I think this book is best experienced without knowing anything about its plot. But on the other hand, if you do that, there might be some moments that blindside. It's your choice, but either way my review is safe to read.

This is a beautiful story of two people, at times heartbreaking, at times heartwarming, trying to just make their way in life, and maybe towards each other?

I loved the emotional authenticity of the book. Both of the main characters have things they're dealing with (one more than the other), their emotional journeys through these were handled so beautifully. They don't always make the best choices, and you do want to give them a good shake sometimes, but they always stay true to themselves.

I also loved the way the book handled those giddy feeling of falling in love online. Throughout the beginning of the book where the two main characters don't meet face to face but get to know each other, and have feelings for each other on the phone. Despite the distance, and relative short time that this spans, the author did such a great job making their connection feel deep. I couldn't avoid reading these sections with a goofy grin on my face. It took me back to the excitement of chatting with crushes on MSN (AIM for you Americans).

There were some fantastic side characters in the book. I would LOVE a spin off for at least one of the characters (one of the MC's best friends). But everyone (with just one exception) was just awesome. I especially thought the adorable older neighbor with the very serious coffee rating just fantastic.

I would highly recommend not skipping the author's note in this one. I feel that it adds one more layer to the depth of the emotions in the book, making aspects of it feel even more meaningful.

Now on to what I didn't like. There was one character that I really was not OK with, not only did they stick around for WAAAAY longer than they should have, I didn't like all the body positivity issues they pushed onto the main character. Some said that this was inevitable because of their job, but not only do I not agree with that, I also think, it was a disservice to make this person such an obvious ass

Finally, my biggest issue with the book was that I didn't see the main character go through any growth. She is a bit of a She is a bit of a pushover, and she acknowledges this too, so I really wanted to see her make some of her own choices towards the end. Take her life in her own hands and drive it in the direction she wanted it to. But even to the very last page, it felt like she was being pulled along.

Overall rating: 4.2⭐

Thank you so much to Ballantine, Dell Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC!

Man, I don't even know where to begin to review this. It's hard to do without spilling major spoilers. First off, I'm pretty sure I mostly loved this. Yes, I loved it. But parts of it were difficult to read. I wanted to alternatingly reach through the book and slap / shake the characters and hug them really tight. I was annoyed with them often. In fact, I feel like it took a bit too long to get to the end. But what would you cut? I can't think of anything that could be left out. So much was really far-fetched and unlikely to ever actually happen IRL, but {shrug}. The writing was great and I loved the character development. Even all the little side characters were unique and had just enough personality to be memorable. I'd love to revisit them. Fairly big TW with this one, in that there's a big battle with cancer and the emotion and turning upside down of life that entails. It was handled with care, I thought, but I've been really fortunate to not have to go through that myself, so I'm not a good judge. Overall, I'd highly recommend this to any fan of women's fiction. I'd probably categorize this as a rom-com with a more serious tone. Strong 4.5 stars for me.

Wowwww this one was an emotional read. Based on the synopsis I expected it but didn't know how much to expect. I found it be thought provoking and charming and I would recommend it to anyone that has room in their life for a sorrowful read.

I really enjoyed this. I've read some romances with frustratingly dumb heroines lately, so it was nice to have a FMC with more wit and intelligence for a change.. This was an interesting mix of fated love story and the sucky realities of life (cancer). Overall, though, it was a quick, enjoyable read and I'd like to see more from this author.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

THE MAN I NEVER MET - Elle Cook

TEARJERKER - 5 stars

Plot - 5 stars - After a mis-dialed phone call, Davey and Hannah start to talk and get to know each other, finding that they are kindred spirits. Their relationship develops over the phone and video chats, enough so that they feel they might go to the next level as soon as they meet. But that turns out to be a problem.

Writing - 5 stars - I was drawn into the story right from the first page. The characters are well developed, and I couldn't wait to get to know them better. The concept was fascinating. It was a contradiction in my mind--something that could easily happen to anyone, but also something very unexpected and unlikely.

Characters - 5 stars - This is where the story shone for me. Both Davey and Hannah and sweet and kind and come across as people who'd be great to hang around with. They have real problems to deal with and are struggling through them the best they can. There's an immediate connection between them that was very appealing. Their actions and reactions were normal, and the difficulties between them made sense.

Title - 5 stars - Clear, and it tells the gist of the story without any details. But the reader is always hoping that perhaps they will actually meet.

Cover - 5 stars - Beautiful color to draw the eye but sticking to the current trend of cartoon characters.

Overall - 5 stars - What a wonderful book! Cook has definitely got a career as a contemporary romance writer! The story is very relatable. Everyone fields a wrong number from time to time, and it's intriguing to think about chatting with that person. The development of their relationship felt right, and I definitely was rooting for their happiness, although I kept reminding myself about the title of the book and worried about what would happen. Sure enough, the difficulties they faced were troubling but common (sadly) in today's world, so I could easily imagine them happening. Davey's actions and Hannah's reactions made sense, but it was hard to watch it unfold. What particularly impressed me was Hannah's resilience and her ability to face facts and move on. She was good about focusing on herself when she needed to, looking for ways to improve and make a happy life for herself. Her friends (Miranda, Paul, Joan) were all great supportive characters who added warmth to her life and to the book. My favorite part was the hope that Cook was able to instill within the story. Despite the trauma and unhappiness each of them faced, there was such that inkling of hope that made the book uplifting and enjoyable. This was an excellent concept, and Cook was able to follow through and make it a success. I will definitely be looking for more from this author.

A sweet British chick lit novel, and with more emotional depth than I expected. Early on in this book, main character Hannah gets a wrong number call from the US, from Davey who is trying to call in for a job interview in the UK. This leads to a surprise friendship and maybe more as they continue talking and texting - until Hannah goes to the airport to meet him and he doesn’t show up. And I won’t say more than that so as not to spoil it, but the book continues for the next year plus from both of their perspectives.

I really enjoyed this one - it reminded me a little of fellow relatively new Brit rom com author Lia Louis with its lightness being paired with sadness- kinda like a cross between Sophie Kinsella and Jojo Moyes. I loved the characters and the little details, and didn’t even mind the characters being kept apart as it didn’t feel contrived. I will definitely keep an eye out for Elle Cook’s future books, and now want to also try her historical fiction which I learned from the authors note that she publishes under the name Lorna Cook.

I loved Hannah and Davey's story. It's so thoughtful, romantic and a little angsty.
Hannah is in a dead end job in London when she picks up a phone call from an unknown number. Davey has called Hannah by mistake from Texas looking for his future boss in London. Davey and Hannah hit it off automatically and start planning to meet each other. Looking at the title, I had a feeling that this might not happen.
Davey is diagnosed with an illness and is unable to come to London. Davey's life is thrown off balance and Hannah is left a little lost, too. Will they be able to be together or will they each choose a different pathway? I loved how honest and raw both characters were drawn. I loved all of the side characters, too. I wish that I had Joan as my next door neighbor to rate coffee with!
If you love stories like Sleeping in Seattle, you may like this one.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in return for my honest review.

REVIEW FOR THE MAN I NEVER MET

3.5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley, Random House- Ballantine, and Elle Cook for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

BEWARE- there may be spoilers ahead

The vibes for this story were a cross between Laura Jane Williams and Sophie Cousens, especially the latter. This was definitely not a big, romantic comedy- this was a lighthearted love story with a tinge of sadness of what could have been. I really enjoyed a unique storyline, but thought some of the elements could be a bit better.

I felt like both the main characters were very blase about their relationship. Their lack of initiative caused them to do this song and dance for so long, and neither of them were willing to take the leap. That's the biggest complaint I have with the story- they pretended that fate kept them apart but really it was their lack of self awareness and overall lack of initiative. I'm a sucker for a HEA so the story redeemed itself, but looking back on it, the back and forth between the two was just so overly dramatic and could have been solved quickly.

Overall, if you're a fan of softer romances then I would definitely add this to your TBR

This book really just took me for a ride. I loved the build up, the character development, and the writing. I would definitely read more from this author!

A wrong number, chance, and what-ifs. The Man I Never Met is so much more than a romance, it’s an emotional story filled with heartache, friendships, and not settling for less.

Hannah is a beautiful character and I loved her friendships and fun personality. Davey is charming and warm, filled with laughter and light. Their dynamic blossoms so beautifully and the dual pov gave readers empathy to what Davey was going through and his thought process. This is incredibly slow burning filled with moments of frustration with the missed connections and George, I absolutely loathed him and was surprised the entire side cast of characters weren’t more suspicious of him.

This was an emotionally raw read and with so many heavy topics and life dealings, it made the ending that much sweeter.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced digital copy

I did not know what to expect from The Man I Never Met, but WOW I loved this book!! It was so well written and just what I needed. It was full of witty banter, love and set in London (always a personal fav of mine!) I was ROOTING for Hannah and Davey’s love story so hard. While for the most part this book was light, it did touch on some heavier medical subjects but I think the author did a fantastic job explaining and shedding light on these subjects. I absolutely cannot wait to read more from this author!

Hannah and Davey are two likable people who "meet" in an unlikely way and find a connection that they hope to nurture. When things go astray the story follows them separately as they find their way. Some of the supporting characters are interesting while others are annoying but if you are looking for a good romance you'll enjoy this one.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Hannah, a Brit, receives a wrong number call from Davey, an American, who is applying for a job in London. While their initial contact with each other is accidental, they go on to continue to communicate via text, phone calls and video chat and build what they both feel as a true connection that they intend to pursue when Davey moves to London after he receives a job offer. The day of Davey’s intended arrival in London arrives, but Davey does not. This book goes on to examine the relationship between these two people who have never met in person. While the concept of this novel sounds like it could be a rom-com meet cute, it actually is a deeper book, with both main characters being forced to examine what it is they are really searching for and what makes them happy. The reason Davey does not come to London is quite sobering, and relationships pursued by both main characters with others are very unfulfilling. For the first 12 chapters, this book is told solely from the perspective of Hannah, so when the first chapter from Davey’s perspective occurs it feels very out of place…eventually his chapters start to feel like they flow, but initially the switch in narration was jarring. My other main criticism would be the relationship that Hannah is in…there were so many red flags that I think she or her friends should have pointed out early on, yet the relationship continued for a frustrating amount of time.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I would definitely recommend to people who enjoy Beth O’Leary and possibly even Emily Henry…someone looking not necessarily for a romance novel, but for a love story that makes you think.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.

What a lovely romance!! Elle is a fantastic writer who made this story feel real and believable- no easy feat for a long distance romance. I couldn't put this book down and would absolutely recommend to any friends who are looking for a love story that will pull at all their heartstrings. If you've ever been a Nevermet... you're gonna like this one!

I absolutely loved The Man I Never Met! Every couple should have to spend a lot of time just learning about each other and becoming friends before they become a couple. The delay in their romance was heart breaking. I just wish they could have handled their choices differently. Hannah and Davey will stay in my heart for a long time.

Best book I’ve read! Surprised me with dual POV in the middle of the book, really happy about that. The tears this book made me shed were unacceptable, but I loved it. I was very invested in the story I could not stop reading. Flawless writing, amazing characters, could not have asked for more.

I'm torn on how to rate this book, on the one hand I really enjoyed the premise: two strangers living in different countries connect and become friends through a misdial only to have a health scare tear them apart. For most of the book these two aren't together and are going through their own life and love problems individually. It's only until the very end that they find their way to one another. The story itself I enjoyed a lot, especially the testicular cancer rep but as far as the love story goes I was left wanting more - at least more of them actually being a couple and not pining longingly from afar and apart. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

If you are looking for a book with a light holiday setting, romantic, heartbreaking and heartfelt, this is it! It is emotional and deals with a heavy topic that the author has personal experience with (it is somewhat a spoiler but if you want to know, it is mentioned in many goodreads reviews). It does have a happy ending, which is a must in romance books. I really enjoyed it and could not put the audiobook down over my Thanksgiving break.

😍loved || low steam
🤟authentic, emotional, character growth
📚 Sophie Cousins, Josie Silver
🎶If the World Was Ending by JP Saxe (ft. Julia Michaels)

An unlikely relationship begins with a misdialed phone call between London and Texas. There is a definite connection between Davey and Hannah and you can’t help but hope for a happy ending, especially when you learn of the obstacles in the middle of the story. A romance with a serious subject at its core.

This is a lovely heartwarming novel - it is slow burn romance with witty banter, likable MCs and a nice kind of old fashioned hook with the misdialed number.
Will they - won’t they? I never felt entirely sure until the very end, so unusual for romance novels but well done and not overdrawn.
You can’t help but root for Hannah and Davey - the two MCs, they are great characters. But since the book spans over a long time period - two years - both of them have to take several turns to get it right ! There are obstacles and hardships to overcome - standards to set. It is so interesting how difficult circumstances of the feeling of being left over can make you lower your standards.
It made the long awaited happy ending all the better.