Workaholic Lena thinks tonight is the big night—her boyfriend is going to propose. That doesn’t happen and she ends up dumping him and heading to her Aunt Rosie‘s home on Bainbridge Island in Washington. When she wakes up the next morning, She finds herself in an alternate reality. She’s in a new home with a new man, her husband. Day after day, Lena finds herself in a new relationship with a new man in a new location. She learns about herself along the way and what she really values in a relationship.

This is a fun idea but I did feel the execution got a bit tiresome. There were a lot of different scenarios with different characters, and I wasn’t necessarily invested in them in anyway. I kind of just wanted Lena to find “the one.”

Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for a copy of this book.

ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏʙᴏᴏᴋ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ || INSIGNIFICANT OTHERS [thank you to William Morrow and Harper Audio for my #gifted copies!]

Title: Insignificant Others
Author: Sarah Jio
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Format: audio
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Narrator: Brittany Presley
Narration: ★★★★★

ᴍʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛꜱ:
If you’ve ever looked back on your life and wondered: how did I get here? What if I’d made a different choice? Then this is the book for you!

In this book, I think the FMC enters about 8 or 9 different alternate realities - each one centered around a man that she met in her past (no matter how brief their previous involvement) and each one ending with her learning something about herself and what she’s looking for in a partner.

Looking at her life, Lena has checked off all the boxes she thought she was supposed to. She’s dating the “perfect” guy, she has a “perfect” (albeit demanding and draining) job, and a best friend who’s stuck by her through everything…but she’s still unhappy. She dreads going to work, she doesn’t actually love the man she’s been dating for 2 years, and she’s stuck.

But watching her go through each alternative reality and just seeing her being willing to take on and do anything that was asked of her in that timeline (sort of adultery) was really refreshing to see. A lot of timeline or time loop stories you spend a great deal of time watching the MC being confused and rejecting the reality that they’re in -- but not here, Lena jumped right in, and I loved that!

🎧 Pressley can do no wrong in my opinion, and she’s the main reason I ended up requesting this in audiobook format. She was so easy to listen to and really highlighted the variety of feelings and situations that Lena found herself in. 100% read this one via audio — you won’t regret it.

ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ:
The Good Part by Sophie Cousins
The Second Chance Year by Melissa Wiesner
Time Travel Romance
What If
Multiple Timelines

ᴅᴇᴛᴀɪʟꜱ:
GR: 3.85⭐️
# of Hours: 9 hours, 11 minutes
Pub Date: April 1, 2025

Sara Jio was a new author to me, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I was actually more impressed than I thought I would be from the description of the story. It made me pause and reflect back on my own previous relationships and the roads not taken. I will definitely be checking out her other books. Thanks to NetGalley, William Morrow and the author for a copy to read and review.

Insignificant Others is a poignant time loop story that packs a mighty emotional punch. It makes you examine the “what if’s” and analyze whether the grass is really greener given how life’s paths diverge.

Call it divine intervention, but when main character Lena Westbrook wakes up the morning after breaking up with her long term (if not boring) boyfriend to find herself living in an alternate version of her life, she takes it as a sign. As the days go by, Lena continues to awake in different locations, catching glimpses at what her reality would have looked like had she chosen differently in her past. From Paris, to Ireland, to New York City, Lena will learn about herself and what she truly wants all in the hopes of carving out a life she can be proud of.

The strongest aspect of this book is its expert pacing. We are plopped into each vignette for only a day’s worth of time so the plot moves quickly. Despite only dropping in for a short amount of time, each reality was properly fleshed out, with Lena’s lives feeling fully realized in each one. Refraining from spoilers, but there are a few vignettes that achieve incredible emotional impact and I had a hard time deciding where I wanted Lena’s happy ending to lead to. I enjoyed the mystery of finding out what each of Lena’s lives looked like and it made the reading experience so much more enticing with each discovery.

I think the most important message to take away from this book is that friendship is life’s constant. Lena has real platonic loves in Frankie and Aunt Rosie and we see her immediately search for them in every reality. Lena’s relationships with both women were influential in her character growth and I adored how their love for each other never wavered even when different realities caused strain on their connection. It was very apparent that these women were Lena’s safe haven and I recognized my own relationships mirrored in them.

I simply adored this book, hardly coming up for air as I devoured it. It’s a reckoning for those who can’t help considering the “what if’s” and it made me examine my own needs and desires. I think this story is incredibly engaging and the message at the heart of the narrative struck a chord.

Thank you William Morrow and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Insignificant Others is a love letter to the people who float in and out of our lives — the friends, flings, almosts, and “what even was that?” connections. It’s a reminder that love doesn’t just live in grand romances — it’s hiding in the everyday, in missed calls, shared playlists, and weirdly specific inside jokes.

That said, I think it could’ve focused on fewer men and instead gone deeper into the relationships that were always there — especially her connection to her mom and the grief she was carrying. Those parts hit the hardest.

One quote that really stuck with me: “Never for a second think your path is predestined to follow in anyone else’s footsteps.” A beautiful reminder to live every moment with intention and tenderness, especially with the people right in front of us.

Loved this one. 3.5 stars

Imagine if you had to chance to spend a day with all of the guys who got away during your life to see what your life would have been like if you had stayed with them. This new book by Sarah Jio looks at that scenario using a bit of magical realism to give her main character a look at the "WHAT IFs" in her life.

Lena is workaholic. She has been dating the same man for over two years and he checks all the boxes on her list of what would make a good husband. She has a feeling that he's going to propose tonight so she buys a new dress and gets her hair done so she can look her best. Instead of proposing, he breaks up with her. She is crushed and confused and heads to her aunt's home on Bainbridge Island near Seattle, to heal her broken heart and try to figure out what she needs to do next. She falls asleep in the guest house but when she wakes up, she is in a fancy apartment in Paris, in bed with a handsome Frenchman who refers to Lena as his wife. She remembers that he was a man she met at a wedding years before where they discussed the futility of marriage. She's confused but she gets through that day, only to wake up in the morning on a farm 'married' to a man that she had several dates with years before. Over the next several days she wakes up with husbands in Ireland, New York City, downtown Seattle and one morning with the man that she expected to propose at the beginning of her adventure. At each stop, she learns more about the man that got away -- some of them were really bad candidates for relationships but several of the others seemed like they would have been a good catch and given her a happily ever after life. Lena learns more about herself and how she wants to live her life at each stop she makes but will she realize exactly what kind of man she needs for a happy relationship?

Lena started out the novel as a very pretentious and structured person and it was easy to dislike her. But by the end, she has changed so much that I was really hoping she would figure out what she wanted out of life and who, if anyone, could provide her with a happy life.

This book was an interesting read and it was fun to look at the 'what ifs' in someone's life. Checking all of the boxes on what would make a good husband is not the best way to find happiness - Lena had to understand what she truly wanted out of life and where she would find love before she could find her happy ending.

I look forward to the annual release of Sarah Jio’s new book. I settled into a comfy chair looking forward to becoming immersed in Insignificant Others. Unfortunately, this failed to happen. Insignificant Others is different from Sarah Jio’s other novels. The story kept jumping from one potential life to another. There were too many characters and settings. The story felt rushed, which made it hard to relate to the characters. I was not a fan of the main character, Lena Westbrook. She was not a likeable character. Lena is a woman who has mapped out her life (work and personal). Her focus is on herself, though, she does love her aunt. Lena’s self-discovery journey was more about Lena finding the right guy instead of her becoming a better person. I did not understand how some of the men qualified as romantic partners when they were random men that she had only met once. I can understand wondering “what if” with a man you had known for years (a friend, some with whom you had worked with, a member of your book club, etc.), but not just once (that is more dream material). The ending was not believable and anti-climactic (it was a letdown). The story felt long and there were repetitive details. I felt that Insignificant Others lacked substance (it reminds me of a bread dough that failed to rise). I found myself skimming to reach the end. Insignificant Others didn't appeal to me, but I'm looking forward to Sarah Jio's next novel.

Sarah Jio is an author where I'm automatically going to read everything she writes. I have yet to read one of her books and not love it, and Insignificant Others is no exception. I love romance books with time travel/alternate universe plots, so I was really excited to read this book. It was funny, heartwarming, romantic, and the perfect summer read. Without giving anything away, I absolutely love the ending and think that everything was tied up so perfectly at the end. If you haven't discovered Sarah Jio yet, this book is an excellent place to start. I already can't wait for her next one! I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Lena is ticking all the boxes and knows her boyfriend is going to propose. They've discussed it and they make sense! On paper... so when he doesn't, she breaks it off with him and takes a much needed break at her aunt's house only to wake up in another man's bed, a ring on her finger, and no idea how she got there.
This concept was super interesting and I think it's a book that I'll carry with me. I loved the twist on a Groundhog day format but that the setting and characters constantly change in a carousel of WHAT IF?? One minor change in direction and a whole life looks completely different. Some of the men were cringey, some were terribly sweet, and some could have been perfect. Lena is very likeable and her character arc was fantastic as she realized there's more to life than idealism.

Thank you to William Morrow for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.

Why it wasn't a five star (SPOILERS potentially ahead): I wish there was a day where the end game guy had more page time just to see more of them together. I like that we as the reader can interpret how we want BUT I'd have liked more fodder for me to root for them. Also it was very "tell me" and less "show me".

Story full of scenarios and "what if?" Count me in! Lena, on the night she thought was the most important of her life, finds herself alone and heartbroken, decides to escape from real life and take refuge in her aunt's cottage. But this escape from reality is perhaps more real than reality itself. She finds herself catapulted into different scenarios, different locations, and we with her try to understand what it is that Lena really wants. The theme is not seen often, but it has a bit of an aftertaste of the early 2000s, those rom coms a bit obvious, but they have their reason. Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this story in preview.

I really enjoyed Insignificant Others! It is a Groundhog Day-esque magical realism story, where Lena explores all of her "what if"s and missed connections in love.

This is definitely more of a relationship fiction story than a romance! I love women's fiction/chick lit so I enjoyed it a lot, and I was pleased by the ending.

My only criticism is that I wished that it was clearer earlier in the book what Lena was experiencing and why. It was a bit jarring to go from a contemporary opening to new timelines without it clicking what was going on until mid-way through the book. This wasn't a dealbreaker, but it did make it harder for me to fully invest in the story right away.

This one is great on audio, for the audiobook fans!

Thank you to William Morrow for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.

4.5 stars

This was a touching and heartwarming magical realism book! I really enjoyed the growth the Lena went through and each day she woke up I was excited to see who she would be with now and how her life has changed.

I enjoyed this format and zoomed through this book. My only complaint is I wish some of the “lives” she had were longer! This is a sweet twist on the butterfly effect and I had a fun time with this book

Pub date: 4/1 (out now!)

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review

INSIGNIFICANT OTHERS
BY: SARAH JIO

I actually went into this delightful, and charming story totally blind. I'm so glad that I did because of the fact of not knowing what it was about, I was surprised how much I loved it despite that I'm not particularly a fan of 'groundhog day', or time loops that repeat, but I really loved this and I was sad to finish it. It was very well written and I could tell by the above quote that Sarah Jio is the kind of Author who must have depth and wisdom to impart to her readers. I'm definitely not a fan of romantic comedy novels since I tend to want to read about characters who explore later life lessons that are relatable to an older audience with insights that are more in line with examining choices that I have made, and how if given the chance to rectify mistakes or regrets if possible. I also like to read about novels that move me emotionally and this one definitely did have that aspect even though it first seemed like this would be for a younger audience given the main female protagonist named Lena is thirty three years old and looking to get married which I thought would not be a character that would teach me anything new as I am well past that stage in my life. I was totally wrong since this ended up being a novel that I loved so much that I bought other previous novels written by Sarah Jio.

It was an entertaining, heartfelt story that captivated me even though the premise on the surface seemed lighter at first, as I usually want more substance this definitely touched my heart, and I think it has a lot to offer readers of all ages. I was immersed and loved how the protagonist Lena evolved in self growth as each new version of her life in an alternate universe changed she learned something that we all have from youth to no matter how old we are that is universal in terms of delivering self reflection. It is so much more than a younger person looking for a husband as implied by the synopsis. I found that if that was the subject matter that describes the content of this novel, I wouldn't have chosen to read it. I'm so happy that serendipity played a part in my decision to pick this. I had read one other book by this author back approximately in 2016, or 2017 that I loved, which perplexes me why I it took me so long to pick another one of her novels between then and now. I saw that Sarah Jio had this excellent novel that was published on April 1, 2025 and based on remembering how her other novel made me feel is why I read this without knowing what it was about. My tastes about what I read have changed since then to be a wider variation that can't be categorized. I am more open to reading more than just thrillers, which I find that it is rare that I enjoy them unless they are spectacular and not many of them are. If I love the author already I will read them, but I'm reluctant to be drawn to that genre unless I already have had a good experience with the favorite authors I trust. Sarah Jio is very talented, and I must emphasize that you have to be a reader who enjoys magic realism that is done well, which in this case it was, that determines whether this is one you decide to read or pass. I can't understand why the ratings are mixed when this book is written with so much heart and exceeded my high expectations that makes it one I'll never forget which there are so few that meet that criteria. Like I said I don't usually pick up a novel geared for younger people since I'm more interested in Authors that have more life experience gained by wisdom of learning through lessons that resonate with maturity, or a great education, or sometimes both. I'm very picky in most cases about what I decide to read, and I either want to learn something new or feel something that is powerful, which this book is nostalgic, and in my opinion it is one that will appeal to readers of all ages. This author understands how to capture a wide range of audiences and accomplished to infuse meaningful themes that make this so rewarding that is unforgettable, and I admire how gifted she is to have made this a favorite among the thousands of novels I've read. If I only went by the synopsis I wouldn't have read this. My impression of its description is that this is so much deeper, and maybe it depends on the timing of the mindset each individual is at that explains the lower ratings. I don't usually read other reviews to have noticed, but I did this time when I wrote my review and can't explain why I did regarding this particular novel, all I can say that I was shocked to discover the lower ones that failed to enjoy this one as much as I did. I decided not to summarize this since it's already been done, and everybody has a right to their opinion so I'll just be grateful that I saw them after I read this, since I only read reviews if I'm buying something expensive, and I sometimes do if I'm not sure about a book I want to buy, but in most cases when it comes to books I already know that I will choose a book based on my own criteria. Certain reviewers on Good Reads that are friends have helped me discover something I wasn't aware of that I trust is a wonderful feature of this website that makes it fun. I mostly pick whether to read a book based on if it interests me, and I have found that for the most part I have good luck. I never check reviews beforehand like some do if I like the author I never read the synopsis I automatically will read it preferring to not read the synopsis which elevates my reading experience because I like to be surprised. I have discovered outstanding books just by my instinct of whether It sounds interesting. When I'm totally unfamiliar with a book I read the synopsis and if I'm buying it I check ratings, and if they aren't high I still buy it, which has lead me to positive experiences. On some that are loved I have bought and been disappointed. On some that are mixed reviews I've taken a chance and I have good luck. Sometimes if I go by reviews it's confusing if I'm on the fence. I guess what I'm trying to say is that if I went by the synopsis and read the mixed reviews I would have missed out on this highly enjoyable and a top read, but I knew I loved this author so I'm really looking forward to her previous books regardless of the synopsis or reviews. There were so many profound thoughts in her prose that I highlighted, but for me I LOVED IT! I was sad when it ended, and I couldn't put it down having read it in one sitting. I hope that it reaches as wide of an audience as possible and it's one I'll be recommending. Five Plus Stars!

Publication Date: April 1, 2025! AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE NOW! A STUNNING NOVEL IF YOU LOOK DEEPER IT IS AS MEANINGFUL AS IT IS ENJOYABLE!

Thank you to Net Galley, Sarah Jio, and William Morrow for generously providing me with my Fantastic ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. As always, all opinions are completely my own.

#InsignificantOthers #SarahJio #WilliamMorrow #NetGalley

Who hasn’t pondered “What if” about past dates and romance that never really took off? Lena Westbrook, a hard-driven career person, finds herself in a loop where upon waking up each day she is married to a different guy! The hodgepodge of guys are actual people she met or once dated but decided not to pull the romance trigger. The hook is she now has a snapshot of what her life could have been if she married each guy. Sometimes good, sometimes meh and other times horrible, these guys frustrate Lena as she knows things will change the next day. Lena desperately wants to make it back to her real life and try to make good by finding the perfect relationship. More of a lesson-learned tale than romance this novel is an enjoyable read

Insignificant Others by Sarah Jio was a very odd and yet endearing romance in which a young woman is led to her true love through a series of dreams(?) placing her in different situations (relationships) with men she had met in her past, some fleetingly. It was if she was trying on each of the lives to see it it fit. The reality was, she had just been dumped by her boyfriend, the night she thought he was proposing. She fled to her aunt, where they had planned to go for the weekend, anyway. Her aunt was full of good sense and told her to rest. She couldn’t sleep, though, and ended up in the unused guest cottage at the back of the property, where, when she awoke, she had begun her “time travel.” At first it was one night stands, but quickly moved on to committed relationships, some with children, hers or not, and all good in their own way. She was befuddled (ya think?) at first, but adjusted to a new life each morning. But she wasn’t sure of the purpose and how long this state of affairs would continue. Sometimes she called her aunt and her aunt was with the delusion; once her aunt was dead.

This was a really interesting story. Probably not too different from daydreams many women have had about the what-ifs, but surely more real. Some she regretted leaving, some not. Lena is a career woman and she loves her life. But is this all her subconscious, or is it a trick? She doesn’t know and we never really find out. Her aunt makes an allusion to the cottage and magic, but? Good character. Good story. Just fast enough. Just interesting enough. Certainly not a typical romance. Clever. I am happy I read it.

I was invited to read Insignificant Others by William Morrow. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #WilliamMorrow # Sarah Jio #InsignificantOthers

I had a hard time with this one, I wasn’t immediately drawn to the main character.
But if you’re in the mood for a little magical realism and a love story, look no further! :)

The premise of this was very interesting to me! I personally enjoy magical realism and the “time-loop”, “Groundhog Day” type of storylines. Sadly, this one had a very weak start and it was obvious to me that it wasn’t going to get better. Our main character felt very flat. I almost seemed like a caricature. Dialogue between characters never felt natural and everything feels overly explained. This reads like dated early 2000s woman’s fiction my mom would read. I don’t normally mind this but also there were too many pop culture references that went over my head. The book was strongest when she connected for two seconds which each new guy she met. But unfortunately at 35% I couldn’t see the point of our story and didn’t think it would get better so I did not finish this one. Thanks to William Morrow for my copy!

4.5 🌟
I have loved Sarah Jio's books since I first read The Violets of March, so I was very excited to receive the ARC of this book from the publisher.

What would you do if you woke up every day, married or in a relationship with a different person from your past? If you loved The Midnight Library by Matt Haig then you may love this book too!

Lena visits her favorite aunt on Bainbridge Island after a disastrous ending to her curvy relationship. She falls asleep in the guest house, only to wake up next to her husband, a husband she never married in her real life!

This continues, day after day, with Lena walking up in a relationship with someone she left behind long ago. Some were boyfriends, some were casual acquaintances or friends. During this journey of self discovery, she becomes more self aware and realized she will find the love of her life and she grows along the way. She strengthens her current relationships too.

I loved the pacing of this story and the variety of relationships and experiences she had during her journey. I was so happy when Lena found the person of her dreams!

Thank you to William Morrow Group and HarperCollins Publishers for the ARC.

Lena, reeling from a breakup that she thought was going to be a proposal, goes back home to her aunts house to lick her wounds. When she falls asleep in the guest house, she isn't prepared for what will happen. Lena is transported to a new life every time she goes to sleep. Back with her exes and could have beens, to see if she somehow along the way missed out on what was right in front of her.
She feels love, she feels betrayal and she feels pain through these 24 hour experiences. She goes on journeys not just physically, but mentally. Understanding what love is and what it feels like so that she isn't just going through the motions.
I wasn't prepared for how much I loved this story. The premise sounded fun, so I decided to grab it, but I wasn't prepared for how this story would touch my heart and remind me of my own journey through life. Looking back on what could have been and finding love and comfort in places that weren't given a second glance before. Finding a HEA in something that was so unsuspected. Lena touched my heart and I love that fate played a hand in helping her see what had been in front of her before and bring it back to her.
Thanks to WIlliam Morrow, Netgalley and Sarah Jio for an early copy.

This story follows a young woman in a time loop of one-day relationships with partners from her past. I really enjoyed this book which had such a fun concept of the FMC figuring out what she wants in her relationship. At first, I was confused where this book was going at but then I realized it showcased the what if if Lena ended up with a certain guy. She got to figure out what she wants in her life and get to experience it. This book is told in multiple sections through Lena’s pov.

Lena is the FMC of the story who breaks up with her boyfriend and when going to her aunt’s house, she wakes up to a time loop. I loved seeing her grow throughout the book and seeing her different lives. There are many side characters but the main ones that stayed throughout the book were Lena’s best friend and her aunt. There is romance in this book but the book mainly focuses on Lena’s coming of age as an adult. The romance is more of Lena experiencing what could have happened if she was with a certain guy. She does end up with someone and there are no explicit scenes. Just a few kisses here and there.

The ending was well done and overall I enjoyed this book. It was a great read and showcases what one thinks of after being in a logn relationship. It really showcased Lena’s question of if she wasn’t with her ex, what would have happened with ___? I recommend checking this book out if you love To All the Boys Ive Loved Before, Emily in Pairs, and Groundhog Day.

*this arc was sent to me by the publisher to give an honest review in return*