Thanks to St. Martin's and to the author for this e-arc, provided in exchange for my honest thoughts!

I thought the premise of Never Planned on You was really sweet - I loved the set up; a one night fling that left our main character, Ali, with a few what if's until she runs into Mr. One That Got Away as his wedding planner. It's a little bit The Wedding Planner, which I felt like both helped and hurt the way the plot progressed. I was genuinely worried (distractingly) about how things were going to tie up. If you liked Hameroff's first novel, I think you'll enjoy being back in this world - Graham is a delicious love interest with a British accent to boot! I loved the representation of Ali's Jewish family and the pressure she feels from her mom and sister; that felt very real to me. All in all, a great read to keep the Valentine's Day warm fuzzies going!

4.5 stars!

Lindsay does it again! This was such a fun book! I read her first book, Till There Was You and while you don’t need to read it first, you should because we have characters from that book entwined with this! The three best female friends continue to be strong in this one and I love to see it and HOPE her third book gives us our third besties love story!

If you loved the movie The Wedding Planner then you are going to LOVE this! Our FMC Ali has switched career paths from chef to wedding planner and has been given the opportunity to help a high end historical hotel owners grandson plan his instagram worthy wedding to his IG famous fiancé. Ali, already feeling down on herself and fears her family thinks she’s flighty because of her career switch, is determined to make this wedding the best yet as she is promised a promotion if she can pull it off. All is going to plan until she realizes that the groom is a British man Graham who she hooked up with and got matching tattoos with on her last day of her study abroad program in college!

It’s been years since she’s seen Graham but the chemistry is still there between them. Her nightmare come true that Graham is the groom of the wedding she’s planning is in her face 24/7. The worst yet is that she really likes his fiancé! Graham is back in Baltimore to help his grandmother revive their families historic hotel and bring media coverage to it with their wedding and with his fiancé’s large internet following. Ali wrestles with her feelings for Graham while trying to pull off their wedding planning but continues to end up alone with Graham who is not making it easy for her to do her job.

I absolutely ate this one up and had so many moments highlighted. Between Lindsay’s humor and perfect character execution, this one will surely become one of your favorites! While some might think, ‘Kayleigh, she’s going after a man who is about to be married” I am telling you that there’s no need to worry! Lindsay does a great job of removing that ick factor and you are rooting for Ali and Graham to be together!

Read if you love:
-second chance romance
-workplace romance
-marriage of convenience
-unforgettable meet-cutes
-matching tattoos

It's tricky to get behind a romcom not only with unlikeable characters but also with a. lot of cheating. I was not a fun of this book at all. Thank you, NetGalley.

Ali Rubin was just finishing her time in London when a drunken pub night changed everything for her. She met Graham, a friend’s roommate, and challenged him to a game of darts, winner gets to choose an ugly tattoo that the loser has to get. And when they tie, they both get the ugly tattoo.

Years later, Ali finds herself living back at home and starting over with yet another new career. After London, she moved to New York and became a chef. But it didn’t make her happy. So she moved back to Baltimore, moved back in to her childhood room and takes a job as an intern for an event planning company. She wants to plan weddings and family celebrations, and if her internship goes well, Ali hopes to find herself working there full-time.

Ali gets assigned to work on a wedding, and she’s very excited. The wedding will be held at Black-Eyed Susan, a longtime institution of a hotel, and Ali thinks it could be the perfect venue. She meets the bride, a comedy writer named Claire, and finds out that the groom’s family has owned the hotel for generations. But it’s not for another week or so that Ali gets to meet him, and to see that he’s the guy from that darts bet all those years ago in that London pub.

Ali feels all those old feelings rush back, but she is stuck. She has been hired to plan this man’s wedding to another woman. And if she does well, she gets the job she’s been working so hard for and gets to move out of her parents’ house. But Graham, who just might be the love of her life, will be married to someone else. No matter how she looks at it, it’s not good. But she can’t stop thinking about the guy. And he clearly hasn’t forgotten about her through all those years. Is their relationship inevitable? A huge mistake? Or just not going to happen at all?

Never Planned on You is a charming rom com that reminded me of those good movies from the ‘90s. Ali has a big Jewish family, and their celebrations could come directly from the pen of an Ephron. The story for this one sounds simple, but there are layers to these characters that take the tropes of rom comedy and turn them on their heads. It’s warm and witty, with all the right feels, and satisfies like a binge marathon of The Price Is Right.

I really enjoyed Never Planned on You. The characters are smart but flawed, and I could feel their chemistry through these pages. I thought it was lots of fun, just the distraction I needed from the bitterly cold temperatures I had to deal with this week.

Egalleys for Never Planned on You were provided by St. Martin’s Griffin through NetGalley, with many thanks.

Lindsay Hameroff delivers the perfect mix of laugh-out-loud humor, swoony romance, and just the right amount of chaos. The banter? Immaculate. The chemistry? Off the charts. And the grand gesture at the end? So delightfully over-the-top and cheesy that I was giggling and kicking my feet. Ali and Graham are everything! I REALLY wish I could see their ridiculous tattoos!

I also LOVED Ali's family. I loved how they were so supportive of her journey to find her bliss.

I have to be honest I did not like this book. The entire first 50% is just miscommunication so much could’ve been solved earlier if they just had an adult conversation and I get there was people’s secrets to protect, but they were creating so many more issues by not talking.. while I’m aware this book had no cheating but the misuse of trust and people’s boundaries was really gross. And honestly, the end just didn’t work for me. like the end, just proved my point that if they had the conversation way further in the beginning, they could’ve gotten to the same resolution.

In this fun, second chance romance, Ali is looking for a fresh start. She has moved back to Baltimore and is starting a new career as an event planner. What she didn’t know is that her past would come walking in during her next work consultation.

Never Planned on You is a second chance romance but it is also about staring over and being ok to try new things. I enjoyed the romance between Ali and Graham. Ali’s grandma is hilarious!

If you are looking for a feel good romance with a touch of spice, then I would pick up Never Planned on You.

Never Planned on You by Lindsay Hameroff
⭐3.75
🌶️ 2
🥵 Spicy Chapters: 16, 17, 19, 21
📚 Tropes/Themes: second chance, right man wrong time, forbidden relationship, wedding planner x hotelier, forced proximity, opposites attract, workplace romance
👀 Single POV 1st person
🩷 ❤️Something I liked: based in Baltimore
🙈 Something I disliked: The FMC seemed underdeveloped and wishy-washy
🛍️ Available: Out Now!
🧠 Triggers:

💬 Review:
This was a super adorable story, and I was definitely rooting for Ali and Graham the whole time. I’m glad they were able to find their way back to each other. The story was a little predictable, but cute and I don’t really mind predictability in stories like this.

Without giving too much away, some of the common tropes were “flipped”, and I thought that was a fun idea. Well, not totally flipped but again, not sure how to say what it really was without spoilers lol.

There were a few things that fell flat for me, like I had a hard time being convinced of Ali’s personality- she seemed to flip-flop so much. In some ways she seemed very self-assured and outgoing, and then suddenly out of nowhere she was insecure and saying “I’m unloveable!”. I wish that either she had been written with a MORE insecure personality (even though I hate insecure FMCs 😂 or she’d been more stubborn/outgoing.

This almost felt like a coming of age story, but not quite- Ali is very young, and while I kind of think that’s the point, it’s also very apparent that she IS young. I’m not saying her sister is completely right with the way she mother’s her, but she’s not totally wrong either. I did appreciate her character growth with her family.

Looking for a solid rom-com with all the humor and hijinks that you'd expect from a late 1990s/early 2000s movie? Then you should PLAN on Never Planned on You!

Ali and Graham had a one night stand eight years ago, never expecting to see each other again. But one day he's back in her life and in her town, and their attraction hasn't fizzled a bit. The problem? She's supposed to be planning his wedding to another person! Can Ali get the promotion she's hoping for AND hold off her feelings for her soon-to-be-wedded dream guy? You'll have to read to find out!

This book is often laugh-out-loud funny! There were so many scenes that seemed to come straight from the rom-com playbook, which is just what the doctor ordered if you're looking for an easy breezy contemporary romance. Another thing I found charming is that we are treated to scenes with Lexi and Jake, who are featured in Hameroff's debut: Till There Was You! Occasionally I had trouble connecting with the heroine, or suspending belief enough to go along with the plot. I still enjoyed the story overall and would recommend this, as I mentioned, to die-hard rom-com fans.

Trigger warnings: cheating (maybe...kind of...?), death of a grandparent, unwanted sexual attention from strangers (very brief), grandparent in the hospital

I'd like to thank St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

I loved absolutely everything about this. The matching tattoo meet cute, the run-in years later, the banter, the pining, the impossible situation they found themselves in, just everything. I wish I could start over and read it again for the first time.

New Year New Author. I really enjoyed this one. The banter, humor and interesting characters made it a fun read. Loved the best friends and overall cast of characters for this story. The 3rd act drama – I’m typically not fond of a third act breakup – but I didn’t mind it at all and was flying through the end of the book before I realized I was caught in some 3rd act breakup drama. Overall, this was a fun one, a 5 star read for me. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I finished the book a few nights ago and I'm still thinking about it. 5 stars. All the stars. I absolutely loved it. I am going to need a physical copy.

MC Ali's voice is so fresh and fun- she instantly felt like someone I would be friends with. At some points I was like wait, is Ali me?! Of course I also loved the Jewish rep and references. As for the buttoned up, glasses wearing British love interest? Yes please!

On Ali's last night in London, a dare ends with her getting matching tattoos with her friend's flatmate- and a kiss ends up with her in his bed. Eight years later Ali has moved back to her hometown to start her career in the wedding event industry and happens to run into none other than that hottie from across the pond. As for whether the sparks are still there? Ali's pupils are basically cartoon hearts.

I like how the story doesn't mess around. I kinda knew what was going on by chapter 4 but I was excited to see if it unfolded the way I thought it would and reader, it DID! Graham was dreamy and 'the sort of person who listens with his entire body' and 'was over 5 ft 8... to help lift the chairs' at Ali's nephew's bar mitzvah (IYKYK). What is the emoji for 'swoon'?

Between Bubbie, Ali's amazing and supportive friends (Lexi is the star of book one, Till There Was You) and a British man who says 'it's always been you', I wanted to live in this book. I kvelled, I rejoiced and I laughed out loud multiple times. If you loved the JLO/Matthew McConaghy cult classic The Wedding Planner (minus the icky parts), you will love this read.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my earc in exchange for my honest review.

Y’all. I did not like this book.

It started off so great. It’s funny and the FMC remains funny throughout the book. Ali meets Graham on her final night in London. They have a fantastic time getting matching tattoos and having the sex. Then Ali leaves to go back to the US.

That was eight years ago. Now, she’s starting a new career as a wedding planner and her boss has promised a promotion if she pulls off her latest assignment. Oh, but who’s the groom? You got it. Graham.

Here’s the thing: I have read plenty of books where one or the other MC is involved with someone else in the beginning. I wouldn’t even say I have an issue with cheating in romance novels. But this absolutely did not work for me in this one. I don’t want to give away too much in case you do want to read it. I’ll just say the author did have reasons for everything that happens. I just didn’t buy it. At all.

I do not recommend this book.

I was provided an eARC via #netgalley and @stmartinspress. All thoughts are mine alone.

#romancebooks #contemporaryromance #neverplannedonyou #bookreview #bookstagram

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the arc copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

When Ali and Graham meet in a London bar, get matching tattoos, and hook up, Ali is under the impression it was just a memorable one night stand. She goes home to New York and carries on with life, trying out different careers over the next 10 years. When Ali moves home to Baltimore and starts interning as a wedding planner, she starts to feel as if maybe this is her career calling. The opportunity to prove herself and land an official event planner position presents itself, and Ali is ecstatic to do just that. The owner of the Black Eyed Susan, a popular historic hotel in Baltimore, is looking for a company to plan her grandson's wedding. Unbeknownst to Ali, Graham is said grandson. Sparks fly immediately between Ali and Graham, as if no time as passed at all, and they must fight their attraction to do the right thing for everyone involved. Obviously, that's easier said than done.

I LOVE this book; it's easily one of my favorite reads of the year. Ali and Graham are both written with such vulnerability, wit, and love. There isn't a single awful character (other than the 3 leering men of course). I love the storyline and how supportive Ali and Grahams friends/family are throughout the book. I love the references to current pop culture, such as Taylor Swift's Eras Tour and King Charles's jimjams. I laughed, I cried, and I didn't want it to end. Also the epilogue is *chef's kiss*.

I will never turn down the chance to read a good second chance romance and this was that with a TWIST.

This one was so good i looked up and I had finished the book in one sitting! I love it when that happens.

The angst, the chemistry, the longing. the steamy spicy scenes. It was so good. I highly recommend.
Thank you to net galley for the arc. all opinions are my own,

I really enjoyed this story! Although it started off a bit slowly, it soon picked up steam. One of the highlights for me was the character of Ali; she felt relatable and her choices were easy to understand. I liked how she portrayed the outcast in her family, living like a nomad but yearning for the stability that those around her seemed to have. It added a layer of depth to her character and made her journey more intriguing.

Interestingly, I expected Graham to play a larger role in the story, and I think incorporating his perspective could have enhanced our understanding of his mindset as he navigated his relationship with his fake fiancée. A dual point of view might have allowed readers to better grasp the complexity of their situation, making it feel less awkward and more relatable.

While the passion between Ali and Graham was evident, I found myself longing for a stronger sense of love in their relationship. It seemed that Graham didn’t quite demonstrate his feelings in a way that resonated with Ali, making it feel like there was a missing emotional connection. Overall, the story had great potential, and I believe a deeper exploration of their relationship would have enriched the reading experience.

If I could give this infinite stars I would. The pacing was perfect, the drama was perfect, I did not know how the conflict would be wrapped up, and the banter was perfect. Bubbie? Best grandmother character in my opinion. I laughed, I cried, I fell in love with truly every character. This was written so well and I quite literally could not put my kindle down!

Thank you to NetGalley and SMP for an early copy!

“A glittering, laugh-out-loud second chance romance that reminds us true love is sometimes the one thing you never planned on.”

I went into this book completely blind and I am so glad I did. A bookish friend posted this is our Maryland Group Chat, and I could not wait to pick it up. This story takes place in Baltimore and I fell in love with this book almost immediately when it began talking about so many things that were Baltimore-coded: 36th street, traffic on 83, snowballs, Nacho Mamas (RIP), and so many more.

While these little Baltimore glimpses gave me the warm fuzzies, the real winner is the story. I DEVOURED IT. It was absolutely amazing. Every single moment. Y’all…the MMC is blond and I fell for him so deeply. Ali and Graham are both polar opposites and the best possible match for each other. Plus, the second chance romance vibe totally got me. I can totally see this being a new reread book. I need to get my bookshelf trophy copy soon!

This book is perfect for fans of:
😍Baltimore Representation
😍Second Chance Romance
😍Jewish Representation
😍Matching Tattoos
😍Forced Proximity
😍Wedding Hijinks
😍Trapped in a freezer
😍It’s always been you

In true Cassie fashion I ran the whole range of emotions during the book. I laughed. I cried. I squealed and giggled like a schoolgirl. Lindsay has definitely become an auto-read author.

A special thank you to the author, NetGalley, and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

If I was Ali and had a one night stand and matching tattoos with a charming English man, I would crawl into a hole seeing him again. Ali is back in Baltimore after a career change to wedding planner and has to prove her skills to her boss. Only problem is the wedding she is supposed to be planning is for her one night stand in London many years ago. I loved the push and pull of them recognizing their undeniable connection, but also wanting to do the right thing for her career and his grandmother. There are so many moments where I just wanted to yell at her that he reciprocated her feelings! This book had phenomenal banter and was the ultimate slow burn. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the gifted eARC. All opinions are my own.

Instagram post will be live 20Feb25.

Never Planned on You is a contemporary romance about a couple who had a one-night stand (and got matching tattoos) eight years ago—only to find themselves working together again under awkward circumstances.

When Ali Rubin was studying abroad in London, she had a fun night out with a stranger, Graham, that started with a lost bet and ended with matching tattoos and a night in bed. They never planned on seeing each other again, but fate has other ideas. Eight years later, Ali is assigned to work on Graham’s wedding—except now, he’s the groom. As they navigate the pressures of planning a high-profile wedding, they quickly realize their chemistry never faded. But with each of their personal and career stakes on the line, they’ll have to put their feelings aside to pull off a beautiful wedding.

Never Planned on You features some of the same characters from Lindsay Hameroff’s debut novel, Till There Was You. Like that one, this book is filled with food, friendship, and the career dilemmas of twenty-somethings. I found it enjoyable and romantic, with a really cute ending.