Never Planned on you is a fun, lighthearted read for those looking for a cute rom-com read.

The romance story centers around unexpected love, but the pacing feels a bit uneven, with moments that either drag or rush through key developments. Our main character Ali is likable and relatable. She's got a sharp tongue and quick-wit. On the other hand, her leading man Graham comes across as underdeveloped, making it hard to fully connect with the romance or his emotional arc. Their chemistry is decent, though it occasionally feels forced or rushed, especially in key moments. The time 'jumps' to get the plot moving feel out of place.

The writing is accessible, making it a quick and easy read, but it sometimes lacks the depth needed to give the characters more complexity. NPY is filled with pop culture references, which may appeal to some readers, but for me, the volume of them pulled me out of the story. The characters' quick-wit relied too heavily on these nods to modern culture.

One of the aspects I really enjoyed in NPY were the thoughtful nods to Jewish culture. These references added a layer of authenticity to our main girl Ali and her family, making it feel more personal and relatable.

This book is a pleasant, breezy read for those looking for something light; a perfect weekend escape.

This was so incredibly cute! Graham and Ali shared a lot of amusing moments. Ali's feisty demeanor and ability to bring out Graham's spontaneity were admirable. Just because I thought her family was so amazing, I would have loved to see them get more involved. I would suggest this to anyone who enjoys short romantic comedies.

This was an absolute joy to read! It's a stay up to finish kind of book, because you are rooting for these two so hard. Ali and Graham couldn't be more different but the cannot deny the spark between them. The conflict is real and handled fairly well, both making poor choices with real consequences. Supporting cast was fun and not too flat. I would read more by this author.

Li actually wore enjoyed this one when second chance romance is usually not my cup of tea. I did really enjoy their chemistry. I love food and weddings so that aspect of the book was great for me. The family dynamics were a little sad, and I am glad she got her happily ever after.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me the opportunity for an ARC review!

This story was cute! I thoroughly enjoyed the chemistry between Ali and Graham. I actually laughed out loud with their banter. The chemistry was off the charts throughout the entire book. I loved all the side characters, but wish we got to experience more of Claire. Claire was super funny and kind. However, each character had their own unique personality and they were fun to interact with.

I felt the beginning and end of the book, I couldn't put it down. The middle though... it felt like it was repetitive in the way it kept saying "I know it won't last." It sort of took me out during those aspects.

I liked the amount of smut, it was just enough for this romance book.

Overall, I'd recommend its worth the read! Fun and happy romance!

I posted this on my Goodreads account as well. "Rainysreadingnook"

Thank you!! This was adorable.

This book was great !
Good storytelling, character growth, and a good love story. The way we are re-introduced to Graham was amusing and was glad to see how the story tied back.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc!!

This was a fun, quick read. Very light and fluffy, I’ll definitely check out more from this author!!

"Never Planned On You" is a charming second-chance romance that masterfully blends humor and heartfelt moments. Lindsay Hameroff crafts a vibrant world through Ali Rubin, a spontaneous chef who returns to her hometown to intern as a wedding planner in pursuit of finding the right career path for herself.

Ali’s unexpected reunion with Graham, her matching tattooed one night stand from London, adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative. Their chemistry sizzles from the moment they reconnect, making the reader root for them even as the complications of Graham's impending marriage loom over their budding romance.

Hameroff's portrayal of Ali’s struggle to prove herself amidst personal and professional challenges is relatable for anyone who has questioned what paths they want to take in life.

While the storyline occasionally leans into predictable territory, the engaging dialogue and well-developed characters keep the momentum going. The backdrop of Baltimore serves as an alluring setting for the unfolding drama and romance.

Overall, "Never Planned On You" is a fun read that reminds us that true love often arrives when we least expect it.

The concept of this one was so intriguing. A community bookcase and a friendship that turns to more over the love of literature? *swoon*

Ali and Grahams story was cute. The history that left you wondering for half of the book helped keep me invested and wanting to know how it would end. The ending was sweet too.

My main flaws with this is the huge focus on Bonnie and Ali’s little mental issue with seeing her dead friend. It just felt flat and awkward for the most part. I didn’t love it and was honestly over it by the end. Ali was irritating, which is fine because I don’t always love the FMC.

Graham was great, I loved him. 10/10.

I wanted to love this one because the premise sounded adorable, but unfortunately it wasn’t for me. It was a bit too slow for me and I couldn’t connect to the characters.

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

Oh my gosh!! This book! I was addicted. I couldn’t put it down, I wanted more. This is a second chance romance… 8 years in the making.

The main character Ali, is witty, relatable, and a dream chaser. The main male character Graham, is British, handsome, and does everything for everyone but himself. These two are in for one hell of a ride.

Quote that I related to: “Most importantly, it will 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.”

Quote that made me scream and kick my feet: “The final prize is me. All of me.”

This book is for those who relate to both The Tortured Poets Department and Lover kind of romance.

2.5⭐️


Tenía curiosidad sobre cómo se manejaría el tema del compromiso de Graham, pero al final no me gustó para nada cómo se trató.

Les daré un resumen rápido: Ali y Graham estuvieron juntos una noche y no se volvieron a ver hasta ocho años después. Se reencuentran en una cafetería, él la invita a cenar y todo va bien; ambos siguen sintiéndose atraídos. Días después, ella descubre que está organizando la boda de él con Claire, le reclama, pero él le dice que su cena no fue una cita, sino una reunión con una vieja amiga.
Ali decide que no pondrá en peligro su trabajo por un hombre y que se comportará, pero eso no sucede. Ambos comparten miradas y toques, e incluso llegan a besarse. Lo que me molestó fue que durante el 55-57% de la lectura, ella no sabía que el matrimonio era de conveniencia; es decir, que no le importaba ser la otra y que él estuviera engañando a su prometida. No me gustan los infieles y menos cuando la otra parte, en este caso Claire, es una buena persona.

A medida que las cosas se ponen serias, él le cuenta la verdad: se tiene que casar con su mejor amiga porque quiere ayudarla a conseguir la ciudadanía, y además, la boda serviría como truco publicitario para el hotel de su abuela. Ali acepta seguir y esconderse, pero conforme se acerca la boda, se da cuenta -por fin-, de que a los ojos de los demás es la amante.

Sobre el cobarde de Graham no hay mucho que decir, ya que todo se narra desde el punto de vista de Ali, así que no tengo idea de lo que pasaba por su cabeza.

Algo que me decepcionó fue la persona que impidió la boda. Esperaba que, por una vez, él se pusiera firme o al menos tuviera una conversación con Claire para contarle todo sobre Ali, pero no; al final, fue gracias a la abuela que no dijeron "acepto".


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was an amazing quirky, laugh out loud read!!!! Chefs kiss!!!! Ali finds herself trying to find her herself and along her journey she get's a second chance to be with a one night stand from years prior. But is it kismet? Only to find out she's hired to assist with planning his wedding!!!! This was one heck of a roller-coaster ride full of laughter and up's and down's in relationships. A journey of self discovery in one's own true happiness even if it may hurt the people we love.
My favorite character was Bubbie the grandmother she was truly a joy and a hoot. Grahams the MMC was so swoon worthy and lovable. Even if he was to loyal to a fault. I really enjoyed Ali's zest for life and how she wasn't afraid to go after what she wanted despite what her family thought. People have to sometimes try, try again until they get things just right. This book had me enjoying each page from beginning to end and I look forward to reading more from this author. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

This was soooo good! I love the matching tattoos and the second chance romance. Perfect!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

A second chance romance worth taking a chance on. Never Planned on You by Lindsay Hameroff is a rom-com with the best pop culture references. I loved how the author weaved the references to Taylor Swift, Gilmore Girls, and Clueless throughout the book, this was so well done!

Ali our FMC is so lovable and relatable, like many out there she struggling to start over in her new career as an event planner while balancing moving back home to Baltimore. Graham is our MMC, a charming Brit who arrives in Baltimore to help run his family’s historic hotel. The main characters’ chemistry is so believable and beautiful! Fate has a way of bringing these two back together after years apart, their love story has some pretty big obstacles that they have to overcome but it’s a journey that I’m glad I got to read about. The supporting characters were also wonderful additions to the story as well!

So if you love books with second chance romance, lovable main characters, and laugh out loud moments, then you should check out this book.

Personally, I am looking forward to reading more Lindsay Hameroff books!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

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!

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

This was freaking adorable! There were so many funny moments between Ali and Graham. I loved Ali’s spunky attitude and how brought out Graham’s spontaneity. I would have loved more involvement from her family, just because I thought they were so great. Would recommend this to anyone who loves quick rom-coms.

It’s also full of pop culture and swifty references.

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for the arc ! Opinions are my own.

I wish I enjoyed this book more than I did but it was just a little too much for me. The story was very predictable. In the beginning the humour and wittiness was entertaining but in the second half it just got too much for me. Overall it was a cute story but the execution didn't hit the mark for me.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

In this story, a girl meets a boy, and after a drunken night together, they end up with regrettable tattoos. She returns to America, assuming she’ll never hear from him again. Fast forward, and the boy is back in the U.S. to save his family’s business and get married. They coincidentally bump into each other at a coffee shop, sparking a second-chance romance.

While the plot is predictable, the book is an easy, enjoyable read.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I loved so many aspects of NEVER PLANNED ON YOU. Though we didn't get the POV of the MMC, he was thoroughly fleshed out as a character and the author did a fantastic job bringing him to life. I found the writing very smooth and easy to read. The small time jumps were handled well and kept the story moving efficiently and at a great pace. I also loved the family dynamics throughout, including the relationships with both grandmothers, who stole the show. I would have liked to have seen more of the friendship between the MMC and bride-to-be Claire, but she was a very dynamic and likeable character so it was easy to see how they'd become friends. The ending was incredibly sweet and satisfying, and also kept me guessing right up until the end, which is not often the case in a contemporary rom-com!

Overall this was a very successful second-chance romance, and I can't wait to read more from Lindsay Hameroff!

Thank you to NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.