Cute second chance romance, easy to read and had some pretty funny moments. Biggest issue for me was the maybe cheating aspect, didn't love, and felt like there was a lot of miscommunication that was unnecessary. This was also a standalone in a series about the FMC and her friends which I didn't realize till about halfway through, don't think reading the first book was necessary. Quick entertaining read would recommend. I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Never Planned on You by Lindsay Hameroff is an utterly charming second chance romance that had me laughing, swooning, and thoroughly entertained from start to finish. The story follows Ali Rubin, a spirited and spontaneous woman whose impulsive nature lands her in some memorable situations—like a drunken bet in London that ends with matching tattoos alongside a British stranger, Graham. Years later, back in Baltimore and interning as a wedding planner, Ali unexpectedly runs into Graham, reigniting the spark from their one magical night years ago.

The chemistry between Ali and Graham is electric, and their story is filled with serendipitous moments that fans of second chance romance will adore. I loved Ali’s vivacious personality and how she embraced change, shifting from her career as a New York chef to wedding planning, even while navigating life back at home with her parents. Graham, more reserved but no less charming, was the perfect complement to Ali. Their dynamic was heartfelt, and the angst of their forbidden connection—especially once Ali discovers Graham is the groom in her high-stakes wedding project—was palpable.

Hameroff’s writing brings plenty of humour and warmth to the story, with delightful moments like Ali organising her Bubee’s game-show-themed 90th birthday party. Family relationships and themes of self-discovery add depth, while the light-hearted romance keeps things engaging. For those who prefer closed-door romances, note there are three intimate scenes that can easily be skipped without losing any context.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

I loved reading this book. These two main characters are sexy, funny and sweet. The romance was so real you could really connect with what was going on in the story. I couldn’t not put this book down.

I loved this book so, so much. Ali and Graham have such amazing chemistry that you feel from their first encounters. I loved their original meet because it was short and sweet, but packed a serious punch, and really set up the rest of their story for an emotional ride. You can feel the almost desperation Ali has to be seen as a responsible and thriving adult, while also falling into a really challenging situation with Graham. The way Graham tries to do right by absolutely everyone around him, except for himself, is so evident in their story. Watching them each navigate their own personal growth is so satisfying. I thought this was so well written and I highly highly recommend it.

Man, was this a fun read! I am partial to quick-witted, sassy main characters in romance books—it’s easy for me to love (or hate) them and become invested in their story. “Never Planned on You” doesn’t disappoint in this area, with quirky Ali and quiet Graham, who have their own ways about them but have chemistry from the beginning of their story. Yes, the premise isn’t exactly the most original (odes to the movie The Wedding Planner popped up a few times through my read), but with it’s own twists, it was fun to see their story unfold, and I really enjoyed every minute I read this story. The side characters bring their own eccentric twists to the story, but I found them all pretty lovable (and realistic to family dynamics) and thought they all added cute color to the story.
My only issue…and it’s a very very minor one…is that there are a few inconsistencies or random things in the book that made me scratch me head for a second. The character of Dev was weirdly introduced out of nowhere and was completely unnecessary. At one point Claire is in town and then she’s not. All of these things do not alter the story in any way or that 90% of people may even notice or think much about, it’s just my feelings. However, none of that should stop you from picking up this lovely novel. “Never Planned on You” was a charming read that I needed to read at this time, and I think any fan of romances wouldn’t be disappointed if they gave it a shot as well.

**Thank you so much to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I appreciate the opportunity!**

4/5⭐️

I was lucky and received an ARC by St-Martin’s press for this book! This was my first ever ARC and I was so excited, and was definitely left not disappointed at all!! 🤩

Let me start by saying that this book was REALLY good, and that I recommend 100% to read it when it’s out in February. It was super cute, really short, and entertaining!

This story starts with Ali, that decides to change career as a cook to go in events planning. She gets a contract thats a wedding, and gets along so well with the future bride. But when she meets her fiancé. Graham, she is left shocked to learn that he’s an old flame she hooked up with in school years earlier (!!!) She obviously gets mad and then they spend more time together, and the rest is history (you’ve gotta read the book to know all the details I won’t tell more 👀).

This story really felt like you were reading a book that could be adapted as a romcom movie in real life; it was adorable, dramatic, funny, cheesy and spicy all at the same time. I talked about this story to my sister actually, and she told me it was really similar to the movie “The Wedding Planner” starring Jennifer Lopez & Matthew McConaughey, so if you want an idea of what the story is in details, you could definitely watch the movie instead ✨

Ali’s character was badass, and sensible at the same time. I reallyyyyy loved her. Graham, however, made me mad a little. He never seemed to stand up for himself, and that made me sad for him, and annoyed me tbh … but Chloe was AMAZING, such a fun character!

Anyway, if you are in a reading slump, this book could easily leave you out of it; it’s cute, short, and easy to read 🤭

4.25 stars! I loved Lindsay Hameroff's debut, so I was especially excited to read this book...and I enjoyed it just as much, if not more! NEVER PLANNED ON YOU follows Ali Rubin, who has a bit of a reputation for spontaneity in her family and friend group. Exhibit A? The matching tattoos she got with a stranger during a drunken night out in London. Eight years later, Ali's risk-taking nature has led her from NYC to her hometown of Baltimore, where's she's left her job as a chef to intern as a wedding planner. And while she still can't get Graham, her "tattoo twin," out of her head, the last thing she expected was to see him in Baltimore, waiting in line at her favorite cafe. Their undeniable chemistry is as strong as it was all those years ago, but there's only one problem: Graham is the groom in the high-profile wedding Ali's just been hired to plan...the wedding that might make or break her brand-new career. Will Ali and Graham get their second chance at true love, or was their connection nothing more than a fun story to tell?

This had everything I love in a romcom—sparkling chemistry, witty banter, pop culture references, Jewish representation...I could go on! The Jewish rep was a definite highlight for me, and especially well-done. I loved hearing about the Rubin family dynamic, their Shabbat dinners and holiday celebrations (Hanukkah may be over, but I'm seriously craving a latke platter now!), and the scenes related to Ali's nephew's bar mitzvah were so much fun too. I also really liked how Graham was so excited to learn about Jewish culture and become a part of Ali's world in that way. The relationship between Ali and Graham in general was wonderful, and Hameroff really nails the opposites-attract dynamic. Ali is such a fun, vibrant character with a true zest for life, but at the same time, her spontaneity and fun-loving ways often lead her to be taken less seriously by the people around her. Graham is quieter, more of a homebody, and very dedicated to his work and family, but struggles with letting loose and showing his adventurous side. It's easy to see how these two balance each other out and bring out the best in each other! They were both such likable characters, and they just had this magnetic draw to each other from the start, which Hameroff conveyed so well.

Like her previous book, this one also has great friendship dynamics—it was so much fun getting to see Lexi and Chloe again, and I enjoyed following Ali's friendships with Asha and Claire, too. The side characters were such a blast to read about in general (Ali's Bubbe was definitely another fave)! I also loved how the city of Baltimore really feels like its own character. I haven't read many romances set there, so it was especially nice to see how vivid and well-developed the setting was, and how Ali grew to love being back in her hometown after spending some time away, realizing that she could make her personal and professional dreams come true right where she was.

The only thing that stopped this book from being an even higher rating for me was the pacing. "Marriage-of-convenience" can often seem like kind of a far-fetched trope, but I thought it made sense here, and Lindsay Hameroff had a good, creative take on it. That being said, I almost felt like Ali should have found out about it earlier? It's pretty clear to the readers early on that something is not quite "right" about Graham and Claire's relationship, but it isn't really explicitly addressed until over halfway into the story. I understand why that choice was made, but I still somewhat wished Ali would have known a little earlier/it would have been addressed before then. Still, that didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story! I would definitely recommend NEVER PLANNED ON YOU for anyone in search of a swoon-worthy romance with wonderful family and friendship dynamics, and plenty of fun pop culture references to spot. I'm off to add Lindsay Hameroff's next book to my TBR! Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

Hameroff’s second novel, Never Planned on You, has all the feels. To say I laugh my socks off would be putting it mildly and who doesn’t love a slow burn second chance romance with a sprinkling of drama? I’d already met the story’s heroine and her besties in Till There Was You and it didn’t take me long to realise that the author loves anything food. And I liked that she hadn’t veered far from her roots but given us a different premise.

The story lifts off eight years back in London where Ali Rubin’s spontaneity left a distinct mark on her. She can’t forget what happened but gets on with life. So, from the kitchen in The Big Apple to being a trainee wedding planner in Baltimore, Ali is determined to impress her boss and parents who’d like to see their daughter find her feet, but when she’s given the opportunity to do just that, she’s in for a real surprise.

Graham, a nerdy cardigan-wearing Brit whose accent is spot on finds himself in a rather awkward situation when he runs into Ali again. Even though he has trouble plucking up the courage to tell her something, there’s a lot to like about him. Besides his failure to come clean–I loved the tension buildup; he’s a true gentleman. I was concerned about how the author would navigate his and Ali’s setback as there’s a third party involved, but I needn’t have been. Hameroff did a marvellous job avoiding what could have been off-limits for her readers in this well-balanced character and plot-driven story.

Hameroff created a great cast of characters. Not only are Graham and Ali super sweet—take note of the pleasantry, their witty banter and chemistry are off the charts too. Claire, Ali’s family and Graham’s grandmother made the story even more engaging than it was already, and despite having a few issues with the sequence of events, I thoroughly enjoyed the mention of music trends and the Jewish faith. Bravo!

My thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for the ARC.

For fans of My Best Friends Wedding and The Wedding Planner. Like these movies, I found this book to be entertaining.

Ali returns home to Baltimore to intern as a event planner. She was a trained chef in New York for a few years after giving up teaching. Her family thinks she's unreliable and chases too many whims. Her character lacks dimension and she does not change or grow much in the storyline.

Graham works in finance in New York but is home to help his grandparents. They own a historical hotel in Baltimore that has fallen out of the public eye.

The MCs have a terrific meet-cute that is left with them following different journeys Their paths cross 10 years later and they have a second-chance romance. The story is comforting and fun to read. However, both MCs could have evolved more and had more depth.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martins Press for this eARC! All opinions are my own.

Never Planned on You is a single POV second chance romance. Ali, a professional chef-turned event planner runs into a guy she never thought she’d see again: the stranger she got a drunken tattoo with in college! Graham has moved to Baltimore, but the reunion isn’t smooth, seeing as he’s the groom in the wedding she’s been hired to plan. Their attraction has been rekindled, but there seems to be no way for the two to get their second chance at happiness!

This was a surprising read, I really wasn’t sure how I’d like a “he’s marrying someone else” romance but this one really worked for me. I loved Ali’s chaotic energy and Graham’s old-man attitude! I’m definitely interested in reading more from this author!


Read dates: 01/12/2025 - 01/14/2025
Goodreads review: 01/14/2025
Instagram review: 01/14/2025
Blog review: 02/18/2025

Lindsay Hameroff's "Never Planned on You" is a delightful and heartwarming romance novel that explores the themes of love, destiny, and second chances. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Baltimore, the story follows the journey of Ali Rubin, a spirited and spontaneous chef, as she navigates the complexities of her career and unexpected love.

Ali Rubin is a talented chef who has recently returned to Baltimore to intern as a wedding planner, and it’s a career change that is as unexpected as it is exciting. Her return to her hometown brings back a flood of memories and a chance to reconnect with her roots. Ali's character is immediately captivating; she is dynamic, full of life, and exudes a genuine warmth that makes her immensely relatable. Her passion for cooking and her adventurous spirit shine through, making her a protagonist that readers can easily root for.

The plot takes an intriguing turn when Ali crosses paths with Graham, a charming Brit whom she met years ago in London. Their chance encounter during a pivotal moment in her life had left a lasting impression on both of them. Graham is now in Baltimore, preparing for his own wedding, which adds an interesting layer of complication to their rekindled connection. Hameroff skillfully crafts the chemistry between Ali and Graham, making their interactions both heartwarming and electric.

Graham’s character is equally well-developed. He is charismatic, thoughtful, and grappling with his own set of challenges. As a character, he provides a perfect counterbalance to Ali’s vivacity with his more grounded and introspective nature. The tension between Ali's feelings for Graham and his impending marriage creates a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged.

One of the standout aspects of "Never Planned on You" is its exploration of the notion of destiny and the unexpected turns that life can take. Ali's career shift from a chef to a wedding planner is a testament to her adaptability and willingness to embrace new opportunities. This theme resonates throughout the novel, as both Ali and Graham are faced with decisions that could alter the course of their lives. The story beautifully captures the idea that sometimes the best things in life are the ones we never planned for.

Hameroff’s writing style is engaging and evocative. She has a knack for creating vivid descriptions that bring the setting and characters to life. Baltimore, with its rich history and vibrant culture, serves as a charming backdrop for the unfolding romance. The author's attention to detail in describing the city’s landmarks, as well as the culinary delights that Ali creates, adds depth and authenticity to the story.

The novel also delves into the importance of family and friendship. Ali’s relationships with her family and friends are portrayed with warmth and authenticity. These interactions provide a sense of grounding and support as she navigates her feelings for Graham and the challenges of her new career. The secondary characters are well-drawn and add richness to the narrative, each playing a crucial role in Ali's journey.

"Never Planned on You" is not just a romance; it is a story of personal growth and self-discovery. Ali’s journey is one of finding herself and embracing her true passions. The novel’s pacing is well-balanced, with moments of introspection interspersed with scenes of action and romance. The dialogue is natural and reflective of the characters' personalities, adding depth and realism to their interactions.

The resolution of the story is both satisfying and hopeful. Hameroff ties up the various plot threads in a way that feels organic and true to the characters’ journeys. The novel's conclusion leaves readers with a sense of fulfillment and the comforting notion that love often finds us in the most unexpected ways.

This is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that will appeal to fans of contemporary romance. With its well-developed characters, engaging plot, and themes of love and self-discovery, it is a must-read for anyone looking for a heartwarming and inspiring story. Hameroff has crafted a tale that is both entertaining and deeply moving, making "Never Planned on You" a standout addition to the genre.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I was such a big fan of Hameroff's debut novel, so I was thrilled to receive an advance copy of her sophomore novel. I love how Hameroff utilized the interconnected standalone structure to tie in her previous characters and utilize some of the same exposition content as her previous novel. I also adored how "real" these main characters felt to me, and there wasn't a need to fix or change their base personalities, and the use of one POV made this choice stand out and shine. The structure of family dynamics and Jewish culture was also really well done stylistically.
This was the first novel I've ever seen that executed a "reverse" marriage of convenience, which was SO intriguing! There is an oversaturation of tropes in the romance genre, so to see a popular trope be adjusted in this manner drew me in!

Some critiques that I noted include the abundant use of slang - and not just in text threads or at more appropriate times. It doesn't make sense that a person would use text slang in their internal monologue, and this, along with multiple pandemic references, brought me out of the story. Additionally, there was a lot of "will we, won't we" situationship vernacular and building blocks, which is just not in my preference.

Overall, this novel met the mark that I set! I enjoyed it, and would recommend it to others.

Classic plot line but with adorable characters and solid writing. Characters were endearing and author included interesting cultural tidbits.

Lindsay Hameroff has become an autobuy author for me! This book has so many great tropes like second chance, workplace, marriage of convenience and opposites attract.

Unfortunately this book revolves around two tropes that I typically avoid - glorified cheating and miscommunication. That is a risk I take when going into books blind! If I had known these tropes were involved, I wouldn’t have chosen to read this book.

This book reminded me of the Wedding Planner. Ali moves to Baltimore for a new job and falls for the guy she's helping plan a wedding for. The characters have a past, which leads to a funny and spicy romance. I really liked this book overall, but I am not a fan of the cheating troupe so I didn't give a full five stars.

This is such a sweet and love-filled story. A chance meeting during a night out on the main character's last night of study abroad. Matching tattoos after a bar-room bet. Fast forward 10 years and the dreamy Brit is in Baltimore. Through planning a wedding that shouldn't happen, these two fall in love and it's a lovely story. One in which I loved all the characters and read this in just one day.
I was cheering for love the entire time!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.

Second-chance romance is currently my favorite romance trope, so I was so excited to pick this up and I'm glad I did! Second-chance romance with hella banter that isn't cringy or overdone? Sign me up!

Ali is strong, intelligent, and incredibly likable. Graham is British, if that's your sort of thing, and has a heart of gold. Together these adults communicate well, consider each other's feelings, and had done a lot of work on themselves as individuals by the time their second chance at romance rolled out. This made for a very enjoyable, adult-feeling read. The angst and steam really dialed this feeling up at least by double, and I really enjoyed this one!

I will have to keep up with Hameroff's books! Thank you to St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin, and NetGalley for providing an ARC!

4.5 ⭐️
2.5 🌶️

I loved Hameroff’s debut novel, so I was super excited to receive an early copy of this book from NetGalley for review. For starters, I love that this book is a spin-off of Till There Was You, focusing on Lexi’s best friend Ali. It’s a nice tie-in, but it won’t alienate readers who haven’t read the first book. I loved the Jewish representation in this book— Shabbat dinners, Hanukkah celebrations, using words like Bubbie and yenta. I loved the relationship between Graham and Ali and was satisfied overall with how everything turned out!

Overall, I feel that this book was very well written. The FMC is going through something in her life with her career that I feel a lot of people, especially women can relate to. She struggles with feeling like she belongs, and I feel that this is a very common theme for women these days. I also enjoyed the MMC, as he handled his life situation in a very realistic way. There is a twist toward the end regarding the MMC that I DID NOT see coming, but was very happy with how it worked out in the story.