
Author: Lindsay Hameroff
Published by: St. Martin's Griffin on Feb. 18, 2025
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 304
Format: Paperback
Source: St. Martin's Press
Book Rating: 8.5/10
A glittering, laugh-out-loud second chance romance that reminds us true love is sometimes the one thing you never planned on.
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.
Review:
Sassy, engaging, and fun!
Never Planned on You is a flirty, feel-good tale about the hardworking, impulsive Ali who, after deciding to embark on a one-night stand involving matching tattoos before heading home to Baltimore from London, finds her world turned upside down when the bridegroom of her latest job turns out to be none other than the one man she never thought she’d see again but whom she’s never actually forgotten.
The prose is witty and sharp. The characters are focused, amusing, and driven. And the plot is a lighthearted, funny blend of life, love, introspection, friendship, secrets, deception, awkward situations, sweet moments and taking chances.
Overall, Never Planned on You is a charming, touching, delightful tale by Hameroff that I thoroughly enjoyed and which, in my opinion, is a great choice for anyone who loves a good romcom with a whole lot of hope, humour, and heart.
This book is available now.
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Thank you to You Had Me at HEA – St. Martin’s Press for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.