“It was her, standing right there, in front of me…”

Let me start by saying upfront despite the cover and the tags, this is not a RomCom. This is plain and simple a moving, emotional and beautiful love story. I can’t get over how much I loved it or how many surprises there were. It’s also long. No way was I able to finish in one sitting, despite my best efforts. Hannah is wonderful, so real it’s like I really know her personally. And Davey is… well, he’s Davey. I fell totally in love with him. How could I not? No spoilers, just know this book is a keeper and well worth the time to read. It’s just wow!

It took me a while to read this book (sorry!) but I truly enjoyed it! My full review will come, but for now Inwant to highlight how addictive the story was. I found the writing to be so compelling, I just wanted to read one more chapter all the time. Unique books always stay with us.

I'm going to try not to give away many, if any, spoilers but I feel like it lends itself to my review being as it is...Overall, I absolutely LOVED the idea of how they met. It's so well thought out and unique. I feel like, however, there were lulls in the story where I just skipped ahead to see what would happen to the main story line. For example, there was a -LOT- about George and not enough about Davey. (Some of the details on George were a little "graphic" in nature, which I also skipped past) The reader of this story will ultimately love one character over the other as soon as the story begins and I really wish it could have been developed more around that relationship versus the other. This is completely opinion based, and many people might disagree. Either way, great concept, I just wish there was more "meat" (and no - NO pun intended there ha!) on the story about the "favorite" love interest versus the one that filled in the gap. (Sorry this is in code, but I really don't want to ruin it for those who haven't read it!)

I got about 85 pages in before I realized I wasn't paying attention at all. I clearly wasn't connecting so I pushed a little farther before ultimately putting it down. DNF. @30%.

Thank you to Net Galley and Ballantine for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. Hannah picks up her phone to find that it's a wrong number. Davey is an American who is calling in for a job interview and has written down the number incorrectly. After having a brief chat, each finds that there is an attraction and agree to contact each other, the ruse being that Hannah wants to know how the interview went. He gets the job and he'll be moving to London soon. The texts go to calls and then become video calls and there's an arrangement that Hannah will pick up Davey at the airport. Then something goes amiss as he doesn't show up. Can you truly love someone you've never met? Will Hannah and Davey ever meet? This was an enjoyable page-turner although it had the frustration for me of a character who doesn't always do what they truly feel. But overall I would recommend this book.

This was such a fun read! I can't wait for more by this author. I would absolutely recommend! If you are looking for a book to get you back into reading. This is it!

This isn't your typical rom com. It has all the feels and goes places I didn't expect it to go. Well-written and I enjoyed it a lot. I definitely would read more from this author! Kudos to her.

Thank you Netgalley for an advance copy of this book.
I read this one in one night. Just the kind of romance I love. I will look for others by this author.

Thank you to Netgally and the publisher for a gifted ARC of THE MAN I NEVER MET. I was immediately drawn to this title due to the cover and description. I thought it was a very cute premise and had very relatable and lovable characters. There was great dialogue throughout the book. I definitely recommended for a quick and fun romantic comedy!

This one wasn’t for me. The pacing was weird and the characters frustrated me but this all feels like more of a ME problem than a problem with the book

This is a bittersweet novel that explores the power of missed connections and the unpredictable nature of fate. Through the story of Hannah and Davey, the book delves into themes of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit.

The narrative begins with Hannah's casual interaction with Davey, an American who mistakenly calls her during a job interview. Their subsequent conversations evolve into a friendship that blossoms into a long-distance relationship. However, when Davey fails to show up at the airport upon his arrival in London, their lives take an unexpected turn. The ensuing uncertainties and challenges force both Hannah and Davey to try and move on from each other.

Elle Cook adeptly portrays the emotional impact of missed connections and the lingering presence of lost opportunities. The characters' thoughts and reflections serve as a reminder of the enduring connection they share, even in the face of separation. The author's exploration of their individual journeys toward acceptance and growth adds depth to the story, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit.

The writing style in "The Man I Never Met" is heartfelt and introspective, capturing the emotional nuances of love, loss, and longing. Cook delves into the characters' thoughts and emotions, evoking empathy from readers who have experienced similar situations. The story progresses at a steady pace, balancing the inner turmoil of the characters with the anticipation of potential reunions.

However, while the book effectively delves into the emotional complexities of the characters, it occasionally lacks a certain depth that could have heightened the impact of the story. The plot development feels predictable at times, and certain conflicts and resolutions could have been further explored to add layers of complexity and surprise. Additionally, the supporting characters could have been more fully developed, as they play important roles in the lives of Hannah and Davey.

Though a bit slow, The Man I Never Met was a cute read overall. I found it challenging for me to connect with the characters and basic premise of the plot, but the story was entertaining enough. This book is a great light summer read!

I didn't *not* enjoy reading this book, and I think the premise is great, but it took me over two months to read it which is really long for me. Something wasn't working but I can't pinpoint what it was.

Thanks for the review copy. This was a lovely romantic story. I found it was more than just a romantic comedy which made it even more enticing. I’m sure others will love it.

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
How do relationships usually unfold? What expectations develop from the first connection to meeting and doing life together? This is a delightful and provocative look at hits and missions, what we imagine about friendship and love - and ways we may be sidetracked or sidelined by events beyond our control.

I found this novel full of surprises. I kept turning the page until the last paragraph. I think you will, too.

A good beach read or story to take on an airplane, as long as you have long layovers and your flights aren't too short.

The concept for this book was incredibly interesting to me. Two people accidentally (or not so accidentally) coming into each other’s life and finding that they have a place there? I’m listening.

I really liked that later in the story the book switches from single POV to dual POV. It helped me, as a reader, understand a larger picture than what was initially present from Hannah’s perspective only.

I loved that the characters tried other routes in life, because this seemed like a realistic approach. The coincidences toward the end of the book were a bit much but I was too invested to be bothered.

The only thing I wish had been different was that I wanted more of the book with Hannah and Davey together. I didn’t mind that there was separation because it was such a significant part of the plot, but after rooting for them the entirety of the story it just would’ve been great to get more glimpses into their life together.

I really enjoyed this book! When a phone call goes to someone other than intended, two people begin a friendship that turns into so much more. I loved the story, the ebbs and flows, and the characters as well. The romance, long distance, and friendships within this novel are so well portrayed and brought me right into the world of Davey & Hannah!

Thank you to NetGalley & the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Wow. I loved this book so much. It elicited all the emotions and I was so engrossed in the story. I’ll be thinking about it for a long time!

4 stars!

Not only was this a romcom, but I enjoyed how it delved into deeper topics. It honestly reminded me of a Beth O'Leary book which was great because I love Beth O'Leary. Hannah and Davey were both so wonderful. It is important to note that because of the deeper topics this book did get a little sad and heavy at times, which should be noted.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book was BEYOND good. I had low expectations simply due to my personal bias of not loving romances, but I couldn't believe how much I loved this. The characters were well-developed, albeit frustrating, and the story was heartbreaking in the best way. I've never rooted for a fictional couple as much as I rooted for Hannah and Davey.

Being from Texas and currently planning a trip to London, I felt endeared to both characters for different reasons. The struggles they experienced were unimaginable but I loved that true love persevered in the end. What I would give for a sequel to discover how their relationship fully blossoms and how they integrate into each other's lives. You can tell that the author loved these characters and that they have so much life left to live and story to tell!