I have really enjoyed the Beth O’Leary books I have read, so was predisposed to like this from the outset. The No-Show was sent to me in a secret book swap and the blurb definitely suggested it would fit the love triangle prompt.

What it’s about?

From Goodreads:

Siobhan is a quick-tempered life coach with way too much on her plate. Miranda is a tree surgeon used to being treated as just one of the guys on the job. Jane is a soft-spoken volunteer for the local charity shop with zero sense of self-worth.

These three women are strangers who have only one thing in common: They’ve all been stood up on the same day, the very worst day to be stood up–Valentine’s Day. And, unbeknownst to them, they’ve all been stood up by the same man.

Once they’ve each forgiven him for standing them up, they let him back into their lives and are in serious danger of falling in love with a man who seems to have not just one or two but three women on the go….

Is there more to him than meets the eye? And will they each untangle the truth before they all get their hearts broken?

Three women who seemingly have nothing in common find that they’re involved with the same man in this smart new rom-com by Beth O’Leary, bestselling author of The Flatshare.

What I think:

Oh my goodness! This book!

Other than thinking I would enjoy another Beth O’Leary book, I had some managed to avoid too much about this one. And I am so glad I had as I was able to enjoy the twists and turns of the story. If you haven’t read it and are planning to, then stop this review now so I don’t spoil it for you.

All three of the women are so different, and yet I was fully invested in all of their stories. Through Siobhan, Miranda, and Jane, we get to know the different sides of Joseph Carter. A man who is thoughtful and kind and generous. And yet, it is clear he is keeping secrets and seems too good to be true.

O’Leary has pulled off something clever here.

I genuinely had no idea how this would unravel, and I was rooting for all of the characters. I genuinely did not want any of the characters to get hurt or for Joseph to disappoint me.

The ending manages to get the right balance between sadness and joy. The stories come together for an ending that was really satisfying.

Jane was my favourite character – her working the charity shop helps her rebuild her life after her experiences in London, which are gradually revealed as the book progresses.

I stormed through this book and thoroughly enjoyed it. I can see why it might not be everyone’s favourite, but definitely hit the spot for me.