Once in a Lifetime is very different from other romance books I've read and glad that I went for it and read it.

I enjoyed it and why a 3 ⭐, for me I did feel it was slow here and there but I kept going cause I really wanted to know if the characters got the chance again.
Loveable characters, not that much for me but then again it is different from what I'm used to read but the email conversations were enjoyable.

I wasn’t the right reader for this book. It moved slowly. This characters didn’t click with me. However, I would read another book by this author.

Title: Once in a Lifetime
Author: Claire McCauley
Rating: 5 Stars

This book was AMAZING! It followed a British man going through his post-doc fellowship, and an American woman finishing up her PhD. They meet by chance while she is visiting his college, and he vows to find her no matter what. 

This book had me laughing, crying, and “awww”-ing, the entire time I was reading. The banter of the main characters was my favorite part and were told mostly through email and text formats, which made them easy to follow. All of the side characters were very likable, and they felt so REAL. You learn so much about the characters, that they really come to life from the page. It felt like I was watching a real relationship blossom, and each character felt distinct in their own way. The writing and diction seemed to shift with each character’s response, which added to the realness of the characters.

This book did have some of the typical troupes, but it was handled very well. The drama in the book did not span an overly long time, and I never found myself bored in this book. By 25% in, the story was already rolling, which is what made this all the more enjoyable for me. All the loose ends get tied up at the end, although I will admit that I wished there was a little more to the ending.

If you enjoy long-distance romance, relatable characters, witty banter, fade-to-black spice, and “kick-your-feet because it's so cute” type of romance, you’ll enjoy this book!

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Once in a Lifetime by Claire McCauley
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 16 July 2024

During a happenstance meeting, American tourist Halley Hart inadvertently drenches Henry Inglis, a reserved academic. Their brief exchange includes a fleeting kiss and several chance encounters, but nonethless Halley departs without leaving any contact information. Despite their whirlwind day together, Henry finds himself unable to shake thoughts of Halley from his mind, all he has to remember her by is her name and a pair of sunglasses she left behind. With no alternative in sight, Henry resolves to email every Halley Hart in the world in his quest to find her.

I fell head over heels with the concept of this book! The storyline had me grinning from ear to ear and swooning with delight. I was completely captivated, devouring it all in one sitting.

The characters were utterly lovable, and the chemistry between them practically crackled off the page. The dialogue was playful and sparkling, with Halley's wit and relatability shining through, while Henry stole my heart as the ideal new book boyfriend.

Packed with humour, tension, and an unexpected twist, this story surpassed all my expectations. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone in search of a charming read!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Joffe Books, and the author, Claire McCauley, for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest and fair review.

Henry is a historian at Oxford University. Halley is finishing an astronomy phd at Stanford. Their meetcute happens when she visits Oxford on holiday, and then there is a series of meetcutes throughout a day, ending when Halley kisses Henry before rushing off. Henry ends up spamming every Halley Hart to find her.

There follows confused identities, missed connections and an eventual LDR. The emails are so well integrated with the storyline, and Claire McCauley writes with the same lightness and fun as the Wedding Hitch, but again incorporates some serious issues, which gives her characters emotional depth. They felt so real to me that I didn't want it to end. But this book is unputdownable, and I found myself racing through it . When I got there, the ending wasn't what I expected, but I found it perfect.

I love everything about this book but especially the Oxford setting, The houseboat. Adorable Henry, and the ways he signs off emails. Whipsmart Halley, who I want to be my best friend. Another Halley, who is wise and witty, who also gets a perfect ending.

Basically, Once in a Lifetime is achingly romantic in all the right ways, and so far it's my favourite romcom of 2024. I need a sequel please!!

Title: ONCE IN A LIFETIME by Claire McCauley
Release Date: July, 16th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

American tourist Halley Hart accidentally spills coffee on shy academic Henry Inglis in an Oxford café, sparking an instant connection. Despite sharing a fleeting kiss, Halley leaves abruptly, forgetting to exchange contact information.

Obsessed with finding her again, Henry embarks on a quest to locate her using only her name and a pair of sunglasses she left behind. Determined to reconnect with his elusive Halley, Henry sets out to email every person named Halley Hart in the world, hoping for a second chance at love.

I absolutely adored the concept of this book! The storyline had me grinning from ear to ear and swooning with delight. I found myself completely hooked, reading it all in one sitting.
The characters were so lovable, and the chemistry between them was palpable. The dialogue was flirty and sparkling, with Halley being incredibly funny and relatable, and Henry making for the perfect new book boyfriend. Filled with fun, tension, and a surprising twist, this story exceeded all my expectations.

I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a delightful read!


Thank you to The Publisher Joffe Books ,The Author Claire McCauley & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

This book is absolutely stunning, and the cover immediately caught my eye. I love stories with almost-missed connections, and this one didn’t disappoint. Halley and Henry's chance meeting and fleeting kiss set off a charming quest to find each other again. Perfect for romance lovers, this uplifting and laugh-out-loud romcom is a must-add to your TBR for summer 2024.

What a beautiful beautiful book! The cover is STUNNING. I knew immediately I was going to want to read this one! I love a good one day esque love story especially one with an almost missed connection as well as the search to find someone! I’ll forward to sharing so m7ch more on this title but this is the perfect add to you TBR read for the romance lover!