So many tropes packed into one book. It was an easy and enjoyable read! Growing up I loved the movie the Wedding Planner, and this book gave me that same type of feeling!!

Do you love The Wedding Planner but always feel conflicted about the essentially emotional cheating going on between JLo and Matthew McConaughey? Read this book! Engagement of convenience! Add in a feels-like-fate second chance years after a one night stand that didn’t have an opportunity to become more? I ate this book up.

Ali is such a fun character and at the same time very relatable in the fact that she feels like she’s floundering and adrift as everyone around her seems to be settling and solidifying their own lives. She doesn’t give herself enough credit because I really admire her, as do many of those around her. She isn’t afraid to go after career opportunities that she believes will bring her joy and she’s brave enough to change course if something is no longer serving her. Throughout the book she really finds herself and her own sense of direction and purpose that embodies her free spirit while granting her the anchored feeling she’s been looking for.

With the book being single POV it can be a challenge to feel a deeper understanding with the MMC, but I think Lindsay Hameroff did a great job of showing who Graham is. It’s easy to feel how conflicted he is and how driven he is to do the right thing by everyone. It’s also clear how drawn he is to Ali. Their connection is always evident whenever they’re together. It feels deeper than just physical chemistry and that is reinforced by actions and words.

The third act is so well done in a way that had me feeling for everyone involved and especially proud of Ali for the way she holds onto her newfound sense of self through it all.

I had so much fun reading this book. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/St. Martin’s Griffin for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

2.5/5
While I typically love a good messy romance, I’m trying to determine how I feel about the trope in this book. While the characters all end up with a happily ever after at the end, it just feels a little icky that Ali and Graham were technically cheating.

Looking past the cheating trope, I did enjoy the witty banter and the character growth that Ali goes through. She learns a lot about herself from her mistakes, which is something I can appreciate. Writing style is smooth and the story progresses at a good pace.

The supporting characters are wonderful! They are fleshed out just as much as Ali and Graham and have their own personal stories. This made it so fun to read and helped build love for Ali and Graham as well.

Ali Rubin has recently moved home after switching jobs (again!). She views herself as the family mess-up with no direction but really she's just a fun, spontaneous and free-spirited person. Ali never expected to see Graham again, a man from her time abroad. In a spontaneous bet, Ali and Graham end up with matching tattoos. Graham may be the complete opposite of Ali. He's loyal and steadfast, with a plan. Imagine Ali's surprise when an engaged Graham shows up to her job as a wedding planner...

Ali is eager to prove herself, and knows pulling it off this wedding could secure her career. Graham, helping his grandmother revive their struggling hotel, sees the wedding as a much-needed publicity boost. But when it's revealed Graham’s engagement is a marriage of convenience, Ali and Graham's rekindled chemistry definitely throws a wrench in the plan!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for a digital ARC of this book. Look for this to release on 2.18.25.

DNF for me at about halfway.

A few things that bothered me: the dialogue was so stilted and unnatural. Conversations sounded like a instruction manual for a job interview.

There's infidelity this whole book (he's engaged to someone else). That's not a deal breaker for me; I like drama and I've actually read many books that handle that sort of tension well. This book did not. The story didn't seem interested in the nuance or complexities of the situation at all.

4.5 stars

Lindsay is quickly becoming an automatic buy author for me. This is the second book I’ve read of hers (this is her second published book) and I absolutely loved it. The way she writes banter along with adding in pop culture is *chefs kiss* ! I was laughing throughout the whole book! I knew from the banter in the prologue that I was going to love this book! It’s starts with a meet cute between the FMC and MMC in college and flash forwards to present day. Ali is now an event planner in Baltimore and happens to run into her one night stand from her last night in London eight years previously. And the story just takes off from there. I cannot wait to see what else Lindsay writes because I will definitely be reading it!

*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

One drunken night at the end of her study abroad experience, Ali Rubin met her competitive match in Graham; and after one horrible tattoo and one (not so horrible) one-night stand, she never expects to see him again. However, years later, a chance meeting at a local Baltimore coffee shop reignites sparks. The only problem? Ali is currently planning Graham's high-profile wedding to another woman.

A super fun rom-com with an original storyline, this book was a trope-haven: second chance romance, opposite attract, workplace romance, marriage of convenience, the one that got away, snowed in, and on and on and on. NEVER PLANNED ON YOU packed a punch and is perfect for the fans of stories like The Wedding Planner!

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. While I enjoyed Hameroff's 1st book, she really comes into her own with Never Planned On You. The writing has definitely improved. I adored Ali and Graham.

Ali is working as an assistant/ intern at a wedding planning business in her hometown, Baltimore, with her sister Sarah's close friend Asha. She runs into Graham, whom she met on her semester abroad in London. They had a 1 night stand with a permanent souvenir of matching tattoos.

Not too long afterward, she meets a new client, Claire, who is getting married in a historic hotel. She hits it off with Claire and then finds out the groom is none other than Graham, who hadn't mentioned anything on their meet-up. Ali is hurt by the lie of omission and her attraction to him. While planning the wedding, Ali and Graham keep having oops close calls and can't fight their attraction. To be fair, Ali tries to set her boundaries with Graham and remain professional. I was afraid this would have a cheating trope, but that's not what happens as it's "complicated."

I also loved Ali's family, especially her Bubbie and her Jewish identity. Ali enjoys cooking and worries that wedding planning career goals don't quite get her creative juices flowing. This book is just what I needed this week. 4.5/5☆ available 2/18/25.

Title: Never Planned on You   
Author: Lindsay Hameroff       
Genre: Romance       
Rating:  3.8 out of 5

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. Her joie de vivre is one of her best qualities; she lives every day to the fullest and follows her dreams wherever they take her. And now, they’re taking her from her career as a chef in New York City back home to Baltimore, where she’s interning as a wedding planner.

Despite the occasional fantasy about her British tattoo twin, Ali never expected to see Graham again. So no one is more surprised than she is when he turns up in Baltimore, ordering a latte at her favorite cafe. When they reconnect during an enchanting evening together, Ali can’t help but wonder if Graham might be someone special.

At the same time, she's desperate to succeed in her new career and prove that she isn’t the family flake. When she gets a job planning a high profile wedding at a historic hotel, it seems like things are finally falling into place. That is, until Graham turns out to be the groom.

Graham’s family owns the once-grand, now struggling Black-Eyed Susan, and he’s returned to Baltimore to help his grandmother get it back on its feet. He’s certain that hosting a wedding at the hotel is just the publicity boost it needs. Ali’s boss agrees, and promises Ali a full-time gig if the affair goes off without a hitch. Unfortunately, Ali and Graham can't seem to ignore their rekindled chemistry, especially when it’s revealed that Graham and his fiancée are planning a marriage of convenience. Still, staying away from each other is the best thing they can do, since giving in to their growing feelings might cost them everything.

Because when it comes to love, all bets are off.

I liked Ali…except that she thought it was okay to be involved with an engaged man. I wasn’t okay with that. I loved Ali’s family, but her self-identifying as the black sheep/family disaster was kind of a self-fulfilling prophecy. I liked a lot of the secondary characters, too, but Ali and Graham just didn’t work for me because of the whole he’s-engaged-to-someone-else thing.

Lindsay Hameroff lives in Pennsylvania. Never Planned on You is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.)

(Blog link live 2/21).

I recently finished reading "Never Planned On You" by Lindsay Hameroff and was thoroughly impressed. This book is a delightful blend of romance, humor, and emotional depth, making it a compelling and enjoyable read from start to finish.

The story is centered around unexpectedly finding love in the most unplanned ways, and Hameroff has a unique way of capturing the nuances of relationships that feel authentic and relatable. The characters are well-developed, with rich backstories that make them leap off the pages. The protagonist's journey is both heartwarming and inspiring, as she navigates life's unpredictabilities with resilience and grace.

Hameroff's writing style is engaging and flows effortlessly, pulling the reader into the world she has created. Her ability to paint vivid scenes and evoke strong emotional responses is truly commendable. The humor woven throughout the narrative adds a wonderful layer, making the book not only touching but also entertaining.

Overall, "Never Planned On You" is a fantastic read that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a well-written, heartfelt romance that also offers a good dose of laughter. It certainly deserves 5 stars for its charm, wit, and emotional depth.

Ali is free-spirited, spontaneous and a bit of a wild child. Graham is a cardigan-wearing, spreadsheet-loving, old man in a young man’s body when they meet her last night of a study abroad in England. High on life and a bit drunk, they end up with matching tattoos, have one hot night together and then go their separate ways. Several years later, Ali has just moved home to Baltimore from New York City, is living with her parents, and trying her third career since she graduated from college. Compared to her perfect older sister, she feels like a complete disaster. When she runs into Graham in line to get coffee, she’s shocked to see the Brit in her neighborhood and thrilled to discover they still have the same attraction — until he walks into the office where she’s interning with a wedding planner with his fiancee.

This is such a good story of opposites attract and people figuring out their priorities. I loved Ali and Graham and how different they were and how wonderful they worked together. Can’t wait to read more from this author!

Thanks to St. Martin's via Netgalley for this ARC.

Ali and Graham met years ago during an unforgettable night out and then never saw eachother again. In the present timeline, Ali has hopped around jobs and is now working for a wedding planning office. She’s got one chance to prove herself, and guess who walks in the door!? Graham and his fiancée! This is one of those love stories where you genuinely wonder - how is this going to work? Of course I was worried there would be cheating and other non favorable tropes at play, but the author surprised me in the way it all played out. This was a sweet, fun romance and I loved all the cultural references!

For those who love:
💐Wedding Planning
💐”Nobody Wants This”
💐“The Wedding Planner”
💐Jewish Rep
💐Opposites Attract
💐Secret Romance


Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I was so excited when I received an email invited to read Lindsay’s second book because I absolutely fell in love with her bedut novel (Til there was You). And book 2 is just as cute, witty, lighthearted and sweet as her first book! This one may not have evoked the same gut wrenching emotions I had, but IT IS SO WORTH THE READ!

The story is definitely a play on marriage of convenience but with a twist! And all the angst and secrecy made me squirm a bit… but Graham and Ali’s chemistry is undeniable and they so cute together! I love how Ali always fights for her passions and beliefs and her love for her family is something to admire. She is just the fun loving friend everyone needs and love! And her grandma (bubbie) is HILARIOUS!!! I love all the jewish references and understood most as I have some jewish friends so that was also fun to read about!

Graham is an old british soul, who’s charming, handsome, studious and stable, but the situation they have at hand wasssss a bit sketchy… but no worries! Lindsay knew how to tangle and untangle that tale! In the end, this was such a fun read and I hope you all go and read it too!

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸…
🏨Second Chance
💛Hidden Relationship
🏨The best Meet Cute
💛There’s another woman - no cheating
🏨Forced Proximity
💛Grumpy / Sunshine
🏨Single POV
💛Open Door

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A great second chance romance. All and Graham have intense connection and great character development.

never planned on you - arc review
“have you ever met someone but the timing wasn’t right? but then they show back up again, and it just feels like it’s a sign? like things are finally falling into place?” 🎀
i wish i had this book when i was in college when i was so desperate for something that was truly mine and i felt like i was being flighty changing my major multiple times. i absolutely loveedd the fmc, and related so much to her - Ali’s messy and dorky, but in all the best ways. this sweet little read is fast-paced, and it releases february 18th.



tropes and things
- second chance
- matching tattoos
- wedding planner and client
- british, cinnamon roll mmc
- slow burn

Author bio states they were raised in Baltimore but currently live in Pennsylvania. Maybe that’s why this reads like it was written by someone who is not from Baltimore. It just felt very foreign and kind of odd at times. The romance was flat for me. Lots of whining going on and woe is me etc. the main character just wasn’t likable at all.

Chat this book was giving everything it could give! it was smart, romantic and made me feel all types of ways. One thing I did not like was that the book felt so slow paced!!

This was my second book by Lindsay Hameroff and I have to say that I really enjoy her writing style. It's always such a fun storyline, and this one was so intriguing with it being the female main character planning the wedding of someone she had a one night stand with. There were a lot of funny moments and it reminded me a lot of a feel good romcom movie! I'll definitely be recommending this one.

Whoa….the feelings between Ali and Graham are intense, explosive, passionate and complicated!!! The air crackled with desire and want every time the two of them were together. I loved their story, with all of its ups and downs!

Never Planned on You
Lindsay Hameroff
Pub: 2/18/25
4☆

This was such a fun second chance romance that had it all… humor, feels, spice, and characters you just can’t help but root for. I absolutely adored Ali and Graham’s opposites attract story from beginning to end and already look forward to more from Hameroff.

What I enjoyed;
✨ Second Chance Romance
✨ LOL Banter
✨ Tattoo Twins
✨ Wedding Planner Vibes
✨ Family Dynamics
✨ Jewish Rep

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.