I Didn't See That Coming

by Sarah Whitton

I realised I’d made an even bigger mistake.

I’d made the wrong choice…

It’s her third wedding of the year, and 33-year-old Louise is tired of living vicariously through other people. She just wants to meet a man she connects with; someone who puts her first. But all her relationships seem doomed to fail from the beginning.

Father-of-two Dan is no exception. Sure, he’s funny, sexy, charming… but he’s married. Louise doesn’t want to be a homewrecker; she wants someone who can commit to her and their relationship. But she has always fallen hard and fast, and Dan… he feels like the one.

As Dan continues to shower her with affection, Louise becomes convinced that he is her only shot at true happiness. But her friends are not so sure – especially handsome best friend Flint, who has always been Louise’s shoulder to cry on – and with their support, Louise slowly begins to realise that love doesn’t need to be new and exciting to be real.

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 20, 2024

About the author

Sarah lives in Oxfordshire with her husband, two energetic boys, and cat Willow – who helps to balance out all the testosterone!

Sarah is currently a Domestic Abuse Coordinator and is writing her second novel.

She thrives on writing about real-life situations, friendship, love and how it can all go spectacularly wrong.

When Sarah isn’t writing, she loves swimming, watching her boys play sports, stomping around her local fields, listening to podcasts, and leaving very long voice notes for her friends to speed up.

Reviews

[nurseashleyreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Those who are more familiar with books that I choose to read will be shocked that I read a book with the mistress troupe as I usually avoid such book so you could say I didn’t see this book coming for me 😬😏.

I did request for the ARC on NetGalley because I was attracted to the cover art, and because it is a women’s literary fiction. (Self reminder to read the blurb more closely in the future)

This book surprised me though! I started off disliking the main female character because 👋🏻hello👋🏻 home-wrecker?! However as I continued reading, I felt for her. She was in love with someone so bad for her but she couldn’t help herself. I started rooting for her and wanted to jump on the roller coaster she was on to hold her hand 😅.

If I ever had the chance to meet the author, I would love to ask her why did she set the book in that era (2005-2006) because I don’t think younger readers would appreciate the difficulty of long distance phone calls and phone bills, what with the ease of communication now.

What I took away from this book: easier said than done but we all need to learn to love ourselves first before we seek love and acceptance from someone else.

An easy compelling read and I encourage you to pick this book up when it comes out 20 August 2024!

Thank you NetGalley and publisher Cranthorpe Millner for the ARC.

[Kayleigh Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: I Didn’t See That Coming by Sarah Whitton
I wasn’t sure what to expect going into I Didn’t See That Coming —a story centered on adultery isn’t usually my go-to—but I found myself completely immersed by the books mid-point. It certainly heightened my emotions. This novel doesn’t sensationalize its subject; instead, it explores the complexity of human relationships with nuance and honesty.

The situations the characters find themselves in feel real—not always comfortable, but deeply believable. The author skillfully paints the emotional landscape of love, temptation, regret, and redemption without passing judgment, which made the story feel compelling.
The character development was one of the standout aspects for me. I appreciated how layered and authentic each person felt, even when I didn’t agree with their choices (or deeply despised their actions). They were flawed, yes, but never one-dimensional.

And the ending—oh, the ending! I wanted to read through my fingers, half-afraid of what was coming, yet unable to stop. It was bold and satisfying in a way that stayed with me long after the final page.
Highly recommend for readers who enjoy emotionally honest storytelling with a touch of drama and a lot of heart.

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Cuando leí la sinopsis dude pedir ella ARC, pero la parte de Flint me hizo creer que no pasaría nada con Dan, me equivoque y fui una ilusa.

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Spoilers ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️


Louise se enamora de un hombre casado, decide tener una relación secreta (ni tan secreta porque sus amigos sabian), dice que se aman con locura y como se aman para ella eso justifica la infidelidad, es más la esposa debería dejarlo porque no lo merece.🙄

Dan es el típico infiel que dice que su matrimonio se terminó que sólo se queda por los hijos y Lousie es la típica amante que se la pasa criticando a la esposa y odiandola.

En los últimos capítulos muestran como ella recapacito y se casó con Flint, pero al pasar los años siente que su matrimonio esta estancado y un día se encuentra con Dan ¿y qué creen que pasó? Pues que se besan, ella huye porque si se quedaba sabía que se apostaría con el tipejo. Al llegar a su casa hace como que nada pasó, Dan le envía un mensaje pidiendo que se vieran una vez al año que porque estaban destinados a estar juntos y demás tonterías, ella le dice que no y toma el plan del tipejo para implementarlo con Flint para avivar su matrimonio. Fin.

No entiendo como Flint se pudo casar con alguien que está bien con ser la amante y o le ve lo malo de sus acciones, o sea en cualquier momento le puede ser infiel.



Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Emma Usher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not the usual romcom but was different. I enjoyed the relationships Louise had with her friends, despite being involved in a toxic relationship. Great references to Oxford and especially 90s music :-) It was a good ending and was a real page turner.

[Gill Mcbride · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. Easy to read and thought provoking 😀😀

[Caits34 · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley and I was excited for it.

Unfortunately it fell flat for me. The main character falls in love with a married man and it just goes to shit from there.

I am not exaggerating when I tell you that 79% of the book is her in love with said married man, sad and moping about him, arguing with her friends about him and being more off than on with him. I felt for her, but honestly if she was my friend IRL I would have been so tired of hearing about this man she can never be with after 2 years.

The book is called “I didn’t see that coming” and it’s like girl how did you not??? And then she finds real love in the last 20% of the book and it’s fine but they made it so boring.

thank you to NetGalley and Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for this advanced copy.

[Katy's Book Den · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel was sent to me by the author in return for an honest review.

This was very different to my usual reads but it was welcome after reading a couple of heavy, serious novels. I was drawn in straight away with the humour the author used to begin with. That said, there are some sensitive topics within the pages and it does centre around 'the other woman'. Some reviewers need to remember this is a novel. It is not condoning adultery, just as thrillers don't condone murder! It is a story, and if anything, this is an advert for never getting involved with a married person!

As you progress the humour is stripped away and it becomes very real. I adored the relationship that Louise had with her friends. They were a tight, fun-loving bunch and that was a huge part of the story.

Admittedly alarm bells rang with Dan straight away. I really disliked him and saw him as extremely selfish and manipulative. I have to say this story really does reflect reality. I cannot say too much without spoiling the plot. But safe to say that there were times I was literally screaming at Louise and feeling so angry. Angry that she would put herself so low down. At points it was hard to feel sorry for her and I definitely sided with her friend Heidi at one point. But then we start to see it for what it is and the impact from a mental health point of view. This is something more...

The book really takes you out of your comfort zone. There was a part towards the end that I didn't like. Again I don't want to spoil the plot but I was surprised by how Louise reacted to something that is put in front of her. Flint deserved more.

I read this in two days and couldn't put it down. Completely different from my normal reads but I did really enjoy it. When a book makes you feel emotions, even if that emotion is anger, you know it's doing its job!

Not sure how to categorise it. It starts out with some light humour which then diminishes as it becomes more serious. It's not a classic romance and there's not much spice (those scenes are skipped almost). It's about friendship, love and lust (in many guises), betrayal, weakness (in a love is blind sense), mental health, control and manipulation, coming-of-age, personal development...

A great debut! A roller coaster of emotions!

[Kirsty (BookBlogger) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Didn't See That Coming by Sarah Whitton

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Cranthorpe Millner and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

I realised I’d made an even bigger mistake.

I’d made the wrong choice…

It’s her third wedding of the year, and 33-year-old Louise is tired of living vicariously through other people. She just wants to meet a man she connects with; someone who puts her first. But all her relationships seem doomed to fail from the beginning.

Father-of-two Dan is no exception. Sure, he’s funny, sexy, charming… but he’s married. Louise doesn’t want to be a homewrecker; she wants someone who can commit to her and their relationship. But she has always fallen hard and fast, and Dan… he feels like the one.

As Dan continues to shower her with affection, Louise becomes convinced that he is her only shot at true happiness. But her friends are not so sure – especially handsome best friend Flint, who has always been Louise’s shoulder to cry on – and with their support, Louise slowly begins to realise that love doesn’t need to be new and exciting to be real.

My Opinion

I Didn't See That Coming isn't a book I would normally have chosen to read, but I had seen some good things about it and thought I would give it a go. This is not a light, easy read but Sarah Whitton has written a delicate novel about being the other woman. Louise hasn't had the best luck when it comes to relationships and when she meets Dan she thinks that he deserves a chance - even if he is married.

Sarah has written this book in such a way that you will feel Louise's emotions. If you are looking for something out of your comfort zone then look no further, I Didn't See That Coming might just take you by surprise. I read this over two sittings, but even when I wasn't reading I felt like the story was still with me.

Rating 4/5

[Shane Ramos · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I Didn't See It Coming" is a poignant story about the tumultuous relationship between a single Louise and a very married Dan. The novel provides a unique look at the experience of being the 'other woman.'

Throughout the story, I found myself deeply invested in Louise’s journey, wanting to comfort her while also feeling a strong urge to shake some sense into her so that she could leave Dan and their toxic relationship behind. My heart broke for her as she would pick up the pieces of her heart and hang onto the scant affection that Dan could offer.

Louise’s friends, especially Heidi and Flint, provided a support system that was both admirable and relatable. The book also addresses mental health and the stigma surrounding therapy, which adds depth to the narrative.

This book is also about how you can't always choose who you fall in love with; the significance of time and space for personal healing and growth; and the necessity of self-acceptance and self-love before seeking validation from others.

TW: Infidelity, Toxic Relationship, Alcoholism, Mental Health Struggles

Favorite Quotes:
ᥫ᭡ "What I'm trying to say is, you'll meet someone else, and this bloke will be your naughty boy. We all have them, but we must forget them. There's not a happy life with a naughty boy. And remember, he'll always be a cheater. He started you and him off being a cheater. And I promise, that will eat you up."

ᥫ᭡ "When you see him, you tell him this: "You can't have me now, but in another life, you can have the whole of me, for your whole life."

ᥫ᭡ "..we're always the best version of ourselves when we're loved by someone, especially someone we want to love us."

Thank you NetGalley and Cranthorpe Millner for the electronic advanced reader's copy.

[Kerri-Ann McNally · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ - Warning: This is not a light/happy romance (although it does have its moments). It’s also definitely not an easy topic to digest however, Sarah Whitton wrote it beautifully!

I started off not loving the FMC but once the book dove further into the web the MMC was spinning, I really started to feel for Louise. Dan was a giant walking red flag, that for some reason, Louise couldn’t get enough of. I suppose after years of having horrible luck in love, she truly believed she had met the man for her (with some inconvenient extras) & just couldn’t let it go.

That being said, there were many moments throughout this book where I found myself frustrated with the FMC for not being able to walk away. Louise’s friends though - 10/10. She may have felt she was lacking in the romance department, but she was thriving in terms of friendship. I loved this group & how much they loved one another.

I did feel like eventually, the plot just started going in circles and lost interest ~3/4 of the way through. The ending though(!!!!), sucked me right back in & I was so excited about the direction things ended up going.

This is a rollercoaster of a book that covers some heavy topics (infidelity, toxic relationships, mental health struggles) and I would not recommend if you find any of those topics to be triggering. However, for the rest of you - if you’re looking for a romance book that’s a bit different than your usual reads, highly recommend checking this new release out on 8/20/2024!

Thank you NetGalley & Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for this ARC

[Kristian Barron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where to begin with this one?

I want to start by saying that I think this book is beautifully written. I was apprehensive about the premise, but right off the bat, the author does a great job of helping you understand Louise's choices, even if they weren't ones I'd personally make. Whitton's writing evokes such strong emotions from frustration to sadness, heartbreak, and empathy, all felt for Louise and the situation she has gotten herself into. I initially rated this three stars, but the more I reflect on the author's overall goal and skill, I feel that 3.5-4 stars is more fitting.

A thorough exploration of an affair romance, you can really feel Louise's attraction, love, heartache, desperation, and angst as the story develops. That said, I felt more closely aligned with her wonderful group of friends, who range in their own levels of support and frustration with her choices. 50%-60% in, I felt most akin to Heidi when it came to the mention of Dan's name, and found myself really wanting to shake our dear Lou Lou.

I'm still torn on the ending...

I was thrilled to see a happy ending with Flint, but it felt undermined by the weakness that she still held for Dan. I hoped to see more strength and growth from her, and while she ultimately overcame her temptation, I was disappointed that it was even still there in the first place.

Many thanks to Goodreads giveaways for this ebook!

[Andreea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I truly tried to anticipate it and I truly didn't see that ending coming, so the title is spot on - definitely one to keep reading until the last page.

I Didn't See That Coming isn't a typical romance novel. For the most part it deals with the relationship between the very single Louise and the very married Dan. Things start with a spark but they soon spiral, become obsessive and toxic, and both deal with significant consequences and mental health struggles. I do have one big gripe with this big chunk of the story, and ironically it's because it was portrayed in such a realistic way without sugarcoating the uglier aspects of infidelity. This is a well-written book with well-written characters - unfortunately all their flaws made them so unlikeable that I struggled to root for them at all. For example I wish there had been more redeeming qualities for Louise other than being the main character. It was painful to hear her inner voice say "I shouldn't do this" and the immediate line was her doing it. Girl, come on!

Overall, this was a story that kept me hooked until the end and what a rollercoaster it was! If you're into big, dramatic romances that take a lengthy detour before arriving to the right place, this one might be for you.

✨ Disclaimer ✨ I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[ThesecretnookofK · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t see that coming. by Sarah Whitton

Genre/Type: Romance
Publish date 20 August 2024
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice: 🌶 .5
Series or standalone: Stand-alone
Themes: Infidelity, Friends to lovers, Alcoholism, Mental health
Triggers ⚠️ check for warnings

This book follows the characters Louise (always the bridesmaid never the bride) and Dan ( married man with 2 kids). They meet as strangers in a bar but cannot keep away from each other, This turns into very unhealthy obsession that can only lead down the wrong path. All Louise’s friend know that this is a bad idea but will Louise see it.
I did enjoy the book at times but I found this book to be very hard to finish and very repetitive and predictable up until the last chapter that finally had me guessing. You just wanted to give Louise a shake and say listen to your friends. The sudden flip to liking a different character could of been explored more feel like that whole character development seemed too short and sweet for me I wanted more. (Sorry trying not to give spoilers)


What did I like
The last chapter
Flint he’s lovely




What did I dislike
Could of gone into the friend to lover relationship a little more at the end.
Spice was very tame
Felt like the middle part of the book we were just going round in circles a bit



Read if your into
💎 Romance
💎 Forbidden relationships
💎 Friends to lovers
💎 Infidelity

[Amanda Mekki · Rating 3 out of 5]

“I Didn’t See That Coming” by Sarah Whitton was a very emotional read, to say the least. It made me feel a lot of emotions of anger, sadness, and annoyance for the majority of the time. The main characters in this book were extremely frustrating, I wanted to grab Louise, shake her, and scream “what are you doing!!” The book made me feel these real emotions which unfortunately, I have related to in the past.
I didn’t mind the toxic affair trope, though there was a lot of unnecessary back and forth in the book, I felt like I was waiting for a good while for something different or interesting to happen.

A few things I noted while reading:
The timeline of the book is spread out through a few years, though the dates were a little confusing to keep track of throughout the story.
The spicy scenes were somewhat bland, I wanted a little more.
All of the characters were a key part of this book. They were well written and incorporated beautifully into the story.
I absolutely loved the abrupt ending, I truly didn’t see that coming! But it was perfect and definitely a sigh of relief for the main character Louise.

I found this book to be very engaging and emotional, I did enjoy it and would give it 3.5 stars. Thanks to NetGalley and Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for this advanced reader copy.

[Sarah Watts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this debut from Sarah Whitton before I went on holiday and it was a good companion as I finished reading it under the hot Floridian sun.

I know Sarah from social media and have followed her publishing journey with interest so I was delighted to receive an arc via NetGalley

It’s an unusual premise compared to many books, as the MFC Louise starts an affair with a married man called Dan, so you see the affair from her side. The waiting around to be fitted into his life, the furtive phone calls etc. Sarah writes a wrong’un very well and the reader along with Louise’s fantastic bunch of friends see Dan in a different light to Louise. Will Louise get her happy ever after this time? 🤔

I particularly enjoyed all the musical references, and Louise’s eclectic group of friends, especially Flint and their wild nights out and in! I also liked that Louise was a flawed character and was much better at sorting out other people’s problems than her own.

I was happy with the ending of the book and I feel Sarah captured the headiness of embarking on a new relationship - even if your new partner is married to someone else!

Sarah’s debut novel I Didn’t See That Coming is published on 20th August by Cranthorpe Millner. Definitely one to pack in your suitcase. Can’t wait to see what Sarah has planned for Book 2!

[Maggie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book, but I essentially found it really irritating. It is set in Oxford, but it could be anywhere. As I spent some years in Oxford, in the late 1990s, I was looking forward to a trip down memory lane. Apart from naming a few pubs, there is very little to link it to Oxford, and the vibrant music scene that was burgeoning when this novel is set.

The character development was zero, and the author didn’t even attempt to give the supporting characters any personality or back story.

It’s essentially a diatribe about a dull council worker who has an affair with a needy married man and gets dumped. Nothing happens along the way, no dates, no fun. Just badly written sex scenes that left me cringing. It’s very self obsessed.

There’s no real depiction of friendships, and Louise does nothing kind or friendly towards any of her so called support network. They are literally just names in a book. No description or traits are assigned, so they all blend into one.

She seems like an unbearable and wholly unlikeable character who would make an awful friend, and literally 90% of the book is about how much she likes a married guy who has already said from the start he won’t leave his wife. He is also a needy car crash with no redeemable qualities

There’s no clever plot devices, and despite naming some of the brilliant bands that was around when this book is set, it doesn’t even really tap on to the cultural and musical zeitgeist that was around at the time.

This is a book that fails to deliver and left me distinctly underwhelmed.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am having trouble reviewing this book because I hate the main character. This is a book about a cheater. She makes a conscious decision to cheat and chooses to carry on the affair for months. I felt bad for the emotional issues she developed because of the affair but her pain was self-inflicted so I found myself feeling like it was well deserved. In the end, I wondered why the man she married would ever trust her since he knows her history.

I like that Louise has a large friend group and a good job. I like that her friends were honest with her telling her that what she was doing was wrong. I even understood why the friend group seemed to accept the affair. Dan is a married man with children. He is also a cheating scumbag. He earned all of the pain he created with his cheating. There is nothing that I like about him.

I didn’t like this story because of the content. I think the author managed to write a story that evokes emotion. I think there will be readers that like this story and enjoy the writing. I don’t know if I’ll read more from this author in the future.

[Angie Miale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woof. What a book.
This is not my typical fun, happy, charming or heartwarming read. In fact, it is difficult to read, but so so so well done.

Louise is 33, finds herself in a relationship with a married man. This is a toxic and roller coaster of a relationship. They say that being a reader of fiction makes you more empathetic, and this book is a good example of why. It is easy for me to judge people like Louise and to be angry at people that have made the choices she did. But as I read this, I was so rooting for her to find her confidence and to do the right thing. It was tragic in parts, but I felt like one of her girlfriends who alternated between encouraging her to l eave the idiot and accepting that she wasn't ready to do that.

The ending was a bit of a stretch for me, I don't think this could have ended in a better way, but it wasn't a truly satisfying ending. The tumultuous nature of a toxic relationship is well established here. It is an emotional book. I admit I requested it because I liked the blurb and the cover art. I am glad I read through to the end. We have all been in this kind of situation where a friend of ours won't give up a relationship with a person that is not right for them, and this is so difficult to support someone through.

Tough to read, but very well done. I really hope none of my friends or loved ones finds themselves in this kind of situation. If they do I might buy them this book for Christmas.
Thanks to NetGalley and Cranthorpe Millner for the ARC. Book to be published August 20, 2024.

[Tyler Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so much better that I expected!

As a girlie who is against the cheating trope I didn't know how I was going to fair with this novel as our FMC is basically the mistress, however Sarah does an amazing job of making me enjoy this trope. I think how likeable and relatable Louise was made it hard for me to judge her for her horrible decisions even when they are super wrong. This author makes it easy for us to sympathise with the fmc as her emotions are written so vividly at times I felt like they were mine.

While this was a different read for me I really enjoyed it. Maybe it was the time it was set in, going back to the early 2000's felt nostalgic and I had an easy time picturing everything that was going on with and around these characters. This is a heartwarming book in the sense that you get to grow with Louise as she realises that life doesn't have to be a certain way and that coming at life with a different approach can change it all. I really would recommend this read.

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel Sarah has covered some really sensitive subjects within this book, which some will people will be able to relate to but for others it will open their eyes to what can actually happen out there in the real world!

I seriously felt for Louise as she was so trapped by her feelings for Dan. She could not walk away from him as she was totally in love with him, so she took whatever he was able to give.

However, the relationship took its toll on both Dan and Louise. There are some real mental health battles in this book which have been detailed very well.

It is a book that portrays forbidden love and mental health issues but also about amazing friendships. Her friend's stuck with her through everything and tried to be supportive (except for Heidi!)

I have to say I totally understood Louise's actions and I’m not sure if I would have behaved any differently to how she did!

I was concerned about one point in the book when I thought "Oh no - please don't" Everything came to a lovely end.

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went into the book expecting the friends-to-lovers trope and definitely more focus on the romance but this was a completely different experience, and one for the better since I've never read a book from the mistress perspective before.

This is about a toxic relationship, wrong decisions and tough choices. It's a roller coaster of emotions and full insightful observations, people showing their true colors, acceptance and finding the strength to move on with the help of a strong friend group. There is a friends-to-lovers romance but it is definitely not the focus of the story and in my opinion felt so rushed and sloppily done - no chemistry between the characters whatsoever.

The book is filled with British slang, tons of music references (which I personally did not enjoy) and deep topics of life and love. Still, I wished the friends to lovers romance was explored more, but for a women's fiction novel, it was an okay debut and I found it quite easy to fall into.
--
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the E-ARC. 🥹

[Yaira · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a read! As other reviewers have said before me, it is new to read a book from the perspective of The Other Woman. There is so many sides to this story that make you think - about how you can't always choose who you fall in love with, about you can make the choice to choose or not choose them, about how we're all just a little lost trying to find our way sometimes.

The author did a great job at writing all of these points into the story, the book grips you from the very beginning. The end was very satisfying to me, but I'll leave more details on that out of this review so as not to spoil!

I did think there were some overlaps storywise with other stories, most notably Sex and the City. Then again, if I didn't rewatch that recently which brought the details still fresh in my mind, I don't think I would have noticed.

Thanks for the ARC, Netgalley!

[Emma Hardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this one will divide opinion as people automatically hate a married man and a woman so in love. However, I found this to be accurate, relevant and quite moving.

I was rooting for Louise from the off, although there were many times I wanted to scream at her to not pick up the phone, answer the call or go and see Dan. As a 34 yr old woman myself who deems herself unlucky in love, I found Louise relatable and a bit frantic which is something I can definitely understand!

A well paced novel, although I admit I'm intrigued why it was set so many years ago and not more modern day.

I did find the ending too abrupt and after two years being shown, the ending fell a bit short for me like a quick wrap up.

Overall though, an interesting read and I look forward to seeing more from this author.

[Jessica Huntley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, that's right. I've read a romance book. Yes, I'm fine haha.

But this isn't really a romance book. Not really. It's about mental health, toxic relationships and friendship.

Despite HATING Dan was a passion, and wanting to scream at Louise most of the time, I couldn't help but root for her, waiting for her to hurry up and realise she was making a mistake .... over and over and over. We've all been there, Louise.

Anyway, I was gripped. And enjoyed the style of writing and the timeline of events. Yes, it went on a bit long in places and thank goodness there was no spice!

An annoyingly, frustratingly enjoyable read even though it brought out all the emotions. A nice change from my thrillers.

[Harps · Rating 4 out of 5]

Louise finds herself entangled in a relationship with a married man, which is not my usual pick. A mistress trope is something I haven't explored before. However, I found myself deeply empathetic towards Louise. Despite knowing what she was getting into, her journey was a rollercoaster of emotions, navigating a toxic relationship you can't help but hope she'll escape.

Her friends are a strong support system throughout, even though they sometimes struggle to understand her situation.

The ending, while somewhat predictable in parts, was satisfying overall. I thoroughly enjoyed this departure from my usual "girl meets boy, they fall in love" stories.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the download!

[Helen Aitchison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the concept of the book in the fact the storyline is one that challenges our own beliefs and societal expectations. Writers often choose the ‘safe’ options and as a writer (and avid reader), I prefer books that aren’t the same story regurgitated over and over. I Didn’t See That Coming gives readers this different storyline and it is executed well in a thought-provoking, emotional way. Love, lust, rejection, and judgement, along with a portion of self-growth made this a relatable and page-turning read. With some humorous lines, a cat, and set twenty years ago which gave me my own nostalgia, it was a winner for me! Highly recommended.

[Tarryn Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this and couldn’t put it down. Really felt like I got to know the main character Louise and felt for her rollercoaster of emotions from heartbreak to revelation about her relationships. The empathy and compassion she felt for her friends and clients was a stark difference in how she treated herself.

I was routing for her throughout and loved the group of friends she was surrounded by (especially Flint!)

Such a lovely book full of nostalgia at 2005 Oxford. Loved this timeline and references to venues and music at that time.

Recommend!!

[Chris Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book as a gift. Not my usual sort of thing but I really enjoyed it. It moves along at a good pace and Louise's ups and downs certainly provides plenty of excitement. There were times when I found myself thinking "what is she doing!" so I must have been engaged. I appreciated its setting, Oxford, as I know it well from my earlier days (around the time the story is set). And Dan. What can I say? He should have come with a health warning, bless him! Do yourself a favour and buy a copy. I guarantee you won't disappointed.

[Carlie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ebook in exchange for an honest review.

This one was on me. I should not have picked a book where the trope is girl falls for married man but I wanted to give it chance and see if it could change my mind. It did not. And it wasn’t even just the plot, I found Dan, the love interest, completely insufferable, annoying and childish. Louise should have just listened to her friends and not gone there.

[Sven · Rating 2 out of 5]

A roller coaster of a love story, with the main fmc at 33 wanting a relationship so badly that she obsessively pursues one with a married man. Can I empathize, probably not. I just could not condone the relationship with Dan.

Flint was a stalwart hero through the book. Someone who the fmc could have loved if her blinders were not on.

Overall, it's a decent book, but cheating and it's an enablememt (whatever the reason) is not to my taste.