Never Planned on You
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.
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Community Reviews
Look, I’m all for a whirlwind romance with bad decisions, spontaneous life changes, and emotionally questionable tattoo choices. But this book takes “chaotic energy” to new heights.
Ali Rubin, our free-spirited, leap-before-she-looks heroine, is switching careers from chef to wedding planner (a logical jump, obviously) and finds herself back home in Baltimore. Enter Graham, the British tattoo twin from her past—because of course, fate works like that. And in a twist that absolutely no one saw coming (except everyone), he’s the groom at the wedding she’s planning. But don’t worry! It’s just a marriage of convenience, so really, what could go wrong?
Let’s start with the positives: The book is funny. The banter is charming, Ali is delightfully chaotic, and Graham is the kind of broody-but-secretly-sweet love interest that’s hard to resist. Plus, I love a good “oh no, I caught feelings for the engaged man” dilemma. It’s peak romance messiness, and I respect it.
Now, the drawbacks. Ali’s entire arc feels like a series of questionable life choices loosely connected by caffeine and blind optimism. Graham’s engagement of convenience is one of those plot points that requires the suspension of disbelief usually reserved for Hallmark movies. And for a book about a wedding planner, the level of professional decision-making is… concerning at best.
Would I recommend this book? Sure—if you like your rom-coms with a side of mild exasperation and a sprinkle of “why is everyone making their lives so hard?” It’s fun, but it’s also frustrating. If you love second-chance romances and don’t mind rolling your eyes occasionally, this book might just be worth the chaos.
Ali Rubin, our free-spirited, leap-before-she-looks heroine, is switching careers from chef to wedding planner (a logical jump, obviously) and finds herself back home in Baltimore. Enter Graham, the British tattoo twin from her past—because of course, fate works like that. And in a twist that absolutely no one saw coming (except everyone), he’s the groom at the wedding she’s planning. But don’t worry! It’s just a marriage of convenience, so really, what could go wrong?
Let’s start with the positives: The book is funny. The banter is charming, Ali is delightfully chaotic, and Graham is the kind of broody-but-secretly-sweet love interest that’s hard to resist. Plus, I love a good “oh no, I caught feelings for the engaged man” dilemma. It’s peak romance messiness, and I respect it.
Now, the drawbacks. Ali’s entire arc feels like a series of questionable life choices loosely connected by caffeine and blind optimism. Graham’s engagement of convenience is one of those plot points that requires the suspension of disbelief usually reserved for Hallmark movies. And for a book about a wedding planner, the level of professional decision-making is… concerning at best.
Would I recommend this book? Sure—if you like your rom-coms with a side of mild exasperation and a sprinkle of “why is everyone making their lives so hard?” It’s fun, but it’s also frustrating. If you love second-chance romances and don’t mind rolling your eyes occasionally, this book might just be worth the chaos.
Never Planned on You by Lindsay Hameroff is a delightful blend of romance, spice, and heartfelt moments, wrapped in a story of unexpected reconnections and second chances.
Eight years ago, a one-night stand in England with a sweet, slightly nerdy Englishman was supposed to be just that — a fleeting moment. Fast forward to Baltimore, and fate has other plans. When our heroine finds herself as the wedding planner for none other than her former fling’s wedding, things get complicated in the most delicious ways.
This story has everything I crave in a romance: sizzling chemistry, emotional depth, and just the right amount of spice. The family drama adds richness to the plot, while the close-knit friend group brings warmth and humor, making the story feel like a big cozy hug. The tension of "will-they-won't-they" is perfectly paced, and the question of whether there’s room for a second chance kept me turning the pages late into the night.
Lindsay Hameroff masterfully balances swoon-worthy romance with genuine emotion. If you love second-chance romances, a touch of wedding chaos, and British charm, this book is a must-read. It’s cute, heartwarming, and absolutely unputdownable.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — Perfect for fans of sweet-but-steamy romances with a side of drama and lovable characters.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the E-ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Eight years ago, a one-night stand in England with a sweet, slightly nerdy Englishman was supposed to be just that — a fleeting moment. Fast forward to Baltimore, and fate has other plans. When our heroine finds herself as the wedding planner for none other than her former fling’s wedding, things get complicated in the most delicious ways.
This story has everything I crave in a romance: sizzling chemistry, emotional depth, and just the right amount of spice. The family drama adds richness to the plot, while the close-knit friend group brings warmth and humor, making the story feel like a big cozy hug. The tension of "will-they-won't-they" is perfectly paced, and the question of whether there’s room for a second chance kept me turning the pages late into the night.
Lindsay Hameroff masterfully balances swoon-worthy romance with genuine emotion. If you love second-chance romances, a touch of wedding chaos, and British charm, this book is a must-read. It’s cute, heartwarming, and absolutely unputdownable.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — Perfect for fans of sweet-but-steamy romances with a side of drama and lovable characters.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the E-ARC in exchange for my honest review!
This was an amazing quirky, laugh out loud read!!!! Chefs kiss!!!! Ali finds herself trying to find her herself and along her journey she get's a second chance to be with a one night stand from years prior. But is it kismet? Only to find out she's hired to assist with planning his wedding!!!! This was one heck of a roller-coaster ride full of laughter and up's and down's in relationships. A journey of self discovery in one's own true happiness even if it may hurt the people we love.
My favorite character was Bubbie the grandmother she was truly a joy and a hoot. Grahams the MMC was so swoon worthy and lovable. Even if he was to loyal to a fault. I really enjoyed Ali's zest for life and how she wasn't afraid to go after what she wanted despite what her family thought. People have to sometimes try, try again until they get things just right. This book had me enjoying each page from beginning to end and I look forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!
My favorite character was Bubbie the grandmother she was truly a joy and a hoot. Grahams the MMC was so swoon worthy and lovable. Even if he was to loyal to a fault. I really enjoyed Ali's zest for life and how she wasn't afraid to go after what she wanted despite what her family thought. People have to sometimes try, try again until they get things just right. This book had me enjoying each page from beginning to end and I look forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!
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