Loved this book! After a ten hour flight to Ireland, I stayed up late to finish it. That's how good it is. The plot kept me guessing the whole time.

Ugh, this is such a hard book to review. Mainly because all I want to do is word vomit, but I caaaaaaaaaan’t because the whole point is to not spoil all of the things.

The story here is about three women (Jane, Miranda, and Siobhan) who each find themselves stood up (on Valentine’s Day, no less!) by Joseph. The remainder of the book is the story of each character’s respective goings on. What I thought was sure to be a rom com of epic proportions ended up being a story with a lot more heart than I ever anticipated.

Like many other readers, I found myself pretty disappointed with O’Leary’s last offering The Road Trip. It’s so great to see an immediate redemption arc. The No Show gets back to what makes this author’s stuff so great. Likeable characters, good pacing, humor, the aforementioned heart, a little chick lit, a little love, etc. This may not work for everyone and if you are a DNFer I hold absolutely zero judgment if you decide to throw in the towel, because in all honesty I wasn’t feeling it myself for a bit. But if you stick with this one you may end up like me when you realize there's more than meets the eye.

ARC provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.

A sweet love story that went places I really wasn't expecting. I liked the three narrators and how their lives tangled up in that of Joseph Carter. Full of tender feelings, a few laughs, and what it means to love someone. This is my second Beth O'Leary book and I will likely be seeking out more.

QOTD: Do you post reviews for all of the books you read?
I try to! The more time that lapses between the time I read the book and when I post the review, though, makes it much harder to post a meaningful one 😆

BOOK REVIEW:
The No-Show, @betholearyauthor
@berkleypub
Pub date: April 12, 2022


I love Beth O’Leary, and this book didn’t change that, but it didn’t bring the magic for me that The Switch or The Flatshare did.

I do appreciate that O’Leary is always taking risks in her storytelling, and this wasn’t any different. How can a reader be satisfied with a romance story in which the same man stands up three different women? Somehow it works in the end, though. I do think the number of POVs made keeping the characters straight a little tough, though and prevented me from really rooting for any of them in their relationship.

My favorite thing about Beth’s writing is her humor, and that comes through so well in the dialogue especially. I have and will continue to read ALL of what @betholearyauthor puts into the world. It just makes me feel good, even when it sort of makes me feel bad? Iykyk 😆

Thanks @netgalley and @berkleypub for my gifted e-book.

#betholeary #thenoshow #theflatshare #theswitch #theroadtrip #arc #bookreview #bookreviewer #netgalley #berkleypublishing #romancereader #romancereadersofinstagram #romancebooks #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #mayreads #bookthoughts #booktherapy #romcombooks #romanceauthors #romancereadersofig #bookaesthetic #pixlr #booksoutside #readingoutside #bookgirl #2022books #booknook #bookcorner

Oooooh y’all. This one was GOOD. I don’t want to give anything away and think it’s best to go into it blind. So I’ll just keep it brief. Three very different women are all stood up. On Valentine’s Day. By the same guy. At first I was perplexed at how this story could possibly have a happy ending, but wow did Beth O’Leary DELIVER. Through her crafty and creative writing I was constantly engaged in this story. Give this one a go if you like multiple POV, can’t put down, British romances!

@betholearyauthor is an auto-buy author for me. My absolute fave of hers is The Flatshare- check that one out too! But this is now a very close second if not tie. Thank you so much to @berkleyromance for my copy of this one!

**2.5-stars rounded up**

Siobhan, a no-nonsense life coach. Miranda, a tough as nails arborist. Jane, an insecure charity shop worker with a traumatic professional history. Three very different women with one very important thing in common: a man named Joseph Carter, who happens to stand them all up on Valentine's Day.

Alternating between the various perspectives, the Reader gets a front row seat to Joseph Carter's varied, dramatic and plentiful love life.

The No-Show is my first novel by Beth O'Leary. I was so excited to pick this one up, as there seems to be a lot of hype and love surrounding this author. Y'all, I'm sure all of that is more than valid, but it took me just under a month to finish this. I was so relieved when it was over. This was a solid 2-star book for me up until about the 70% point when it started to come around.

However, for the majority I was bored out of my skull.

Even though this may seem harsh, it's honestly how I felt. While I was reading it, it was okay. I was just waiting and waiting for something significant to happen. The problem would begin after I would set it down. I had zero desire to pick it back up again. In fact, it began to feel like a chore to do so.

I expected this to be funny, maybe a little swoony, possibly a little steamy. It was none of those things. I don't mind if a Romance has a more serious tone, but a boring tone is not something I am looking for. With this being said, it is clear from the reviews that many, many Readers have loved this one, so don't take my word for it! If the synopsis sounds interesting to you, please pick it up and give it a shot. You may find an all new favorite here. As for me, I am happy I read it, but even happier to be moving on.

Thank you to the publisher, Berkley Romance, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I appreciate the opportunity to provide my feedback.

CWs: Self Harm, Miscarriage, Death

O’Leary does it again with this novel. What I thought would be a typical romance turned into a heartbreaking tale of Joseph Carter, and how three young women’s lives intertwine with his.

This novel follows the story of three different women: Siobhan, Jane, and Miranda, as they deal with being stood up on Valentine’s Day by Joseph Carter. Each of these women have incredibly different stories, and we see how their past affects them in their current relationships. Although focused on the three women, we also get to know Carter and his different personalities with each of the women. I went through most of this book believing Carter was a jerk who doesn’t know what he wants. As the story progresses, especially in the last 25% of the novel, Carter’s story is revealed to be heartbreaking and painful.

For any fans of O’Leary, this book is an incredible addition to her repertoire. It takes grief to a whole new level, and digs into the deepest part of your soul. Filled with twists and turns that nobody will see coming, this is one of my favorite 2022 reads.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing Group for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5

Where I thought this book was going to go is not where it went. To be honest I was a little bored for a large part of the book but then that second half. Woooo honey, that second half hurt and Beth knew exactly what she was doing. Her books just keep getting better and better and I’m glad I’ve read all four. What’s next!?

Beth O’Leary is one of my favorite authors so I couldn’t wait to read this book. Thank you, NetGalley, for an advance copy. The No-Show is about three women who are all stood up on Valentine’s Day. As the book progresses, it is gradually revealed that they were all stood up by the same man. Otherwise the three women are not connected, and are actually quite different. They all deal with being stood up and what it means to their relationship with Joseph Carter, and go through their own journeys of loss, love and self-acceptance. Their friend relationships are equally, or more important, than their romantic relationships, which is a wonderful part of the story. There is a twist at the end and everything gradually becomes clear how the three women’s stories are linked. It is another very well-written, emotional and lovely book by Beth O’Leary.

Three women dating the same guy. A nightmare, right? Not so much.

Was I upset at Joseph Carter? ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY MAD AT HIM.

Yes, I'm screaming and so will you ( I think). What a bastard, right. Or is it?

Anyway, let's talk about the 3 ladies.

Siobhan: she is a life coach. She has two very supportive girlfriends. She has some issues in moving forward from a past relationship and admitting that she is in love.

Miranda: A tree surgeon who loves her job. Her twin sisters have moved in with her and she is dating Carter although AJ (from work) can't stop flirting with her.

Jane: A quiet wounded soul. She is working at a store as a volunteer. She is not saying where she got the money to rent a place or what happened when she was living in London.

Now Joseph Carter: A handsome guy in a nerdy way. He is everything these 3 women want. He can be sweet and supportive, and overall, he appears to be a good guy. A big example is Carter moved in with his mother to take care of her because she has dementia. Yet, he is not perfect. He is never on time, and the reason why he stood them up on Valentine's day is still a mystery.

Quite a few feelings with The No-Show. I got angry, I cried, and I felt sad but in the end, I felt hopeful which was truly a good thing.

So did I like Joseph Carter? The truth is a resounding yes!!

I loved The Flatshare and the Switch but I wasn't sure about the Road Trip, so I was a little leery about reading this one. Thankfully, I had nothing to fear. Beath O'Leary is back in top form once again.

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by Berkley Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4

I saw the cute cover and immediately wanted to read this one. I will be honest the synopsis intrigued me and I’m happy to say the book didn’t disappoint. While I think I had higher hopes for it, overall it was really enjoyable. I loved all of the characters equally and found the twist to be fitting for the story. I will definitely be recommending this one to others. My biggest recommendation is to go into this book knowing nothing! Read the synopsis and if that interests you then read the book, don’t read any reviews. I believe you will enjoy it more doing that. I have already purchased this book for my library and it has been circulating like crazy. I cannot wait to listen to the audiobook and see how that is.

Thank you so much to Berkley Publishing Group for the #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This might be my favorite Beth O’Leary book to date! Definitely one to revisit again, and one to recommend to a wide audience.

Having read The FlatShare, The Switch and The Road-trip you can say I’m a fan of Beth O’Leary.
I once again loved and devoured this mystery-ish heartwarming and heartbreaking romantic comedy.
All isn’t what it seems as three women are stood u by the same man on Valentines Day. I loved the development of each of the three women , loved the flow of this story line. Another delight to read

If you are a @betholearlyauthor fan like me, you’re not going to want to miss her newest book, The N-Show. It’s my favorite book yet!

One is a life coach, one is a tree surgeon and one is a volunteer at a charity shop. What could these three women have in common? All three were stood up on Valentine’s Day….by the same man…and they ALL FORGIVE HIM?!

O’Leary leads you through a well woven story of how their lives all intersect. I’m not a fan of infidelity, but the author finds a masterful way of redeeming the male love interest.

5 stars

✨ THE NO SHOW by Beth O’Leary ✨⁣
Thank you @berkleypub @berkleyromance for an early copy! This one is out April 12 💖⁣
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I have a very soft spot in my heart for romances set in the UK, and Beth O’Leary has become one of my favorite authors. Her stories are the perfect mix of emotional, heartwarming, AND heartbreaking, and THE NO SHOW was no different. ⁣
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It’ll be hard for me to articulate the main points of this book without spoilers, so just know that it was EMOTIONAL and heart-wrenching and oh so good 🥺 We follow three different women - Siobhan, Miranda, and Jane - as they’ve all been stood up on Valentine’s Day. By the same man. We get perspectives from each of the three women, and what a rollercoaster ride it was!!⁣
⁣
It was a delightful read & I definitely cried (a lot) at the end lol swipe to see my real time reaction 🥲 I was disappointed by THE ROAD TRIP last summer but my faith in Beth O’Leary has since been restored 🥰

I love Beth O'Leary's writings and her books are some of my favourites. Just as I did with the others, I absolutely enjoyed this one and I loved the characters so much.

Wow! Beth O'Leary had done it again. I absolutely loved this one. I experienced a full range of emotions while reading it, and the ending was so satisfying.

While I have loved previous books by this author this one just let me down entirely. I went in expecting a romance but that isn't really what I was given with the no-show. I wish that this had been a true romance, but I refuse to call it that. It was an interesting enough contemporary book though - it just feels mislabeled.

"The No-Show" by Beth O'Leary is described as a rom com about three women with nothing in common except they are all stood up on Valentines Day by the same man. Now when I first read that description I thought, yes! This sounds like a perfect premise for a rom com. I mean the cover of the book itself even has strong rom com vibes. Sadly, after reading this book, I can wholeheartedly say this book is not a rom com. Not even close.

The story is told in alternating POVs amongst our three women: Miranda, Jane and Siobhan. Personally, I found it a bit difficult to follow because there were so many characters within each woman's individual story, it was hard to keep everyone straight. Miranda and Jane's storylines were alright, but I gravitated towards Siobhan's character and found her extremely fascinating. Truthfully, I wish the book was entirely about her storyline only. She is a woman who has experienced extreme heartbreak due to the loss of a relationship and child early in her life, that she has completely shut off any romantic or meaningful relationships besides her long time friend Fiona. A woman who is so damaged and refuses to deal with her trauma, yet is a successful life coach and social media influencer. I really enjoyed the chapters that were dedicated to her story. I found them insightful, humorous, engaging and heart wrenching. She truly is the best part of this book, and I would read whatever spinoff O'Leary does with this character.

As strong of a character as I thought Siobhan was, Miranda and Jane were okay, but I was extremely disappointed by their shared main man, Joseph Carter. It felt like he was barely present in the lives of these women, and when he was he didn't add much in way of personality. Everyone described him as a good guy, but I really found him to be quite boring, and couldn't understand exactly what it was that made three women fall head over heels in love with him. I also think it was a mistake on O'Leary's part to not include his POV in the alternating chapters. I know I said it was difficult to follow with the three, so adding another would've been too much. But, I feel like this story needed his POV as well. There were things in his life that seemed to be huge, like him being the caretaker for his mother who has dementia, that felt glossed over because we didn't get to experience it through his eyes. I could've probably understood why these women loved him so much if we got to know him a bit more.

Lastly, I had an issue with the big "twist." I love a good twist in a story, especially one that makes me see everything I just read in a different light. Unfortunately this twist made me think: "well what was the point of this entire story then?" That's not a good thought or feeling to have while reading a novel.

Overall, I think this book wasn't for me. And you know that's okay. I didn't read "The Flatshare", O'Leary's previous book that has been recommended to me by friends and fellow readers. I will for sure be giving it a try, because I do like O'Leary's writing style. It was engaging and flowed really well. This story may not have been for me, but I will for sure keep an eye out for her future and past works.

Thanks to Berkley Publishing Group and Net Galley for the advance copy!

3/5 Stars

** I received this as an E-ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review, Thank you!**

I'm going o admit I'm being generous with this three star rating. I'm only giving it because the writing was great, however the same cannot be given to the overall story. I was not the biggest fan of how this book was done. This is personal preference because at some point I was just over it. That being said I did enjoy the three female perspectives we got. I feel like they were pretty well written. Another reason why I didn't enjoy this book is because it bring up the topic of dementia. For personal reasons I don't typically pick up any books that have anything to do with this condition or similar condition so that absolutely played a role in my enjoyment. Overall not my favorite Beth O'Leary book, But I will still continue to read from this author because their writing is still enjoyable.