I put this book off thinking this is going to be really really sad. I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn’t and I am really gutted I didn’t read this sooner ! An accidental wrong number turns into something beautiful for Davey and Hannah, a real connection between both of them built over weeks. At the crucial point of meeting, their whole world gets turned upside down.

When Hannah in London receives a call from a wrong number, she has no idea that she's going to form an instant connection with a stranger from thousands of miles away. Davey is from Austin, preparing for a new job in London. They hit it off immediately and grow closer as Davey counts down to his relocation to London.

But then Hannah waits at the airport for him, and he never arrives. What follows is an incredibly moving and often poignant soulmates tale of love, seemingly severed before it can truly flourish. No spoilers, but Chapter 10 left me sobbing, as did most of chapters 32 - 34 (IYKYK). Oh, who am I kidding? I was either laughing, swooning, or sobbing for the entire book! Seriously. This book wrecked me, in the best possible way. And that ending? *Swoons*

I think the story really came into its own when Davey's POV kicked in. I adored both Hannah and Davey immediately and felt deeply invested in them throughout the entire story. I loved their obvious chemistry and easy conversations, filled with humour and emotion right from the start. I'm trying really hard not to spoil anything else, so instead, I'll mention how much I enjoyed the friendships in this book. Everyone from Joan, Miranda, and Grant, to Paul and Geoff, really added depth to the story. These are the kinds of friends you want around you. I absolutely ADORED this book. Highly recommended. (Also please read the acknowledgments).

Overall Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ (I would give it more if I could)
Heat Rating: 🔥
Emotional Rating: 😊😂😉🥰🤯😢😭💔💓👏🏻😍😭💓🥰

**The Man I Never Met is released in October. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to leave an honest review on this eARC**

I uploaded the same review to Amazon UK on publication day, but it wasn't moderated. I have now reuploaded it.

This was one of my most anticipated books of this year and I was so disappointed.

I really loved the idea of two characters falling in love over the phone and never seeing one another. I feel like it is realistic especially with today's technology and increase of usage in dating apps but the way this book goes is like nothing I could have envisaged.

Firstly, I do not understand why the author started Davey (MMC) pov 50% into the book. I think to make the story flow better we should have seen his POV earlier on.

Secondly, for a book centered around Hannah and Davey, we don't actually get much interaction between them. Like the first 30% and last 10% focus on their relationship.

Thirdly, I wish the storyline with George never happened. It was very rushed the plot moving from Hannah and Davey to Hannah dating George. And George is a big red flag. I mean he asks her about going on the pill and later gets mad cause that's the only thing he ever asked for her and Hannah has valid reasons for not being on the pill also her body her choice. Sucks that you hate wearing a condom but get the snip if you hate it that much! For me it was clear that George knew Hannah was upset and vulnerable and used it to his advantage to sleep his way into a relationship with her. Honestly, Hannah should have got some therapy because the story with George doesn't add value or character development. The end of that relationship occurs because George ends it not Hannah. So we don't see her stand up for herself, communicate how he broke boundaries (like showing up unannounced at midnight to crash at her place), never telling him he wasn't a good partner cause he never took on her date, complained about money, never introduced her to his mates or family or even let her see his flat. Like Hannah run! I mean does he even have a flat or is it lies cause honestly I felt like George was making stuff up like "forgetting" a £100 book on the bus. Who does that! In addition the way George is so rude and disrespectful of Hannah and her friends it's like honey if you ain't defending yourself at least defend them. Such a waste of a plot because if it help Hannah develop her character in any way I would have forgiven it but it didn't!

Fourthly, Hannah's attitude was inconsistent. One minute Davey is easy and fun and then complicated and George is easy and fun. Like Hannah of course going to Thailand with George is easy and fun - it's a holiday!

Fifthly, the ending was not that great. It was rushed and corny and honestly I couldn't care if they got together by the end of the book as I got fed up 50% in.

Overall the structure and plot played a huge part as to why I didn't enjoy this book. I wish we had seen the plot focus on both Davey and Hannah's POV, we build up the relationship to maybe 60% of the way in, we get the moment where Davey doesn't show and then we get his POV where he just cuts her off, Hannah decides to make a stand and fly to the US to see him and then they reunite and we see them work it out. For me that would have been a better plot.

I loved this book. A mix of friendship, discovery, heartbreak and romance, it kept me wishing and hoping right to the end. It has its sad moments, where illness and separation take over, but (trying not to drop in any spoilers) there is a surprise encounter and a kind of inevitability in the last few pages that make it all worthwhile. One of my favourite romances of 2022.

Now I know you should never judge a book by its cover, BUT it has to be said that this cover is gorgeous!! So much so I went out and bought a copy because it would look beautiful in my collection.

I don't regret this purchase one bit! The Man I Never Met is SO romantic, I was melting into my sofa at points. We touch on some serious and sensitive themes but in gracious form.

Davey and Hannah are engaging and their relationship development is addictive.

Really well written and very enjoyable!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a sweet and at times heart-breaking romance story. I was reeled in from the first page and finished the book in 2 sittings. I adored all of the characters, not just Hannah and Davey, our main pair. Joan has to be one of my favourites! This story tackles some very important themes like illness and self worth. The plot gets a bit far-fetched at times but I didn’t mind so much. The well realised characters more than make up for it and made the story believable.

I almost never pick up romance books because generally I’m not a fan of the most common tropes like friends/enemies to lovers or happily-ever-after endings. The Man I Never Met, despite being farfetched, felt real and authentic.

I loved first third and the last few chapters, but the middle was slightly disappointing in comparison. I don't know whether it was because I was so prepared for one thing or if I didn't like the route the story took, perhaps a combination of both, but I found myself to disengage from the story and caught myself skim reading at times.

I think the toxic relationship between Hannah and George was slightly clumsy in the way it was handled and either needed to be addressed by the character or toned down.

I enjoyed Hannah's friendships with Miranda and Joan and the personal journey she went on in finding confidence in herself and striving for the life she wants, but I would have loved to see how Hannah would have seen Davey fit in and more of their relationship together after the end of the book.

📖BOOK REVIEW📖
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

#TheManINeverMet by #ElleCook

⏩for synopsis

Not my usual genre but I do dabble now and again with a good old romance, so when I get a book like this, a winner, I’m very glad I ventured out of my comfort reads.

As a fan of this authors historical fiction, I knew I was in safe hands in terms of presentation, ease of reading and great characters but by no means was this a simple read. The author takes you on a journey of Hannah and Davy’s story and produces a very in dept and important story that is so much more than a romance.

Davy’s experience is very close to home, and although I worried that reading this would make me sad, I actually found it a great example of the warriors people are going through that and how important it is to tell their story.

Anyway, if your looking for a great romance read that so much more I would definitely recommend this one - ticked all the boxes, no drag , relatable characters with an interesting plot that’s a little different to the usual but satisfying all the same.

With thanks to the author, @netgalley and @penguinukbooks for allowing us to read this one!

-EMILY

@the_book_girls_1

Really enjoyed this book, it had the potential to be a sad book and I was a bit worried about this but I'm so happy that it wasn't. I think both Davey and Hannah did make some questionable choices but they were based on the cards that they'd been dealt in life and I was super happy at the ending and how it worked out for both of them.

There were times the storyline was predictable but this didn't ruin it for me and I enjoyed that I could guess what was going to happen and glad that it did work out the way that I guessed it would.

Thank you to NetGalley & Random House UK, Cornerstone for sending me this early copy in return for an honest review!

This lovely little romance story, introduces us to Hannah, who lives in London, and Davey from Texas. Davey calls Hannah initially by accident when trying to partake in a telephone interview that will mean his relocation to London - if he gets the job!
Davey can't help but let this new mystery girl know he's got the job and Hannah can't help but keep messaging back despite their current distance. Their unlikely and perhaps destined friendship soon blossoms and even further so when Davey's new job means there won't be distance for much longer.

I was routing for Hannah from the first pages of this book, Davey too when he comes into the mix, and ultimately for them both. Cook does an excellent job of exploring the intimacy a long distance relationship can have from truly getting to know someone through all night chats, daily check ins and video call movie nights. If anything can make us believe it's possible to fall in love with a man you've never met, it's Cook with this charming story.

I deeply loved this read. It made me smile endlessly and it also made me shed a little tear. It's not only a warming story, it's a heartbreaking one at times, and a perfect message that if something is meant for you, it will find you again. Sometimes we just have to have a little faith in fate.

I recently read "The Man I Never Met" by Elle Cook, and I was blown away by the emotional depth and complexity of the story. The novel is a romance that follows the journey of a young woman named Lily, who falls in love with a man she has never met in person.

Lily is a relatable and engaging protagonist, and Cook does an excellent job of exploring the challenges and complexities of long-distance relationships. As Lily and her boyfriend, Max, navigate the challenges of being apart, they must rely on their love and trust to keep their relationship strong.

The writing in "The Man I Never Met" is crisp and engaging, and the pacing is perfect. Cook creates a rich and immersive world, and the story is full of heartwarming and emotional moments. Overall, I highly recommend "The Man I Never Met" to fans of romance and anyone looking for a heartfelt and emotional read.

This was so cute. Romcoms are always hit or miss for me but this had the perfect amount of cheesy and heartwarming moments. Although I find the whole premise of the phone number a bit far fetched it did pull me in and I read the whole book in a few hours. Likeable characters and felt satisfied with the ending.

I can't put into words how much I enjoyed this book! An incorrect phone number, leading to texts and video calls, Hannah and Davey have this beautiful connection that cannot be denied, but also cannot be fulfilled. Great topics run throughout the book and had me hooked from the get go. The ending was built up beautifully and had me on the edge of seat. Loved it, loved it, loved it!

I’m not sure where to start with this book….it’s a great debut from this author and I was engaged within the first few pages. I can’t wait for the next book by this author!

This was a sensational debut by this author, and I read it within a matter of days. I fell in love with the idea of Hannah and Davey; and routed for nothing but a happy ending for them both.

There were lots of elements which had lots of detail in them and I can’t flaw the way in which it was written. I appreciate this the first in its kind by this author, but I think it was great and I’d love to see what she goes on to write next.

ELLE COOK: THE MAN I NEVER MET.

Normally a phone call that turns out to be a wrong number is quickly forgotten, but when Davey (in America) accidentally calls Hannah (in the Uk) there is an instant spark of something special between the pair.
Can you really fall in love with someone you have never met? It seems that just maybe these two have. Of course if it were that simple the book would barely pass two chapters.
Life has other plans for these two and throws some real curve balls their way.
Will love find a way? Or will life lead Hannah and Davey on to separate paths?

MY THOUGHTS: I was excited to read this book. I loved the cover and the title.
It was easy to get into. I was hooked quickly and raced through it. I NEEDED to know if Davey and Hannah would make it.

Elle Cook has an easy writing style. It flows effortlessly and draws beautiful pictures in your mind.

I was rooting for Hannah and Davey. I liked them both and wanted them to find their happily ever after. Obviously I won’t tell you if they do or don’t make it, but, oh my lord, what a journey they go on.

Moving and tender. Heartbreaking and painfully sad in parts.
Ultimately this is a heart tingling page turner and an utterly gorgeous read.

MY RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

FORMATS AVAILABLE: ebook, audio and paperback.

PUBLICATION DATE: 24/11/22

THE BLURB: Two lives are about to be changed by one phone call...

When Davey misdials Hannah's number, at first they think nothing of it.

After all, Davey lives in Texas and Hannah lives in London.

But when Davey gets a job in London, their paths are sure to cross. As messaging turns to video calling, this feels like the start of something.

Weeks later, Hannah is waiting for Davey at the airport, but he never walks into Arrivals.

When Hannah finds out why, her world is turned on its head. And with their future so uncertain, each must pick up the pieces of their lives.

Will fate intervene once more to bring them together? Or will Davey always be the man that Hannah never met?


With grateful thanks to Netgalley and Random House Uk for a digital arc of this title.

________________________________

Davey lives in Texas and Hannah is in London, when one day Davey dials her number in error. When Davey is offered a job in London this is the beginning of a long distance relationship as they make exciting plans for his move. Why then does Davel fail to turn up at the airport where Hannah is waiting for him weeks later?
The Man I Never Met is a really superior rom com, a will they/won't they plot that I absolutely loved. Both Hannah and Davey are sympathetic and likeable characters portrayed with real depth and understanding by the author. A gorgeous and emotional read.
Highly recommended.
4.5 stars.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.

Where to start with this book. From the moment I picked it up I knew it was going to be good. The author writes with such grace, she takes sensitive subjects and shows the reality of them. I loved this book. I had no idea how this was going to end and half way through got emotional about the story.
If your looking for a romance that doesn't follow a normal path then this is the book for you.

I am not a huge follower of romcom books, but this one caught my eye on @netgalley and I'm glad it did. It was a nice easy read,which I needed after a few heavy books and it offered so much more than a mushy 'will they won't they' plot.

Like all romcoms there is a degree of predictability but I never care about that as long as it has a good plot at it's heart...and this one did.

I don't want to say too much but the story raises awareness of an important and serious issue, inspired by the author's real life experience.

Overall a lovely read; emotional and touching but light and easy at the same time. Perfect for a cosy winter night by the fire

I clicked with Hannah immediately and was following her story with bated breath.

I accompanied her on her journey through love and heartache and was so relieved with the outcome.

Hannah is lovely, so beautifully written, Davey bought sadness but also hope.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.