First I would like to thank Lindsay Hameroff and St. Martin’s Publishing Group for the ARC of “Never Planned on You.”

This is the prefect second chance romance. The chemistry between the main characters Ali and Graham leap off the page. They are trying so hard to make their everyday life work, and in the words of Ali "show my family I am no longer the job-hopping flake who changed careers three times in less than a decade. That, I am, in fact, a functioning adult who can stick with something and succeed.”

You want them to succeed at more than their everyday life, you are cheering for them to get their happliy ever after, together.

This is a follow up and has cameos of characters in her debut novel, which I am now off to read.

Ali Rubin is a free spirit with a knack for turning life’s unexpected twists into opportunities. From drunken bets in London to a career switch from chef to wedding planner, Ali embraces spontaneity with open arms. But when her latest adventure lands her back home in Baltimore, she doesn’t expect to cross paths with Graham, the mysterious British stranger with whom she once shared a tattoo (and undeniable chemistry). Reconnecting should be the perfect twist of fate, except for one small problem—Graham is engaged, and Ali is planning his wedding.

While I loved the dynamic between Ali and Graham, their chemistry was undeniable, and the witty banter kept me turning pages, I struggled with the foundation of their relationship. Watching their connection develop before Ali knew the full truth of Graham’s engagement left me uneasy. Readers who are sensitive to “cheating-adjacent” tropes may find this element difficult to overlook.

That said, I appreciated how everything was resolved in the end. The grand gesture was beautifully executed and felt entirely in line with the story’s themes of honesty and vulnerability. Ali, as a protagonist, was vibrant, determined, and relatable—her desire to shake off her “family flake” reputation was compelling. As someone currently living in Maryland, I loved the subtle nods to Baltimore, which gave the setting an added layer of authenticity.a

Overall, Never Planned on You is a fun and engaging read with plenty of heartfelt moments and humor. While some aspects of the plot were hard to fully embrace, the lively characters and charming romance make it worth picking up.

This book had a lot of potential but overall was a miss for me. I didn't really like the main characters and didn't find myself rooting for them.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of the e-arc!

I absolutely loved this book! I'm becoming a big fan of the second chance romance trope, and Never Planned on You did not disappoint! I loved how it took a fun, new approach.

I read this book in one sitting! I really enjoyed the FMC & MMC. I thought Ali was so funny, and I loved the story of how her and Graham originally met. I also enjoyed getting to read about her trying to find her passion in life. Graham was so swoon-worthy! I thought their chemistry was amazing. Ali and Graham's family and friends were all so lovable too, I loved reading about them!

I loved the pop culture references! I'm so looking forward to reading more of Lindsay's work!

I really enjoyed this cute and funny second chance romance! This is the second book I've read by Lindsay Hameroff and have thoroughly enjoyed them both.

This book is Ali and Graham's story. Previously, Ali and Graham had a fling while abroad. Now, an unexpected reunion brings both the good and bad when Ali's new client turns out to be Graham - a soon to be groom.
Their fling, having left in impact on my both of them, brings back up old feelings.

I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good romance that is both fun and funny!

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.

Loved it. Will recommend to others

I’ll start off by saying I thought this was well written. I enjoyed the Baltimore setting and feel like I learned something new about Jewish culture. But I had a really hard time with the plot, and being that this was sent to me and I didn’t request to read it, I went in blind.

SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER!

There’s cheating for about 85% of the story and I didn’t like it. Every cute moment, romantic exchange, and spicy scene, there’s a reminder around the corner that the MMC is engaged to another woman. This situation is complicated but it’s still cheating and made even worse because they were never honest or upfront about their ‘relationship’. Also the truth only came out 10 minutes before the wedding was to start.

I’d consider reading something else by this author but this story just wasn’t for me. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s publishing group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars! This was like reading a 2000s rom-com and reminded me of “The Wedding Planner” as I read it! It was super cute with a lot of laugh out loud moments. I really appreciated the character dynamics and development throughout the story. It was a quick and easy read, light hearted! Graham and Ali were dynamic characters with all their vulnerabilities and flaws. I felt like I could easily cheer for them but also enjoyed the drama that came along with it. Ali shows up to plan a wedding and realizes it’s Graham, the guy from eight years ago that she hasn’t forgotten. This story was enjoyable!

This book takes place in Baltimore so naturally I had to read it!

This second chance romance features Ali and Graham. Ali hooked up with Graham on her last night of her European study abroad trip. It was also a crazy night, as it involved Ali and Graham getting matching tattoos that were half pig, half unicorn - a terrifying creature. 10 years later Ali runs into Graham in a coffee shop in Baltimore, and the sparks from eight years ago are still present. Now Ali must figure out if the Englishman still feels the same way!

This book gives you insight into the Jewish culture, a second chance romance, a relatable FMC, and character development! Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I'm in the middle on this one. Loved parts of it, didn't love others. Much of it is cute with some lough out loud lines, but the undercurrent of deception became problematic for me. I also found some parts of the book to contradict each other. As in--"it's always been you" to "I don't do love, just flings". There were a few too many unbelievable coincidences and forced proximity, but it's a rom-com, so I can let some of that slide. I also felt that the end dragged on a little too long with some perplexing reasoning for not being together.

Overall, it's a cute escape read, but not without a few problems.

To say I'm obsessed with @lindsayhameroff's writing would be a massive understatement!!! 🌼 I ADORED Till There Was You when I read it last year (any other Jake Taylor groupies out there?!) and when I found out that Lindsay's second rom-com, Never Planned On You, had Ali (my favorite TTWY character) as its main character (and her mysterious tattoo twin as the love interest!), it felt like a gift just for me-- and for all of Lindsay's other fans (fine! I'll share!) Ali is a fresh, sassy, hilarious heroine you will root for from start to finish. Thank you @netgalley and @smpromance for the chance to read and review this book early! It is available for preorder now and publishes on February 18, 2025.

This book was a great modern take of the movie The Wedding Planner. It had romance, humor, and holiday flare! I didn't love the miscommunication aspect of the book because all their problems could've been resolved had they just talked it out. Also didn't love how Ali turned down one grand gesture for another? Would definitely recommend as a cute read!!

Who doesn’t love a hilarious second chance romance! Our main character is spontaneous and in the midst of a career change when her once lover comes back into her life and rearranges everything.

DNF 25% this book is reminder of book trope I've read before and didn't enjoy. Boy meets girl they loose touch only to meet again and this time he's engaged but she doesn't know ...



**********I received an ARC for my honest opinion from NetGalley.***********

This was a wonderful romcom. From London to Baltimore I love how Ali and Graham were fated to be together. It was the perfect sweet and funny light read. Now, give me the movie!

This was my first read by Lindsay Hameroff, but won’t be my last (in fact picked up another as soon as finished this one!).

This was a funny, fast paced, second chance romance. This book has “Wedding Planner” vibes, and fans of Abby Jimenez or Ali Hazelwood would enjoy this book.

And thank you to Net Galley for an ARC copy!

Such a feel-good book and one that I can’t stop thinking about. I loved how close the family was and how involved they were in everything. Reminded me of the new show “Nobody Wants This”, especially with the Jewish representation.

I love hearing the names of local places that I know as I am from Baltimore. It really put things in perspective and helped me relate to it more - felt like an automatic sense of “home” with the fall season & Baltimore descriptions.

I loved their banter right off the bat & Ali’s sense of humor - great one-liners.
Graham was such a gentleman and always wanted to stick to his word - honorable, plus we love a man with glasses!
Claire was such a cool gal, I feel like I would be friends with her and Ali, would love to hang with them at PBR or eat gummies with Chloe & Lexi. What an epic friend group they all have.
Love the way that things worked out, especially since grandma Trudy was involved. I could not put this down! My first book by Lindsay Hameroff and I can guarantee it will not be the last.

Notes-
Tattoos 🥹
Second chance ✨
British man 🇬🇧
Tension 🤭

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press & Lindsay Hameroff for the ARC. This opinion is entirely my own.

I could picture the characters, their expressions, and second hand, get their emotions.
I loved the way our main characters met and how they seemed to just click and compliment the other. Soulmates. Paths crossing once again, and no matter the struggle to ignore it, neither can. This is a cute, happy ending romance that I'd recommend!

Lindsay Hameroff is a very talented writer & Never Planned on You is the 2nd book of hers I've had the opportunity to read via ARC, Thank you, #NetGalley!
Never Planned on You is a fun & lovely story of Ali & Graham's relationship. They met in a London bar & had a memorable night together before parting ways. Eight years later, they meet again, but the circumstances are very complicated. I highly recommend you read this story to figure out these complicated circumstances, but also read all the hilarious dialogs that lead to swoon worthy romance between these two.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book, with all thoughts and opinions being my own. If you enjoy witty banter, a bit of family drama, some self reflection, & a little passion, then you'll enjoy this amazing story.

This story was FUN! I really enjoyed following along with the main characters' love story and watching it all unfold with plenty of laughter along the way. I will be recommending this to friends!