she’s still carrying a torch??!?? I really had to suspend quite a bit of disbelief. There is a fun twist on the marriage-of-convenience trope, and that pulled me back in a little bit; however, ultimately, this just wasn’t a love for me.
Read if you like:
▪️second chance romance
▪️wedding planning
▪️forced proximity
▪️forbidden romance
▪️marriage of convenience
Thank you St. Martin’s Press and You Had Me At HEA for the gifted copy.
With such a cute cover and an author that’s been on my to-be-read list for more than a minute, I went into this one wanting so badly to love it. And yet, not every book is for every person, and unfortunately, that is the case with me and this book. Although it didn’t work for me, I can definitely appreciate the love others have for Lindsay Hameroff and this story.
While the premise sounds amazing along with all of the tropes, something didn’t work as well for me in the execution, almost right off the bat. To start with, this really isn’t my definition of second-chance romance, as they had only spent one evening together 8 years prior (granted it was an action-filled evening 😉😂) And because their relationship is therefore built on insta-love, I struggled to have any kind of emotional attachment to their relationship in the present. I mean, eight years later and she’s still carrying a torch??!?? I really had to suspend quite a bit of disbelief. There is a fun twist on the marriage-of-convenience trope, and that pulled me back in a little bit; however, ultimately, this just wasn’t a love for me.
Read if you like:
▪️second chance romance
▪️wedding planning
▪️forced proximity
▪️forbidden romance
▪️marriage of convenience
Thank you St. Martin’s Press and You Had Me At HEA for the gifted copy.
March 29, 2025
*Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an E-Arc in exchange for an honest review!*
3.5 Stars!
Whenever one of the main tropes in a romantic-comedy book is second chance it instantly become very enjoyable read for me.
3.5 Stars!
Whenever one of the main tropes in a romantic-comedy book is second chance it instantly become very enjoyable read for me.
February 12, 2025
I love reading new authors. They usually come with great storylines and plots and this one certainly hit the mark in that area. Fun and creative, this story was an amusing read.
I love the beginning of the book, which sets the tone throughout. Hameroff used humor and wonderful characterization to engage the reader. But there are parts I know some readers may be critical of… So the question is: if it is a marriage of convenience and you make out with and have major feelings for the groom-to-be, is that cheating on your fiancé?
I have to say I struggled with this concept myself. Everything else about this book was great! The two were perfectly matched. The best friends were awesome. The flow and feel of the story are great! Never Planned on You is the perfect title for this book as it embodies everything about the book!
I do have one other question – Whoever decided that 3rd act drama is a thing needs therapy. I hate it! Plus, I really think we need longer endings to enjoy the fruits of the author’s labor and the HEA.
With all of that going on in this story, what do I really feel? Never Planned on You is a wonderful read, a delightful rom-com, and a story you will remember. For that reason, I think you should definitely check it out!!
~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/never-planne...
I love the beginning of the book, which sets the tone throughout. Hameroff used humor and wonderful characterization to engage the reader. But there are parts I know some readers may be critical of… So the question is: if it is a marriage of convenience and you make out with and have major feelings for the groom-to-be, is that cheating on your fiancé?
I have to say I struggled with this concept myself. Everything else about this book was great! The two were perfectly matched. The best friends were awesome. The flow and feel of the story are great! Never Planned on You is the perfect title for this book as it embodies everything about the book!
I do have one other question – Whoever decided that 3rd act drama is a thing needs therapy. I hate it! Plus, I really think we need longer endings to enjoy the fruits of the author’s labor and the HEA.
With all of that going on in this story, what do I really feel? Never Planned on You is a wonderful read, a delightful rom-com, and a story you will remember. For that reason, I think you should definitely check it out!!
~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/never-planne...
March 25, 2025
Tonight’s the night! I’m thrilled to welcome Lindsay Hameroff, author of Never Planned on You, to The Jewish Joy Book Club!!!
It’s no secret that I LOVE this book. Not only was it our March pick for The Jewish Joy Box—an honor reserved for only four books per year—but it has officially gone down as one of my FAVORITE romances of all time.
Never Planned on You follows the story of Ali and Graham. While studying abroad in London, Ali makes a drunken bet that leads to getting a matching tattoo with a handsome British stranger. Years later, and now a wedding planner in Baltimore, Ali is stunned when Graham walks back into her life—as the groom-to-be!
The chemistry’s still there. The stakes are high. But can one impulsive night in London ever turn into something as long-lasting as a permanent tattoo?
SOME REASONS I LOVE THIS BOOK:
1. Lindsay Hameroff is a romance-writing genius!
I’ve spent most of my life working with story structure and the written word. When I’m not writing my own romcoms, I’m reading a ton of them, too. And I can say with confidence—Lindsay gets it. Three-act structure? ✅ Rising stakes? ✅ Beautiful writing? ✅Believable dialogue and banter? ✅Understanding the needs of the genre to build tension? ✅If you want a crash course in writing the perfect romance—Lindsay is your girl.
2. There’s a twist I didn’t see coming.
For real. I’m a writer. I always see twists coming. My husband won’t even take me to movies anymore because I figure out the ending five minutes in. But this one? It got me. Go in spoiler-free. Trust me. It’s so good.
3. It’s beautifully Jewish.
I love when authors lean into Jewish culture and heritage, and Lindsay does it so well. This book is a love letter to Shabbat dinners, challah on the table, Jewish family, and the way food and tradition become part of who we are. It made my heart so full.
4. It Made me Fall in Love with Baltimore
If you're from Baltimore—especially—you’ll swoon over how Lindsay captures the city. Baltimore doesn’t always get the spotlight in romance, but Lindsay brings it to life. I loved getting to know this city through the eyes of Ali and Graham, and wished I could have spent an afternoon sipping tea at the real Black-eyed Susan!
5. It Gives Great Swoon
Graham is absolutely dreamy. For real, you’ll want to peel off his cardigan sweater yourself. The slow burn between him and Ali is chef’s kiss—and yes, there’s some steam, too, but it’s perfectly balanced with emotional depth and tension, making you root for these characters all the harder.
***
Never Planned on You is such a delight—from first page to last. The feeling it gives you? Joy, warmth, and that sweet ache of a well-earned love story. It’s the type of book you read in one day because you can’t put it down. Then pick up again to simply savor word-by-delicious-word. I can’t say it enough! I loved this book with my whole heart!!!!
I cannot wait to dive into this awesome romance with Lindsay and all of you! It’s happening tonight, Tuesday 3.25.25 at 7:00 PM Eastern in The Jewish Joy Book Club! Bring all your burning questions!
It’s no secret that I LOVE this book. Not only was it our March pick for The Jewish Joy Box—an honor reserved for only four books per year—but it has officially gone down as one of my FAVORITE romances of all time.
Never Planned on You follows the story of Ali and Graham. While studying abroad in London, Ali makes a drunken bet that leads to getting a matching tattoo with a handsome British stranger. Years later, and now a wedding planner in Baltimore, Ali is stunned when Graham walks back into her life—as the groom-to-be!
The chemistry’s still there. The stakes are high. But can one impulsive night in London ever turn into something as long-lasting as a permanent tattoo?
SOME REASONS I LOVE THIS BOOK:
1. Lindsay Hameroff is a romance-writing genius!
I’ve spent most of my life working with story structure and the written word. When I’m not writing my own romcoms, I’m reading a ton of them, too. And I can say with confidence—Lindsay gets it. Three-act structure? ✅ Rising stakes? ✅ Beautiful writing? ✅Believable dialogue and banter? ✅Understanding the needs of the genre to build tension? ✅If you want a crash course in writing the perfect romance—Lindsay is your girl.
2. There’s a twist I didn’t see coming.
For real. I’m a writer. I always see twists coming. My husband won’t even take me to movies anymore because I figure out the ending five minutes in. But this one? It got me. Go in spoiler-free. Trust me. It’s so good.
3. It’s beautifully Jewish.
I love when authors lean into Jewish culture and heritage, and Lindsay does it so well. This book is a love letter to Shabbat dinners, challah on the table, Jewish family, and the way food and tradition become part of who we are. It made my heart so full.
4. It Made me Fall in Love with Baltimore
If you're from Baltimore—especially—you’ll swoon over how Lindsay captures the city. Baltimore doesn’t always get the spotlight in romance, but Lindsay brings it to life. I loved getting to know this city through the eyes of Ali and Graham, and wished I could have spent an afternoon sipping tea at the real Black-eyed Susan!
5. It Gives Great Swoon
Graham is absolutely dreamy. For real, you’ll want to peel off his cardigan sweater yourself. The slow burn between him and Ali is chef’s kiss—and yes, there’s some steam, too, but it’s perfectly balanced with emotional depth and tension, making you root for these characters all the harder.
***
Never Planned on You is such a delight—from first page to last. The feeling it gives you? Joy, warmth, and that sweet ache of a well-earned love story. It’s the type of book you read in one day because you can’t put it down. Then pick up again to simply savor word-by-delicious-word. I can’t say it enough! I loved this book with my whole heart!!!!
I cannot wait to dive into this awesome romance with Lindsay and all of you! It’s happening tonight, Tuesday 3.25.25 at 7:00 PM Eastern in The Jewish Joy Book Club! Bring all your burning questions!
April 16, 2025
This book has a SPEAK NOW wedding moment. I repeat, a speak now wedding moment!!! 💜🙋♀️💍
Now that my Swiftie reference is out of the way, this book was a fun, light-hearted second chance romance featuring the grumpy x sunshine trope.
I will admit that this book almost featured a trope that I will not read (cheating), but thankfully, that didn’t end up being the case.
Ali and Graham spent a wild night together over a decade ago while the heroine was learning abroad. Fast forward, and the pair bump into each other stateside at a cafe. Could it be their second chance at love? Not quite, as it turns out that Ali is the wedding planner for the Graham’s wedding.
This book features:
•The one-night stand trope
•Matching tattoos ✍️
•Tons of forced proximity (they got locked in a room together) 👩❤️👨
•A “speak now” wedding moment for my fellow T Swift fans
Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Now that my Swiftie reference is out of the way, this book was a fun, light-hearted second chance romance featuring the grumpy x sunshine trope.
I will admit that this book almost featured a trope that I will not read (cheating), but thankfully, that didn’t end up being the case.
Ali and Graham spent a wild night together over a decade ago while the heroine was learning abroad. Fast forward, and the pair bump into each other stateside at a cafe. Could it be their second chance at love? Not quite, as it turns out that Ali is the wedding planner for the Graham’s wedding.
This book features:
•The one-night stand trope
•Matching tattoos ✍️
•Tons of forced proximity (they got locked in a room together) 👩❤️👨
•A “speak now” wedding moment for my fellow T Swift fans
Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 10, 2025
Can you imagine being able to rekindle a romance with someone you only met once? Sounds like a dream and I’m sure a desire for many which is what makes this book so special. But what happens when you find out that the man you’d like to see again turns out to be getting married and you’re the wedding planner? That’s the basis of this book. One wouldn’t think this would be charming and laugh out loud funny, but the author made it so by making these upcoming nuptials a marriage of convenience. So, you don’t have to worry about a love triangle or cheating!
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. It’s cute, funny, has some really sweet moments and characters that I absolutely adored. I think anyone that loves a romcom will enjoy this one and I’m looking forward to reading more by Lindsay Hameroff in the future.
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. It’s cute, funny, has some really sweet moments and characters that I absolutely adored. I think anyone that loves a romcom will enjoy this one and I’m looking forward to reading more by Lindsay Hameroff in the future.
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐
March 4, 2025
Never Planned on You by Lindsay Hameroff
Contemporary romance. Second chance troupe.
Ali Rubin recently moved to Baltimore to intern as a wedding planner. While standing in line for coffee, she recognizes the man in front of her as her wild, last night fling in London years ago. They had been flirting heavily and ended up spending the night together after making a bet and both of them up crazy unicorn pig tattoo on a hip. She left the country the next day but has thought of Graham often over the years. They have coffee together and briefly catch up with a promise of getting together soon.
Ali is the wedding planner in charge of a high profile wedding at a historic hotel and was excited about the opportunity to shine until she finds out the groom is Graham. He makes their renewed attraction more complicated when he admits it’s a marriage of convenience and he wants to continue a relationship with Ali. The wedding publicity will also help the struggling family hotel and neither wants to jeopardize that. A relationship between Ali and Graham will cause conflicts all over the place. They need to just walk away. If only for a few years while he marries? There has to be a better solution.
Both Ali and Graham want to be together. They want a relationship but between a wedding he made a promise on and a strong need to reinvigorate the old hotel have them both trying to figure out the future. Maybe they just aren’t meant to be. Yet their chemistry is so strong.
Lots of banter, lots of loving, plenty of guilt knowing they can’t go forward together. You’ll want to cheer for the couple while also realizing if he’s who we want him to be, he won’t walk away from either the bride-to-be or his grandmother and the hotel.
Ahhh, the stress.
But it’s really a wonderful and lighthearted romance! I loved the fun of their tattoos and knowing both wanted more. The families added humor and depth.
Captivating and charming.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Contemporary romance. Second chance troupe.
Ali Rubin recently moved to Baltimore to intern as a wedding planner. While standing in line for coffee, she recognizes the man in front of her as her wild, last night fling in London years ago. They had been flirting heavily and ended up spending the night together after making a bet and both of them up crazy unicorn pig tattoo on a hip. She left the country the next day but has thought of Graham often over the years. They have coffee together and briefly catch up with a promise of getting together soon.
Ali is the wedding planner in charge of a high profile wedding at a historic hotel and was excited about the opportunity to shine until she finds out the groom is Graham. He makes their renewed attraction more complicated when he admits it’s a marriage of convenience and he wants to continue a relationship with Ali. The wedding publicity will also help the struggling family hotel and neither wants to jeopardize that. A relationship between Ali and Graham will cause conflicts all over the place. They need to just walk away. If only for a few years while he marries? There has to be a better solution.
Both Ali and Graham want to be together. They want a relationship but between a wedding he made a promise on and a strong need to reinvigorate the old hotel have them both trying to figure out the future. Maybe they just aren’t meant to be. Yet their chemistry is so strong.
Lots of banter, lots of loving, plenty of guilt knowing they can’t go forward together. You’ll want to cheer for the couple while also realizing if he’s who we want him to be, he won’t walk away from either the bride-to-be or his grandmother and the hotel.
Ahhh, the stress.
But it’s really a wonderful and lighthearted romance! I loved the fun of their tattoos and knowing both wanted more. The families added humor and depth.
Captivating and charming.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
February 24, 2025
This is exactly what I needed after all of the angst I’ve been reading. The PERFECT romcom!
These characters were amazing. I have nothing bad to say about any of them—which is rare! From the side characters to our MCs, everyone was AHmazing. Ali is a hoot—she’s free-spirited, hilarious, witty, and overall such a fun character, and it was so refreshing to finally have an FMC that isn’t unbearable in the slightest. Graham is downright adorable! The way he’s so down-to-earth was EVERYTHING. He’s a bit of a grump, but when it comes to Ali, he’s such a softie. I had hearts in my eyes for this man.
Ali and Graham are such a fun and cutesy couple. I had so much fun tagging along with these two! I was completely along for the ride; there was never a dull moment!
Overall, this was a hilarious, fateful romcom, and I’m shocked at how much I loved it; it exceeded my expectations! I’m in loooove, I’m obsessed.
ꫂ ၴႅၴ 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀/𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀
Second chance
Opposites attract
Slight fake dating
He brings her flowers
He tends to her injury
He’s British
Laugh out loud funny
Jewish rep
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙍𝘾!
These characters were amazing. I have nothing bad to say about any of them—which is rare! From the side characters to our MCs, everyone was AHmazing. Ali is a hoot—she’s free-spirited, hilarious, witty, and overall such a fun character, and it was so refreshing to finally have an FMC that isn’t unbearable in the slightest. Graham is downright adorable! The way he’s so down-to-earth was EVERYTHING. He’s a bit of a grump, but when it comes to Ali, he’s such a softie. I had hearts in my eyes for this man.
Ali and Graham are such a fun and cutesy couple. I had so much fun tagging along with these two! I was completely along for the ride; there was never a dull moment!
Overall, this was a hilarious, fateful romcom, and I’m shocked at how much I loved it; it exceeded my expectations! I’m in loooove, I’m obsessed.
ꫂ ၴႅၴ 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀/𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀
Second chance
Opposites attract
Slight fake dating
He brings her flowers
He tends to her injury
He’s British
Laugh out loud funny
Jewish rep
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙍𝘾!
July 18, 2025
I loved Lindsay Hameroff’s earlier novel, Till There Was You, and her new one, Never Planned on You is just as delightful. This is a contemporary romance with a few twists.
Ali Rubin studied abroad in London and on her last night there, she had a fun evening with friends and a new-to-her friend-of-a-friend, Graham. One thing led to another, and after a bet on darts, the two of them got matching tattoos and then had an intimate night together. Fast forward eight years, and Ali is a fledgling wedding planner in Baltimore, after working as a professional chef and a couple of other careers that didn’t stick. Imagine her surprise when the groom of a wedding she’s helping with, turns out to be none other than Graham of the matching tattoo. They realize the chemistry is still there, but what on earth can they do about it, with Graham all set to marry someone else? (The publisher’s blurb gives away way too much.)
You’ll have to read the book to find out how this happens, but since this is a romance, it’s not really a spoiler to say they do figure out how to move ahead with each other.
I loved all the Jewish rep in the story, and I loved how Graham enjoyed learning about some of the traditions associated with Ali’s family. I adored Ali’s Bubbie (grandmother).
There are small roles for some of the characters from Hameroff’s earlier book (Lexi, Jake and Chloe), but you absolutely do not have to read that book before reading this one.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Ali Rubin studied abroad in London and on her last night there, she had a fun evening with friends and a new-to-her friend-of-a-friend, Graham. One thing led to another, and after a bet on darts, the two of them got matching tattoos and then had an intimate night together. Fast forward eight years, and Ali is a fledgling wedding planner in Baltimore, after working as a professional chef and a couple of other careers that didn’t stick. Imagine her surprise when the groom of a wedding she’s helping with, turns out to be none other than Graham of the matching tattoo. They realize the chemistry is still there, but what on earth can they do about it, with Graham all set to marry someone else? (The publisher’s blurb gives away way too much.)
You’ll have to read the book to find out how this happens, but since this is a romance, it’s not really a spoiler to say they do figure out how to move ahead with each other.
I loved all the Jewish rep in the story, and I loved how Graham enjoyed learning about some of the traditions associated with Ali’s family. I adored Ali’s Bubbie (grandmother).
There are small roles for some of the characters from Hameroff’s earlier book (Lexi, Jake and Chloe), but you absolutely do not have to read that book before reading this one.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
March 21, 2025
Great god damn do I love Lindsay Hameroff
February 26, 2025
Emily en Paris, sin el Paris, pero con el trope de METERME CON EL NOVIO DE MI AMIGA 🥰 Ya sé que no eran tan amigas, y que ni siquiera estaban juntos de verdad, pero moralmente NO ESTÁ BIEN. Estuvo cute y entretenido; pero el desarrollo no me terminó de convencer. PASABLE.
November 16, 2024
Ali enjoys her life and is game for anything. She moved to Baltimore for her new job. She runs into someone who she hasn't seen in a while. I liked getting to know Ali and Graham as a couple.
February 17, 2025
Thank you so much to SMP Romance for the advance copy!
This book will be out on Feb 18th, 2025.
Last year I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy of Lindsay's book and we became IG friends bonding over our love of Harry Styles. I was even more fortunate enough to be able to meet Lindsay on a few occasions and she is such a delight! I was super excited to get an advance copy of this and the book delivered!
The way that this book starts off is a flashback to the first time our FMC Ali meets the MMC Graham. They meet at pub in London while playing a drink game. After some not so wise choice they both end the night with matching tattoos and a one night stand. She comes back to America without ever exchanging any sort of info with Graham that is until 8 years later when their paths cross in Baltimore. I love how we got this set up and the very first meeting between these two.
I kept thinking of the song "The One That Got Away" as the dance between Graham and Ali begins when the company she works for hires her to plan Graham's wedding. I'm sure you are thinking, this is a romance so how do we get a happily ever after? That's where the fun of the book is! We learn the reasoning behind the wedding (marriage of convenience), why he is here in the states and get to see the tension between Ali and Graham grow the more they spend time together. There is a moment where they get snowed in together - wheww!
I did not think that Lindsay could top Jake but Graham might take the cake? For the sake of this being a book, I was able to look past the whole "does it count as cheating if he's not really dating the woman he is supposed to be marrying?" Once I learned the condition of the engagement, I was able to put that aside to really watch the magic between the two. There was this natural chemistry that started that night in London. They just played so well off one another. Even though Graham was trying so hard to resist Ali out of respect for Claire (his best friend turned fiancee), he just couldn't. And even Ali tried so hard to maintain her crush since he was technically a client.
I absolutely love how incorporated all the Jewish traditions in this! And how Graham just seamlessly fit in with her family during these traditions. It just made my heart melt! Lindsay had a grand gesture in her first book and there was the most heartwarming grand gesture that happens during a very big moment for her Bubbie.
I think one of the many reasons why I love reading Lindsay's books is the way that she makes her characters relatable. Ali feels like she is a mess. She is trying to figure out what she wants to do in life and feels like she is constantly messing up. She feels the weight of pressure to be a certain way especially with being in the shadow of her big sister, Sarah. Even though I am technically a big sister (and I was a little of Sarah) and felt like I could relate to Ali. Even with pushing 40, I still feel like I am constantly making the wrong choices and messing up.
This is an interconnected with Till There Was You but you could totally read this as a stand alone. We do get an update on Jake and Lexi. There is a lovely moment when all the friends come together and are there for Ali.
I apologize that this became such a long review but I just really loved this one so much!
PS: One thing I can always count on is Harry Styles/One Direction references - keep em coming!
This book will be out on Feb 18th, 2025.
Last year I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy of Lindsay's book and we became IG friends bonding over our love of Harry Styles. I was even more fortunate enough to be able to meet Lindsay on a few occasions and she is such a delight! I was super excited to get an advance copy of this and the book delivered!
"I don't know what it is about you. Under normal circumstances, I am a rational, level headed person. Someone who never does anything reckless or without careful consideration. But every time I'm around you, I turn into someone completely different."
The way that this book starts off is a flashback to the first time our FMC Ali meets the MMC Graham. They meet at pub in London while playing a drink game. After some not so wise choice they both end the night with matching tattoos and a one night stand. She comes back to America without ever exchanging any sort of info with Graham that is until 8 years later when their paths cross in Baltimore. I love how we got this set up and the very first meeting between these two.
I kept thinking of the song "The One That Got Away" as the dance between Graham and Ali begins when the company she works for hires her to plan Graham's wedding. I'm sure you are thinking, this is a romance so how do we get a happily ever after? That's where the fun of the book is! We learn the reasoning behind the wedding (marriage of convenience), why he is here in the states and get to see the tension between Ali and Graham grow the more they spend time together. There is a moment where they get snowed in together - wheww!
I did not think that Lindsay could top Jake but Graham might take the cake? For the sake of this being a book, I was able to look past the whole "does it count as cheating if he's not really dating the woman he is supposed to be marrying?" Once I learned the condition of the engagement, I was able to put that aside to really watch the magic between the two. There was this natural chemistry that started that night in London. They just played so well off one another. Even though Graham was trying so hard to resist Ali out of respect for Claire (his best friend turned fiancee), he just couldn't. And even Ali tried so hard to maintain her crush since he was technically a client.
"Ali, when it comes to you, I'll never regret anything."
I absolutely love how incorporated all the Jewish traditions in this! And how Graham just seamlessly fit in with her family during these traditions. It just made my heart melt! Lindsay had a grand gesture in her first book and there was the most heartwarming grand gesture that happens during a very big moment for her Bubbie.
I think one of the many reasons why I love reading Lindsay's books is the way that she makes her characters relatable. Ali feels like she is a mess. She is trying to figure out what she wants to do in life and feels like she is constantly messing up. She feels the weight of pressure to be a certain way especially with being in the shadow of her big sister, Sarah. Even though I am technically a big sister (and I was a little of Sarah) and felt like I could relate to Ali. Even with pushing 40, I still feel like I am constantly making the wrong choices and messing up.
This is an interconnected with Till There Was You but you could totally read this as a stand alone. We do get an update on Jake and Lexi. There is a lovely moment when all the friends come together and are there for Ali.
I apologize that this became such a long review but I just really loved this one so much!
PS: One thing I can always count on is Harry Styles/One Direction references - keep em coming!
February 13, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press Griffin for the advanced copy for this clever and sweet romance. The book is a fun and original twist on The Wedding Planner.
When spontaneous Ali makes a bet with a serious and charming British man named Graham while she's studying abroad in London, they both end up with matching tattoos and a romantic night they each never forget. Years later, after several career changes, Ali finds herself in Baltimore working as an event planner. By surprise, she runs into Graham again. They have dinner together, but Graham leaves after hesitating to kiss Ali. Ali hopes this will be their chance at a relationship. The following day, Ali is shocked to discover Graham is the groom of a wedding her company is planning. She is both crushed and furious but is determined to make this career and opportunity stick so she stays determined to plan the wedding. But things aren't quite what they appear, and the more time Ali and Graham spend together, the harder it is to fight their chemistry.
The book was funny and cute. The topics are light and relatable. It goes into commitment, finding your passion, and family dynamics. Ali was witty and original. Graham was sweet and supportive. I loved seeing Ali's Jewish herritage represented.
Ali is the best friend of Lexi, from the author Lindsay Hammeroff's previous book, Till There Was You, but it isn't required to read to be able to fully follow this story along.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was romantic and endearing. It's both fate and the right person but the wrong time. I highly recommend it and can't wait to read more by this author!
When spontaneous Ali makes a bet with a serious and charming British man named Graham while she's studying abroad in London, they both end up with matching tattoos and a romantic night they each never forget. Years later, after several career changes, Ali finds herself in Baltimore working as an event planner. By surprise, she runs into Graham again. They have dinner together, but Graham leaves after hesitating to kiss Ali. Ali hopes this will be their chance at a relationship. The following day, Ali is shocked to discover Graham is the groom of a wedding her company is planning. She is both crushed and furious but is determined to make this career and opportunity stick so she stays determined to plan the wedding. But things aren't quite what they appear, and the more time Ali and Graham spend together, the harder it is to fight their chemistry.
The book was funny and cute. The topics are light and relatable. It goes into commitment, finding your passion, and family dynamics. Ali was witty and original. Graham was sweet and supportive. I loved seeing Ali's Jewish herritage represented.
Ali is the best friend of Lexi, from the author Lindsay Hammeroff's previous book, Till There Was You, but it isn't required to read to be able to fully follow this story along.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was romantic and endearing. It's both fate and the right person but the wrong time. I highly recommend it and can't wait to read more by this author!
February 12, 2025
During her study abroad semester, Ali never imagined she’d see the handsome British stranger she now shares a hideous matching tattoo with again. But years later, fate has other plans! They unexpectedly reconnect, and everything seems perfect—until Ali discovers Graham is the groom in the wedding she’s been hired to plan. Eek!
I really liked Ali. She had that impulsive, funny, adventurous personality I can only wish I had. More serious, focused, and always striving to do the right thing, Graham was equally delightful in his Mister Rogers cardigans and glasses. From their very first flirty interaction, the chemistry between them was undeniable!
But I really struggled with Graham being engaged. I love a messy, complicated romance. And wanting the groom while planning his wedding is definitely complicated. Ha! And I get it. Technically, this wasn't cheating. We know there’s more to Graham’s situation (it’s even revealed in the synopsis). But you see, Ali doesn’t. The secrecy, sneaking around, and mind games were a bit bothersome.
I don’t know. I’m torn! I loved the writing. Despite my issues, the romance had all the tension, charm, and longing I hoped for. I just wish the circumstances had been a little different, I guess.
(heat level: multiple open-door scenes, moderate details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really liked Ali. She had that impulsive, funny, adventurous personality I can only wish I had. More serious, focused, and always striving to do the right thing, Graham was equally delightful in his Mister Rogers cardigans and glasses. From their very first flirty interaction, the chemistry between them was undeniable!
But I really struggled with Graham being engaged. I love a messy, complicated romance. And wanting the groom while planning his wedding is definitely complicated. Ha! And I get it. Technically, this wasn't cheating. We know there’s more to Graham’s situation (it’s even revealed in the synopsis). But you see, Ali doesn’t. The secrecy, sneaking around, and mind games were a bit bothersome.
I don’t know. I’m torn! I loved the writing. Despite my issues, the romance had all the tension, charm, and longing I hoped for. I just wish the circumstances had been a little different, I guess.
(heat level: multiple open-door scenes, moderate details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 26, 2025
DNF at 8%
Lindsay Hameroff insists on giving her main characters pop culture references that are a solid decade too old for them. Drives me nuts. You want to write people who are younger than you? Choose appropriate references.
Lindsay Hameroff insists on giving her main characters pop culture references that are a solid decade too old for them. Drives me nuts. You want to write people who are younger than you? Choose appropriate references.
September 25, 2024
I loved this book so much. It takes place in Baltimore and I have been to most of these places mentioned and I loved that so much. Ali is a queen.
Read
February 21, 2025☆☆ YouTube | Tumblr | Instagram | Storygraph ☆☆
ARC Reading Vlog -- Get Lost with You and Never Planned on You || A Little (Lot) of Ranting
DNF at 48%. This is 100% my fault, I misread the summary when I requested this from Netgalley, but I don't do cheating.
~
~Thanks to Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Never Planned on You in exchange for an honest review. ~
I fully admit that this DNF is my own fault. I misread the blurb when I first requested this from Netgalley and once I started reading and put together what kind of story this was going to be, I was hopeful that it wouldn’t cross any lines and I’d be able to enjoy it. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.
My biggest hang up was that I thought the hero was connected to the wedding in some way, not, y’know, *the groom*. That’s what really threw me off and so I was really hoping this wouldn’t turn into cheating because I actually was enjoy a lot of this book. The heroine is really funny and I was rooting for her to succeed, even if I did feel she made herself out to be the victim a little too often. Once we met the hero and his fiancee though, I did, pretty immediately, Again, I can roll with that.
Of course, expected shenanigans ensue and our two leads continuously end up alone together in planning the wedding with lots of sexual tension. It was silly, but fun. What officially made me put this down, however, was that these two end up making out while our heroine still believes he’s an engaged man. There’s been a few little hints that something’s up between our hero and his fiancee, but our heroine hasn’t put that all together. If the hero would have come clean then and there, I’d have been able to move past this, but instead he doubles down about how wonderful his fiancee is. I just couldn’t anymore. It felt too icky for me.
Bummed, but my own fault in the end.
ARC Reading Vlog -- Get Lost with You and Never Planned on You || A Little (Lot) of Ranting
DNF at 48%. This is 100% my fault, I misread the summary when I requested this from Netgalley, but I don't do cheating.
~
~Thanks to Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Never Planned on You in exchange for an honest review. ~
I fully admit that this DNF is my own fault. I misread the blurb when I first requested this from Netgalley and once I started reading and put together what kind of story this was going to be, I was hopeful that it wouldn’t cross any lines and I’d be able to enjoy it. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.
My biggest hang up was that I thought the hero was connected to the wedding in some way, not, y’know, *the groom*. That’s what really threw me off and so I was really hoping this wouldn’t turn into cheating because I actually was enjoy a lot of this book. The heroine is really funny and I was rooting for her to succeed, even if I did feel she made herself out to be the victim a little too often. Once we met the hero and his fiancee though, I did, pretty immediately, Again, I can roll with that.
Of course, expected shenanigans ensue and our two leads continuously end up alone together in planning the wedding with lots of sexual tension. It was silly, but fun. What officially made me put this down, however, was that these two end up making out while our heroine still believes he’s an engaged man. There’s been a few little hints that something’s up between our hero and his fiancee, but our heroine hasn’t put that all together. If the hero would have come clean then and there, I’d have been able to move past this, but instead he doubles down about how wonderful his fiancee is. I just couldn’t anymore. It felt too icky for me.
Bummed, but my own fault in the end.
February 6, 2025
Another standout from Lindsay Hameroff!!! I adored this book SO SO MUCH!!! Jewish wedding planner and former chef, Ali bumps into her one night stand, Graham while waiting in line for coffee only to discover he's the new groom and she has been assigned to help plan his wedding.
The pining and forced proximity in this Baltimore set romcom gave me ALL the feels. There was a great balance of family drama, coming of age/discovering what really makes you happy, Jewish traditions and holidays, food and elderly antics to hit all the right notes. We even get cameos from Jake and Lexi, the main characters from the author's debut and Ali's best friend.
I honestly have no notes for this book and couldn't recommend it enough, it was especially good on audio narrated by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw who does a STELLAR job voicing not only Ali, but Graham with his British accent plus the whole host of side characters! The grand gesture ending is EPIC and there was just enough spice in this mostly fade to black love story to make me happy.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review! Perfect for fans of authors like Lindsey Lanza, Rachel Lynn Solomon and Amanda Elliot. This can be read as a standalone and is one not to miss!
The pining and forced proximity in this Baltimore set romcom gave me ALL the feels. There was a great balance of family drama, coming of age/discovering what really makes you happy, Jewish traditions and holidays, food and elderly antics to hit all the right notes. We even get cameos from Jake and Lexi, the main characters from the author's debut and Ali's best friend.
I honestly have no notes for this book and couldn't recommend it enough, it was especially good on audio narrated by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw who does a STELLAR job voicing not only Ali, but Graham with his British accent plus the whole host of side characters! The grand gesture ending is EPIC and there was just enough spice in this mostly fade to black love story to make me happy.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review! Perfect for fans of authors like Lindsey Lanza, Rachel Lynn Solomon and Amanda Elliot. This can be read as a standalone and is one not to miss!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2025
Honestly, no.
I mean, I like the premises of the book, Ali, FMC meets her one night stand from eight years ago while she was in London, in Baltimore, her hometown. They had a bet eight years prior that ended on a draw and they got mathing tattoos. That's cool.
Cue to eight years later, she's working as a wedding planner back home and her first big account is - of course - Graham, the English boy from back to London. Again, nice. Except that he is marrying someone else.
I don't want to go into details and give too many spoilers, but no. No matter the circumstances he was still set to marry someone else. I didnt DNF the book just because Ali is quite nice and funny.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of the book. All opinions are my own.
I mean, I like the premises of the book, Ali, FMC meets her one night stand from eight years ago while she was in London, in Baltimore, her hometown. They had a bet eight years prior that ended on a draw and they got mathing tattoos. That's cool.
Cue to eight years later, she's working as a wedding planner back home and her first big account is - of course - Graham, the English boy from back to London. Again, nice. Except that he is marrying someone else.
I don't want to go into details and give too many spoilers, but no. No matter the circumstances he was still set to marry someone else. I didnt DNF the book just because Ali is quite nice and funny.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of the book. All opinions are my own.
November 20, 2024
3★
This book was a super fun, quick read — perfect for rom-com lovers looking for JLo's The Wedding Planner feels! Both main characters carried impressive emotional depth and a strong sense of self-worth, which made their connection feel real and authentic. I appreciated how the author explored not only the romantic relationship but also the personal growth and self-realization it sparked—though I wish we could've seen more of the male character's perspective in this regard. While the author explored important themes, the writing style relied more on telling than showing (personally, not my preference!), which made parts of the story feel less engaging. With that being said, the descriptive language and insight into the narrator's thoughts did seem to add some depth to this fast-paced story.
Overall, it's an enjoyable read that I think many would like!
Thank you NetGalley and St.Martin’s Press for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a super fun, quick read — perfect for rom-com lovers looking for JLo's The Wedding Planner feels! Both main characters carried impressive emotional depth and a strong sense of self-worth, which made their connection feel real and authentic. I appreciated how the author explored not only the romantic relationship but also the personal growth and self-realization it sparked—though I wish we could've seen more of the male character's perspective in this regard. While the author explored important themes, the writing style relied more on telling than showing (personally, not my preference!), which made parts of the story feel less engaging. With that being said, the descriptive language and insight into the narrator's thoughts did seem to add some depth to this fast-paced story.
Overall, it's an enjoyable read that I think many would like!
Thank you NetGalley and St.Martin’s Press for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2024
Synopsis: If you love the movie The Wedding Planner, this one is for you as we see our female lead fall for the groom in the wedding she’s planning. Plot twist- they have a spicy history and the wedding isn’t quite as it seems.
Pros/cons: A storyline like this runs the risk of giving you the ick because of a cheating trope but the author handled this well! It was witty, spicy and sweet. While not a sequel I loved how characters from her debut novel Till There Was You were present (female leads are best friends!) so do yourself a favor and read both! Can’t wait to see what you write next Lindsay Hammeroff!
Thank you NetGalley for the arc, due out in February.
Pros/cons: A storyline like this runs the risk of giving you the ick because of a cheating trope but the author handled this well! It was witty, spicy and sweet. While not a sequel I loved how characters from her debut novel Till There Was You were present (female leads are best friends!) so do yourself a favor and read both! Can’t wait to see what you write next Lindsay Hammeroff!
Thank you NetGalley for the arc, due out in February.
February 22, 2025
NEVER PLANNED ON YOU is one of the best romance books I’ve read so far this year!
Second chance romance is my favorite trope, so it’s probably no surprise that I loved this one. BUT it was so unique and there’s a fun twist to the marriage of convenience trope!
Ali and Graham were the perfect opposites attract match and I loved their “meet cute” that involved them getting tattoos as complete strangers 😂
The banter was so. good. 👏 Lindsay’s writing is so stinking good and FUNNY.
I can’t recommend this one enough!
Second chance romance is my favorite trope, so it’s probably no surprise that I loved this one. BUT it was so unique and there’s a fun twist to the marriage of convenience trope!
Ali and Graham were the perfect opposites attract match and I loved their “meet cute” that involved them getting tattoos as complete strangers 😂
The banter was so. good. 👏 Lindsay’s writing is so stinking good and FUNNY.
I can’t recommend this one enough!
December 30, 2024
✨ARC Review✨
3.5✨
If you loved The Wedding Planner but make the groom English AND the marriage being of convenience, than you'll love this!
The beginning of this story had me hooked and so interested in seeing the story unfold. But as the book kept going, I felt like there were some things that fell flat for me.
I did love the overall plot, or the concept of it at least. I just wish it was executed a little differently. Now, the only time a cheating plot falls flat for me is when the character doesn't know they are. In this case, our MCs don't disclose the misunderstanding aspect until after the desires run course. So to many who hate this trope, this may be iffy for them to look past. While we all kind of know something is going on, a clarification before mouths touched would have been nice.
I did enjoy our two MCs but man do I wish we had more than just one night eight year ago. It felt like way too long of a time jump for that much passion to still be there. Because of this, we go right into feelings again and I just just wanted a bigger romantic development.
With that said, I do still believe they were destined for each other. I did love their chemistry and I was rooting for them. I just don't like how long things took to work out. Because before you know it, things get cleared and then the book is over.
This truly had potential and I just wanted more!! I am a sucker for the Brits so I automatically loved Graham. But I do feel similarly to how Ali felt about being picked second and when it was because other plans fell through. I loved them, I just wanted more!!
I do think there was a lot of extra fluff in this that if we took out, we could have just focused on these two reconnecting and I would haven't felt the need to start skimming by the end.
I do think this book is really cute and I did enjoy the relatable humor.
At the end of the day, this was a cute story with some quirks! Thank you so much to NetGalley for the arc copy!
3.5✨
If you loved The Wedding Planner but make the groom English AND the marriage being of convenience, than you'll love this!
The beginning of this story had me hooked and so interested in seeing the story unfold. But as the book kept going, I felt like there were some things that fell flat for me.
I did love the overall plot, or the concept of it at least. I just wish it was executed a little differently. Now, the only time a cheating plot falls flat for me is when the character doesn't know they are. In this case, our MCs don't disclose the misunderstanding aspect until after the desires run course. So to many who hate this trope, this may be iffy for them to look past. While we all kind of know something is going on, a clarification before mouths touched would have been nice.
I did enjoy our two MCs but man do I wish we had more than just one night eight year ago. It felt like way too long of a time jump for that much passion to still be there. Because of this, we go right into feelings again and I just just wanted a bigger romantic development.
With that said, I do still believe they were destined for each other. I did love their chemistry and I was rooting for them. I just don't like how long things took to work out. Because before you know it, things get cleared and then the book is over.
This truly had potential and I just wanted more!! I am a sucker for the Brits so I automatically loved Graham. But I do feel similarly to how Ali felt about being picked second and when it was because other plans fell through. I loved them, I just wanted more!!
I do think there was a lot of extra fluff in this that if we took out, we could have just focused on these two reconnecting and I would haven't felt the need to start skimming by the end.
I do think this book is really cute and I did enjoy the relatable humor.
At the end of the day, this was a cute story with some quirks! Thank you so much to NetGalley for the arc copy!
February 18, 2025
Whoa….the feelings between Ali and Graham are intense, explosive, passionate and complicated!!! The air crackled with desire and want every time the two of them were together. I loved their story, with all of its ups and downs! Thank you to the author for providing me an advance copy.
March 19, 2025
Lindsay Hameroff is two for two with delightful rom-coms! I thoroughly enjoyed Never Planned on You: A Novel and had such a fun time getting to know Ali and Graham. There are some great steamy scenes as the chemistry is off the charts! This novel was one of my top picks at my Bookstagram.
I loved all the Jewish joy spread throughout the story, especially how it related to food. I had a fun time watching Ali interact with the variety of characters in this novel. I even cried at one point...from happiness, of course! I love that the story takes place in Baltimore, as it is not too far from where I live. I mainly go to Pikesville when I'm in Baltimore, so it was nice seeing a different side of the city that would be a lot of fun to explore. Everyone and everything was very easy to visualize, as well.
This novel is currently available and you will definitely want to get your hands on a copy, if you haven't already! Although it is a standalone, it is a companion to Lindsay's debut, Till There Was You (reviewed here), and contains spoilers for that novel. You should check that one out too, as it's also really good! I look forward to reading whatever Lindsay comes up with next.
Overall, it's The Wedding Planner meets My Best Friend's Wedding, but even better!
Never Planned on You is the March pick for The Jewish Joy Book Club and there will be an author discussion with Lindsay at Jewish Women Talk About Romance Books on Facebook soon. (You need to be a member of the group to participate.)
Movie casting suggestions:
I loved all the Jewish joy spread throughout the story, especially how it related to food. I had a fun time watching Ali interact with the variety of characters in this novel. I even cried at one point...from happiness, of course! I love that the story takes place in Baltimore, as it is not too far from where I live. I mainly go to Pikesville when I'm in Baltimore, so it was nice seeing a different side of the city that would be a lot of fun to explore. Everyone and everything was very easy to visualize, as well.
This novel is currently available and you will definitely want to get your hands on a copy, if you haven't already! Although it is a standalone, it is a companion to Lindsay's debut, Till There Was You (reviewed here), and contains spoilers for that novel. You should check that one out too, as it's also really good! I look forward to reading whatever Lindsay comes up with next.
Overall, it's The Wedding Planner meets My Best Friend's Wedding, but even better!
Never Planned on You is the March pick for The Jewish Joy Book Club and there will be an author discussion with Lindsay at Jewish Women Talk About Romance Books on Facebook soon. (You need to be a member of the group to participate.)
Movie casting suggestions:
Ali: Caylee Cowan (based on casting from TTWY)
Graham: Callum Kerr
Sarah: Billie Lourd
Claire: Natalia Dyer
Bubbie: Barbara Barrie
Asha: Tessa Thompson
January 11, 2025
A second chance romance that definitely landed in the Jewish department for me. The representation was fantastic and everything I wished I had growing up as a reader. All the foods mentioned, the family dynamics, and Bar Mitzvah were well done.
On the other hand, Hameroff’s sophomore novel didn’t quite excite me and at times it dragged and I had to skim a little. Listen, I’m all for the pop culture references (Taylor Swift any day and every day) but this book had HEAVY references. If you’re not into that thing, definitely do not read it. Also I read some reviews about the cheating trope which yeah, it’s in here but it’s kind of a technicality? The FMC Ali isn’t in a marriage of convenience - but the MMC is and you know that from reading the description on the back of the book. My problem with that is he doesn’t admit it to her until 53% of the book and that just seems too late since the readers already known it for half the book, but hasn’t technically found out. I think the reader should’ve found this out earlier in the book or it should not have been listed on the back cover description and more so hinted at during the plot. Also, Ali’s past relationship is mentioned almost towards the end and it’s like why even bring it up this far into the book because it’s not background information at this point.
For the most part it is fluffy romance with cute tropes and it’s nice to see a book set in Baltimore. It just wasn’t a favorite book. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to read more Jewish representation, though!
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
On the other hand, Hameroff’s sophomore novel didn’t quite excite me and at times it dragged and I had to skim a little. Listen, I’m all for the pop culture references (Taylor Swift any day and every day) but this book had HEAVY references. If you’re not into that thing, definitely do not read it. Also I read some reviews about the cheating trope which yeah, it’s in here but it’s kind of a technicality? The FMC Ali isn’t in a marriage of convenience - but the MMC is and you know that from reading the description on the back of the book. My problem with that is he doesn’t admit it to her until 53% of the book and that just seems too late since the readers already known it for half the book, but hasn’t technically found out. I think the reader should’ve found this out earlier in the book or it should not have been listed on the back cover description and more so hinted at during the plot. Also, Ali’s past relationship is mentioned almost towards the end and it’s like why even bring it up this far into the book because it’s not background information at this point.
For the most part it is fluffy romance with cute tropes and it’s nice to see a book set in Baltimore. It just wasn’t a favorite book. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to read more Jewish representation, though!
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
February 18, 2025
Lindsay Hameroff does it again! Another great romance story filled with many laugh-out-loud moments.
Many years ago Ali and Graham met in London and had one drunken night that included unique matching tattoos. Fast forward to the present day and Ali is settling in back home in Baltimore, Maryland. She switched careers and moved from New York City to Baltimore to work in wedding planning. She is hoping to get a full-time position. One day she was getting coffee at her local shop when the man in front of her sounded and looked very familiar. Sure enough, it is Graham!
They catch up over drinks and they both realize the chemistry is still there. However, things take a turn the next day when Ali meets her clients whom she will be wedding planning for when Graham walks through the office.
This book gave me The Wedding Planner movie vibes. Which is, of course, a classic! I also enjoyed all the 90s-type references from Titanic to Polly Pocket to the OC!
I loved seeing their chemistry continue to build and I loved Ali’s family.
This is a perfect second-chance romance! You will be rooting for them throughout the entire book!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Many years ago Ali and Graham met in London and had one drunken night that included unique matching tattoos. Fast forward to the present day and Ali is settling in back home in Baltimore, Maryland. She switched careers and moved from New York City to Baltimore to work in wedding planning. She is hoping to get a full-time position. One day she was getting coffee at her local shop when the man in front of her sounded and looked very familiar. Sure enough, it is Graham!
They catch up over drinks and they both realize the chemistry is still there. However, things take a turn the next day when Ali meets her clients whom she will be wedding planning for when Graham walks through the office.
This book gave me The Wedding Planner movie vibes. Which is, of course, a classic! I also enjoyed all the 90s-type references from Titanic to Polly Pocket to the OC!
I loved seeing their chemistry continue to build and I loved Ali’s family.
This is a perfect second-chance romance! You will be rooting for them throughout the entire book!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
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