Reviews with content warning for Toxic relationship - The No-Show

Another more-than-meets-the-eye love story by Beth O'Leary. I described her style in my review of The Road Trip, as "a hilariously-told and very cute romance with complex characters and a slightly ridiculous premise", which mostly holds true for this novel as well. I'll say that this story is a bit more solemn, though, and deals with some heavier topics. I didn't quite connect with the characters as much as I have in some of her other books - I wish some of the POV storylines had been more fleshed out, I think this would have helped. But that's sort of what you get when you've got 3-4 main characters in an average-sized novel, so.

My CWs contain plot spoilers.

Content Warnings

kfmcf's review against another edition

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challenging emotional mysterious reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

I'm going to out this entire review in spoiler brackets for my own sanity -

I knew there was a twist, obviously, and I will say that it was not overtly telegraphed which was very well done. When i saw that it was 2019 towards then end right before the reveal, I knew that was significant in some way. However, I don't think the characters Endings were what I would have hoped.

First off, Siobhan was the only character with growth and then she DIED. So that was a big bummer. Miranda was great to start and then n o t h i n g happened with her. And Jane had an interesting plot but as a character only HAD that plot as a trait. I wish she had more layers because I could not understand why he liked her so much.

Why did Miranda call him Carter. I wish that had been explained. It was kind of weird.

I think this book could have still been fascinating and utilized that twist without Siobhan dying from a traffic accident. Felt like shock value and I just...felt a bit betrayed as a reader in a lot of ways.

I am more intrigued to read O'Leary's other books now. I've been wanting to check out The Road Trip for awhile, but I think I'll definitely add The Switch to my list, too.

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theliterarywayfarer's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

Three Women. Three dates. One missing man..

Ah, what can I say about this one that hasn’t already been said? It was one of the most anticipated summer reads of the year, and I’m exhilarated to say that, as usual Beth O’Leary delivered! 🙌🏻

Told from the perspectives of three women, all stood up by the same man, Joseph Carter, this book is one hell of a rollercoaster ride. Don't let the charming cover fool you; this book will shatter your heart and then piece it back together in the most satisfying way 🥰

🧡 O’Leary’s execution is flawless. Switching between three different POVs could get tiresome, but she manages to do it effortlessly, in a way that makes you feel for the characters, and at times, be their personal cheerleader 👯‍♀️

🧡 This book felt like I was solving a puzzle. At times, I was frustrated, and at times, I was so sure I knew what was happening! And when I was waiting by the edge of my seat for that ‘Gotcha!’ moment, O’Leary threw the biggest twist in my face in a way that made me lose my footing 🥲

🧡 With The No-Show, O’Leary also explores the complexity and repercussions of topics such as grief, sexual harassment, stalking (😭) and being a young-carer.

🧡 A piece of advice: Stay with the story! I was a bit frustrated by the characters 2/3rd into the story, but I’m SO GLAD I stuck with it or I would’ve missed THAT O’Leary magic. She ties it all together so beautifully, that it will leave you teary-eyed, as well as smiling 🥹❤️‍🩹

🧡 This story will stay with me for a long, long time and I’m already excited to see what O’Leary has in store for the future 😋

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izzyf16's review against another edition

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4.0

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lauramparis's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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laurenkimoto's review

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medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I am so conflicted as to what to rate this book because I spent the first half thinking it was one man dating three women and I could not do another infidelity romance book but it’s Beth O’Leary so I knew it could be but couldn’t?!?!? And in typical Beth O’Leary fashion it actually worked? I think what makes her books good is that they are somewhat realistic that there are ups and downs to romance and there isn’t instant love or insane grand gestures and people don’t always forgive and forget

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anne152's review against another edition

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challenging emotional lighthearted tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Erstes Drittel war etwas schleppend, zweites Drittel war ok, aber das letzte Drittel war wirklich dynamisch und fesselnd

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