Cute second chance story of a drunken one night stand abroad (that included hideous matching tattoos) that reconnects 8 years later. After bouncing around, Ari is in her hometown working as a wedding planner intern after a few career false starts. She randomly runs into Graham, her British hookup in a coffee shop who’s also in town helping his grandma with her hotel. He also happens to be the groom in the wedding that Ari is working. Sparks reconnect and they fight it given Graham is engaged, but it’s a wedding of convenience. There are definitely blurred lines and grey areas in this story, but meant to be more lighthearted. All the characters are pretty likable and you end up rooting for everyone. This is a little open door. Nice Jewish family and culture representation too.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

📚 Never Planned on You
✍ Lindsay Hameroff
📖 RomCom
⭐3.5/5
🌶️ 🌶️

🙏 Thank you to St. Martin's Press, NetGalley and the author for an advanced copy of Never Planned on You. All opinions are my own.
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🎯 What I loved: I adored Hameroff's debut Till There Was You and immediately requested her second book when it became available on NetGalley. True to form, her sophomore novel had much of what I loved about her first book: witty banter, inspired menus that made my mouth water and the inclusion of a family with relatable Jewish traditions that felt homey. Ali's family and the side characters were a major highlight of the book for me- and Ali's bad date had me rolling with laughter. Expect lots of levity and some heartwarming generational stories thrown into the mix in this one!

🙅‍♀️ What I didn't: I don't mind forbidden romances but really struggled to reconcile Ali and Graham's relationship with the taboo nature of their connection (she was planning his wedding to someone else). Even though there were other factors at play, the 'when are you going to tell her so we can just be together' pining gave me a major ick factor and took a lot of enjoyment out of this book for me. Second chance romance is my favorite trope but the way the relationship in this book was set-up, I didn't get the feels during their initial connection or their second encounter.
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Read if you love:
*slightly flighty main character trying to find her perfect career fit
*taboo romance
*second chance romance
*Jewish representation
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See also: Sadie on a Plate, Perfect Fit, Before You Say I Do

I enjoyed reading this book start to finish. The characters were funny and amazing and the plot was to die for! I would definitely recommend!

Lindsay Hameroff has such a fun, fresh, relatable voice. I adored her writing style, which is delightfully riddled with pop-culture references. Graham and Ali had such believable chemistry, and their banter was on point (I say this as someone who is V picky about fictional banter). I typically hate the wedding planner trope, yet it was perfectly executed - she had me sold the whole time. The only disappointing part of this book was learning that Hameroff has just one other book currently out, but I immediately added it to my library and look forward to everything she writes in the future!

This book was a delight from start to finish. An engaging story about two people who find each other after a happenstance meet years before. I would definitely read more stories written by this author.

Thank you, Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Get ready for a story that delivers a romance full of humor, charm, and moral complexity. The story follows a groom marrying for convenience who unexpectedly falls for his wedding planner also his one-night stand from eight years ago. While the chemistry between the two is undeniable, the secret relationship that forms, all while keeping the bride in the dark, creates an uncomfortable "ick" factor. It’s tough to fully root for the couple when their actions feel like a betrayal, despite their genuine connection.

The author handles the "cheating" element well, keeping the tension high as the characters wrestle with their feelings. The slow burn romance does eventually feel earned, but the ethical concerns make it difficult to fully embrace.

On the lighter side, the meet-cute is hilarious, and the banter between the characters adds depth to their connection. The quirky hideous matching tattoos are a fun touch, and the pop culture references throughout give the story a contemporary, relatable feel.

Overall, it is a messy, imperfect love story that will appeal to readers who don’t mind navigating its moral gray areas for the emotional payoff.

I really enjoyed this super cute romance. It was funny, sweet chaotic and absolutely a fun book overall.
Ali meets Graham while she's away for school in the UK. Things get super crazy one night before she's due to leave. Her and Graham not only hook up but get matching crazy tattoos before their short time together ends.
Never thinking they would see each other again, the past is brought to present when I finds him in line infront of her at a local Baltimore coffee shop.
The next chapter of their story starts from there.
It's truly a fun book to read. I loved it and quite enjoyed the new to me author.
5 stars.

Lindsay Hameroff’s *Never Planned on You* is a captivating and heartfelt romance that explores the beauty of unexpected connections, the courage to embrace the unknown, and the healing power of love. With its relatable characters, witty dialogue, and just the right mix of emotional depth and lighthearted charm, this novel is a delightful read for fans of contemporary romance.

At the heart of the story is a protagonist who is used to having everything under control—until life throws a curveball she never saw coming. When an unforeseen event uproots her carefully planned life, she finds herself navigating uncharted territory, where her sense of stability is challenged and her heart is unexpectedly drawn to someone who is the very opposite of what she envisioned for herself. Hameroff masterfully captures the tension and excitement of falling for someone you never planned on, making the romance feel organic and deeply resonant.

The chemistry between the lead characters is electric, crackling with banter, vulnerability, and moments of undeniable connection. Hameroff’s ability to create complex, layered relationships is a standout feature of the novel. Both characters bring their own baggage to the table, and their journey is as much about personal growth as it is about building a life together. Their dynamic is equal parts heartwarming and achingly real, ensuring that readers are invested in their story from start to finish.

What sets *Never Planned on You* apart is its balance of humor and emotional depth. Hameroff’s sharp, engaging prose infuses the story with energy, while the heartfelt moments bring a sense of authenticity that resonates. The supporting cast of friends and family adds a rich backdrop to the narrative, with their meddling, advice, and love providing both levity and support for the protagonist’s journey.

The pacing is pitch-perfect, pulling readers along with a story that never feels rushed but remains compelling throughout. Hameroff skillfully unravels the characters’ fears and desires, leading to a resolution that feels satisfying and true to their growth. The small-town setting adds an extra layer of charm, with its close-knit community playing a subtle yet meaningful role in the story.

*Never Planned on You* is a joyful, uplifting read that reminds us love often finds us when we least expect it. Lindsay Hameroff has crafted a romance that is as heartfelt as it is entertaining, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories about stepping out of your comfort zone and discovering unexpected happiness. Whether you’re a fan of slow-burn romance, relatable characters, or just need a feel-good story, this novel delivers in spades. It’s a five-star gem that will leave you smiling and believing in the magic of unplanned moments.

I enjoyed the writing style and the rom-com vibes, as well as the pop culture references, but I had gone into this thinking the marriage of convenience plot would be explained a lot sooner than it was, whereas I was finding myself 50% of the way in thinking "Alright, this is where he explains!!" and then he doesn't. I don't think it's cool on either of them, graham for not explaining sooner that he was not really in it for love but for convenience, and Ali for thinking that it was wrong but still throwing it all away to want to hook up with him anyways. Cheating trope has never been a thing for me and I'm disappointed that it turned out to be even more of a cheating trope than I'd thought.

This is my first time reading Lindsay Hameroff and it definitely won’t be my last! Never Planned on You was so delightful. The humor was perfect and had me laughing several times. This may be my favorite grand gesture ever depicted in a novel. I loved Ali’s family SO much, and the other side characters were developed well instead of just being dropped in when necessary. Well-rounded and sweet story.

My only request is that we as an audience absolutely need an artistic depiction of the tattoo that began this delightful story 😄. I’m thinking chapter header for sure!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book and therein leading me to a new fav author!

I will say, at first, I was apprehensive about this book based on the synopsis, but now having just finished it, I was completely wrong. This book had me swooning in the different things Graham did for/toward Ali throughout the book. Although this book is only written in Ali's perspective, you can definitely tell how Graham is feeling in the book by his words and actions. I don't know what it was but I was melting from all the interactions between Ali and Graham. My heart broke when their hearts broke and my heart smiled when they had their moments of realization. There are so many parts of the story that could be my favorite, but I loved knowing that grandmother Trudy had her grandson's back when she objected at his wedding. This showed that she knew who was the true owner of his heart (and who's lock he had the key to). I love the characters that Lindsay creates. I truly loved this story and cannot wait for the it to be published, so I can add this book to my bookshelves!

Eight years ago, Ali had a one night stand with Graham, a night that involved getting matching tattoos. They both end up in Baltimore and sparks fly between them. But Ali discovers the wedding she’s planning that could get her promoted is Graham’s.

The humorous writing kept me engaged as did the chemistry between Ali and Graham. Secondary characters such as Ali’s spitfire grandmother, Graham’s grandmother’s dog, and Ali’s besties were delightful. I enjoyed Ali’s party girl persona, her wizardry in the kitchen, and Graham’s old fashioned style and chivalry.

Some readers may be put off with Graham carrying on with Ali while being engaged, despite later revelations about the relationship between the perspective bride and groom. The super specific pop culture references may not resonate will all readers. I was put off by Ali’s constant crying, her unprofessionalism, and how in her eyes, just about everything that went wrong was Graham’s fault. The book wraps up too quickly, and the brief epilogue left me wanting more at the end. Nevertheless, the book made for a fun romantic comedy read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Publishing Group for providing an Advance Reader Copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgally for this ARC.
This story is very Wedding Planner feat.JLo.
The love story is interesting, I did spend the first part of the book thinking this was one big cheating trope. But the author gets us out of that with a fairly straightforward and realistic explanation. All the characters are well written and each has an important part of the story. I did like the friendships our female character has. As well as the family relationships between all the characters. It was a charming story, a quick read, and a good love story. I would say it’s a medium amount of spice. I would recommend picking this one up

Ali and Graham meet on Ali’s last night in London. They start competing at pub games and end up getting matching ugly tattoos, then they have a one night stand. A few years (and careers for Ali) later, Ali, who is now a wedding planner, sees Graham in Baltimore at her favorite coffee shop, and they go out for dinner where sparks are still flying. The next day at work, she is surprised (and nauseated) to find that Graham and his fiancée are her new clients. Graham is trying to revitalize his grandparent’s dying historic hotel and thinks hosting his wedding there is the boost it needs. As Ali and Graham spend more time together, their chemistry is off the charts and they start falling for each other, especially after Grant reveals his fiancée is his best friend who he agreed to marry so she could get her green card and pursue her dream career. With a promotion on the line for Ali, and Graham wanting to keep his promise to his best friend, they must decide what to do.

I enjoyed this for the most part. I felt weird about everything before Graham revealed that it was a marriage of convenience, even though there were hints along the way. Ali was really funny and as we got to know Graham, I really liked him too. Recommend for any romcom lover!

“Never Planned on You” is a second chance rom-com by Lindsay Hameroff. This book follows Ali - who has jumped from job to job in her career - trying to figure out not quite what she wants to be when she grows up, but more how can she meld what she loves to do into a job (think cooking and event planning). Ali’s former heart throb from eight years ago appears as the groom in a wedding Ali’s employer is planning. The attraction is still here - at least on her end. As time goes by, Ali gets overwhelming mixed messages from the groom-to-be … and that’s where things become interesting. I really liked how Ms. Hameroff handled the possible cheating (especially after the speech Graham gave, I was wondering what was going on - before the penny dropped in my mind). Additionally Ali seems like that friend you want in your corner - the one who is spontaneous, willing to have fun (and do dares), yet is also really a wonderful person too. If you like second-chance romances with some modern references (yep, saw the Taylor Swift mentions), this is a quick yet satisfying book to pick up and read one evening - even if you stay up to do so.

ɴᴇᴛɢᴀʟʟᴇʏ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ || NEVER PLANNED ON YOU [thank you to St. Martin’s Press and @netgalley for my #gifted copy!]

Title: Never Planned On You
Author: Lindsay Hameroff
Genre: Romance
Format: Digital
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Would I Recommend: 👍🏻

ꜱᴜᴍᴍᴀʀʏ:
Ali’s whirlwind reunion with her tattooed British stranger seems like fate—until she’s hired to plan his wedding, forcing them to choose between their undeniable chemistry and the futures they’ve worked so hard to build.

ᴍʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛꜱ:
An FMC with the first name “Ali?” Automatic 5 Stars!

Just kidding…but not kidding. 😂

This book was such a delight from the first page through the last! And I was so busy devouring it in 24 hours, that I didn’t take all the notes that I should have - but, basically, LOVED IT. It has all of the snark, humor, and food that I’ve come to expect from Lindsay’s novels. I love getting to see little glimpses into Jewish traditions, and seeing them done in an authentic and full way.

Plus - you get to see both Ali and Graham come into themselves and figure out what they want out of life…but will that be each other?

Of course it will, this is a romance after all.

ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ:
The Wedding Planner
Jewish Representation
FMCs with Attitude
Self Discovery Journeys
Excellent Banter
One Night Stand
Foodie Romance

ᴅᴇᴛᴀɪʟꜱ:
GR: 4.13 ⭐️
# of Pages: 304
Pub Date: February 18, 2025

My favorite book of Lindsay's to date!

The book was filled of humor, taking risks, making some questionable bets, and falling in love. It was a great story of a wedding planner, chef, and MMC who follows his dreams to manage his family's hotels. But it also covered so many real life things like not feeling perfect or having your life completely figured out. The family and friendship aspect just warmed my heart.

You definitely want to check this book out!

The cheating trope is not well-enjoyed by some readers, but in this case, I myself, greatly enjoyed it.

NEVER PLANNED ON YOU is today's The Wedding Planner. There's a lot more to this "cheating" story than meets the eye and if I were giving it an elevator pitch, I'd say "so he's engaged, I know, I know, but it's not what you think. Okay, it is, but it's not..."

l loved the Brit Graham, and I was just okay with Ali. She's got a lot to love, but she's also got a lot to be annoyed with.

However, I thought the two of them balanced each other out good and did what all romance stories need from their main characters - to push each other to be a better version of themselves.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an e-copy of NEVER PLANNED ON YOU to review.

I rate NEVER PLANNED ON YOU four out of five stars.

This book follows Ali and Graham, who run into each other 8 years after spending a magical night together, her as the wedding planner and him as the groom. This was a fun, quick read — perfect for rom-com lovers looking for JLo's The Wedding Planner feels! While the author explored important themes, the writing style relied more on telling than showing, which made parts of the story feel less engaging.

This is a perfect example of a romantic comedy that hits all the right notes. I usually take the phrase ‘laugh out loud’ with a grain of salt when it comes to rom coms (often it's more like ‘roll your eyes’), but this one made me lol more than once. The main character is a gem, and the story’s pace is just right. If you're in the mood for a sweet, sometimes delightfully silly romance with low angst, this is it!