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The Missed Connection
Not yet published
Expected 9 Jun 26
New York Times
bestselling author Tia Williams returns with an intensely romantic, deliciously sexy tale about a woman searching for her handsome seatmate on a European flight—and the unexpected places her hunt for love leads her.
Sasha Cruz knows types. As a booked-and-busy casting agent, she’s always casting—at happy hour, the grocery store, everywhere. She’s all about finding the perfect person to slot into the perfect role. What she doesn't do, however, is relationships. Too much energy, not enough time.
On a flight to Paris for work, a chance encounter with her type changes everything. Sasha’s seated next to a broodingly attractive mystery man, and sparks fly—but they never exchange contact information. Convinced she’s lost out on her soulmate, Sasha emails her work friend for help, but accidentally writes to the entire company worldwide! The international manhunt to find Seat F begins.
Meanwhile Sasha takes matters into her own hands. She hires a smoldering detective she knew in another lifetime—who complicates matters in unforeseen (and irresistible) ways.
With a worldwide search underway, will love take flight for Sasha?
Sasha Cruz knows types. As a booked-and-busy casting agent, she’s always casting—at happy hour, the grocery store, everywhere. She’s all about finding the perfect person to slot into the perfect role. What she doesn't do, however, is relationships. Too much energy, not enough time.
On a flight to Paris for work, a chance encounter with her type changes everything. Sasha’s seated next to a broodingly attractive mystery man, and sparks fly—but they never exchange contact information. Convinced she’s lost out on her soulmate, Sasha emails her work friend for help, but accidentally writes to the entire company worldwide! The international manhunt to find Seat F begins.
Meanwhile Sasha takes matters into her own hands. She hires a smoldering detective she knew in another lifetime—who complicates matters in unforeseen (and irresistible) ways.
With a worldwide search underway, will love take flight for Sasha?
Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 16, 2026
50 people are currently reading
38940 people want to read
About the author
Tia Williams
28 books6,432 followersTia Williams began her career as a beauty editor for magazines including Elle, Glamour, Lucky, Teen People, and Essence. In 2004, she pioneered the beauty blog industry with her award-winning site, Shake Your Beauty - and published her debut novel, The Accidental Diva. She went on to pen two young adult novels: It Chicks, and Sixteen Candles. Her 2016 bestseller, The Perfect Find, is being adapted for a Netflix film starring Gabrielle Union – and her latest novel, Seven Days in June, debuts in June 2021. Tia is currently an Editorial Director at Estee Lauder Companies, and lives with her daughter and husband in Brooklyn.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
Want to Read
February 9, 2026what the fuck is this cover
Want to Read
January 24, 2026i don’t love this cover 😅 but i am excited for a new tia williams novel so of course i’m sat
Want to Read
December 3, 2025tia williams blessing us with another book 2026? year already made😭
April 22, 2026
Another Tia Williams hit!!
The story follows Sasha, a 32-year-old casting consultant who has spent the last few years isolating herself following a traumatic experience. Her life takes a turn when she’s sent on a work trip to Paris, and finds herself seated next to a man she refers to as "Seat F."
Imagine meeting your potential soul mate in first class on a flight to Paris, speaking for six hours in an Ambien and alcohol induced haze, only to never get his name or contact information. Sasha and Seat F share an undeniable chemistry; it is just unfortunate that she has no idea who he is beyond a few cryptic clues. This leads Sasha to go to extreme lengths to find her mystery man, eventually enlisting the help of a detective, Wes with whom she shares a complicated history.
Williams’ writing is incredibly witty, and I loved the clever name drops and references that had me laughing out loud throughout the story. While the missed connection premise feels lighthearted on the surface, the author adds so much depth to Sasha and Wes. Both are beautifully flawed characters bonded by their past traumas, and their tension filled, instant chemistry, relationship felt very earned.
While I did find the end a little implausible when it comes in regard to Seat F, this was a quick and deeply enjoyable read that perfectly balanced book, with a mix of mystery, thrills, and romantic comedy.
Tia Williams is one of my favorite writers and can't wait to see what she thinks of next!!
Thank you Grand Central for the advanced copy!
The story follows Sasha, a 32-year-old casting consultant who has spent the last few years isolating herself following a traumatic experience. Her life takes a turn when she’s sent on a work trip to Paris, and finds herself seated next to a man she refers to as "Seat F."
Imagine meeting your potential soul mate in first class on a flight to Paris, speaking for six hours in an Ambien and alcohol induced haze, only to never get his name or contact information. Sasha and Seat F share an undeniable chemistry; it is just unfortunate that she has no idea who he is beyond a few cryptic clues. This leads Sasha to go to extreme lengths to find her mystery man, eventually enlisting the help of a detective, Wes with whom she shares a complicated history.
Williams’ writing is incredibly witty, and I loved the clever name drops and references that had me laughing out loud throughout the story. While the missed connection premise feels lighthearted on the surface, the author adds so much depth to Sasha and Wes. Both are beautifully flawed characters bonded by their past traumas, and their tension filled, instant chemistry, relationship felt very earned.
While I did find the end a little implausible when it comes in regard to Seat F, this was a quick and deeply enjoyable read that perfectly balanced book, with a mix of mystery, thrills, and romantic comedy.
Tia Williams is one of my favorite writers and can't wait to see what she thinks of next!!
Thank you Grand Central for the advanced copy!
upcoming-release
December 18, 2025not the cover throwing me off for a second… anyway, extremely excited for the new tia williams release✨
April 20, 2026
Oof my heartttttt 😮💨💕 Tia Williams done did it again, but there should be no surprise there 🤭👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
The Missed Connection was an iconically unconventional love story, and I loved every second of it. This felt like the best kind of 2000s romcom tbh with the literal missed connections vibes mixed with the will they won’t they friends to lovers/forced proximity. I loved how Tia incorporated so much honesty and emotions as she usually does bc it took this funny af romance to the next level.
This romance highkey threw me for a loop in the beginning, but I thought it made the whole plot so refreshing and fun. I loved getting to know our actual main characters Sasha and Wes. I really came to love them equally as individual characters and as a couple. Sasha with her trauma and anxiety and Wes with his toxic family and need for redemption 😓 but the minute they’re in the same space they morphed into something so deep, safe and strong. Ugh!!!! Them 2 gave me everythiiiiiiiiing 😮💨💕 I adored all their angst and yearning so so much. Their chemistry was electric and their banter was consistently top tier funny. And watching them lose their grip on reality only to fall for each other all over again was one of the sweetest things I’ve read in a long time.
So thank you Tia for always writing what I need and renewing my love for romance with every book release. Also thanks for writing something for the anxious girlies. I really felt seen by this and I appreciated every ounce of wisdom she included in here 😮💨🙏🏽💕
The Missed Connection was an iconically unconventional love story, and I loved every second of it. This felt like the best kind of 2000s romcom tbh with the literal missed connections vibes mixed with the will they won’t they friends to lovers/forced proximity. I loved how Tia incorporated so much honesty and emotions as she usually does bc it took this funny af romance to the next level.
This romance highkey threw me for a loop in the beginning, but I thought it made the whole plot so refreshing and fun. I loved getting to know our actual main characters Sasha and Wes. I really came to love them equally as individual characters and as a couple. Sasha with her trauma and anxiety and Wes with his toxic family and need for redemption 😓 but the minute they’re in the same space they morphed into something so deep, safe and strong. Ugh!!!! Them 2 gave me everythiiiiiiiiing 😮💨💕 I adored all their angst and yearning so so much. Their chemistry was electric and their banter was consistently top tier funny. And watching them lose their grip on reality only to fall for each other all over again was one of the sweetest things I’ve read in a long time.
So thank you Tia for always writing what I need and renewing my love for romance with every book release. Also thanks for writing something for the anxious girlies. I really felt seen by this and I appreciated every ounce of wisdom she included in here 😮💨🙏🏽💕
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
2026
April 16, 2026Black History Month TBR
Valentine's Day TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing
Valentine's Day TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing
Want to Read
April 17, 2026Oh I am getting SO spoiled with arcs this month. Thank you for the e-arc GCP ♡
Want to Read
December 3, 2025New Tia Williams!!
Want to Read
December 19, 2025SO EXCITED FOR THISSSSSS
Want to Read
December 2, 2025I NEED THE ARC PLEASE AND THANK YOU 😭😭🙏🏾🙏🏾
I just already know it's gonna be literary perfection as always 🩷🩷🩷
I just already know it's gonna be literary perfection as always 🩷🩷🩷
April 11, 2026
Tia Williams is the divine queen of romance that 2026 desperately needs to heal us from… everything. Her new book THE MISSED CONNECTION is so good I genuinely could not put it down.
The way she develops her characters…especially her female leads, just hits different. You feel everything Sasha is going through as she’s trying to fall in love, and it’s messy and vulnerable and so uniquely done. The premise alone hooked me: Sasha meets this sexy intelligent beautiful stranger on a plane, they have this electric six hour connection… and then they part ways without exchanging numbers. Nightmare fuel, honestly.
So what does she do? She spirals and hires a detective to track down “the man in seat F.” And not just any detective…a sexy, smart, beautiful one who just so happens to have a complicated past with her. Because of course. And that’s where things get really good.
Only Tia Williams could take a setup like this and turn it into something so layered, romantic, and completely addictive. It’s a total showstopper.
The cover on the other hand? We’re not gonna talk about that. Sorry to that designer.
Five stars. No notes. 🫖
The way she develops her characters…especially her female leads, just hits different. You feel everything Sasha is going through as she’s trying to fall in love, and it’s messy and vulnerable and so uniquely done. The premise alone hooked me: Sasha meets this sexy intelligent beautiful stranger on a plane, they have this electric six hour connection… and then they part ways without exchanging numbers. Nightmare fuel, honestly.
So what does she do? She spirals and hires a detective to track down “the man in seat F.” And not just any detective…a sexy, smart, beautiful one who just so happens to have a complicated past with her. Because of course. And that’s where things get really good.
Only Tia Williams could take a setup like this and turn it into something so layered, romantic, and completely addictive. It’s a total showstopper.
The cover on the other hand? We’re not gonna talk about that. Sorry to that designer.
Five stars. No notes. 🫖
May 4, 2026
Releasing on 6/9/26
I really wanted to like this more than I did. One of my favorite parts about romance as a genre in general is you can get so creative and outlandish with a hook that really draws you in. A woman having a missed connection on a flight and hiring a precious love interest who is also a private detective to find him? Outlandish, interesting, and fun! The first half was super strong and I was loving the connection between the characters and moving between past and present. But the second half really fell apart for me. Sooooo much miscommunication and will they won’t they. I also feel like the author tossed in a bunch of big issues at the end with the male lead that were ultimately unresolved (daily drinking, family problems, poor self esteem, etc) that don’t leave you feeling confident about the viability of the couple in the future. And the ending wrapped up so quick! I didn’t even really get to enjoy the conclusion before it was over. Tia William’s writing still made this an enjoyable reading experience, but it definitely had a lot of aspects I tend to not enjoy in a romance novel.
Thank you to grand central publishing and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really wanted to like this more than I did. One of my favorite parts about romance as a genre in general is you can get so creative and outlandish with a hook that really draws you in. A woman having a missed connection on a flight and hiring a precious love interest who is also a private detective to find him? Outlandish, interesting, and fun! The first half was super strong and I was loving the connection between the characters and moving between past and present. But the second half really fell apart for me. Sooooo much miscommunication and will they won’t they. I also feel like the author tossed in a bunch of big issues at the end with the male lead that were ultimately unresolved (daily drinking, family problems, poor self esteem, etc) that don’t leave you feeling confident about the viability of the couple in the future. And the ending wrapped up so quick! I didn’t even really get to enjoy the conclusion before it was over. Tia William’s writing still made this an enjoyable reading experience, but it definitely had a lot of aspects I tend to not enjoy in a romance novel.
Thank you to grand central publishing and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2026
A chance encounter, a message from fate, and a ghost from her past. A name is all that stands between Sasha and her happily ever after, as told by an aspiring palm reader/manicurist at the airport. We are right at Sasha’s side investigating who this mystery man could be. The only PI for the job: Wes, the man who solved a case for her years ago and offered her comfort at the worst point in her life. He walked away from Sasha and investigating, determined to have a fresh start. The tension! The chemistry! The mystery! Williams' writing is electric and captivating, full of beautiful emotion and thrilling twists, I truly couldn't put this down! I am impatiently waiting for this release to recommend to every person I encounter.
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March 11, 2026whimsical, funny, and sexy🙂↕️🫶🏽
May 6, 2026
I am a fan of Tia Williams’ writing and was beyond thrilled to receive this advanced copy of THE MISSED CONNECTION. This book did not disappoint. The story itself is excellent and fun, but the banter between the main characters, Sasha and Wes, is the best! It is funny, real, sounds like listening to friends and I loved it. As I started to read a few lines out loud to my husband because I couldn’t keep them to myself after laughing out loud, I tried to remember the last time I felt the need to read aloud. Guess what?! The last time it happened was another Tia Williams book. No lie.
This fun romance begins with Sasha breaking out of her comfort zone to return to work. She’s a casting agent on a flight to Paris and is as anxious as all get out. She experienced a trauma that upended her life and has lingering issues because of it. On the flight, she and the man in Seat F strike up a great conversation…for the entire flight. This is unlike her, even with drinks involved. After landing and going their separate ways, Sasha realized they did not exchange information. What if he is The One? Could this be for real? Who is this mystery man? How will she find him? Back in NYC, she turns to Wes, a former private investigator who has come through for her in the past and the search begins.
Will Sasha find love? With a pub date of June 9, 2026, you will have to wait and see. I absolutely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a little romance, loves humorous back and forth between characters, wants some surprises in their reads, and just really enjoys a good story. Trust me, you will be rooting for these characters.
*Mini spoiler for feedback purposes- As we get to know Wes better, I would’ve liked for him to have been a little more like the man we first met. All of us are flawed and that is real. I am still a little up in the air over the law-breaking context with the stalker and the brick and the really mean side that came out of Wes at the gala when he drank too much. It didn’t 100% vibe with the Wes we got to know up until that point.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND GRAND CENTRAL PUBLISHING FOR SENDING THIS BOOK FOR REVIEW CONSIDERATION. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.
This fun romance begins with Sasha breaking out of her comfort zone to return to work. She’s a casting agent on a flight to Paris and is as anxious as all get out. She experienced a trauma that upended her life and has lingering issues because of it. On the flight, she and the man in Seat F strike up a great conversation…for the entire flight. This is unlike her, even with drinks involved. After landing and going their separate ways, Sasha realized they did not exchange information. What if he is The One? Could this be for real? Who is this mystery man? How will she find him? Back in NYC, she turns to Wes, a former private investigator who has come through for her in the past and the search begins.
Will Sasha find love? With a pub date of June 9, 2026, you will have to wait and see. I absolutely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a little romance, loves humorous back and forth between characters, wants some surprises in their reads, and just really enjoys a good story. Trust me, you will be rooting for these characters.
*Mini spoiler for feedback purposes- As we get to know Wes better, I would’ve liked for him to have been a little more like the man we first met. All of us are flawed and that is real. I am still a little up in the air over the law-breaking context with the stalker and the brick and the really mean side that came out of Wes at the gala when he drank too much. It didn’t 100% vibe with the Wes we got to know up until that point.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND GRAND CENTRAL PUBLISHING FOR SENDING THIS BOOK FOR REVIEW CONSIDERATION. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.
May 5, 2026
I had the absolute BEST time reading The Missed Connection this ARC from NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing was everything I wanted and more!
My girl Tia just gets it when it comes to writing love stories. The chemistry? Effortless. The tension? Chef’s kiss. The emotional depth? Whew.
Sasha (FMC) had me locked in from the start smart, relatable, and just the right amount of messy in a way that felt so real. And Wes (MMC) Yeah… I’m not even gonna lie, I loved him BAD. The kind of book bae that has you smiling at your phone like you’re the one in the relationship. Even though they both got on my nerves throughout the whole book ignoring their feelings! Lol
And that Easter egg?! I see you, Tia!! That little detail made the reading experience feel even more special towards the end like a treat for your longtime readers.
This story gave romance, heart, humor, and that signature writing style that just pulls you in and refuses to let go. If you love romance that’s funny and swoony you’ll love this!
Grand Central Publishing did their thing with this approval because I am OBSESSED.
My girl Tia just gets it when it comes to writing love stories. The chemistry? Effortless. The tension? Chef’s kiss. The emotional depth? Whew.
Sasha (FMC) had me locked in from the start smart, relatable, and just the right amount of messy in a way that felt so real. And Wes (MMC) Yeah… I’m not even gonna lie, I loved him BAD. The kind of book bae that has you smiling at your phone like you’re the one in the relationship. Even though they both got on my nerves throughout the whole book ignoring their feelings! Lol
And that Easter egg?! I see you, Tia!! That little detail made the reading experience feel even more special towards the end like a treat for your longtime readers.
This story gave romance, heart, humor, and that signature writing style that just pulls you in and refuses to let go. If you love romance that’s funny and swoony you’ll love this!
Grand Central Publishing did their thing with this approval because I am OBSESSED.
April 26, 2026
THE MISSED CONNECTION ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. Release Date 6/9/26. Tia Williams is an author I’ve be meaning to read for years, after this book I imagine I will be attacking her catalog quickly. Sasha is a booked and busy casting agent, on a long flight to Paris she flirts the entire time with her seat mate, except they forget to exchange names or numbers. Coming back to NYC, she enlists an old friend to assist in the search. This was such an easy, well written, sexy read. I really enjoyed the chemistry, the pop culture references and the way Williams weaves in vulnerability. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
3 1/2 stars, a fun poignant romance, thanks to Edelweiss+ for the ARC.
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April 20, 2026Finished! Review to come ⭐️
Thank you Grand Central Publishing for this early copy in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you Grand Central Publishing for this early copy in exchange for an honest review!
April 25, 2026
This is one of the best rom-coms I’ve read and it happens to be from one of my favorite authors. A whimsical yet somehow relatable story about a missed connection, bravery, and 2 beautiful characters that didn’t have to look far for love that was right at home. I did not want this book to end!
Thank you to netgalley for this ARC.
Thank you to netgalley for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Tia Williams has that annoying talent (yes, annoying in the best possible way) of writing romance that sneaks up on you, seduces you a little, and then leaves you emotionally rearranged while pretending it was just a “fun read.” This one? It absolutely did all of that.
Sasha Cruz is the kind of character who feels like she’d thrive in a perfectly organized spreadsheet… until real life grabs her by the throat and throws her into chaos. She’s sharp, a little guarded, and convinced she has a “type” she can algorithm her way into happiness with. Naturally, the universe hears this and immediately goes: “cute idea. anyway…”
Enter a long-haul flight, an intense connection with a stranger in Seat F, and one of the most catastrophically relatable mistakes in romance fiction history—losing the man of your dreams somewhere between turbulence and deboarding. Because of course she does.
What follows is a gloriously messy chain reaction: an accidental mass email disaster that should honestly qualify as a workplace emergency, a global search effort that feels half rom-com, half chaos theory, and Wes—the broody, emotionally complicated detective from Sasha’s past who shows up like unfinished business wearing a very attractive face.
And here’s the thing: the chemistry between Sasha and Wes is not subtle. It doesn’t whisper. It doesn’t knock politely. It kicks the door open, sits on your couch, and refuses to leave. Their history gives everything weight, and their present-day tension makes you want to yell at them to just communicate like adults already (I mean this affectionately… mostly).
The “Seat F” storyline is fun and occasionally a little unhinged in execution, and yes, there are moments where things stretch a bit far or linger longer than necessary. But emotionally? It works. Especially once you start realizing this isn’t really about finding a stranger—it’s about the terrifying act of letting yourself be seen again after life has already knocked you flat.
Sasha’s growth feels honest, sometimes uncomfortable, and Wes being both her anchor and her complication adds just the right amount of romantic chaos. The heat is there, the humor lands, and the emotional beats actually matter—which is always the difference between a forgettable romance and one that lingers.
Not perfect, occasionally messy, but deeply readable and genuinely entertaining. A 4-star romance that knows exactly what it’s doing… even when its characters absolutely do not.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for sharing this perfectly enjoyable romance digital ARC with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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Sasha Cruz is the kind of character who feels like she’d thrive in a perfectly organized spreadsheet… until real life grabs her by the throat and throws her into chaos. She’s sharp, a little guarded, and convinced she has a “type” she can algorithm her way into happiness with. Naturally, the universe hears this and immediately goes: “cute idea. anyway…”
Enter a long-haul flight, an intense connection with a stranger in Seat F, and one of the most catastrophically relatable mistakes in romance fiction history—losing the man of your dreams somewhere between turbulence and deboarding. Because of course she does.
What follows is a gloriously messy chain reaction: an accidental mass email disaster that should honestly qualify as a workplace emergency, a global search effort that feels half rom-com, half chaos theory, and Wes—the broody, emotionally complicated detective from Sasha’s past who shows up like unfinished business wearing a very attractive face.
And here’s the thing: the chemistry between Sasha and Wes is not subtle. It doesn’t whisper. It doesn’t knock politely. It kicks the door open, sits on your couch, and refuses to leave. Their history gives everything weight, and their present-day tension makes you want to yell at them to just communicate like adults already (I mean this affectionately… mostly).
The “Seat F” storyline is fun and occasionally a little unhinged in execution, and yes, there are moments where things stretch a bit far or linger longer than necessary. But emotionally? It works. Especially once you start realizing this isn’t really about finding a stranger—it’s about the terrifying act of letting yourself be seen again after life has already knocked you flat.
Sasha’s growth feels honest, sometimes uncomfortable, and Wes being both her anchor and her complication adds just the right amount of romantic chaos. The heat is there, the humor lands, and the emotional beats actually matter—which is always the difference between a forgettable romance and one that lingers.
Not perfect, occasionally messy, but deeply readable and genuinely entertaining. A 4-star romance that knows exactly what it’s doing… even when its characters absolutely do not.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for sharing this perfectly enjoyable romance digital ARC with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Is this THE romance book of 2026?? I’m pretty sure I can call it right now 😭 The Missed Connection is equal parts romantic and emotional and hilarious and intoxicating. The whole book is bubbling with humor, and Tia Williams is a master at captivating us with her beautiful words, ideas, and characters. We meet Sasha Cruz, and from the first chapter we understand her as deeply complex character, struggling with depression and anxiety, and working to reorient herself into the real world both personally and professionally. Before a big flight and job opportunity to Paris, the airport manicurist offers her a palm reading, telling her she’ll meet the love of her life soon. And lo and behold, Sasha falls for her gorgeous Italian-German seat mate, but they unfortunately part ways before exchanging names and contact information.
In an act of determination and learning to take matters into her own hands, she recruits Wes Dane, an ex-private detective, to find her mystery man. Sasha and Wes have their own shared history, something deeply wholesome yet complicated and set in a traumatic time. But their reconnection and investigation blossoms into a chemistry-and-banter heavy kind of relationship.
The premise of The Missed Connection, off the bat, might come off as rom-commy and silly, but I promise Tia Williams makes it make sense. And not only that, she writes such three-dimensional characters that keep you 100% invested in their stories until you can’t help but cheer for their growth and relationships. Sasha is so full of humor and life, but is carrying extraordinarily heavy burdens and anxieties. Wes is making a bright pivot in his journey, but still suffers the cruelty of family expectations. There are layers upon layers of nuance in this novel: on grieving a parent, on depression and PTSD, on the dangers of being a woman in a big city. But within a world of hurt, is hope and humor, and incredible situational comedy and banter.
So many parts of this novel were genuinely laugh-out-loud funny (I was cackling during the entire cafe scene with Imani— I need a screen adaptation just to watch her in action). I would give this a 4.75/5 rounded up, just because the ending could have been wrapped up a bit better. There’s sooo much to love about this book, and I can’t ramble about it enough. Thank you so much Tia Williams and NetGalley for this ARC!
(Also that phone call scene was crazyyyy… iykyk)
In an act of determination and learning to take matters into her own hands, she recruits Wes Dane, an ex-private detective, to find her mystery man. Sasha and Wes have their own shared history, something deeply wholesome yet complicated and set in a traumatic time. But their reconnection and investigation blossoms into a chemistry-and-banter heavy kind of relationship.
The premise of The Missed Connection, off the bat, might come off as rom-commy and silly, but I promise Tia Williams makes it make sense. And not only that, she writes such three-dimensional characters that keep you 100% invested in their stories until you can’t help but cheer for their growth and relationships. Sasha is so full of humor and life, but is carrying extraordinarily heavy burdens and anxieties. Wes is making a bright pivot in his journey, but still suffers the cruelty of family expectations. There are layers upon layers of nuance in this novel: on grieving a parent, on depression and PTSD, on the dangers of being a woman in a big city. But within a world of hurt, is hope and humor, and incredible situational comedy and banter.
So many parts of this novel were genuinely laugh-out-loud funny (I was cackling during the entire cafe scene with Imani— I need a screen adaptation just to watch her in action). I would give this a 4.75/5 rounded up, just because the ending could have been wrapped up a bit better. There’s sooo much to love about this book, and I can’t ramble about it enough. Thank you so much Tia Williams and NetGalley for this ARC!
(Also that phone call scene was crazyyyy… iykyk)
April 26, 2026
Frustratingly Good !!!
4.5 stars
Palm readings , coincidences, and unexpected signs leads a shut in to look for romance and human connection that may change her life and drag her out of her comfort zone aka her house that she struggles to leave. How much can you possibly accomplish in a 6 hour flight ? A missed connection.
Due to a traumatic experience Sasha has become the ultimate introvert but she certainly doesn’t want to die alone. She connects with this guy on a flight who could be the one but …… she didn’t catch his name before they split. Determined to find him and experience a connection she might’ve been missing her whole life, she sends out an embarrassing email and reaches out to a detective that she pretends not to think about anymore.
I loved Sasha. Her experience was real with so many people in showing the world is still turning but it’s hard to adjust when you’ve personally fallen off your own axis. I love how funny and daring she can be and how she persevered and got over her fear in a very Sasha way.
Wes is the king of misunderstanding things that are abundantly clear when it comes to love but I still love him. Wes definitely struggled with expressing his feelings and going after what he wants but his protective and loving nature made up for it. I love how he was weak in the knees for the woman he loved and wasn’t ashamed by it at all. His vulnerability was so attractive.
These two frustrated me to no end with their constant miscommunication! It dragged on for so long! I was ready to pull my hair out. The pull between them was so undeniable and electrifying that I was ready for them to get it together. They just got eachother and it was adorable. I love how this story shows that “the one” isn’t always necessarily “your type” and sometimes are closer to you than you think.
That little plot twist had me gagged. I got so swept up with the fairytale in the beginning that I believe I became just as naive about it as Sasha.
I wish we explored more of Sasha’s identity issues. What happens next with Teo now that the truth is out ? Will the barbecue truck be permanent or was it a phase?
I love Tia Williams and I love her books. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and was able to take my time with this. Thank you Netgalley for the early arc in exchange for my honest review.
4.5 stars
Palm readings , coincidences, and unexpected signs leads a shut in to look for romance and human connection that may change her life and drag her out of her comfort zone aka her house that she struggles to leave. How much can you possibly accomplish in a 6 hour flight ? A missed connection.
Due to a traumatic experience Sasha has become the ultimate introvert but she certainly doesn’t want to die alone. She connects with this guy on a flight who could be the one but …… she didn’t catch his name before they split. Determined to find him and experience a connection she might’ve been missing her whole life, she sends out an embarrassing email and reaches out to a detective that she pretends not to think about anymore.
I loved Sasha. Her experience was real with so many people in showing the world is still turning but it’s hard to adjust when you’ve personally fallen off your own axis. I love how funny and daring she can be and how she persevered and got over her fear in a very Sasha way.
Wes is the king of misunderstanding things that are abundantly clear when it comes to love but I still love him. Wes definitely struggled with expressing his feelings and going after what he wants but his protective and loving nature made up for it. I love how he was weak in the knees for the woman he loved and wasn’t ashamed by it at all. His vulnerability was so attractive.
These two frustrated me to no end with their constant miscommunication! It dragged on for so long! I was ready to pull my hair out. The pull between them was so undeniable and electrifying that I was ready for them to get it together. They just got eachother and it was adorable. I love how this story shows that “the one” isn’t always necessarily “your type” and sometimes are closer to you than you think.
That little plot twist had me gagged. I got so swept up with the fairytale in the beginning that I believe I became just as naive about it as Sasha.
I wish we explored more of Sasha’s identity issues. What happens next with Teo now that the truth is out ? Will the barbecue truck be permanent or was it a phase?
I love Tia Williams and I love her books. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and was able to take my time with this. Thank you Netgalley for the early arc in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have been a fan of Tia Williams for years! Audre and Bash Are Just Friends and A Love Song for Ricki Wilde were some of my favorite reads for the last 2 years. I was definitely excited to jump into her latest novel, The Missed Connection.
Sasha Cruz is a casting director getting back into the swing of life. When she is hired by an international beauty store to direct their next commercial, things begin to look up. On a trip to France for work, Sasha is seated next to a handsome, Italian stranger she immediately connects with. She spends the entire flight talking with him, but in the chaos of deplaning, she forgets to get his name and contact info. The only info she has is that he was sitting in “Seat F.” Desperate to find him, Sasha decides to reach out to a blast from her past, Wesley Dane, former private investigator. Wes left the detective business behind years ago and initially wants nothing to do with Sasha’s case, but something about her keeps drawing him back in. He reluctantly agrees to help her find “Seat F,” but as Wes and Sasha get closer and closer to discovering “Seat F’s” identity, the more pull Sasha and Wes feel toward one another. Is “Seat F” really Sasha’s soulmate? Or is her soulmate a lot closer than she ever could have imagined?
This felt very different from Tia Williams’ previous work, in my opinion, but it was just as enjoyable to read! That said, it did take me a while to fully connect with Sasha’s character. Once I was invested, however, I wanted so much for her character. Her imposter syndrome and difficulty navigating her ethnic heritage really resonated with me.
I also loved the evolution of her relationship with Wes. He was such a fun character to read! Their dynamic was so authentic and had me rooting for their happily ever after. I really enjoyed the flashbacks to Sasha and Wes’ past. I think they added so much more depth to the story and their relationship, and helped me to better understand Wes’ feelings.
Overall, this was a fun summer romance read with a little mystery, an airplane meet cute, and two people who are destined to be together.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC!
Sasha Cruz is a casting director getting back into the swing of life. When she is hired by an international beauty store to direct their next commercial, things begin to look up. On a trip to France for work, Sasha is seated next to a handsome, Italian stranger she immediately connects with. She spends the entire flight talking with him, but in the chaos of deplaning, she forgets to get his name and contact info. The only info she has is that he was sitting in “Seat F.” Desperate to find him, Sasha decides to reach out to a blast from her past, Wesley Dane, former private investigator. Wes left the detective business behind years ago and initially wants nothing to do with Sasha’s case, but something about her keeps drawing him back in. He reluctantly agrees to help her find “Seat F,” but as Wes and Sasha get closer and closer to discovering “Seat F’s” identity, the more pull Sasha and Wes feel toward one another. Is “Seat F” really Sasha’s soulmate? Or is her soulmate a lot closer than she ever could have imagined?
This felt very different from Tia Williams’ previous work, in my opinion, but it was just as enjoyable to read! That said, it did take me a while to fully connect with Sasha’s character. Once I was invested, however, I wanted so much for her character. Her imposter syndrome and difficulty navigating her ethnic heritage really resonated with me.
I also loved the evolution of her relationship with Wes. He was such a fun character to read! Their dynamic was so authentic and had me rooting for their happily ever after. I really enjoyed the flashbacks to Sasha and Wes’ past. I think they added so much more depth to the story and their relationship, and helped me to better understand Wes’ feelings.
Overall, this was a fun summer romance read with a little mystery, an airplane meet cute, and two people who are destined to be together.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really loved this book. It was a perfect romance novel, especially as a light and breezy palette-cleanser sort of book that picks your mood up. The bait and switch at the beginning, with the mysterious Italian airplane passenger, made for a really interesting premise, and the way that the story's plotline ended was absolutely absurd in the best way.
I thought that Sasha was a perfect lead character and that she was crafted very well. She's so relatable in so many different ways, despite also being an extremely accomplished woman. She wrestles with anxiety and imposter syndrome and just wanting something to be perfect, but life isn't that way– sometimes, it's even better. I think that message in this book will feel like a warm hug to the right readers.
I really loved how Tia handled the concept of a woman wanting a man who can take charge and make them feel taken care of in this story and really honored that desire, because so often today it can feel taboo to be anything other than the "strong, independent woman", but sometimes that pressure does feel so overwhelming and to have that desire acknowledged by the way that Wes complimented Sasha made for a really wonderful dynamic.
The only reason I don't rate this book five stars is personal preference. I loved it, and I think it could easily be someone else's five-star book. For me, five stars is less about quality and more about that rare, right place, right time connection we have with some books that you can't explain. I loved this book, it wasn't quite that for me. I will still absolutely champion it and handsell it as a bookseller, because I think it will be that book for so many people. It's so palatable and easy to recommend. I think people dealing with the stress and pressure of everyday life, or trying to find books that make them feel seen after trauma will especially enjoy this.
Publish anything Tia writes, please.
I thought that Sasha was a perfect lead character and that she was crafted very well. She's so relatable in so many different ways, despite also being an extremely accomplished woman. She wrestles with anxiety and imposter syndrome and just wanting something to be perfect, but life isn't that way– sometimes, it's even better. I think that message in this book will feel like a warm hug to the right readers.
I really loved how Tia handled the concept of a woman wanting a man who can take charge and make them feel taken care of in this story and really honored that desire, because so often today it can feel taboo to be anything other than the "strong, independent woman", but sometimes that pressure does feel so overwhelming and to have that desire acknowledged by the way that Wes complimented Sasha made for a really wonderful dynamic.
The only reason I don't rate this book five stars is personal preference. I loved it, and I think it could easily be someone else's five-star book. For me, five stars is less about quality and more about that rare, right place, right time connection we have with some books that you can't explain. I loved this book, it wasn't quite that for me. I will still absolutely champion it and handsell it as a bookseller, because I think it will be that book for so many people. It's so palatable and easy to recommend. I think people dealing with the stress and pressure of everyday life, or trying to find books that make them feel seen after trauma will especially enjoy this.
Publish anything Tia writes, please.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A Meet-Cute That Turns Into Something Much More
📚 On Casey’s Bookshelf
Book: 56
Dates read: 03.14.2026 – 03.15.2026
Title: The Missed Connection
Author: Tia Williams
Format: digital ARC
#caseysbookshelf
This was such a light, fun read, and completely different from anything I’ve read from this author. At this point, I’m convinced she reinvents herself with every book because only she could take something as simple as a meet-cute and turn it into a story like this.
It’s honestly hard to talk about without spoiling it, but what stood out most is how likable all the characters are. You’re not just rooting for one outcome, you’re torn the entire time. Sasha is on this mission to find the mystery man from her flight, and I was fully locked in trying to figure out if she would actually find him… but then there’s Wes.
And listen. Wes???
Yeah… I wanted that for her.
There’s history there, there’s depth, and the way he shows up for her feels grounded and real in a way that makes you pause. At the same time, the mystery of Seat F keeps pulling you in another direction, and the way the story is written, it genuinely feels like it could go either way and still work.
I found myself going back and forth the entire book trying to figure out what I wanted for her versus what made sense for her. Is Seat F really who he seems to be? Will Wes find him? And more importantly, who actually deserves her in the end?
That tension carries the story in a way that makes it incredibly easy to stay immersed without feeling heavy. It’s romantic, a little messy, and just a really enjoyable reading experience from start to finish.
I loved this one.
Thank you Grand Central Publishing for the #giftedcopy in exchange for an honest review.
Another book off the shelf. We keep reading with intention. 📚
📚 On Casey’s Bookshelf
Book: 56
Dates read: 03.14.2026 – 03.15.2026
Title: The Missed Connection
Author: Tia Williams
Format: digital ARC
#caseysbookshelf
This was such a light, fun read, and completely different from anything I’ve read from this author. At this point, I’m convinced she reinvents herself with every book because only she could take something as simple as a meet-cute and turn it into a story like this.
It’s honestly hard to talk about without spoiling it, but what stood out most is how likable all the characters are. You’re not just rooting for one outcome, you’re torn the entire time. Sasha is on this mission to find the mystery man from her flight, and I was fully locked in trying to figure out if she would actually find him… but then there’s Wes.
And listen. Wes???
Yeah… I wanted that for her.
There’s history there, there’s depth, and the way he shows up for her feels grounded and real in a way that makes you pause. At the same time, the mystery of Seat F keeps pulling you in another direction, and the way the story is written, it genuinely feels like it could go either way and still work.
I found myself going back and forth the entire book trying to figure out what I wanted for her versus what made sense for her. Is Seat F really who he seems to be? Will Wes find him? And more importantly, who actually deserves her in the end?
That tension carries the story in a way that makes it incredibly easy to stay immersed without feeling heavy. It’s romantic, a little messy, and just a really enjoyable reading experience from start to finish.
I loved this one.
Thank you Grand Central Publishing for the #giftedcopy in exchange for an honest review.
Another book off the shelf. We keep reading with intention. 📚
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
✨ARC BOOK REVIEW✨The Missed Connection by Tia Williams
Rating: 🔉🔉
SPOILER FREE: I really really wanted to like The Missed Connection by Tia Willams despite this hideous, god awful cover. There were so many things I didn’t like about it that it outweighed the few good things I enjoyed.
It felt like every other paragraph, especially in the beginning, was some form of a cultural reference or name drop like Tom Ford, Netflix, Pat Mcgrath, Xanax, Zoloft, etc. At one point, I thought, “Is this book being sponsored by these brands?” There were also so many cultural references that I thought we could’ve done without them to allow for more character development.
The thieving partying priests subplot that ended up connecting everything together didn’t make any sense, or it should’ve been established earlier.
This is another book where I just wanted more depth for the characters and a better plot. If you’re looking for another Seven Days in June or The Perfect Find this isn’t that.
✨✨✨My spoiler filled/longer review can be found on my substack.✨✨✨
https://open.substack.com/pub/littlem...
Release Date: June 9, 2026
Thank you @netgalley for this ARC.
*Krystina Jones is a Bookshop.org affiliate
✨My Rating System✨
🔉🔉🔉🔉 🔉- Hit all the vibes
🔉🔉🔉🔉 - Hit some good vibes
🔉🔉🔉 - I vibed
🔉🔉 - The vibes were meh
🔉 - Barely found a vibe
DNF - Zero vibes
My rating system does not equate to the quality of the books, therefore, you’re still on your own. It’s legit just about how I vibed with the book at the time.
PUBLISHER’S BOOK DESCRIPTION: Sasha Cruz knows types. As a booked-and-busy casting agent, she's always casting--at happy hour, the grocery store, everywhere. She's all about finding the perfect person to slot into the perfect role. What she doesn't do, however, is relationships. Too much energy, not enough time.
On a flight to Paris for work, a chance encounter with her type changes everything. Sasha's seated next to a broodingly attractive mystery man, and sparks fly--but they never exchange contact information. Convinced she's lost out on her soulmate, Sasha emails her work friend for help, but accidentally writes to the entire company worldwide! The international manhunt to find Seat F begins.
Meanwhile Sasha takes matters into her own hands. She hires a smoldering detective she knew in another lifetime--who complicates matters in unforeseen (and irresistible) ways.
With a worldwide search underway, will love take flight for Sasha?
Rating: 🔉🔉
SPOILER FREE: I really really wanted to like The Missed Connection by Tia Willams despite this hideous, god awful cover. There were so many things I didn’t like about it that it outweighed the few good things I enjoyed.
It felt like every other paragraph, especially in the beginning, was some form of a cultural reference or name drop like Tom Ford, Netflix, Pat Mcgrath, Xanax, Zoloft, etc. At one point, I thought, “Is this book being sponsored by these brands?” There were also so many cultural references that I thought we could’ve done without them to allow for more character development.
The thieving partying priests subplot that ended up connecting everything together didn’t make any sense, or it should’ve been established earlier.
This is another book where I just wanted more depth for the characters and a better plot. If you’re looking for another Seven Days in June or The Perfect Find this isn’t that.
✨✨✨My spoiler filled/longer review can be found on my substack.✨✨✨
https://open.substack.com/pub/littlem...
Release Date: June 9, 2026
Thank you @netgalley for this ARC.
*Krystina Jones is a Bookshop.org affiliate
✨My Rating System✨
🔉🔉🔉🔉 🔉- Hit all the vibes
🔉🔉🔉🔉 - Hit some good vibes
🔉🔉🔉 - I vibed
🔉🔉 - The vibes were meh
🔉 - Barely found a vibe
DNF - Zero vibes
My rating system does not equate to the quality of the books, therefore, you’re still on your own. It’s legit just about how I vibed with the book at the time.
PUBLISHER’S BOOK DESCRIPTION: Sasha Cruz knows types. As a booked-and-busy casting agent, she's always casting--at happy hour, the grocery store, everywhere. She's all about finding the perfect person to slot into the perfect role. What she doesn't do, however, is relationships. Too much energy, not enough time.
On a flight to Paris for work, a chance encounter with her type changes everything. Sasha's seated next to a broodingly attractive mystery man, and sparks fly--but they never exchange contact information. Convinced she's lost out on her soulmate, Sasha emails her work friend for help, but accidentally writes to the entire company worldwide! The international manhunt to find Seat F begins.
Meanwhile Sasha takes matters into her own hands. She hires a smoldering detective she knew in another lifetime--who complicates matters in unforeseen (and irresistible) ways.
With a worldwide search underway, will love take flight for Sasha?
April 28, 2026
Tia Williams has done it again with The Missed Connection. Am I shocked? Not even a little. But wow this book completely pulled me in from the very first page, and by the end, I was already thinking about when I could read it again.
In The Missed Connection, delivers a story that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. The novel beautifully weaves together themes of cultural identity, hope, second chances, and the complicated weight of guilt and shame. What stands out most is how effortlessly these themes are explored without ever feeling heavy-handed.
The main character’s journey is especially compelling. It’s refreshing to see a story where growth and love don’t require her to lose herself in the process. Instead, she evolves in a way that feels authentic and empowering! something that’s not always guaranteed in romantic stories. That balance is part of what makes the book so satisfying.
Williams’ writing is as sharp and emotionally resonant as ever with some quotes and fun facts that make it feel so realistic. She has a way of capturing vulnerability and resilience in the same breath, making her characters feel real and unforgettable. There’s humor, there’s heart, and there are moments that will linger long after you’ve finished reading.
This book truly gives you what you need whether that’s comfort, reflection, or just a beautifully told story about finding your way back to yourself.
PS: Do not start this book if you have to be up early… reading until 2:30 a.m. might absolutely happen.
And thank you to NetGalley for the ARC ebook—I’m so grateful I got to experience this one early.
In The Missed Connection, delivers a story that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. The novel beautifully weaves together themes of cultural identity, hope, second chances, and the complicated weight of guilt and shame. What stands out most is how effortlessly these themes are explored without ever feeling heavy-handed.
The main character’s journey is especially compelling. It’s refreshing to see a story where growth and love don’t require her to lose herself in the process. Instead, she evolves in a way that feels authentic and empowering! something that’s not always guaranteed in romantic stories. That balance is part of what makes the book so satisfying.
Williams’ writing is as sharp and emotionally resonant as ever with some quotes and fun facts that make it feel so realistic. She has a way of capturing vulnerability and resilience in the same breath, making her characters feel real and unforgettable. There’s humor, there’s heart, and there are moments that will linger long after you’ve finished reading.
This book truly gives you what you need whether that’s comfort, reflection, or just a beautifully told story about finding your way back to yourself.
PS: Do not start this book if you have to be up early… reading until 2:30 a.m. might absolutely happen.
And thank you to NetGalley for the ARC ebook—I’m so grateful I got to experience this one early.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Finally emerging from seclusion after a traumatic event sent her into hiding, casting agent Sasha Cruz meets a mysterious and attractive stranger on a flight to Paris. She nicknames him “Seat F,” because in six hours of magnetic Ambien- and rosé-fueled conversation and hand-holding, they never exchange names or contact info.
A palm reading by a decidedly amateur, somewhat error prone manicurist convinces Sasha that Seat F is The One: the soulmate who will usher her into her new, post-trauma fabulous life. Naturally, Sasha hires a detective to find him. But not just any detective. No, she goes to Wes Dane, the smouldering PI who helped her through that traumatic event and is still very much hung up on her.
Did I mention they have a complicated past?
Off we go with the will-they/won’t-they, friends-to-lovers romance, and Tia Williams nails it. Sasha and Wes both feel so real, with messy baggage that both complicates and deepens their attraction. The whole story feels fresh, modern, and funny. I was rooting for our two MCs to not only end up together, but to find their footing in life too - because sometimes that’s just really hard to do without the right person by your side.
This is the third novel I’ve read by Tia Williams and I’ve found that she consistently delivers fun, relatable, modern romances. There’s a nice little nod to A Love Song for Ricki Wilde for fans paying attention.
I highly recommend The Missed Connection for anyone looking for a big-hearted, funny, and real romance novel. Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
A palm reading by a decidedly amateur, somewhat error prone manicurist convinces Sasha that Seat F is The One: the soulmate who will usher her into her new, post-trauma fabulous life. Naturally, Sasha hires a detective to find him. But not just any detective. No, she goes to Wes Dane, the smouldering PI who helped her through that traumatic event and is still very much hung up on her.
Did I mention they have a complicated past?
Off we go with the will-they/won’t-they, friends-to-lovers romance, and Tia Williams nails it. Sasha and Wes both feel so real, with messy baggage that both complicates and deepens their attraction. The whole story feels fresh, modern, and funny. I was rooting for our two MCs to not only end up together, but to find their footing in life too - because sometimes that’s just really hard to do without the right person by your side.
This is the third novel I’ve read by Tia Williams and I’ve found that she consistently delivers fun, relatable, modern romances. There’s a nice little nod to A Love Song for Ricki Wilde for fans paying attention.
I highly recommend The Missed Connection for anyone looking for a big-hearted, funny, and real romance novel. Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
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