3.5 stars rounded up. I've been obsessed with Beth O'Leary's books since I first read The Flatshare. Both The Flatshare and The Switch were home runs for me. The Road Trip didn't work as well for me because of the particular tropes, but I still love O'Leary's writing.

That said, I think this is going to be an even more polarizing read. First of all, as several other reviews have mentioned, I think the marketing for this book is not properly preparing readers, and is going to lead to disappointment in some cases. I'm not sure if it's because the team wasn't sure how to market it as not-a-romance, or if because Beth's other books are romance, they just automatically categorized this one that way. But this is not a romance. Although there is technically an HEA/HFN, the romance isn't the main focus of the story. Rather, it is an exploration of three women's lives and growth, and their connection to a particular man. But honestly, the man in question, Joseph Carter, is almost incidental to the story in my opinion.

Without giving away too much, I think readers are going to have a hard time redeeming Joseph in their minds once the nature of his relationship with the three POV women is revealed. This is especially true because, while we get to see Siobhan, Miranda, and Jane's perspectives, we don't get to see Joseph's. So he's not exactly fully fleshed. I found myself more invested in a side love interest than Joseph.

The good news is, and the reason I'm still rating this book highly, I am just a sucker for O'Leary's writing and I was personally okay with this not being a romance (though I would have enjoyed it more if I had adequate expectations going into it). It had a lot of exploration of what it means to be a person and how to navigate the world as these three women are dealing with life and jobs and relationships. O'Leary has an uncanny ability to phrase a feeling in a painfully relatable way, that makes me as a reader and a human feel so seen. I always love that about her writing. There's a scene that was so heartbreaking that I literally was sobbing in my bed reading it at 3am, so it's pretty impossible for me to rate a book low when it can elicit those kinds of emotions from me. And I actually quite like the main plot device that is used here in other books, I'm just a bit conflicted of the success on its use here.

Many thanks to Berkley for the advance copy. I'm excited to hear ALL the opinions from my readers.

CW: death, alzheimers/dementia, toxic relationships, stalking, self harm, suicidal ideation, miscarriage

I loved this! Such an unexpected little twist and it kept me entertained the whole way through. Read it in one morning and didn’t want to put it down. Definitely recommend!

I love Valentine's Day, but to be stood up? THE NO-SHOW is a twisty, titillating tale filled to the brim with a sweet, heart-breaking story. Three women all set to celebrate Valentine's day with the same man, although they are not aware of each other or the sneaky plot that Joseph has dangled in front of them all. Well than, where is he?

Siobhan is lovely and connects on a deep level with Joseph. They have a once a month arrangement, a night in her hotel room with hot, sweaty fun. Siobhan is very excited to have a breakfast date with Joseph on Valentine's day. But where is he?

Miranda works up in the trees as a specialist. It's a dangerous job. She met Carter and is falling for him big time. Who wouldn't? Carter is very handsome, charming and has charisma in spades. She's looking forward to their Valentine's day lunch. But, he isn't here. How long should she wait?

Meet Jane, a beautiful quiet girl who works at a charity shop. She asks Joseph to go with her to a friend's engagement party that evening as her fake boyfriend. They have become very close, good friends. Joe promised but hasn't shown up. How could he do this to her?

And lastly, meet the star of the whole Valentine's day fiasco, Joseph Carter. He is a stunningly handsome man. He handles, not so expertly, three relationships with three beautiful belles. Lying is second nature to him, especially since he is determined to date three lovely ladies. Only, there is more to Joseph than anyone could guess. Be prepared as it is all connected. What is it?

THE NO-SHOW is a bewitching, brilliant tale that will leave your head spinning! Three ladies all set to celebrate Valentine's day and Joseph doesn't show up. The nerve of him! Where the heck is he? Go on a soul-searching, frenetic journey as three ladies all tell their life stories and their dreams of dating delicious Joseph Carter. There is more to Joseph than meets the eye, big time! Be prepared to read this book straight through. I raced through the pages to find out what happened. The author expertly plots a mind-blowing story that will leave you reeling. THE NO-SHOW is a top notch, tense, adventurous romance!

This review will appear on the All About Romance website close to its publication date.

First, a bit of backstory. Months ago, I optimistically requested The No-Show on Netgalley. I was thrilled (and surprised) when I received a notification that my request was accepted. To be honest, I requested The No-Show because it was an O’Leary book, and not because of anything I knew about the story. As usual, I intended to read the book blurb before I started reading the book and figured I would be fine. Alas, there was no book blurb included! Since I’m too cheap to pay for a cruise internet package (the prices are ridiculous!), I went into The No-Show totally blind. I’m so glad I did.

About halfway through the book - which I couldn't put down once I started reading it - I was convinced O’Leary had written a thriller and not a romance, and that there was a villain who was due a major comeuppance. And I was here for it (the thriller and the comeuppance!)! I was even tempted to ask my travel buddy/internet package owner to look it up on Goodreads so I could read the blurb and see if I was right, but I resisted. Again, I'm so glad I did. Because the payoff - as you reach the final chapters and O’Leary masterfully weaves the disparate PoV threads together - is satisfying on so many levels! Heartbreaking. Romantic. Complicated. Friends, the word extraordinary comes to mind! The No-Show isn't technically a thriller or a romance (although there are two HEAs in it), and the ending may leave you in tears. Happy tears! Sad tears! Label shmabel! I loved The No-Show any way you classify it. It’s definitely on the short list for my favorite book this year.

Okay. So how to talk about this tricky novel without any spoilers? I’ll start with the three supremely well rendered women who narrate the story.

Siobhan is a wealthy, ambitious and quick-tempered life coach. After the abrupt and emotionally devastating end of her last relationship, Siobhan (Shiv to her two closest friends) has little faith in love or happily ever after. Shiv only does casual relationships, and she’s always the first to bail when any of her lovers begin to get too close. But on this particular morning, Shiv is at a trendy café waiting for Joseph. She usually meets Joseph at a hotel for sex once a month (on work trips from her home in Dublin to London). They don’t date and they definitely don’t meet at trendy cafés for breakfast, and she’s trying not to read too much into the date or the holiday. It’s too late. Shiv likes Joseph too much already, and deep down she’s hoping the breakfast date is a sign he wants more from her, too. Except Joseph is late. And Shiv is pissed. The café is annoying, a customer has just dripped coffee on her expensive dress, and Joseph is a no-show. Relationships are not for her - and now, neither is sexy, handsome, funny Joseph. Shiv leaves the cafe determined never to speak to him again. She blocks his number. Shiv doesn’t forgive. She forgets.

Miranda is a tree surgeon who loves her job. After spotting a group of tree surgeons at work one day as a little girl, she attended a workshop to learn how to safely clip on and climb up - and she’s been hooked ever since. When we meet her, she’s nervous. Today is her first day working with a new - all male - crew, and she’s worried about making a good first impression. But when Jamie, the team leader, shows up and introduces her to his motley crew, Miranda stops worrying. Miranda has always been comfortable spending time with lads - and ladies - and the crew immediately makes her feel welcome. She ignores the slow once-over AJ - a renowned ladies’ man - gives her, and listens as Jamie gives out the daily assignments. He sends her up into a tall oak, and once she’s up in the tree with her chainsaw, Miranda is wholly focused on the job at hand. The job is dangerous, and when Miranda is up in a tree, nothing else snags her attention. She finishes early - reminding Jamie she has a Valentine’s Day lunch to get to. He waves her off and after she rebuffs AJ's invitation to meet up for a drink, she heads out. Miranda is happy with her handsome and clever businessman boyfriend, Carter. She isn’t quite sure how she and Carter - total opposites - wound up together, but she knows she’s falling in love with him. Unfortunately, after changing at a nearby McDonald’s and arriving early (and underdressed) for their lunch date at the fancy restaurant Carter selected, she’s forced to admit she’s been stood up. Miranda can’t believe it. She checks her phone for messages, again texts Carter to ask where he is, and heads home. Miranda is annoyed - angry even, but she’s certain there’s a good reason Carter was a no-show.

Jane works as a volunteer at a local charity shop. She likes routines and keeps her life simple - stopping in the same café every morning; ordering the same item (even though she really wants a cinnamon bun); wearing the same clothes on the same days every week - and she’s convinced she’s unlikeable and unloveable. (Reader, we aren’t sure why Jane is so determinedly alone, and we won’t find out until this story is nearly over). On this particular night, Jane is at a colleague’s engagement party and is trying to avoid conversation with another volunteer, Keira, by steadily eating through the hors d’oeuvres. If her mouth is full she can’t talk, and she definitely can’t tell any more lies. Which she hates doing. Unfortunately, Keira kept trying to play matchmaker and Jane had to make up a fictional boyfriend. She knows Keira is going to ask her why she’s at the party alone, so she’s doing everything she can to avoid her. This wasn’t supposed to happen, though. Joseph Carter was supposed to be her fake boyfriend. But he’s a no-show. Jane knew he was too good to be true. Ever since the handsome stranger introduced himself one morning (after asking why she just didn’t buy the cinnamon bun she clearly wanted), she’s been waiting for him to realize she isn’t worth his time. When he offered to accompany her to the party, she was relieved but nervous. She isn’t surprised he’s a no-show. Jane doesn’t deserve a great guy like Joseph Carter. Oh, Jane!

Oh, reader! WHO IS JOSEPH CARTER?! Well, I’m not going to tell you! Let’s just say Clueless Em™ finished these opening chapters convinced a Very Bad Man somehow linked these three, but unsure if it was the same person. And it took her way too long to realize Joseph and Carter are Joseph Carter! You’re welcome. But that’s all I’m going to say about him and this story. Suffice it to say, there is a MAJOR plot twist and it completely caught me unawares. Don’t try to guess; wait for it. It’s excellent.

Fortunately, although I can’t tell you much about the plot, there are lots of other great bits. If you like a clever story, this one is a banger. If you aren’t afraid to cry, get your tissues handy. And finally, the supporting cast is brilliant. O’Leary loves great friendships, and Siobhan, Miranda, and Jane are supported by some of the best friends ever. Their friends - their found families, really - are encouraging and loving, supportive and kind and good, and they add so much richness to this story. These are the kind of people you want in your corner.

Wow, I wish I could tell you all about this book. I can’t. You just have to trust me. It’s great. One of the best of the year, and probably my favorite O’Leary book. Yet.

Where is Joseph Carter on Valentine's Day? He seems to not be with Miranda or Siobhan or Jane. Told their the eyes of the three very different women, each seem to be stood-up (and slightly head over heels) with the same man. Right away, this book got me... and I couldn't stop reading. How can anyone do this? Will the women's paths end up crossing? Each woman seems to see Joseph in a different way, and he seems to be a different person almost with each. But O'Leary really out did herself with this one - she somehow manages to throw a huge plot twist in when you think you have Joseph and everyone figured out... and it pulls at your heartstrings. This book was heartwarming and heartbreaking all at once - absolutely loved it.

I think this is Beth O’Leary’s best book yet! Joseph Carter is a two-timing, womanizing stinker….or is he? Siobhan, Miranda and Jane all have a relationship with Joseph and they all feel that he’s “with” them…..hookup, friend, boyfriend, love of their life. Can he be all 3? The No-Show made me feel charmed, frustrated, a little angry (at a few of the characters), sad and delighted. O’Leary’s talent at producing engaging and authentic characters in relatable situations makes her books a joy to read.

What an amazing read! This book was full of shocking twists that I did not expect. I loved all 4 stories of each character. Filled with so much character development and backgrounds. I will definitely be recommending this book.

Had I known going into this novel that it wasn't really a rom-com at all, I feel like I would have enjoyed it a lot more.

While it wasn't exactly what I was expecting, I feel like Beth O'Leary can do no wrong. The main characters were full of heart, and the dialogue was so clever and witty. I also greatly appreciate the way that sensitive topics were handled, including sexual harassment, grief, and toxic relationships.

The book did leave me feeling like it was lacking because I kept waiting for the romance and humor, but that's not necessarily the book's fault nor the fault of the author. That's more of a marketing issue, and putting that aside, the book was definitely worthwhile.

This looks like a rom-com but it's not. I think that should be said. However, it's definitely a book you should read!
This is a romance that will have you confused and then angry and then feeling for all the characters.
Beth wrote this so well! I had no idea who was where until the end.
If you're looking for a book to make you feel, this is it!

Siobhan, Miranda, and Jane could not be more different. Siobhan is confident to a fault, Miranda is used to being seen as "one of the guys," and Jane actively tries to make herself as invisible as possible. The one thing that connects these women is that they were all, unbeknownst to them, stood up by the same guy on Valentine's day. Joseph Carter is your typical handsome sweet-talker, and despite hurting each woman in turn, they all take him back. All three believe herself to be the only woman in Joseph's life, but can they truly fall for someone who has one foot out the door?

I was hesitant to pick this up at first because I'm not a fan of a cheating trope in books, but I'm glad I gave this a chance. It was more of following these three women on a journey of self-discovery and coming into their own. I enjoyed how we got perspective's from each woman and got to see how their relationship with Joseph played out. Aside from that, we also got glimpses into their day-to-day lives that helped to flesh them out. My favorite of the bunch was Miranda, so I enjoyed her chapters a bit more than the other two. I also liked watching her find a new relationship with AJ and thought they were so playful and sweet together. Aside from the romance aspect, I thought O'Leary did a nice job incorporating more serious topics such as mental health. The only issue I had with this was there were a few times I was confused as to the timeline of events but other than that I thought this was pretty good.

I love Beth O'Leary, and she's really being done dirty by her marketing team. I don't think her last book was a romance, and this certainly is not, although it's being marketed as a rom-com. It's neither a rom nor a com! Folks are going to be mislead. But it is a good book, and one that puts an incredibly unique spin on its premise.

I'm grateful I knew going in that it wasn't a romance, because I would have spent a lot of the book much more confused than I was, which was the normal level of confusion you're supposed to feel as you're putting the pieces of the story together. If nothing else, this is a masterclass in slowly untwisting a very twisty plot.

I'd probably comp this to a book like The Dinner List or In Five Years, books that have a romantic subplot but are probably not genre romances. I liked it - not as much as I've liked some of her other books, if only because it was sad - and I'm going to be careful who I rec it to.

The No-Show was not what I was expecting, but I loved it SO much! The main cast of 4 were such a treat to hang out with as they navigated Joseph Carter’s world. This book is full of so much heart and wit! I love Beth O’Leary already and now I will auto buy and auto recommend! The No-Show manages to navigate serious issues like toxic relationships, workplace harassment, finding oneself after trauma, and grief and yet I repeatedly laughed. I really enjoyed this and I think others will too. :)

The No-Show
by Beth O'Leary
Berkley Publishing Group
Pub date: Apr 12

There is so much depth to The No-Show that isn't immediately apparent, yet as you wade in, you'll find yourself gripped because the story is so unexpected.

Initially, it seems to be a simple tale of three woman shown up by the same guy on Valentine's Day. Questions arise: Where did he go that day? Who is he really? How could he do that?

As the answers come, you'll find yourself unable to put this absorbing book down. I won't spoil the experience by revealing more. Just know that you're in for one terrific read!

Thanks to the author, Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the digital ARC. Opinions are mine.

#TheNoShow #BethOLeary #berkleypublishinggroup #NetGalley #romancefictionnovels #romcombook #bookstgramcommunity

This was absolutely perfect! Heartbreaking, funny, romantic and just fun! Im such a big Beth O’Leary fan and this one did not disappoint!!!!

The No-Show follows three women after being stood up on Valentine’s Day. Siobhan is stood up at breakfast, Miranda, at lunch, and Jane at dinner. These three women could not be more different. Siobhan is a life coach from Ireland who flies into London occasionally for work, and meets up with a man she’s casually seeing on the first Friday of every month. Miranda is a tree surgeon (which is like a lumberjack in the UK, I guess?) who’s dating a lawyer who could not be more different from her. Jane volunteers at a charity shop, has very rigid rules–including that she doesn’t date. She asks her coffee shop friend to be her fake date for a work event she’s committed to. What do all these women have in common? They’ve all been stood up on Valentine’s Day. By the same man.

This book is more of a women’s fiction than a romance, similar to the author’s book The Switch. If you read it through that lens, it’s quite enjoyable, and while there is some romance, it definitely takes a back seat to the story.

All three women are flawed and have a lot of character growth and growing up to do. The plot is complex, and while the major twist of the book is predictable, I still kept reading, because I couldn’t quite figure out how O’Leary was planning to pull it all off.


The story is told in three third person POVs from all three women. There are a lot of characters to keep track of. While I read this book in just two sittings, I still found it confusing to keep track of all the different friends, as they didn’t quite seem distinct enough from one another. While they’re not quite critical enough to the plot for them to stick in my memory, they’re still featured enough that I would be confused. (Like who is Aggie? Right! She’s Jane’s new friend who got locked out of her apartment in her PJs. But how is she different from Fiona, Siobhan’s actress friend?)

While I did enjoy this book–it does cause quite a bit of heartache at certain parts, so be forewarned!

I recommend this book to those who want to read a good women’s fiction book that’s intricately plotted and beautifully written.

*Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for the ebook to review*

Going into this book I had no idea how the story was going to go. I thought it was going to be like the movie The Other Woman, but boy was I wrong.

This story is told through the eyes of Siobhan, Miranda, and Jane. We see these three get stood up by Joseph on Valentine’s Day (Joseph may sound horrible now but I ended up loving up in the end). From this day, they all go on very different journeys of loss, love, and finding themselves.

This book was something special. It was definitely heartbreaking and emotional but also beautiful and heartwarming. I have never read a book like this and it’s one that will stick with me. Also the plot twist in this book is one I didn’t see coming AT ALL.

Short Review: I don't even have words. I really don't. It's like Beth just took my heart, threw it in a blender, and hit puree. I loved it with my whole heart. Just read it.

Long Review: This is a book about love, loss, overcoming obstacles in life, within ourselves and all the messy in-between. The characters are so real and raw. They stick with you long after you turn the last page. Told in alternate POV's, the characters separate stories unfold slowly and deliberately with one thing in common - being stood up by the same guy. But perhaps things aren't what they seem....

I'm still recovering from this one. It was fantastic. All the stars.

As well-written as this book is, it's hard to recommend to people who want a romantic book. You can figure out what I mean by the description: Three women are stood up by the same man on Valentine's Day. Doesn't sound romantic, but you must guess that there is something more to it than it sounds. And there is, but you don't get a clear picture until the end.

Now I did enjoy this, but there was a certain amount of doubt sounding the main guy. It's tough to get into a romance when you think one of the partners is a cheater. I think I would have enjoyed this if there wasn't so much mystery surrounding the man.

This review is based on an advanced copy provided through Netgalley for an honest review.

This book surprised me, which is rare for me. I was so sure of how the story was going to unfold and was completely wrong. The opening of the story is Valentine's Day and Joseph is no-show to breakfast with Siobhan, lunch with Miranda, and the engagement party he promised to attend with Jane. I wanted to hate Joseph Carter but I simply could not. He comes across so earnest and authentic. I didn't fully understand what was going on until the end of the story and I loved the unpredictability. I can't wait to recommend this book to patrons!

It always an exciting time when a new Beth O'Leary book comes out, and this is no exception.
Wow this is her most unpredictable book yet. I had no idea where this was going and I thought it was incredible. Superb characters.. Ones you love to hate, ones you want to give a big warm squeezy cuddle too and some you can quite drastically change your opinion on.
Engaging, entertaining, electric!