Why You’ll Love Never Planned on You by Lindsay Hameroff – A Review #LindsayHameroff @SMPRomance

In Never Planned On You, a spirited wedding planner’s life is upended when her British tattoo twin from a spontaneous night years ago reappears—as the groom in her career-defining wedding.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin and Netgalley for the ARC of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Summary:

In this glittering, laugh-out-loud second chance romance, Ali Rubin, a spirited and spontaneous chef-turned-wedding-planner, is thrown for a loop when she reconnects with Graham, her charming British “tattoo twin” from a drunken bet in London, only to discover he’s the groom in her career-defining wedding assignment. As Ali works to prove herself in her new role and Graham helps revive his family’s struggling historic hotel, their undeniable chemistry threatens to upend both of their plans—especially when it’s revealed his engagement is one of convenience. With their futures on the line, Ali and Graham must navigate love, career ambitions, and second chances, proving that true love is sometimes the one thing you never planned for.

My Thoughts:

Never Planned on You by Lindsay Hameroff is an utterly charming second chance romance that had me laughing, swooning, and thoroughly entertained from start to finish. The story follows Ali Rubin, a spirited and spontaneous woman whose impulsive nature lands her in some memorable situations—like a drunken bet in London that ends with matching tattoos alongside a British stranger, Graham. Years later, back in Baltimore and interning as a wedding planner, Ali unexpectedly runs into Graham, reigniting the spark from their one magical night years ago.

The chemistry between Ali and Graham is electric, and their story is filled with serendipitous moments that fans of second chance romance will adore. I loved Ali’s vivacious personality and how she embraced change, shifting from her career as a New York chef to wedding planning, even while navigating life back at home with her parents. Graham, more reserved but no less charming, was the perfect complement to Ali. Their dynamic was heartfelt, and the angst of their forbidden connection—especially once Ali discovers Graham is the groom in her high-stakes wedding project—was palpable.

Hameroff’s writing brings plenty of humour and warmth to the story, with delightful moments like Ali organising her Bubee’s game-show-themed 90th birthday party. Family relationships and themes of self-discovery add depth, while the light-hearted romance keeps things engaging. For those who prefer closed-door romances, note there are three intimate scenes that can easily be skipped without losing any context.

Final Thoughts:

Never Planned on You is a sparkling romance filled with heart, humour, and hope. I can’t wait to read more from Lindsay Hameroff!

Another Book I’ve Reviewed Written by Lindsay Hameroff:

Til There Was You