I really enjoyed this book! The banter was funny and the characters had a lot of chemistry. Will definitely be reading more by this author!

My review is all spoilers so move along if you don't want them!

I could not get over the fact that she started making out with Graham before knowing he was in an engagement of convenience. The lying and sneaking around gave me the ick and made it impossible to root for them.

The quality of romcom writing was great and I would read more from this author but I can't stand lying.

Thanks to the publisher for an eARC in exchange for my review.

I soared through Never Planned on You, it is easily engaging, wonderfully immersive, and an overall delightful romance to swoon over.

This is a second chance romance where a two strangers, Ali and Graham, have a fantastic meet cute, one that begins with hilarious banter and bite, and ends with two fabulously hideous tattoos they dare the other to get. The night ends and so does their moment, but they linger on each other's minds even as time and distance takes them onto different paths. When they meet again, the chemistry remains electric.

It might feel like fate when they meet again, but soon enough it's revealed Graham is engaged to be married-- and Ali is meant to plan said wedding. It's a crushing thought to her, especially when she initially anticipates meeting Graham on future dates upon their reintroduction. But soon enough she get down to business-- yet those pesky feelings linger and linger and linger.

I loved Ali as a protagonist, I adored how she wears her heart on her sleeve and isn't afraid to be herself and to chase her dreams. I heavily relate to her need to make her family proud of her-- to prove her worth. Planning what is the town's big event wedding is something that she desperately desires in order to prove herself, but that heart on her sleeve absolutely gets in the way when she fights those feelings for the groom. And she really does fight it. She fears so much of her mistakes are what defines her, and another mistake is one she doesn't want to add to that definition. Yet the heart wants what it wants, and I couldn't help but fall easily into step alongside Ali as she navigated heart, her morals, her goals, and her pride. She's easy to love, to admire, and to see as a mirror to self.

Then there's Graham. He remains an enigma for most of the narrative, at times I wasn't sure at all whether I liked him or not, but I couldn't deny how well he challenged and complemented Ali, and simply how well he could read her. How he could see her heart and know it as if they weren't strangers who happened upon one another one night, but rather something far more.

It's easy to fall into their dynamic chemistry and to root for a happily ever after. That said, the hiccup for me is that while it's clear there's more than meets in the eye when it comes to Graham's engagement, there is no certainty until its revelation--- and it made the advancement of the relationship between Ali and Graham prior to any revelation a bit unsavory to consume. I would have much preferred the revelation to come sooner so I could happily cheer their romancing without guilt. Instead, I was left (albeit temporarily) feeling uncomfortable with it. Nonetheless-- I bounced back quickly because the revelation wasn't far behind. And once that got going, it was an absolute pleasure to root for these two find their happily ever after.

And I had to root hard because things don't come easily, and I actually quite like that-- I appreciated how Ali especially looked at their situation with realism rather than idealism, and how that reflected upon her choices. She wanted to do things the right way, and I applauded that with so much enthusiasm.

There are obstacles and hurdles to overcome in this love story, and it makes the ending all the more worthwhile. This is one romance I'm so glad to have experienced.

Thank you kindly to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this advanced complimentary copy, I leave this honest review voluntarily.

Thanks to Netgalley & St. Martin's Press for the
E-ARC! Really cute! Loved the wedding theme & romance. Plus the banter had me cackling. Will definitely read more from this author.

It was fine. Kind of just a retelling of "The Wedding Planner." Second-chance romances have been growing on me but not this one :/

I really enjoyed this book! It was a great second chance story. I legitimately laugh out loud more than once. Ali is a great FMC, she is independent and wild, moving to the beat of her own drum. Graham is a great partner to her and they balance each other out. I liked that they met so long ago and reconnected in a completely different place years later. The story moved at a good pace and there weren't any times where I felt like the story lagged. Definitely a good read!

I really enjoyed this book! First of all the meet cute is everything, the whole tattoo situation was too good. I also love how it has such a strong fate element but it doesn’t seem preachy or overbearing, it just feels right and adorable. The tension was just right, enough real obstacles that you felt the issues and it didn’t seem as easy to overcome. I love how their relationship developed and a lovely romance to loose yourself with. It is also a very easy one day read.

This book was HOT! I loved Ali and Graham so much! I couldn't put this book down! Oh the angst and the spice...yes please!
I wish I would have read "Till There Was You" first but they don't really overlap too much. I'm definitely going to be reading that soon though!
From what I saw, this was only Lindsay's second book and it kicks ass! Well done! I can't wait to read what she writes next!

I LOVED Lindsay Hameroff’s Till There Was You – so I was thrilled when some of those characters made appearances in her next book, Never Planned on You. Ali’s humor is infectious to the reader. And the pop culture references are delightful. I loved this book and highly recommend it!

First I would like to thank Lindsay Hameroff and St. Martin’s Publishing Group for the ARC of “Never Planned on You.”

This is the prefect second chance romance. The chemistry between the main characters Ali and Graham leap off the page. They are trying so hard to make their everyday life work, and in the words of Ali "show my family I am no longer the job-hopping flake who changed careers three times in less than a decade. That, I am, in fact, a functioning adult who can stick with something and succeed.”

You want them to succeed at more than their everyday life, you are cheering for them to get their happliy ever after, together.

This is a follow up and has cameos of characters in her debut novel, which I am now off to read.

Ali Rubin is a free spirit with a knack for turning life’s unexpected twists into opportunities. From drunken bets in London to a career switch from chef to wedding planner, Ali embraces spontaneity with open arms. But when her latest adventure lands her back home in Baltimore, she doesn’t expect to cross paths with Graham, the mysterious British stranger with whom she once shared a tattoo (and undeniable chemistry). Reconnecting should be the perfect twist of fate, except for one small problem—Graham is engaged, and Ali is planning his wedding.

While I loved the dynamic between Ali and Graham, their chemistry was undeniable, and the witty banter kept me turning pages, I struggled with the foundation of their relationship. Watching their connection develop before Ali knew the full truth of Graham’s engagement left me uneasy. Readers who are sensitive to “cheating-adjacent” tropes may find this element difficult to overlook.

That said, I appreciated how everything was resolved in the end. The grand gesture was beautifully executed and felt entirely in line with the story’s themes of honesty and vulnerability. Ali, as a protagonist, was vibrant, determined, and relatable—her desire to shake off her “family flake” reputation was compelling. As someone currently living in Maryland, I loved the subtle nods to Baltimore, which gave the setting an added layer of authenticity.a

Overall, Never Planned on You is a fun and engaging read with plenty of heartfelt moments and humor. While some aspects of the plot were hard to fully embrace, the lively characters and charming romance make it worth picking up.

This book had a lot of potential but overall was a miss for me. I didn't really like the main characters and didn't find myself rooting for them.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of the e-arc!

I absolutely loved this book! I'm becoming a big fan of the second chance romance trope, and Never Planned on You did not disappoint! I loved how it took a fun, new approach.

I read this book in one sitting! I really enjoyed the FMC & MMC. I thought Ali was so funny, and I loved the story of how her and Graham originally met. I also enjoyed getting to read about her trying to find her passion in life. Graham was so swoon-worthy! I thought their chemistry was amazing. Ali and Graham's family and friends were all so lovable too, I loved reading about them!

I loved the pop culture references! I'm so looking forward to reading more of Lindsay's work!

I really enjoyed this cute and funny second chance romance! This is the second book I've read by Lindsay Hameroff and have thoroughly enjoyed them both.

This book is Ali and Graham's story. Previously, Ali and Graham had a fling while abroad. Now, an unexpected reunion brings both the good and bad when Ali's new client turns out to be Graham - a soon to be groom.
Their fling, having left in impact on my both of them, brings back up old feelings.

I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good romance that is both fun and funny!

Ali Rubin has a reputation for spontaneity. Like that time she made a drunken bet in London that led to matching tattoos with a stranger. Her joie de vivre is one of her best qualities; she lives every day to the fullest and follows her dreams wherever they take her. And now, they’re taking her from her career as a chef in New York City back home to Baltimore, where she’s interning as a wedding planner.

Despite the occasional fantasy about her British tattoo twin, Ali never expected to see Graham again. So no one is more surprised than she is when he turns up in Baltimore, ordering a latte at her favorite cafe. When they reconnect during an enchanting evening together, Ali can’t help but wonder if Graham might be someone special.

At the same time, she's desperate to succeed in her new career and prove that she isn’t the family flake. When she gets a job planning a high profile wedding at a historic hotel, it seems like things are finally falling into place. That is, until Graham turns out to be the groom.

Graham’s family owns the once-grand, now struggling Black-Eyed Susan, and he’s returned to Baltimore to help his grandmother get it back on its feet. He’s certain that hosting a wedding at the hotel is just the publicity boost it needs. Ali’s boss agrees, and promises Ali a full-time gig if the affair goes off without a hitch. Unfortunately, Ali and Graham can't seem to ignore their rekindled chemistry, especially when it’s revealed that Graham and his fiancée are planning a marriage of convenience. Still, staying away from each other is the best thing they can do, since giving in to their growing feelings might cost them everything.

Because when it comes to love, all bets are off.

Loved it. Will recommend to others

I’ll start off by saying I thought this was well written. I enjoyed the Baltimore setting and feel like I learned something new about Jewish culture. But I had a really hard time with the plot, and being that this was sent to me and I didn’t request to read it, I went in blind.

SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER!

There’s cheating for about 85% of the story and I didn’t like it. Every cute moment, romantic exchange, and spicy scene, there’s a reminder around the corner that the MMC is engaged to another woman. This situation is complicated but it’s still cheating and made even worse because they were never honest or upfront about their ‘relationship’. Also the truth only came out 10 minutes before the wedding was to start.

I’d consider reading something else by this author but this story just wasn’t for me. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s publishing group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars! This was like reading a 2000s rom-com and reminded me of “The Wedding Planner” as I read it! It was super cute with a lot of laugh out loud moments. I really appreciated the character dynamics and development throughout the story. It was a quick and easy read, light hearted! Graham and Ali were dynamic characters with all their vulnerabilities and flaws. I felt like I could easily cheer for them but also enjoyed the drama that came along with it. Ali shows up to plan a wedding and realizes it’s Graham, the guy from eight years ago that she hasn’t forgotten. This story was enjoyable!

This book takes place in Baltimore so naturally I had to read it!

This second chance romance features Ali and Graham. Ali hooked up with Graham on her last night of her European study abroad trip. It was also a crazy night, as it involved Ali and Graham getting matching tattoos that were half pig, half unicorn - a terrifying creature. 10 years later Ali runs into Graham in a coffee shop in Baltimore, and the sparks from eight years ago are still present. Now Ali must figure out if the Englishman still feels the same way!

This book gives you insight into the Jewish culture, a second chance romance, a relatable FMC, and character development! Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I'm in the middle on this one. Loved parts of it, didn't love others. Much of it is cute with some lough out loud lines, but the undercurrent of deception became problematic for me. I also found some parts of the book to contradict each other. As in--"it's always been you" to "I don't do love, just flings". There were a few too many unbelievable coincidences and forced proximity, but it's a rom-com, so I can let some of that slide. I also felt that the end dragged on a little too long with some perplexing reasoning for not being together.

Overall, it's a cute escape read, but not without a few problems.

To say I'm obsessed with @lindsayhameroff's writing would be a massive understatement!!! 🌼 I ADORED Till There Was You when I read it last year (any other Jake Taylor groupies out there?!) and when I found out that Lindsay's second rom-com, Never Planned On You, had Ali (my favorite TTWY character) as its main character (and her mysterious tattoo twin as the love interest!), it felt like a gift just for me-- and for all of Lindsay's other fans (fine! I'll share!) Ali is a fresh, sassy, hilarious heroine you will root for from start to finish. Thank you @netgalley and @smpromance for the chance to read and review this book early! It is available for preorder now and publishes on February 18, 2025.