Lindsay Hameroff’s sophomore novel “Never Planned on You” delivers a charming, witty tale of unexpected second chances that had me laughing out loud and occasionally wiping away tears. This rom-com sparkles with authentic dialogue, relatable family dynamics, and the kind of chemistry between leads that makes you want to scream at them to just get together already.
Following up on her debut “Till There Was You,” Hameroff firmly establishes herself as a voice in contemporary romance who understands the messy reality of modern relationships while still delivering the heartwarming satisfaction readers crave. Set primarily in Baltimore, with its distinctive neighborhoods and local cuisine (including the enigmatic “Skylite” snowball flavor that is indeed simply “blue”), the novel immerses readers in a world that feels lived-in and authentic.
The Plot: A Recipe for Romantic Chaos
Ali Rubin is a spontaneous spirit who’s changed careers multiple times, much to her family’s chagrin. After abandoning her chef career in New York, she’s back home in Baltimore working as an event planning intern, determined to prove she can stick with something. When she unexpectedly runs into Graham Wyler, the British stranger with whom she once shared a drunken night (and matching unicorn-pig tattoos) in London eight years ago, sparks immediately reignite.
But just as their attraction blossoms, Ali discovers Graham is engaged to Claire—and she’s been assigned to plan their wedding at the historic Black-Eyed Susan hotel owned by Graham’s grandmother. The twist? Graham and Claire’s engagement is a sham to secure Claire’s immigration status and help revitalize the struggling hotel. As Ali and Graham struggle with their feelings for each other, they must navigate professional boundaries, family expectations, and their own insecurities about commitment and worthiness.
Character Analysis: More Than Meets the Eye
What elevates this novel beyond standard rom-com fare is Hameroff’s nuanced character development. These aren’t just archetypes serving a plot; they’re complex individuals with believable contradictions:
Ali Rubin: Initially presents as the classic “hot mess” heroine, but reveals herself to be thoughtful, talented, and searching for recognition beyond being the family’s wild child. Her journey isn’t about “settling down” but about finding a path that honors all aspects of her personality—her creativity, her desire for stability, and her capacity for love.
Graham Wyler: The bespectacled, cardigan-wearing Brit transcends the stuffy stereotype through his internal struggle between honoring obligations and pursuing happiness. His character growth involves learning that caring for others doesn’t require sacrificing his own desires.
The Supporting Cast: From Claire (the fake fiancée with her own dreams) to Ali’s sister Sarah (whose perfect exterior masks deep insecurities) to Bubbie (Ali’s scene-stealing grandmother), Hameroff crafts a community of characters who feel like people you might actually know.
Strengths That Make This Story Shine
1. Authentic Jewish Family Dynamics
As someone who has attended many a family Shabbat dinner, I appreciated the loving yet realistic portrayal of Ali’s Jewish family. The scenes featuring Bubbie’s meddling, the Friday night ritual of “Roses, Buds, and Thorns,” and the casual sprinkling of Yiddish words create a cultural authenticity that enriches the story without becoming stereotypical.
2. Genuine Chemistry with Emotional Depth
The attraction between Ali and Graham goes beyond physical—they see and understand each other in ways others don’t. Their shared history, beginning with that fateful tattoo night in London, creates a foundation that makes their connection feel earned rather than convenient. Their banter sparkles with wit, especially when Ali teases Graham about his “old man” tendencies:
“I’m not having s*x with you in my childhood bedroom. Besides,” I say, looking pointedly at the cracked door. “No one ordered dinner and a show.”
Graham makes a faux-innocent look. “Who said anything about s*x?”
3. Food as Expression of Love
Hameroff’s background as a food writer shines through in mouthwatering descriptions of Ali’s cooking—from the spontaneous shakshuka she prepares in Graham’s grandmother’s kitchen to her “rage ragu” made while processing heartbreak. Food becomes both Ali’s love language and a metaphor for her approach to life: creative, nourishing, and occasionally messy.
4. A Fresh Take on Rom-Com Tropes
While working with familiar elements (fake relationship, forbidden workplace romance), Hameroff subverts expectations. The “fake engagement” isn’t between our protagonists but involves the male lead and another character entirely. The story’s resolution comes not from grand public declarations (though there is a delightful “Price is Right” themed scene) but through characters making difficult choices about what they truly want.
Areas That Could Use More Seasoning
Despite its many charms, “Never Planned on You” isn’t without flaws:
Plot Convenience: Some developments feel contrived to create or resolve conflict. The viral TikTok that saves the hotel’s reputation strains credibility, even in our social media-obsessed world.
Pacing Inconsistencies: The middle section drags slightly as Ali and Graham circle each other in a will-they-won’t-they holding pattern, while the resolution after their separation feels slightly rushed.
Underdeveloped Career Themes: While Ali’s professional journey is central to her character, her ultimate career direction becomes somewhat muddled. The novel could have explored more deeply how her seemingly disparate interests in cooking and event planning might complement each other.
Secondary Character Arcs: Claire and Trudy are fascinating characters whose perspectives feel occasionally shortchanged. A few more scenes from their viewpoints might have added additional dimension.
Who Will Enjoy This Book?
“Never Planned on You” will appeal to readers who enjoy:
Character-driven romance with emotional depth
Stories featuring complex family dynamics
Workplace romance with a twist
Second-chance love stories
Strong sense of place and cultural specificity
Heroines who don’t need to be “fixed”
Food-centric narratives
Fans of Emily Henry, Beth O’Leary, and Christina Lauren will find much to appreciate in Hameroff’s voice, which balances humor and heart in similar proportions.
Memorable Moments That Capture the Book’s Essence
Several scenes stood out for their emotional impact and character insight:
Ali and Graham’s basement freezer entrapment at the hotel, where vulnerability and attraction create perfect romantic tension
The botched bachelor/bachelorette party culminating in Ali’s heartbreaking New Year’s Eve realization
Sarah’s minivan breakdown, revealing the perfect sister’s hidden struggles
The “Price is Right” themed birthday party finale that manages to be both ridiculous and genuinely moving
Final Verdict: A Heartwarming Success With Minor Flaws
Lindsay Hameroff has crafted a romance that balances laughs with genuine emotional stakes. While not flawless, “Never Planned on You” succeeds where it matters most: creating characters you root for, relationship development that feels earned, and a satisfying conclusion that honors both the romance and personal growth arcs.
The novel’s exploration of how we balance personal desires against obligations to others resonates beyond the romance genre. Both Ali and Graham must learn that true commitment—to careers, family, or romance—isn’t about sacrifice but about authentic choice.
With its blend of humor, heart, and Baltimore-specific charm, “Never Planned on You” confirms Hameroff as a romance author to watch. It’s the literary equivalent of comfort food with an unexpected gourmet twist—familiar enough to satisfy but distinctive enough to remember.
Recommendation:
If you enjoyed “Never Planned on You,” you might also like “Beach Read” by Emily Henry, “The Roommate” by Rosie Danan, or “The Proposal” by Jasmine Guillory—all featuring strong-willed heroines navigating unexpected romance while pursuing professional fulfillment.