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.

I really wanted to like this book, at first it started off great. I enjoyed the rom com feel, the references that we know. But then I felt like it was dragging on.

Lindsay Hameroff’s *Never Planned on You* is a delightful mix of charm, wit, and emotional depth. The novel effortlessly pulls you into the lives of its characters, who feel so real and relatable that they seem to leap off the page. This is not your average contemporary romance—it’s a story about self-discovery, second chances, and the beautiful messiness of life.

The protagonist is refreshingly authentic, with flaws and quirks that make her easy to root for. Hameroff does an exceptional job of building a romance that feels earned and organic, with sizzling chemistry and plenty of heart-melting moments. The dialogue is sharp and engaging, often peppered with humor that keeps the tone light without detracting from the emotional weight of the story.

What sets *Never Planned on You* apart is its ability to balance romance with deeper themes like personal growth and overcoming the unexpected. Hameroff’s writing is evocative yet easy to read, making it hard to put the book down. She captures both the thrill of falling in love and the vulnerability that comes with it.

Fans of heartfelt romances with strong character development will find this book a treasure. It’s an uplifting reminder that life doesn’t always go according to plan—but sometimes, the unplanned turns out to be exactly what we need.

If you’re a fan of authors like Emily Henry or Christina Lauren, this book deserves a spot on your TBR list!

I absolutely loved Never Planned on You! It's an adorable second chance romance, stemming from a meet cute night to remember - and with the tattoos to never forget it! 🤣 Ali and Graham have amazing page-sizzling chemistry, with a well written and plotted storyline to go with it. Can't wait to read Hameroff's next book!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Feel-good romance vibes, second chances, and a touch of “it’s complicated” drama? This story checks all the boxes! 🥰💍✨
If you’re a fan of heartfelt romances with a sprinkle of nostalgia, this one will make you swoon! It gave me serious “The Wedding Planner” JLo vibes (you know, the perfect mix of fun, drama, and swoony moments) 🎥🌸—but with its own unique flair.

Ali, our spirited and impulsive leading lady, is chasing her latest dream of becoming an event planner. 🌟 She’s determined, hilarious, and so easy to root for! But just as she starts gaining her footing, fate throws a wrench in her plans: her newest client, the groom-to-be, is none other than Graham, the guy she shared a magical evening with eight years ago. 💫🔥 A moment that clearly left a lasting impression on both of them… and me as a reader!

Graham hasn’t forgotten Ali either (seriously, who could forget Ali?! 😍). Their chemistry is off the charts, sizzling and sweet all at once. ⚡💖 But here’s the kicker: his upcoming marriage? Yeah, let’s just say it’s not exactly what it seems. 👀💔 Cue the drama, the longing, and all the delicious romantic tension!

One of the standout elements of this book is the humor. I found myself laughing out loud at the banter, which reminded me so much of Abby Jimenez’s style—witty, sharp, and perfectly timed. 🤭💬 It added so much charm to the story and made it such an enjoyable read!

The romance is heartfelt and full of all the feels—hope, heartbreak, second chances, and a beautiful reminder that sometimes love is worth fighting for. 🥹💕 By the end, my heart felt so full and happy. If you’re looking for a swoony romance with characters you’ll root for and a story that will keep you smiling, this one is an absolute winner. 🌟📖