Hi everyone,
I’m so excited to introduce my sophomore novel, NEVER PLANNED ON YOU, which will be published on 2/18/25!
In keeping with tradition, I’ve given this story a Broadway-inspired title. “I Never Planned On You” is a song from one of my favorite musicals, Newsies. I saw the Broadway show three times when I lived in New York and even have a framed newspaper signed by the cast. (I also harbored a lengthy crush on Corey Cott thereafter, but that’s neither here nor there). It’s impossible not to smile while watching Newsies. It always cheers me up when I’m feeling down and I hope you will feel the same infectious joy when you read this book. So without further ado, here is the cover of NEVER PLANNED ON YOU:
Could you die? Is this not the dreamiest?! I love the way the cover has a pastel ombré background, so that she coordinates with her big sister, TILL THERE WAS YOU.
Speaking of which, NEVER PLANNED ON YOU is a companion novel to TILL THERE WAS YOU. If you aren’t familiar with this term, companion novels are books that exist in the same world as another book but focus on different characters and their stories. Many of you shared that you loved Ali’s character in TTWY so I hope you’ll be excited to read this book, which is Ali’s story!
When I sold TILL THERE WAS YOU as a two-book deal, my editor and I also decided on a plot for this story. To make it work, I snuck back into TTWY during copyedits and added a small detail that served as a link to this story.
In chapter six, when Ali first learns about Lexi’s weekend with Jake and is grilling her while they work together in the kitchen, Lexi ruminates on how free-spirited her best friend is. She thinks, “Ali’s easily the most impulsive person I’ve ever met. She once got matching tattoos with a stranger she met in a bar after losing a bet.” AND THAT’S EXACTLY WHERE THIS BOOK BEGINS. Initially, I was planning to set Ali’s story in New York as well. But like me, my editor is from Baltimore and we thought it would be fun to set the story in our mutual hometown. Thus, book two was born!
Ready to hear more? Here’s the official jacket copy:
Ali Rubin has a reputation for spontaneity. Like that time she made a drunken bet in London that led to matching tattoos with a stranger. Her joie de vivre is one of her best qualities; she lives every day to the fullest and follows her dreams wherever they take her. And now, they’re taking her from her career as a chef in New York City back home to Baltimore, where she’s interning as a wedding planner.
Despite the occasional fantasy about her British tattoo twin, Ali never expected to see Graham again. So no one is more surprised than she is when he turns up in Baltimore, ordering a latte at her favorite cafe. When they reconnect during an enchanting evening together, Ali can’t help but wonder if Graham might be someone special.
At the same time, she's desperate to succeed in her new career and prove that she isn’t the family flake. When she gets a job planning a high profile wedding at a historic hotel, it seems like things are finally falling into place. That is, until Graham turns out to be the groom.
Graham’s family owns the once-grand, now struggling Black-Eyed Susan, and he’s returned to Baltimore to help his grandmother get it back on its feet. He’s certain that hosting a wedding at the hotel is just the publicity boost it needs. Ali’s boss agrees, and promises Ali a full-time gig if the affair goes off without a hitch. Unfortunately, Ali and Graham can't seem to ignore their rekindled chemistry, especially when it’s revealed that Graham and his fiancée are planning a marriage of convenience. Still, staying away from each other is the best thing they can do, especially since giving in to their growing feelings might cost them everything. Because when it comes to love, all bets are off.
My second book baby is due on February 18, 2025. Since preordering is one of the very best ways to support authors, I’m including some links to order below.
Macmillan Page: https://bit.ly/4bsiCks
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3UubJrV
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4a9fbOg
Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4dvpzDa
Books-a-Million: https://bit.ly/3QBfMBv
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4bsiwcA
Nook: https://bit.ly/4bmvOXU
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3yaFAyc
Kobo: https://bit.ly/4b5ZGYP
As always, I’m incredibly grateful for your support and can’t wait to share more about NEVER PLANNED ON YOU soon. Thanks for reading!
<3 Lindsay
Lindsay! This sounds so, so fun. I can't wait to read it :)
I’m so excited to read Ali’s story! I love that you include your love of theater in your titles.