Meet three women: Siobhan, Miranda, and Jane – all stood up by the same enigmatic Joseph Carter on Valentine’s Day. These three couldn’t be more different – Siobhan is a seemingly self-assured life coach, extroverted and fashion-conscious. Miranda is a tree surgeon who can more than hold her own amongst a group of lads. And unassuming Jane is rebuilding her life after fleeing London in mysterious circumstances, and volunteering at a charity shop in Winchester.

Joseph seems like the perfect guy. He’s handsome, thoughtful, smart, and a devoted carer to his mum with dementia. But there’s something he’s holding back from all of them – they can’t quite get the full story. Something’s not quite adding up.

‘Beautiful, careful simplicity – that is the life Jane has built for herself. And then there’s Joseph. Certainly beautiful, not at all simple.’

While there are central romances in this story, it’s very much a novel about relationships in all their many forms. Beth O’Leary’s characters are, as always, living and breathing on the page – a fully-fleshed-out and authentic cast you’re invested in and rooting for. I particularly enjoyed the friendships between the characters – Jane with the exuberant Aggie, Miranda and her insufferable but endearing baby sisters Adele and Frannie, Siobhan’s flatmate and steadfast best friend Fiona. These characters are never wallpaper in her stories – they play essential roles in shaping the narrative.

What I found refreshing and surprising about The No-Show is the way that O’Leary took it in a direction I wasn’t expecting – there’s a big reveal about three-quarters of the way through and things start to fall into place in a satisfying resolution. I wouldn’t profess to be good at spotting these things in advance, but I would never had guessed the cleverly constructed conceit at the heart of the book.

‘It’s not exactly the way she imagined this moment – more livestock, for instance – but here is her chance to tell Joseph how she really feels about him.’

I so enjoy Beth O’Leary’s writing (she’s really the only author of this genre I read), because she’s able to balance emotional heft with moments of levity and humour. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill contemporary romantic fiction – there’s emotional depth and an exploration of hard-hitting and life-altering events. It might be a little darker than you’re expecting, but it’s pulled off with O’Leary’s trademark warmth and compassion.

If this sounds like your cup of tea, get it on your TBR for April 2022!

CW: depression, baby loss

With thanks to Quercus for the advanced copy. The No-Show will be published in April 2022.

This book was such a surprise! I've enjoyed Beth O'Leary's previous work but this story was completely unexpected. The less a reader knows about the story before they read it, the better their experience will be. I was completely taken in by the characters and was so conflicted about how I should feel about Joseph and in the end I fell in love with all of the stories and all of the relationships in this book. This is one that I'll definitely want to read again.

When this book started, I really didn't know what to think of it. I was really interested, but couldn't quite figure out how everything was going to play out. Once I did though, I loved it! Such an all around great read.

What a fun read!! A man stands up not one, not two, but THREE women up on Valentine’s day and it’s just a once in a lifetime kind of scenario and I love how it played out, you never would. have thought about this but here Beth O’Leary is making that story happen!!

First off, I’d like to thank NetGalley, Berkley, and Beth O’Leary for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review! I’ve always wanted to read a book by O’Leary and I’m really glad that this was my first. I initially picked it up because of the cover (oops) - but it turned out being an unforgettable story.

This book follows three women - Siobhan, Miranda, and Jane - and I loved getting to know each of them. I felt connected to Jane the entire time as we’re really similar, because she’s also shy, a bookworm, and a little bit awkward. Joseph Carter stands each of these women up on Valentine’s Day, and I thought I knew the outcome to this story, but I certainly did not! There’s more than meets the eye and I was NOT expecting it, but it turned out really well-written and entertaining!

This is an emotional, smart, and fun book and I highly recommend it. The twist is one that you won’t see coming and it deserves 5 stars just for that, in my opinion. It teaches you to not judge a book by it’s cover ;)

5 stars - be sure to pick this one up!

Another very enjoyable book by Beth O'Leary! This book was a very well crafted story with many moving parts and characters so if you are looking for a simple story this may not be for you.

I was a little disappointed that it wasn't a traditional romance novel, since that's what I was expecting. However, the romance(s) that was there was sweet and very emotionally driven.

I also enjoyed the fact that Zoom and other "new normal" activities were included, for me it made it seem more relatable and realistic.

Oh. My. God. This book! I can’t believe what I just read. Kudos to Beth for making me laugh, cry and just sit in bafflement at how she pulled off this intricate story so deftly. I loved this book—swoony, poignant and heart wrenching all at once. Honestly, I don’t think I’ll ever not be able to think of this book. It’s so great.

4.5 stars. Beth O’Leary’s books have a tendency to lure you into a feeling of warm safety and then sneak up and wallop you right in the emotions. The No-Show is no exception. The premise seems obvious enough: three women are stood up on Valentine’s Day. By the same man. What happened to him? Will they learn about each other? Is he just a jerk? At first I felt like I had definitely seen this movie, but O’Leary has some twists to throw out—some of which I guessed, but some I definitely did not.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

I’ve read every Beth O’Leary novel and had very different reactions to all of them—I hated The Road Trip, loved The Flatshare, and The Switch was somewhere in between. They are all radically different books with different interests. What I really love about O’Leary is her focus on writing what is been labeled as relationship fiction. Yes there is romance, but it also focuses on friendships and family and the emotional state of the characters. All of the characters come alive on the page and feel real. The No-Show has been my favorite since The Flatshare. I don’t often read contemporary fiction, yet O’Leary has pulled me in once again with this book.

I will admit that about half-way through the book I was impatiently waiting for something to finally happen. I came to the book with my own ideas of what the story would be, but she somehow managed to build a lot of suspense just within the everyday moments of these characters lives. The twists and turns and slow reveals were brilliant and I was really impressed with this novel. And at the end of it all were the fuzzy feelings that made me smile.

I’ve had some ups and downs with O’Leary’s books, but I’ve always said I would read everything she wrote and The No-Show is a reminder of why that is: complex characters, interesting relationships, a balance of serious issues and warmth, and an overall great reading experience. I can’t wait to see what O’Leary writes next. Based on her previous books I can only assume it is going to be entirely different from what’s she’s written before.

*Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Beth O’Leary is back at the top of her game with this clever romance.

Where is Joseph Carter on Valentine’s Day?

He’s not with Siobhan, even though he’s supposed to be meeting her for a breakfast date. Siobhan is particularly excited because they usually only meet once a month...at night in her hotel room. Her excitement vanishes when he never shows up.

He’s not with Miranda, even though they’re supposed to be sharing a romantic V-Day lunch. Miranda is thrilled with the way their relationship is going, so why is he leaving her high and dry?

He’s not with Jane, even though he’s supposed to be her fake boyfriend at her colleague’s engagement party. Jane and Joseph have quickly become good friends, and he was doing this to help her out. How could he leave her hanging?

There’s a lot more going on here than meets the eye.

I am a HUGE fan of O’Leary, but I was left feeling disappointed by her last novel, The Road Trip. Not only does she redeem herself here, but she completely knocks it out of the park!

I knew right away that this was a step up, but didn’t realize how much I’d love it. The No-Show is one of the most clever romance books I’ve ever read, and I can’t believe how brilliant O’Leary was with her plotting. She puts some thriller writers to shame!!

More important than the rom-com angle is the amount of depth this novel has. The fully dimensional characters felt so real, and so did their situations.

Original, authentic, creative, heartbreaking, and heartwarming all at once. This book gave me all the feels, and I think readers are going to be left very happily stunned by this one...just like I was.

Thank you to Elisha at Berkley for providing me with a widget of the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Expected Publication Date: 4/26/22.

Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com

How can a book be both heartbreaking 💔 and yet heartwarming and hopeful all at once? ❤️‍🩹
Well, you will just have read the latest delightful Rom-Com by Beth O’Leary to find out…

After a detour from a 5 star rating with the unlikable characters of “The Road Trip”, I am happy to report that even our Cad (don’t you love that throwback word?) Joseph Carter has some redeemable qualities!!

First-take a look at this ADORABLE book cover-that is him running from date to date! 😳

But, don’t judge him quite so fast!! There is more to this story than what you may initially think.

It’s TRUE.
Being stood up by someone, especially on Valentine’s Day is NOT fun.

But, lucky for us, reading about it is! I flew through this charming book, despite the long chapters, which alternate between our three leading ladies, Siobhan, Miranda and Jane.

And, yes, all three, of our very different, lovely women in this story have ALL been stood up by the same man.
On Valentine’s Day!

As Joseph spends time with each woman, I could not help but compare the relationships. Was I hoping that he would end up with one over another? Or was I hoping that they would each show him the door-permanently?

While I am not going to let you in on that little secret, I will share that one of these women receives a DREAM Valentine’s gift, at the end of the book. (In my opinion)

And, NO, it is NOT what you are thinking! 😉

Thank You to Elisha at Berkley for gifting me a VERY early copy, provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!

AVAILABLE April 26, 2022 ! Mark your calendar so you don’t forget! Or pre-order NOW!

Beth O'Leary's books have been very popular at my library and I will purchase this novel. It's not my favorite of her books and it's a tad different than the others. I didn't see the twist coming. While it was more heavy than I was hoping and expecting, I still couldn't put it down.

This book took me completely by surprise. I wasn't able to put it down, but I also wasn't sure about how I felt about it until half of the way through. Beth O'Leary sure knows how to write a book that will keep the readers hooked. This one was hilarious, heartbreaking, and unexpected. I think fans of The Switch will connect with this one as well.

Wow, this ones twists and turns. Great characters, all a little different. I thought it was going one way and it was gonna be a girl gang take down a cheater plot, and then it veered away from that to something completely different. If you liked In Five Years, this is a title for you too pick up for sure.

The No-Show follows Siobhan (workaholic life-coach), Miranda (tree surgeon), and Jane (mousey with no self-worth) who all experience a no-show from a date on Valentine's Day, and all unknowingly by the same man.

WOW. There is so much in this book that unravels as you go. I wanted to get to the end to figure it all out as fast as possible, but still trying to take my time savoring it. It was a real struggle to balance the two things. None of the gals were perfect, especially when they all forgive him after being stood up (I was just beside myself when each of them forgave him so easily), but that's what made the book feel real and sucked me in so quickly. Each one had relatable qualities both good and bad. Whether it was maintaining routine to not process trauma, pushing people away to preempt any hurt feelings, or settling for someone who doesn't necessarily get you.

Be prepared to be angry, sad, and surprised by the end of the book. Beth O'Leary is such a talented writer. I truly enjoyed The No-Show.

I will read anything written by Beth! This book in particular is truly UNPREDICTABLE. You will fall in love with all of the characters. Your heart may ache a bit as you finish this book because you will not want it to end. If you think you know where the story is going - you don't! How ABSOLUTELY REFRESHING. I've already purchased this title for the library. I can't wait to discuss the twists and turns with anyone who will listen.

Oh gosh. This book! This was so unlike anything I've ever read. I thought it was going one way and then my guts got ripped out and then smashed all my expectations. Such a beautiful book. I'm so happy I read it.

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

4 stars

Three women are all stood up on Valentine’s Day by the same guy.

I felt like it took a long time for things to fall into place but then there were a few "oh, I get it now" moments. The No-Show is very different than Beth O'Leary's other books--much more serious. I enjoyed reading it and getting to know Siobhan, Miranda and Jane. The author excels at supporting characters.

Beth O'Leary's novels are remarkable for their unique plot lines as well as genuine portrayals of people slightly outside the norm. Her new novel can mostly be described as women's fiction or romance, but there is a really strong element of mystery in it as well, because it's soon obvious that the three women's stories, told in alternating chapters, all revolve around a relationship with the same man. He seems like a nice guy, so what's the deal? I've been a fan of this author since her first novel The Flatshare, and like that and her succeeding stories, this is very different from the other three. A clever plot, interesting characters--I have never met up with a female tree surgeon in a novel before--and a serious portrayal of mental health ends up in the best way possible.

When I read the blurb about the same man who stood up three vulnerable women on Valentine’s Day, I thought why I should read something like that! Are those women going to know each other’s existence and gather together to kick the nuts of that scumbag! Yes, I even thought to pass this book because reading both three different humiliated women’s perspectives already made me piss of! But… We’re talking about talented Beth Leary! And there must be something tricky that pull the rug out from under us! This fact kept me going to find out what kind of surprise is awaiting us!

The first chapters give us clues three women are somewhat related with Joseph Carter. First woman is Siobhan: ambitious, work oriented and in my opinion less likable of the trio, waiting to meet with Joseph on Valentine’s Date at breakfast. They causally ses each other, having amazing chemistry in bed and Siobhan is already hurt from her past relationship so she curses and leaves the breakfast spot.

On the other hand, Miranda, starting her thrilling job to work with tattooed and muscular men, climbing trees, so excited for her lunch meeting with Carter. They’re actually dating. But he doesn’t show up!

And finally we meet Jane: absolutely my favorite one- shy, awkward, secluded, bookworm, working at charity shop voluntarily, healing herself from past drama happened in London ( which is a big mystery for us) Her new friend Joseph Carter accepts to be her fake date at her colleague’s engagement to save her from spotlight and pitying looks of the townies. But he doesn’t show up! And interestingly she gives different reaction from the other two women. She accepts the situation.

Then we move on to see how Joseph tries to make it up for those women!

I have to say: I’m drawn in this story because I was truly expecting something is truly up!

Even the motivation to find out what’s really going on make me read faster to dot the i’s and cross the t’s: this book is quiet enigma!

I had so many complex feelings for Joseph:
Should I hate him! Should I punch him? Should I pity him? It seems like this man was on the verge of breakdown. But why? Because of guilt feeling to deal with three women at the same time!

But I’m shutting my big mouth now !

I can only say two things: the romance parts of the book didn’t get me excited but the smart twist I never see it coming ( I had lots of theories and guessing during my read but I failed! Silly me! ) earned all those brownie points so I couldn’t give less than five stars to this book.
Because it’s smart, it’s really emotional, it’s also promising! Interestingly this sad book emphasizes the importance of second chances in life!

Without giving away more, I’m admitting this is THE BEST BOOK OF THE AUTHOR and don’t you ever DARE TO MISS OR SKIP IT!

Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.