Review: The No-Show

Goodreads Synopsis

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.

My Thoughts

Ever since I read Beth O’Leary’s THE FLATSHARE back in 2021, I’ve wanted to read something else written by her. When I was searching for available audiobooks on Libby this last week, I saw THE NO-SHOW and decided to check it out.

I’m so glad I decided to read THE NO-SHOW. I absolutely adored it. Once I started reading, I didn’t want to stop. I was hooked from the get-go because I wanted to know what was going on.

I knew there had to be more to the story than just these three women being stood up by the same man on Valentine’s Day. While I read, I had to look past the obvious and hold to my wonderment of how Joseph was juggling the relationships. I’m glad I held judgment about him because I was well-rewarded.

There is plenty of swoon-worthy moments and sexual tension, but THE NO-SHOW is so much more than just a romance. It’s a story about love, forgiveness, redemption, grief, second chances, and healing. I really loved how O’Leary wrote about mental health and healing from abusive relationships (professional and romantic). It felt real and it felt raw. I loved these characters and I wanted the best for them as I read about each of their lives.

I wish I could put into words all the reasons I loved THE NO-SHOW but I feel like I’ve already said too much and I don’t want to spoil the fun for anyone else. Just know, the story’s worth it. And, if you decide to read it, listen to the audiobook. Each woman and Joseph have their own narrator. I loved listening to all four voices. Anyway, it looks like O’Leary’s on her way to becoming a new favorite author.

Have you read THE NO-SHOW? If so, what did you think?

Trigger Warning

There is a trigger warning for loss of a parent, loss of a loved one, miscarriage, abandonment, stalking, and sexual manipulation.