A review by cherrykois
The No-Show by Beth O'Leary

emotional hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

When I first read the blurb, I was immediately intrigued by the premise. I wanted to know exactly how this all works out. After all, it’s a rom-com, there’s no way Joseph Carter is cheating on all of these women, so how exactly do all of these storylines merge? I had some initial thoughts that I constantly adjusted as I learned new information, but it turns out that my first real feeling about it was the closest of them all.

I loved that information is revealed slowly as the narrative progresses, and there is nothing more satisfying than the eventual confessions that connect the final dots. But what I felt is one of the most important aspects of The No-Show, is how Joseph changes over time, how his life is heavily impacted by each of these women, and how their relationships with him affect each other. The transformation comes in phases, and it was so interesting to finally piece it all together. I love stories that show the impact people have on each other, even people who have never met, and to see how these women quietly influenced each other was just so compelling. 

I’m not a huge rom-com person, but I enjoyed the premise, and continued reading because not only did I believe the author did it justice, but I also liked her characters. The best praise I can give this novel is that nothing is shock value, O’Leary clearly sets up all of the reveals. You may guess some of them, and miss others, but nothing feels like a gotcha surprise. It all makes sense in the end.