Siobhan Kelly, Miranda Rosso, and Jane Miller all become involved with a seemingly great guy, but it turns out that all three are involved with the same guy. Joseph Carter is a no-show for Valentine’s dates (at different times of the day) with all three of them, and it appears he’s not the kind of man they thought he was. His behavior is sometimes erratic and none of them feel like they really know him. But then again, he is just the kind of man they’ve each been searching for. How is it possible that all his lovable qualities can co-exist with such caddish behavior? The answer to that question is gradually and cleverly revealed by O’Leary, and I was delighted with the twists the story took.

“The No-Show” is one of the best rom-coms I’ve read in a long time. The believability of the plot is a big factor in whether I like a rom-com or not, and that is something O’Leary excels at. And what reader can resist a story when the characters reveal that books are their happy place! Highly recommended.

My review was posted on Goodreads on 5/31/22

This is a surprising book. It's tone is more similar to The Flatshare (still my favourite) and I was glad for it. Joseph is such an enigma ( Is he dating all three? Which one is really his girlfriend? Why is he always so out of it?) until you get to the part where the true connection between the three women becomes clear. Jane's secrets and fears are so visceral. Then there's additional connections between Siobhan and Jane. I loved Miranda and AJ. It was frustrating at times to not have the missing pieces of the puzzle. You really do need to stick with this one right until the end. This was a return of the blend of humour, tenderness and drama that I loved about The Flatshare. I can't wait for more.

Having loved O'Leary's first two books, The Flatshare and The Switch, I was so excited to read The No-Show. However, after reading 50% of the book, I cannot compel myself to continue. This book just isn't pulling me in and I am not finding the characters compelling enough to stay with. :( I do plan to try again in the future, but for now, this is just bringing me down.

This was not my favorite from Beth O'Leary. I have really enjoyed her books in the past, but I felt the pacing/payoff with this one just wasn't there.

Wow. This was not at all what I was expecting.

I was hesitant to read this one because I am just not a fan of cheating. The description of this story made me think I wouldn't like it.

However, Beth O'Leary has never disappointed me so I persevered.

I am oh so glad I did! This was a delight. The story was unique, and so thoughtfully planned. You can really tell that the author took her time weaving this word magic!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the egalley of this one! I consumed it!

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 💖⁣
⁣
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. ⁣
⁣
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 🥰