🤍Thank you @smpromance for the arc of Never Planned on You 🤍

Second chance romance is my JAM and I was so excited for this one that had such strong vibes from one of my favorite romcoms!

And let me just say, the chemistry between Ali and Graham sizzled. It was undeniable and I was obsessed with it.

If you seen The Wedding Planner you know there are some lines that get a little blurry, as does this book—but in my opinion I think the author handled it really well.

Steam: open door

This story made me laugh out loud and tear up more than once. As a Jewish woman, I absolutely love seeing Jewish representation in books. There’s something so special about watching my culture and traditions come to life on the page—Shabbat dinners, feisty family dynamics, and warm, loving bubbies.

Lindsay Hameroff has a gift for writing stories that feel like a cozy hug. Never Planned on You sparkles with humor, heart, and charm. Her characters are vibrant, her romance swoon-worthy, and her portrayal of Jewish family life is both authentic and deeply touching.

A light and easy read with splashes of humor, this heartfelt second chance romance was filled with angst, sizzling chemistry, self-doubt, a few questionable choices, and a bet that’ll make you giggle. Ali wears her heart on her sleeve and loves to make people happy, though this is sometimes unseen as a result of her spontaneity. Meanwhile Graham’s steadfast determination to always be there and follow through on commitments and family means he is more serious and reserved but his heart is always in the right place. And did I mention he’s British?! I’m a sucker for an accent so this just fit. The combination is electric especially when you consider Ali and Graham’s first encounter 8 years earlier that resulted in a memorable night and a wager that everyone wins even as they lose (that will make sense when you read the book).

A quick read with lots of pop culture references, “Never Planned on You” is a contemporary romance that’ll warm the heart with its banter, family relationships (and angst), friend vibes, character growth, wedding planning, and food references (you’ll want snacks on hand as you read).

⭐️: 5
🌶️: 3

🎂 wedding planner FMC
🎂 forbidden love
🎂 second chance
🎂 marriage of convenience
🎂 opposite attract

If you are a fan of J Lo’s The Wedding Planner, or really any early 00’s rom-com, you will DEVOUR this.

Ali and Graham had an undeniable chemistry from the moment they met and had a one night stand many years ago. When fate reconnected them in one of the most ill-fated of ways, their mutual pining was impossible to ignore. The author wrote their story perfectly, keeping the reader guessing whether Graham was simply unfaithful or if there was something deeper between him and Claire that would soon come to light. The hints of the truth sprinkled throughout kept me entertained and wondering how this could possibly end well for all parties!

This was my first, and most certainly not my last, book by Lindsay Hameroff. Excited to see what she writes next.

🌶️🌶️🌶️ = open door, multiple scenes, not descriptive

♥︎ Thank you NetGalley, St Martins Press and Lindsay Hameroff for the ARC of Never Planned on You.

The main character of this novel, Ali, has recently moved back home (literally) to Baltimore to try to work as an events planner. One day at a coffee shop she runs into Graham, a British guy she had one amazing night with many years ago during her semester abroad, and immediately she feels a connection again. So boy is she surprised when he turns out to be the groom in a wedding she is planning.

I loved Lindsay Hameroff’s debut last year, Till There Was You, so I’m sorry to say I didn’t feel the same way about this one. The main relationship was just so problematic in many ways - hard to discuss without a spoiler even though a plot point is totally spoiled by the publisher blurb though not til more than halfway through the book (though I guessed it verrry early without reading the blurb). But even once semi-resolved I still found it problematic in other ways. That being said, I loved the Jewish representation, I enjoyed the family and friends (including appearances by Lexi from her first book), and the writing was really cute. So I definitely would still read her next book.

3.5 stars

Never Planned on You is the second novel by new-to-me author Lindsay Hameroff. Being a rom-com fan, the description of this book felt right up my alley and I wasn't wrong.

Ali and Graham met years ago in Europe and they spent one amazing night together. Now, Ali is a wedding planner in Baltimore and she and Graham end up reconnecting after running into one another. When Ali lands the biggest wedding she has planned to date, the irony is that when the groom shows up it is none other than Graham! Definitely not an ideal situation!

I really was not sure what to think of the whole "Graham is engaged to someone else" deal, but I have to say, Hammeroff turned the marriage into one of convenience, which made it much more plausible. Also, the humor that went along with all of this made it so enjoyable.

Overall this was a cute and wonderful read!

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

Thank you for the ARC! This book was incredible! 4.5 stars! I loved the few pop culture references throughout the story, the characters were so lovable, the Jewish and LGBTQ+ community was well represented and I couldn’t out the book down! I needed to know what was going to happen next! This was my first book I’ve read by this author and surely will not be the last!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press Griffin for the advanced copy for this clever and sweet romance. The book is a fun and original twist on The Wedding Planner.
When spontaneous Ali makes a bet with a serious and charming British man named Graham while she's studying abroad in London, they both end up with matching tattoos and a romantic night they each never forget. Years later, after several career changes, Ali finds herself in Baltimore working as an event planner. By surprise, she runs into Graham again. They have dinner together, but Graham leaves after hesitating to kiss Ali. Ali hopes this will be their chance at a relationship. The following day, Ali is shocked to discover Graham is the groom of a wedding her company is planning. She is both crushed and furious but is determined to make this career and opportunity stick so she stays determined to plan the wedding. But things aren't quite what they appear, and the more time Ali and Graham spend together, the harder it is to fight their chemistry.
The book was funny and cute. The topics are light and relatable. It goes into commitment, finding your passion, and family dynamics. Ali was witty and original. Graham was sweet and supportive. I loved seeing Ali's Jewish herritage represented.
Ali is the best friend of Lexi, from the author Lindsay Hammeroff's previous book, Till There Was You, but it isn't required to read to be able to fully follow this story along.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was romantic and endearing. It's both fate and the right person but the wrong time. I highly recommend it and can't wait to read more by this author!

This was so lovely! I really enjoyed the characters and the romance within this, though I did worry that it was going to have cheating in it. I think this worked the way they did it, the ending made me really happy. I was surprised by the sweet character growth in this, it felt natural and nice. Overall I really enjoyed this, and will definitely read more from this author!

Lindsay Hameroff has managed to give us another swoon worthy romance that hits you in all the feels! What is sexier than a British accent? I can't think of anything, and as Ali is finishing up her study abroad program in England, she falls for one such accent as they find themselves getting ridiculous matching tattoos on a dare. Then Ali goes home to pursue several different careers as she finds different passions. Currently, she's working as a junior wedding planner just waiting for her chance to make it big. When she runs into Graham, the sexy British accent, in her hometown of Baltimore, her world gets flipped upside down. Because it turns out that Graham is engaged to another woman and the wedding has just fallen into Ali's lap to help plan.

The story that unfolds in Never Planned on You, sure, is fiction, but while reading, it played out like real life. I was embraced into Ali's Jewish family, understood her sibling and friend dynamics, and felt the pull of romance between her and Graham. Hameroff is a wonderful writer. The characters are expertly displayed as witty, down to earth, and with real feelings not manufactured in what most fictional romances offer. This was a tale I wanted to be a part of and see through to the end, happy ending or not (no spoilers here!). What makes me sad is that the story is over, and I'm left wanting more.

Never Planned on You is even better than Till There Was You. Don't wait to read this one! I am looking forward to what Hameroff will offer us next and for another opportunity to escape into a world of quirky families and undying friendships.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin for an early copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. I really enjoyed this book. It is my favorite genre. I loved the storyline and the characters in this book. I would definitely recommend this book.

This book will certainly be a favorite of the year.

Never Planned on You has such an interesting premise, and I absolutely love the way it played out. The characters are so perfect. They had amazing development and the cutest romance. There are also cameos with Lexi and Jake from Til There Was You, which always makes me happy.

I'm ending the review early because I don't want to spoil anything about the plot twist, so get your own copy!!!

Thank you to the publisher for the e-copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

During her study abroad semester, Ali never imagined she’d see the handsome British stranger she now shares a hideous matching tattoo with again. But years later, fate has other plans! They unexpectedly reconnect, and everything seems perfect—until Ali discovers Graham is the groom in the wedding she’s been hired to plan. Eek!

I really liked Ali. She had that impulsive, funny, adventurous personality I can only wish I had. More serious, focused, and always striving to do the right thing, Graham was equally delightful in his Mister Rogers cardigans and glasses. From their very first flirty interaction, the chemistry between them was undeniable!

But I really struggled with Graham being engaged. I love a messy, complicated romance. And wanting the groom while planning his wedding is definitely complicated. Ha! And I get it. Technically, this wasn't cheating. We know there’s more to Graham’s situation (it’s even revealed in the synopsis). But you see, Ali doesn’t. The secrecy, sneaking around, and mind games were a bit bothersome.

I don’t know. I’m torn! I loved the writing. Despite my issues, the romance had all the tension, charm, and longing I hoped for. I just wish the circumstances had been a little different, I guess.

This book started of strong! I really enjoyed the characters and their personalities! But really quickly I realized that this just wasn’t a book I was going to love. There were some topics in this book that really didn’t sit well with me and it caused me to have some issues with the characters and their decisions. I also didn’t really love the miscommunication in this book or that the issues I had with certain aspects weren’t clarified until the end of the book. I just don’t think this was the book for me but there are definitely elements that I did enjoy so I recommend looking into this book if you’re interested!

2.5 out of 5 stars

𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to NetGalley for the e-ARC!

I love reading new authors and getting out of my usual reads because its a whole new world that I am stepping into. Honestly was concern with the premise of the story and the idea of potential cheating. However not everything is what it seems and the author does an amazing job of handling the plot of the book to avoid a potential scandal. Reminded me so much of The Wedding Planner movie that in the back of my mind those were the characters that I was picturing. Because these were the characters I was picturing, I think I failed to connect as deeply with Ali and Graham which is why I could only rate this a 3.

Rounded up from 4.5 stars. I cannot describe how much I loved this one. The characters were so much fun to read. I loved Ali’s humor and it was very similar to my own. I loved the pop culture references. I loved the way the romance developed but i didn’t love how long it took Ali to figure out what was happening with Graham. I loved the ending and the way Graham just fit into her life so perfectly. The way Ali grows to not only accept herself but to accept that she doesn’t need anyones opinion but her own to make her happy. This was such a great romantic comedy!

Getting matching tattoos with a stranger while you’re studying abroad? Crazy. But running into that same stranger years later? Crazier. The concept on this is so wild and unique, I absolutely loved it.

I’m a true believer in opposites attract, that they challenge each other while also complimenting/ balancing each other. Ali and Graham were a great example of this.

Some other quick points are how there was a great blend of emotion while also have funny moments. Then a nice sprinkle of spice to top it off. Also, the Jewish rep was nice to see in a book and I learned a lot!

Read if you love:
❤️ Second chance
🎂 Wedding planning
💙 Jewish rep
🌶️ Some spice

Thank you SMP Romance and Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review!

I love reading new authors. They usually come with great storylines and plots and this one certainly hit the mark in that area. Fun and creative, this story was an amusing read.

I love the beginning of the book, which sets the tone throughout. Hameroff used humor and wonderful characterization to engage the reader. But there are parts I know some readers may be critical of… So the question is: if it is a marriage of convenience and you make out with and have major feelings for the groom-to-be, is that cheating on your fiancé?

I have to say I struggled with this concept myself. Everything else about this book was great! The two were perfectly matched. The best friends were awesome. The flow and feel of the story are great! Never Planned on You is the perfect title for this book as it embodies everything about the book!

I do have one other question – Whoever decided that 3rd act drama is a thing needs therapy. I hate it! Plus, I really think we need longer endings to enjoy the fruits of the author’s labor and the HEA.

With all of that going on in this story, what do I really feel? Never Planned on You is a wonderful read, a delightful rom-com, and a story you will remember. For that reason, I think you should definitely check it out!!

Never Planned on You by Lindsay Hameroff

My sincere thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book. I give my unbiased opinion of it in the following review.

The book begins on Ali's last night in London following a study abroad program. She meets all buttoned-up Graham and sparks fly. The banter and the bets lead to them getting matching ugly tattoos and ending the night with a one-night-stand. There is no good-bye, but rather the resignation that they would never meet again. Flash forward about eight years and who should Ali bump into in her Baltimore coffee shop - of course it's Graham. They make plans for an after work drinks date and the chemistry is like no time had gone by. Graham doesn't tell her one important detail, that he is getting married. Ali finds out this important information when he and his fiancé walk into the wedding planning business where she works. There are sparks every time they get near each other, but they can't let anything happen, right?

I had a little bit of a tough time with this one. The storyline had a lot going for it, I just had a hard time with how the main characters handled things. Now, I do want to say that I really enjoyed the writing style of the author. This had some truly fun and sweet moments. I liked all the Jewish representation in this and learned some things I definitely did not know. <spoiler> I just wish there hadn't been the deception. Was there cheating? Was there not? It is kind of a gray area within this particular story. For me personally, it took away from the story for me. I encourage readers to give this one a try and make their own determination. </spoiler>

I was unaware that there is an earlier book by this author about one of Ali's friends. I'm interested in checking that one out.

Never Planned on You releases on February 18th.
Mild Course Language - Medium Spice

Never Planned on You” by Lindsay Hameroff was a breath of fresh air. Ali Ruban is finding herself as an event planner in Baltimore. Surrounded by a sweet but opinionated family, Ali is trying to find success in her new career after moving back home temporarily.

Ali’s current client comes from a well known local family where it comes to be that Ali has college connection to. Ali and Graham shouldn’t get involved again since he is the groom but….

I truly enjoyed this book. Fun characters, great setting and a well written story with fantastic dialogue. Highly recommend this one! Rom Com at its best. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin Publishing for this advance read. Get your copy February 18th!