Quick Synopsis

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

Publisher’s Synopsis

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.

Book Review

In Lindsay Hameroff’s sophomore novel, Never Planned on You, on the last day of Ali’s study abroad program a raucous night turns into matching tattoos and a British one-night stand. Eight years later, Ali has returned to her hometown of Baltimore and is coming into her own as a wedding planner when she unexpectedly bumps into her British tattoo twin at a coffee shop. What happens when you get a second chance with the one you have always wondered what-if?

Lindsay Hameroff is a new author for me, but my interest was peaked based upon the synopsis. I am so glad it did, because I feel like Never Planned on You is an unexpected gem that not enough people are talking about.

Never Planned on You is an endearing, funny, and well-plotted novel that expertly balances tension, passion, and sweetness. In addition to a unique plot, this book benefits from having two protagonists that have great chemistry and zinging banter. I actually laughed out loud a few times, which is a rarity. I loved that the story incorporates both Ali and Graham’s families and friends. I particularly enjoyed that Ali has strong female friendships that feature into the pot. It was nice to read a book where the main characters were fully formed people with things going on outside the romance. If you are a fan of grand (not necessarily showy) gestures, you will love Graham’s heartwarming gesture to win Ali.

I found Never Planned on You refreshing when it came to the protagonists. Both Ali and Graham are mature adults with emotional depth and whose problems are not petty or miscommunications. Ali has a bit of a coming-of-age/discovering what really makes you happy arc during the novel. It was delightful to see a female main character coming into her own, not based upon the romance, over the course of a book. Even Graham grew during it, which I think is pretty rare for male protagonists. The only thing I was not wild about was Ali’s emphasis on being the younger sister and how wearisome it felt.

As someone who formerly lived in Baltimore, I loved all the references and incorporation of Charm City into the story. It was the first book I have read set there! Never Planned on You also features Jewish representation and just enough spice before fading to black.

Overall, Never Happened to You is a humorous, poignant romance with a unique plot. I highly recommend giving it a chance. Although it is technically, the second book in a series; it easily stands on its own.

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