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.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced readers copy.
My how I loved this book! I can’t remember a time recently when I have felt so many conflicting emotions about a main character, revelling in their journey, not sure where they will end up. O’Leary weaves the three women’s stories together so creatively, keeping you guessing at how it will all end. The romance was swoony and my tears genuine. After such a disappointing read as the Road Trip, this was a true return to form. What a joy.

The No-Show by Beth O'Leary is a little bit of a departure from her earlier works. It demonstrates the same great storytelling that made her romances so popular. However, this title has a bit of an edge to it. The pacing is fast and it is very page-turner-y. The plot twists are well done. And, even if you can predict where the story is headed, the ending is very satisfying. The portion of the plot taking place during the pandemic occurs naturally and the author does not over-dramatize or over-explain the lifestyle changes faced by the characters. Another winner from Ms. O'Leary. Recommended for fans of Liane Moriarty.

I really enjoyed this one. I appreciate the emotional heft of O’Leary’s books and this is no exception. Her characters live real lives, and have real emotions and traumas. I did guess a couple of the twists, but it didn’t ruin my enjoyment and I thought the structure was great. Highly recommend!

Thank you NetGalley for the prepub!

I loved the Flatmate and the Switch and was really excited when The Road Trip came in for me at the library. I started it and just read it somewhat half heartedly. I couldn't get into it, which was really disappointing. Then I saw that there was a new O'Leary coming out in the spring and I could get this copy. I'm delighted to report that The Road Trip must have just not clicked with me, not that she's suddenly not writing great, because I was immediately hooked by the No-Show and I LOVED it.

I will say that one thing that was very fun for me was that I had not read a single thing about this-not a Goodreads description, ad, or other review. I had no idea what was going on and I liked that. I can say this: It's about 3 women in love with the same man, and he seems like quite a catch (maybe.) (That is clear from the get go.)

This feels like a more ambitious book than her other novels and I think she succeeds.

I liked this book a lot. The characters were all so well done, each supporting character had so much depth and personality. The way this story is told is unlike any I’ve read before and I can’t wait to discuss it with someone!

Ever since The Flatshare, I've been a Beth O'Leary fan! And this book does not disappoint! It kept me guessing until the end. The characters were complex and loveable. And honestly, I didn't want it to end.

Beth O’Leary is a standout in her genre. Funny, charming and clever, The No-Show was one of my favourite reads of 2021, and reiterates why everyone is going crazy for anything that Beth O’Leary writes!

Thanks to Berkley and Netgalley for this eARC.

I love Beth O'Leary, and this novel is no exception. Based on <i>The Flatshare</i> and now <i>The No-Show</i>, it seems like one of her preoccupations as a writer is timing and time in relationships. It is an interesting driver for her stories! I don't want to say much more about this new book because I think it is satisfying to have the story unspool, but know that the wonderful writing and lovely characters are very much present in this book.

Also, would I read a whole book about basically every side character in this? Yes, but especially Mortimer.

Ahhhh loved this one! So heartfelt. And clever. These characters were great and I became very attached.

I had no idea where this narrative was going at first, but it was worth the wait. The characters and storyline explore the complexities of the human experience in a surprising, winsome, and tender way. Really enjoyed this one!

I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It surprised me in all the best ways.

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book BUT I wouldn't classify it as "romance" - it was more like chick lit (a term I hate) - still a really good book but I think people would be disappointed that it's not really romance!

I really liked this story, but found the timeline unclear, at times confusing and unnecessarily opaque. Chapter headings with years might help ease the confusion. Or maybe it was reading it in DRC format that led to this? Will be interested to see what other readers think. At times I almost put the book down and gave up because the story seemed to go nowhere.

3 women, 3 valentines day dates, 3 women being stood up by Joseph Carter on Valentine's day.

This book tells the story oh Siobhan, Miranda, and Jane, and the man they all date...Joseph Carter. When I started reading this book I honestly couldn't imagine how it was going to end up being romance, I thought maybe it would be a book about how some women become best friends or how they meet the actual men they are going to date or something. But eventually I did start to root for Joseph to get his act together. All 3 ladies have interesting stories, though I think I enjoyed Jane's storyline the most and wondered why Miranda was putting up with Joseph's drama for so long.

A must read for chick-lit, contemporary romance lovers out there and fans of Beth's previous books...especially Flat Share.

Beth O'Leary has become a must read author for me and this one was one of her best. Three women all falling for one guy who fails to show up on their Valentine's Day dates. The characters are all loveable - even the secondary characters really shine through in O'Leary's writing. There are twists and turns that kept the pace moving really well. I absolutely loved this and can't recommend enough!

Beth O'Leary is a read-in-one-sitting delight. A recommended first purchase for all public fiction collections.