Never Planned on You was not at all what I was expecting at all.

Ali and Graham have this magnetic pull that brings them back together after a lost bet and a crazy memorable tattoo. A chance meeting again years later that turns into what Ali thinks is a date is far from it, especially when the next day Graham walks in as the groom of the wedding she is planning.

Other than the amazing plot twist and crazy wedding, the best part about this book is how well it shows Ali's struggles with life and her family. Lindsay Hameroff did a fantastic job showing the growth of Ali from struggling not being everything her family expects her to be to blossoming to this fierce adult who knows that she's doing what is right for her, even if nobody currently sees it.

A fun second chance romance! I enjoyed this story a lot. Ali is a character that I would want as a friend. She's struggling with her career and finding a new direction. It's got both the romance and the comedy. It's a great escape read. The story is well written and is a fast read. I received an advance copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

"Never Planned on You" by Lindsay Hameroff is an enchanting romance that beautifully weaves together spontaneity, ambition, and the unpredictability of love. From the very first page, Ali's infectious energy and zest for life draw you in, making her an unforgettable protagonist.

Ali's journey from a bustling chef in New York City to an aspiring wedding planner in Baltimore is both relatable and inspiring. Her spontaneous spirit is captured perfectly in her wild tattoo adventure, setting the stage for a story filled with unexpected twists and delightful surprises. When she reconnects with Graham, the charming stranger from her past, the chemistry is palpable, and I couldn’t help but root for them.

The stakes heighten as Ali takes on the daunting task of planning a high-profile wedding at the historic Black-Eyed Susan, only to discover that Graham is the groom. The tension between professional duty and personal desire creates a captivating conflict that kept me turning pages late into the night. Hameroff expertly balances humor and heartfelt moments, making every interaction feel genuine and relatable.

The supporting characters add depth and richness to the story, each contributing to Ali's journey of self-discovery and growth. You may remember Lexi from Till There Was You. The wedding planning aspect is not only fun but also highlights Ali's determination to prove herself in a new role.

What I appreciated most was the exploration of love's complexities—especially the idea that sometimes, the best plans are the ones we never make. Hameroff’s writing is engaging and witty, filled with charming anecdotes that will have you laughing and tearing up in equal measure.

"Never Planned on You" is a delightful read that celebrates the beauty of unexpected connections and the courage to follow your heart. If you’re looking for a romantic comedy that will leave you with a smile and a warm heart, this book is a must-read! Highly recommend!

I received a DIGITAL Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was super cute and very easy to read. This is the second book I've read by this author and this one edged out the other one by a tiny bit. It was a little more fun than the other one. It also took me a little bit to realize that her friends in this book are also in the author's other book. (Not that you need to read the other book to rad this one but it's a nice little easter egg)

One thing that kind of confused me was Graham said that he never expected to have a relationship and he made it seem like it'd be a big deal and then it was forgotten about completely. It might just be something I paid too much attention to but it seemed like something that was going to come up again but never did.

3.75 STARS

This book was a fun read! I really enjoyed walking alongside Graham and Ali as we get to watch their story unfold. I did love Till There Was You, so I had very high expectations for this one, and while this was good, it wasn't quite as good to me. Also, their shared tattoo was atrocious and I can't even imagine having something like that on my body haha!

4.75⭐️s This was so good!!! The Wedding Planner but with its own twists. Forbidden romance with second chance and forced proximity. Also, yes. That is a pig in a unicorn costume. No, I will not be taking questions. You have to read the fun to find out.

Ali is trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up. Her family list very supportive despite being all over the place with her career. She is currently working hard to get a job as an event coordinator. When a high profile client comes in, she jumps at the chance to prove herself. There a slight hiccup in her plan when the groom turns out to be her one night stand she couldn’t forget. Can Ali remain professional and earn the position or will everything come crumbling down?

Thank you so much to @netgalley @lindsayhameroff and @stmartinspress for the advanced reader copy. #neverplannedonyou #lindsayhameroffauthor #netgalley #romcom #advancedreadercopy #arcreview #bookstagram

Oh my gosh. The drama! The angst! There was nothing smooth or straight about Ali’s path to happiness. And wowee! That made the whole book feel more real. More immediate. Just, more. There was something that was so easy to connect with about Ali’s struggles to find her place in life, her career, her family. Then the author threw in the relationship curveball of the century, and the part of me that’s addicted to reality television was reaching for the popcorn and settling back to enjoy the show. Graham was adorable. I kind of wanted to see the very best in him and for him from the beginning. I wasn’t a fan of the triangular nature of the relationship they were in, but the author made me believe in it; believe in the possibilities it represented to our leading couple. I adored the ending. I loved that Ali prioritized her needs and self-respect over the easy happy ending. It also gave us the opportunity to witness a pretty spectacular grand gesture. I’m not sure what the author’s going to have for us next, but I’m already looking forward to reading it.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book through NetGalley.

Hitting all of the perfect RomCom parts, this book is a great palette cleanser for after a heavy read or to get you out of a reading slump.
Ali Rubin has always lived her best life going for fun now and facing the consequences later. She’s never said no to a bet and that’s how she ended up with a weird looking tattoo on her hip- that is the perfect match to a perfect stranger she met in a pub during her semester abroad in London 8 years ago; the perfect stranger with whom she had a very deep connection. Now trying to settle down and be the adult everyone wants her to be, she’s working as an intern at a premiere wedding planning company in Baltimore to prove to everyone she’s not the flighty kid she used to be. With a promotion to Junior Planner on the line she’s pleased this next wedding is falling into place beautifully- until the groom finally shows up and ends up being the British stranger with whom she shares a tattoo.
Lindsay Hammeroff has given us such a fun character in Ali. There are plenty of laugh out loud moments and the Jewish representation is in full abundance.
Thank you to NetGalley and St.Martin’s Press for an advanced copy of this. Never Planned on you hit the shelf on February 18th.

A clever, quick witted and laugh out loud second chance romance that will leave you thinking about the plans we make for our future.

Ali's never planned on long term. At least that's the viewpoint her friends and family have of her.
From one degree to another, and one career path to another, she has a toolbox filled with skills that until now has felt disjointed.
Interning for a top tier wedding planner, she's back in her childhood bedroom but for the first time, she's boldly pursuing a long term goal.
That is until a familiar voice in a coffee line brings back memories of a long ago chance meeting.

Nearly 10 years ago, on her last night of school in London, Ali meets the reclusive Graham. While she is an eager joiner and up for any challenge, Graham prefers to study in the quiet confines of his room. A game of darts, drinks and one ill-advised matching tattoo later, the night ends and Ali returns home to the states, thinking about the British man whose golden hair and blue eyes captured her by surprise.

When she is reunited with Graham almost a decade later, in her hometown of all places, it feels as if this second chance may be brought to her by fate, as much as she doesn't want to believe in it.

This was my first read from Lindsay Hameroff and is an easy yes to add to your tbr. It is strong and meaningful while also inspiring you to take a chance as you look forward to your own future. An easy yes for me, it's filled with spunky grandmas and the support of a loving family member (even when you feel misunderstood). One element I loved was the representation of Jewish culture. From references to cultural practices and holidays to the weaving of the Yiddish language, it's a great tie in to the writing and storyline.

Note: this is an open door spicy romance.

Thank you to Netgalley, Lindsay and St. Matrin's Press for the chance to read this and meet Ali and Graham.

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was fun, steamy, action-packed and held my interest. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.

After a drunk bet in London leads to matching tattoos and a one-night stand with a stranger, Ali is sure she won't see Graham again although she occasionally thinks of him. Years later, after leaving New York and her work as a chef to return to her hometown, she gets a job planning a high-profile wedding, and the groom turns out to be Graham. As the pair are frequently thrown together as Graham's fiancee's work takes her out of town, Ali quickly realizes, she has feelings for Graham, and he seems to feel the same way.

Although Ali lacks confidence regarding how she thinks others see her, she is strong and competent, with a really kind heart which makes her quite an admirable and likable heroine. It is annoying when she tries to act noble and do what she thinks is best rather than follow her heart and let others do the same. This is a common annoying trait in a book, heroine, however.

Graham is sweet and adorable and imagining hearing him speak in his English accent is just the cherry on top of the sundae of his already enormous charm and appeal. The side characters are mostly lovely too. Ali has great and supportive friends and family members who know her better than she thinks they do. Her and Graham's grandmothers are particularly endearing.

The book is full of sweet moments between Ali and Graham plus between Ali and various other characters. Plus, it has a cry-happy ending that feels like something straight out of a movie. If you love a really romantic story, you will enjoy this book.

Never Planned on You is a cute, modernized twist on The Wedding Planner and I loved every moment of it.

Second chance romance is one of my favorite tropes and I loved Ali and Graham’s romance so much. Their pull towards each other was undeniable despite the extenuating circumstances, and their struggle was full of tension you could feel through the pages. I loved their banter and experiencing along with them their respective walls coming down as they both realize it’s always been each other.
The way Graham fit right into Ali’s family was so sweet, and Ali helping Graham save his family’s hotel and honor his grandfather was so special.

Everything about this book was so good, from the forced proximity, the pining, the Jewish traditions I loved learning about, the family drama, to the things Ali struggles with while doing some self discovery. I also really enjoyed the Baltimore setting and getting glimpses into all the little details that make the city unique and wonderful from the eyes of a local.
This does feature cameos from the main characters of the author’s first novel, Till There Was You, but it’s not required to read beforehand and they can be read as standalones. Never Planned on You is not one to miss!

Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Griffin and Lindsay Hameroff for providing me with this digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.

📘: Never Planned on You-a standalone, but Till There Was You featured Ali's BFF Lexie's love story

✍🏾 Author: Lindsay Hameroff-new to me author

📅Publication date: 2-18-25 | Read 2-17-25

📃: eBook 297 pgs. kindle

Genre:
*Contemporary Romance
*Adult Fic/Women's Fic
*Jewish

Tropes:
*2nd chance romance
*1 night stand
*reminds me of the movie- The Wedding Planner (TWP)
*forced proximity
*marriage of convenience

👆🏾POV: 1st person single

⚠️TW: parental abandonment-H, grief-H(grandfather), immigration

🌎 Setting: London to Baltimore

Summary: Eight years after getting matching tattoos and a one night together, Ali and Graham are reunited by fate. Ali is an intern event planner and Graham turns out to be the groom for Ali's first wedding. They both must fight their renewed attraction while advancing a new career and helping a best friend.

👩🏾 Heroine: Ali Rubin, 28-left a chef job in New York to become an event planner.

👨🏾 Hero: Graham Wyler-met Claire in London @ college, they became BFFs and are now engaged.

🎭 Other Characters:

* Claire-Ali's 1st major client/Graham's fiancé
* Trudy Dyson-owner of the once famous Black Eyed Susan Hotel/Graham's grandmother
* Bubbie- Ali's grandmother
* Sarah-Ali's older sister, "the golden daughter"
* Lexie and Chloe-Ali's BFFs
* Asha-coworker

🤔 My Thoughts: I was a little underwhelmed because of the similarities to TWP, but I rooted for Ali and Graham through their family issues. Ali didn't want to be the black sheep of her family with a perfect sister. Graham didn't want to be a cheater like his deadbeat father. And he felt responsible for renovating the hotel to pay back his grandparents for their financial help. The "other woman/fiancée" Claire was absent a lot of the book allowing Ali and Graham time alone. There was a HEA after some self-reflection and an epilogue.

Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice level 4/5 🔥🔥🔥🔥open door

🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin, and Lindsay Hameroff for this ARC 💒! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.

I adored Linday Hameroff's first book, "Till There Was You," and when I saw she was writing Ali's book, I knew I had to read it. And I thoroughly enjoyed "Never Planned on You."

Ali and Graham's romance is so fun and unique, and the perfect example of right couple, wrong time. From meeting in London to getting matching tattoos, and then chance meeting in Baltimore, you feel how much these two belong together. But the timing for them is never right. Or is it?

The supporting cast of characters provided lots of laughs and heartfelt support, and it was nice to catch up with Chloe, Lexi and Jake.

I'll be on the lookout for Ms. Hameroff's next book.

Thanks to NetGalley and SMP for providing me an ARC in exchange for a review.

Never Planned on You by Lindsay Hameroff is a delightful, second chance rom-com that had me hooked from start to finish. Ali and Graham met eight years before, on Ali’s last night of her study abroad trip in London, thinking they’ll never see each other again. Their meeting ended with a crazy tattoo and a one-stand. Fast forward to the present day when Ali and Graham unexpectedly run into each other at a coffee shop in Baltimore and the sparks fly once again. Ali learns that Graham is engaged to be married and later find out that Ali is the wedding planner for Graham’s wedding. The chemistry between Ali and Graham is as strong as ever and Ali learns that Graham is entering into a marriage of convenience to help his best friend out; not because of love, attraction, or chemistry. They need to suppress their feelings for one another otherwise they might just discover that they were meant to be all along. It’s just complicated.

While I enjoyed the way this story was written, I didn’t like all the secrets Ali and Graham were keeping. However, I think the way the story was told was realistic and relatable. The ending was wonderful and tied the characters together very nicely. This was such a fun read with lovable characters and laugh-out-loud humor.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#NetGalley #StMatinsPress

🎂Never Planned On You🎂
Pub Date: 2/18/25

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I absolutely loved this book so much!!!🥰 Ali meets Graham one night in London which turns into quite the eventful night after losing a bet.🤭
Years later Ali runs into Graham in her hometown …is it fate??
I adored everything about this book! I laughed out loud, loved the witty banter, the Jewish rep and their undeniable chemistry!
If you love The Wedding Planner you will absolutely love this book! Definitely one of my favorite second chance romances!!!
I love @lindsayhameroff and can’t wait to read whatever she writes next!!!

I DNF'd this novel at 45% so I am not going to give it a rating. I did enjoy the author's writing style, but this one is not for me because I had zero respect for the MMC, Graham. Ali, you deserve so much better than what this (spoiler) cheater is offering.

SPOILER: Graham is, ultimately, a coward. He is engaged to his "best friend" (his words!) who was there for him during all of the hard times of the past decade of his life. He loves her, but he is not "in love" with her. I have no problem with that. My problem is that he won't man up and tell his "best friend" that he doesn't want to marry her, and that she deserves a partner who loves her. The author has made it clear that Graham's fiancee isn't in love with him either, and that he and Ali are fated mates. But here's the thing -- Graham's fiancee hasn't cheated on him in the narrative (at least up to the point that I DNF'd). By 45%, he has made out with Ali TWICE, hasn't confessed to his "best friend" about either encounter, and isn't man enough to do so or call off the wedding. For all I know, the fiancee could be cheating on him too, but as a reader, we're supposed to be rooting for Graham, and there is nothing to root for when it comes to *his* behavior.

Instead of taking accountability for his feelings and proudly taking Ali public, he takes the coward's way out with a ton of excuses as to why he can't tell the truth and "disappoint" everyone (including his mother, of course) by keeping her a secret. Ali, even if he hadn't kissed you (TWICE) he is emotionally cheating on his fiancee. Once a cheater, always a cheater. I wouldn't trust Graham not to do the same thing again in the future, but to you next time.

Both Ali and Graham's fiancee deserve so much better than this pathetic little man. I would have read this book and 5-starred it if both Ali and the fiancee dumped him and then got together themselves.

I enjoyed reading Never Planned on You by Lindsay Hameroff. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!

I loved the debut novel by this author and I was really looking forward to this book. But this one was borderline a bit too close to cheating for me and that is a hard pass for me. So while I loved the writing and the FMC, I just couldn't completely get behind this book.

I enjoyed this book! If you liked The Wedding Planner, I think you would enjoy this, because it’s a similar plot with a few distinctions. First things first, I loved Ali and Graham’s meet cute. Their chemistry was popping off the page from the start. It’s clear that 8 years hasn’t done much to quell that spark. I think they complemented each other well with Ali being more carefree and spontaneous while Graham is more cautious and practical.

I also loved how supportive they were of each other and how they felt seen. Ali feels misunderstood by her family given that she’s on her 3rd career path in 5 years, while Graham feels the pressure of saving his family’s hotel. His sense of duty and loyalty supersede his own happiness, creating the predicament they’re in.

Now this isn’t a spoiler, because it’s in the synopsis, but Graham’s pending marriage is one of convenience, which would make their budding relationship “acceptable” if only for the issue that Ali doesn’t know that for the first 1/2 of the book. So there are some instances of physical intimacy when Ali thinks Graham is in a real relationship. Usually cheating in books isn’t a dealbreaker for me, but I didn’t love it in this instance and I could see it being an issue for others. I think the forbidden aspect of him needing to marry Claire would have been enough.

Nevertheless, I love Lindsay’s writing and thought this was a sweet story with a great ensemble cast. Ali’s family brought the humor and their love of food, specifically as a part of observing their Jewish holidays. It was also fun to see Lexi, Jake and Chloe from TTWY!