Hmm, okay. The ending was a bit too much for me. I felt Ali was just being moronic. Really stand up for yourself, woman. Witty banter, some character development, and a decent plotline will keep you engaged.

#netgalley #NeverPlannedOnYou

Thank you NetGalley and St Martin's Press for allowing me access to this ebook! Never Planned on You is a 2025 romcom.
Ali Rubin, known for her spontaneity, moves back to Baltimore to intern as a wedding planner after working as a chef in New York. She unexpectedly reconnects with Graham, a stranger she drunkenly got matching tattoos with in London, only to discover he's now engaged. To complicate things, Ali is tasked with planning Graham's high-profile wedding at his family’s struggling hotel. Despite their growing chemistry, they try to stay away from each other as Graham’s engagement is more of a business arrangement. Their feelings, however, threaten to upend their professional and personal lives.
This book is very funny, full of references and cute moments. I did not like much the sneaking around but overall I'll give a solid 4 stars and I'll definitely read more books by this author!

Although this rom-com is heavy on the rom, the com is the star of the show. It was hilarious from start to finish. Witty dialogue, unapologetic pop culture references, and a humbling yet relatable inner monologue from the FMC kept me from putting it down. It goes in the category of oh-crap-I-stayed-up-all-night-reading-and-now-I-have-to-go-to-work books.
A second-chance meeting happens for our couple when one of them is off the market, but what I really loved about it was that the characters were flawed, and real, and yet very likable. The FMC could be a bestie, the MMC is utterly charming, and I actually talked out loud to the both of them. What’s more is that the “other” woman was likable, too, and I found myself wanting a HEA for everyone and not sure how the author was going to pull it off. There were a few predictable twists, but all in all, 4.5 out of 5 stars. I will definitely be going back for more from this author (hint: there is a stand alone prequel that just hit my TBR).

title: Never Planned on You

author: Lindsay Hameroff

publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

publication date: February 18, 2025

pages: 320

peppers: 3 (on this scale)

warnings: vomit, tattoos, drinking, hospital scare

summary: During her semester abroad, Ali and Graham meet, tie in a bet, and get matching, worlds-worst tattoos. When they run into each other ten years later, Graham is engaged to be married and Ali is hired as his wedding planner.

tropes:

drunken, one-night hookup
fated mates
grand gesture
Jewish family, Jewish mothers
perfect older sister
supportive besties
in love with the wedding planner

save the family business

what I liked: 

fun characters
good family scenes
funny dialogue

what I didn’t like:

sneaking around
betraying a friend

overall rating: 4 (of 5 stars)

Never Planned on You is a delightful contemporary romance that beautifully captures the unpredictability of love. Lindsay Hameroff crafts relatable characters who face their fears and insecurities while navigating their feelings for one another. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, and their journey from strangers to something more is both heartfelt and engaging. The pacing is spot-on, with just the right amount of tension and tender moments that keep you invested. While the plot follows some familiar tropes, Hameroff adds her unique twist, making it feel fresh and authentic. Overall, it’s an enjoyable read that will leave you smiling and reflecting on the unexpected paths love can take.

A cute and at times frustrating second chance romance. Was redeemed by the wealth of pop culture references.

This was cute at times. But I think if you want a fluffy romance, you will like it. I will read more from Lindsay for sure.

I read this book in 12 hours! This was such a cute romance book. A lovely homage to The Wedding Planner. I loved the chemistry and banter between Ali and Graham. I also love a good second chance romance.

I liked this! It was a fun spin on both the second chance and marriage of convenience tropes, which are some of my bread and butter. The writing was good, and I really enjoyed Ali in particular as a character— she really guided the narrative well. Graham… took a little getting used to for me, but their chemistry was palpable on the page, so I can forgive him.

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. After a wonderful night together, she walks out without leaving her number or saying goodbye because, with her going home to America, they'll never see each other again, right?

I loved Lindsay Hameroff's first book so I had high hopes for this one, as well, and she DID NOT DISAPPOINT! I loved Never Planned on You even more. Ali is likable and hilarious, I love Graham's Bob Barker vibes, and you have a spectacular cast of side characters. The chemistry between Ali and Graham is spot on, and I think the story works well because, while you're rooting for them, it's also easy to understand why they feel like they can't be together.

This was a quick and easy read, and if you love Abby Jimenez, I think you'll love this one too!

Loved this romance novel! Super quick read and with fun witty banter that will definitely put a smile on your face.

loved this romance of a wedding planner and seeing an old friend and helping him plan a wedding. I liked that how they initially met that they both got matching tattoo's. Loved the romance and that she finally figured out what she wanted to do and so did he.

Synopsis: If you love the movie The Wedding Planner, this one is for you as we see our female lead fall for the groom in the wedding she’s planning. Plot twist- they have a spicy history and the wedding isn’t quite as it seems.
Pros/cons: A storyline like this runs the risk of giving you the ick because of a cheating trope but the author handled this well! It was witty, spicy and sweet. While not a sequel I loved how characters from her debut novel Till There Was You were present (female leads are best friends!) so do yourself a favor and read both! Can’t wait to see what you write next Lindsey Hammeroff!
Thank you NetGalley for the arc, due out in February.

I loved this book so much! I read this and her debut back to back and both were too good! This one had me laughing and feeling so much emotion!

3.5

I’m in the minority here. Everybody else seemed to love it, but it was just okay for me. I just couldn’t connect with Ali. She’s always running hot and cold. I do love her quick wit and sense of humour. The way she always teases Graham was cute.

As an outsider, I also enjoyed all the nod to Baltimore (I think this was the first book that I’ve read that was set in Baltimore), all the Jewish holidays and traditions. They were very nice personal touches.

Loved Bubbuleh! For me, she was the star of the story! I wish she was in it more. Claire was also a great side character.

Overall, it was a good, fun, and easy read. There were lots of tears welling up from characters, blushes, and mentions of plump lips (at least in the beginning). For me it felt like that the angst just kept going around in circles. In my opinion, the issue with her sister was unwarranted. The ending was a cheesy, but cute. Those who love pop culture references will enjoy this book.

ARC provided by NetGalley. Much appreciated.

I absolutely loved this book! Huge thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC.

This feel-good, second-chance, “it’s complicated” romance gave me all the Wedding Planner (JLo) vibes. The story follows Ali—spirited, impulsive, and hilarious—who’s chasing her dream of becoming an event planner. But things take a turn when her latest client is none other than Graham, the guy she shared a magical night with eight years ago and never forgot. Their chemistry is undeniable, but Graham's upcoming wedding may not be as straightforward as it seems.

The humor and banter are reminiscent of Abby Jimenez’s style, so fans of hers will love this. Overall, this book made my heart so happy!

Ali left her study abroad from England and never expected to see Graham again. And then there he was in Baltimore. They get reconnected through the process of planning his wedding, which is a twist that Ali didn't plan on. Ali and her Jewish family are fun and witty. Sweet rom-com.

Not only did I enjoy this book but Ali is a character after my own heart. She is free spirited and quick witted. The banter and steamy scenes were great and I was entertained by the plot.

I really enjoyed this story! The characters were really fun! It felt fresh and not too trope heavy which is really a nice change. The steamy scenes were well paced and very hot!

I had a fun time reading this! 🎂

I'm not a huge fan of British books. Unless they are regency romances. So this book didn't really tickle my fancy. I also wasn't a fan of the writing. I thought it would be funnier than it actually was.