4.25 heart-filled stars

In this delightful tale of a misdialed phone number, we meet two young people in different parts of the world. Hannah works in marketing in London and Davey is an American interviewing for an architecture job in London. However, he dialed Hannah by mistake for the interview.

As Hannah and Davey start a text conversation, it leads to more as Hannah fills him in on the London scene and they get to know each other as well as you can over the phone. At this point in the story, I thought I was just in for a sweet romance and then I remembered the title. You can maybe guess what happens next in the story. Hannah arrives at the airport to greet Davey and he’s a no-show.

I won’t divulge why he’s not there, but the book goes in a different direction and my heart was broken that the two might never meet.

I really enjoyed the characters in this one, they seemed genuine, and I rooted for Hannah and Davey in different ways. I loved the friendships that Hannah and Davey both had – I think that’s an element often missing from books. There’s a scene in a poppy field that was my favorite, and it was worth the wait.

I gave a contented sigh and smile as I closed this one, my heart full!

I went into this one without reading anything about it, in this case, that worked out marvelously! The author’s notes at the end were terrific, don’t miss them.

Loved this one!

It was a quick read. I was captivated by Davey and Hannah. Un unlikely love story, an original idea for a book. Misdial turned cross continental love story.

💗 THIS STORY GAVE ME ALL THE FEELS!! 💗

Is it possible to love someone you have never met?

When Hannah answers a call from an unknown number, she has no idea that the call will forever change her life.
You can say it was fate, or call it serendipity….

Davey has misdialed and reached her, instead of the person he was trying to reach for a phone interview. She never imagines after wishing him luck, that she would ever hear from him again. But, he decides to text her, to let her know that he got the job, and would be moving to London, which is where she happens to reside.

In the days leading up to the move, they develop a friendship that starts with texts, moves on the phone calls, and finally video chats. They can’t wait to meet in person and Hannah is anxiously waiting at the airport, to pick him up!

The plane arrives-but Davey isn’t on it-and there has been no communication to explain why.

I was immediately drawn into this story, which checked all the boxes for me!

The story unfolds primarily through the first person POV of Hannah, with an occasional chapter from the first person POV of Davey-so he can explain his side of things!

Both were likable, and their engaging conversations with each other felt authentic. Also a bonus, was a great supporting cast of friends and family.

But, then the book took a SERIOUS turn.

I cried at 68%.

And, at 71% there were the kind of red flags 🚩 which make you feel anxious.

The BEST romances make you want to scream at the characters to let their feelings be known before it’s too late!
(I may have yelled at my Kindle a few times!)

But, remember-when I said you can say it was fate-or you can call it serendipity?!
(Tearing up again by the end of the book-but happy tears this time!)

💗 Yep-all the feels!! 💗

This may be the debut ROMANCE novel for Elle Cook but you may have read her Historical Fiction written under her real name, Veronica Cook.

She says a second romance is on the way-and I can’t wait to read it!

PLEASE read the very personal acknowledgement pages at the end of the book-especially if there are men in your life that you love-grandfather, father, husband, or son! TRIGGER WARNING: Cancer

This title will be available on November 22, 2023.

Thank You to the publisher for the invitation to read an early gifted copy-provided through NetGalley! It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!

The Man I’ve Never Met by Elle Cook

A British romance to add to the bookshelves. This book is adorably sweet and the longing is perfection.

The thing I love most about British romance is the character growth. The Man I Never Met does it so well!

Hannah is your typical 20 year in a job that gets her by. She excels at it but her heart is just not in it. She hasn’t had great luck in the love department but she has got some great friends, a lovely neighbor, and supportive parents. I loved watching her grow and take control of her life.

The romance is sweet and has a second chance trope about it. I thought it was very unique in how it was portrayed.

My only problem is the ending. It felt rushed and I just needed a little bit more.

Content: explicit language, heavy topics, minimal open door romance, body shaming

Is it possible for one misdailed phone call to change your entire life? Hannah, in London, answers a call from Davey, in the US and his mistaken call sets her life on a different course. Davey was trying to call a potential employer in London. After getting the job, he and Hannah begin connecting over the phone. Can you fall in love over the phone when you have never actually met the person? Hannah and Davey spend the month before he relocates to London, getting to know each other. Hannah finds herself waiting for his calls and counting down the days till she can meet him in person. When Hannah goes to meet Davey at the airport, he never gets off the plane. After days of no communication from him, she learns that he isn't coming. What does this mean for their "relationship"? This book is told from the point of view of Hannah and Davey. I liked gettng insight into what is happening in both their lives. Will Hannah and Davey ever meet or have they both moved on?
This is a cute romance. A little bit of a Sleepless in Seattle feel to it. Easy to read with likable characters. Thank you to NetGalley and Dell Publishing for the ARC of this book.

Thank you Netgalley & publisher for this e arc of The Man I Never Met by Elle Cook.

This is a romcom & contemporary fiction - drama novel. 4.5*.

Synopsis: " Is it possible to love someone you've never met? A young woman finds out in this sweeping will-they-or-won't-they love story that begins with a chance wrong number dial. . . ."

As I read this one I had those feeling you get when you want to date and are looking for a companion or spouse... those early what if feelings. I always think the writing is good if I can feel it and I did.

I loved this up and down story. It is not just a cute romcom it is half contemporary romance and had heartfelt adult fiction and heavy at times. "But when Hannah goes to meet him at the airport, Davey isn't there--and the reason why changes both of their lives in an instant. "

"Though their chance at love seems lost forever, neither is never far from the other's thoughts. Will fate intervene once more to bring the two together, or will Davey always be the man that Hannah never met?"

I was glad to read this one. I recommend.

When Hannah gets a call from an unknown number, an American man trying to call an employer for a job interview, she never expected that he’d reach out again and they’d become long distance friends. Texting, phone calls, video calls all leading up to the day he starts his new job in London when they’ll meet at the airport. When Davey doesn’t show at the airport, Hannah is crushed and confused when days go by and nothing. When she finally does hear from Davey, their relationship changes.

I’m a big sucker for a cheesey romance book, and this delivered. I enjoyed every aspect and the story kept me turning the pages. It’s your typical rom com with some deeper discussions trickled in. There’s a trigger warning, but it totally gives away the book if I tell you so if you’re easily triggered, maybe google a bit.

Thank you NetGalley and Dell publishing for this eArc. The Man I Never Met comes out 11/22!

This book started out fun and flirty, and then turned into something a bit dark and triggering. I thought it would be a fun and lighthearted read, but it wasnt. I did not finish this title. I think some people would like it, but it was not for me.

Oh this book was a quick and endearing read. It’s a sad romance and that’s my jam, so you know I’m going to be all over it.

Short Synopsis:
Hannah receives a call from an unknown number. Out of curiosity she answers it. Only to find Davey on the other line, who called the wrong number. After short banter they continue to call each other, but on purpose now.

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this one. The banter was adorable. Some of the characters choices were questionable but I also understood it given their circumstances. If you’re looking for a slightly heavier, slow-burn romance, than this is an excellent pick.

Read if you like:
🧳 Sad romances
🧳 Slow Burns
🧳 To be angry about people getting in the way of real romance
🧳 Loyal friends/side characters
🧳 Closed-door romances

I absolutely LOVED this! This book is for fans of Sophie Cousens for sure, it gave me the same warm feeling with humor that just works and makes you laugh out loud. Davey was my absolute favorite and my heart hurt for him throughout the story. Hannah and her group of friends were such a delight. I can't tell you how much I related to Hannah from her love of true crime podcasts to her endless hope that things will turn out okay. George was a dull spot in this book and that is intentional. I also wished we got just a bit more of the ending but overall I loved this book so much.

See below for the Goodreads synopsis:
Is it possible to love someone you've never met? A young woman finds out in this sweeping will-they-or-won't-they love story that begins with a chance wrong number dial. . . .

When Hannah picks up a call from an unknown number, she thinks nothing of it--it's just an easygoing American named Davey who misdialed her while calling into a job interview. And when Hannah wishes him luck after clearing up the confusion, she never actually expects to hear from him again.

Then she gets a text saying he got the job and he'll be moving to London, and she can't help but smile. Soon their texts become phone calls that turn into video calls, and their friendship becomes a relationship they can't wait to start in earnest once Davey lands in London in a month's time.

But when Hannah goes to meet him at the airport, Davey isn't there--and the reason why changes both of their lives in an instant. With their future together suddenly so uncertain, they don't know what to do but try to move on from each other.

Though their chance at love seems lost forever, neither is never far from the other's thoughts. Will fate intervene once more to bring the two together, or will Davey always be the man that Hannah never met?

Thank you to Dell for the copy of this ARC!

The Man I Never Met finally broke my romance slump! I absolutely devoured this book - it was just so bingeable and pleasant to read. Yes, there were heavy moments and characters I wanted to just GET OUT OF THE PICTURE ALREADY, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Our main character Hannah was so loveable and I really appreciated her friends (and neighbor!) as well. It was easy to cheer Hannah on and want the best for her. If you’re looking for a good book to just devour in a weekend, The Man I Never Met is a perfect closed door romance candidate.

Hannah answers a misdial to her phone and "meets" Davey. They begin communicating with each other as Davey will be moving from the US to England. Their relationship develops over many phone and video calls. Hannah is set to meet him at the airport but he never arrives. He calls her a couple days later and let's her know what happened to him. Davey feels he must end things because he doesn't want Hannah to go through what's in his future. Hannah ends up with George, a personal trainer from her gym. This relationship was my least favorite part of the story. How did Hannah never go to his place in the all months they dated? I thought the hours that he "worked" were odd too. I have a nephew who went through the same thing as Davey and now I feel like I need to ask questions to know if his experience was like Davey's. I really enjoyed this book.

Such a fun read and a brilliant premise. This novel kept me turning pages and had me rooting for the main characters to get their HEA. Dual POVs were well done, a roller coaster of "will they won't they". Overall a fast paced read and a good time.

I couldn’t put this book down and finished it in a day. The author immediately hooks you and I felt so invested in these characters. The premise felt fresh and the author perfectly captured the feeling of the beginning of a relationship. I can’t wait to see what she does next! Thank you to Netgalley and Dell books for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I found this sooooooo boring and contrived, I started loosing interest in it about half way through and just skimmed through the last half.

Overall, I just don’t think this was a book for me as I read it with a group of ladies who very much enjoyed it.

I don’t know how Elle Cook did it, but she made me believe that it is possible to fall in love with someone you’ve actually never met. All I could keep thinking about while reading The Man I Never Met was how could two people be so perfect for each other when they’ve never actually met and just get each other – all from an accidental misdial? This book truly made me feel for both Hannah and Davey, and to watch their friendship bloom over the telephone via text, phone and video calls and have the hope that something more could flourish between them. Then to have it all come crashing down when Davey ended things abruptly between them (before his big move to London) because as life is known to do it threw him an unexpected curveball. I stayed up way too late into the night reading, because I had to know how this book ended and just needed to know what would happen to Davey and Hannah. While a majority of the book the two characters are apart (boo!), I did enjoy the dual POV, and the growth of the characters throughout the story as they work through Davey’s diagnosis and Hannah learning to love and accept herself. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by Elle Cook.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided to me through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Elle Cook and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for giving me the opportunity to read this book!

3.5 - I loved the beginning of this so much!! I felt the instant chemistry between Hannah and Davey and was so excited for them to finally meet. But there are some things that happen and we spend a large chunk of the book following them with other people, and while I understand this was necessary to show their individual growth, I think this really brought the story down on a purely enjoyment level. I just wanted to get back to these two!! Still very cute and very British, which was fun.

Thanks so much to NetGalley for an ARC of The Man I Never Met. I was very much happily surprised at how much I enjoyed it.

Hannah is a woman living in the UK with a life that doesn't seem to be really going anywhere. She seems more so stuck in limbo and while she's not sad with how things are going she doesn't seem very happy either.
One day her phone rings and it's a wrong number. Oddly enough, over time, she keeps talking to this mysterious guy who was actually trying to reach someone else.

The story definitely started off a little slow for me. I wasn't sure exactly what to expect and was worried this was going to be a super quick yet unfulfilling read. I was very very wrong.
It was so amazing yet gut wrenching to watch Hannah grow as a character while dealing with some pretty heavy things. I don't want to go to into detail because I find it very easy to accidentally spoil this book. But I found myself happy, crying, and just overall enjoying it all It was one of those "I really need to go to bed but I can't stop reading until I know what happens" type of books.
I'm very glad I gave it a chance and honestly, it was a refreshing take on a romance story that just made me feel so cozy at the end.
Can't wait to share this story with my romance loving friends.

This was such a beautiful story! It at times drove me crazy because I wasn't sure it would have a happy ending or what was going to happen but that all just made me want to keep reading. The story is about a wrong number call that Hannah, in England, gets one day from Davey, in America. The two strike up an unlikely long distance friendship using calls, texts, and FaceTime to get to know each other. When Davey is supposed to be arriving in England, Hannah waits at the airport for him to never arrive and the reason why will change everything.

The highs and lows of this book are a roller coaster and you'll just want to keep reading. I loved the duel POVs and duel locations. It gave me a Always in December kind of vibe. It was an easy to get sucked into story that I didn't want to put down.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I was drawn to this by the cover and the premise:
Hannah lives and works in London when she receives a wrong number call from Davey, an architect who lives in Texas. They stay in contact since he's planning on moving to London, and grow quite close. When the time comes for them to meet, he's a no show.

𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙪𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙁 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩?

Pining and angst is my jam, so I loved watching them build a friendship and fall in love. We get some dual POV which I love when executed well in a romance, but being honest we didn't get enough of Davey, and at this point, Hannah gets into an abusive relationship with a s͟h͟a͟d͟y͟ personal trainer. She dates this guy for like a year and NEVER:
1. Sees his apartment
2. Meets his friends
3. OR HIS ROOMMATES.
Friends, I could barely read. My vision was CLOUDY with red flags, and I wasn't prepared for this. It also distressed me that no one else in Hannah's life seemed to see that he was an asshat. Considering how drawn out the rest of the book was, the ending wasn't satisfactory.
Overall, I couldn't help but think that I've read similar enough tropes executed better.
3/5 stars
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