Genre Fiction
![Elle Cook - [object Object] author](https://res.cloudinary.com/readsomnia/image/upload/authors/a_a_elle_cook.jpg)
The Man I Never Met: A Novel
Is it possible to love someone you've never met? A young woman finds out in this sweeping will-they-or-won't-they love story that begins with a chance wrong number dial. . . .
"A total delight . . . achingly romantic, full of suspense, and a beautiful cast of characters."-Laura Jane Williams, author of Our Stop
When Hannah picks up a call from an unknown number, she thinks nothing of it-it's just an easygoing American named Davey who misdialed her while calling into a job interview. And when Hannah wishes him luck after clearing up the confusion, she never actually expects to hear from him again.
Then she gets a text saying he got the job and he'll be moving to London, and she can't help but smile. Soon their texts become phone calls that turn into video calls, and their friendship becomes a relationship they can't wait to start in earnest once Davey lands in London in a month's time.
But when Hannah goes to meet him at the airport, Davey isn't there-and the reason why changes both of their lives in an instant. With their future together suddenly so uncertain, they don't know what to do but try to move on from each other.
Though their chance at love seems lost forever, neither is never far from the other's thoughts. Will fate intervene once more to bring the two together, or will Davey always be the man that Hannah never met?
"A total delight . . . achingly romantic, full of suspense, and a beautiful cast of characters."-Laura Jane Williams, author of Our Stop
When Hannah picks up a call from an unknown number, she thinks nothing of it-it's just an easygoing American named Davey who misdialed her while calling into a job interview. And when Hannah wishes him luck after clearing up the confusion, she never actually expects to hear from him again.
Then she gets a text saying he got the job and he'll be moving to London, and she can't help but smile. Soon their texts become phone calls that turn into video calls, and their friendship becomes a relationship they can't wait to start in earnest once Davey lands in London in a month's time.
But when Hannah goes to meet him at the airport, Davey isn't there-and the reason why changes both of their lives in an instant. With their future together suddenly so uncertain, they don't know what to do but try to move on from each other.
Though their chance at love seems lost forever, neither is never far from the other's thoughts. Will fate intervene once more to bring the two together, or will Davey always be the man that Hannah never met?
Editorial Reviews
"Heartfelt, deeply moving, and so wonderfully romantic . . . This is the book everyone needs to curl up with."-Jenny Ashcroft, author of Meet Me in Bombay
"Told with tenderness, humor, and warmth, Hannah and Davey's story will leave your heart aching for more."-Holly Miller, author of The Sight of You
"Funny, relatable, and heartfelt . . . I fell in love with Hannah and Davey on the first page, the second, the third, and every page until the end!"-Lauren North, author of The Perfect Son
"This book has it all-laughter, tears, inspiration, warmth, and sparkle. I shall be thinking about Davey and Hannah for a long time."-Tracy Rees, author of Amy Snow
"I fell in love with The Man I Never Met. Never shying away from big issues, this beautiful love story was an absolute joy to read!"-Eleanor Ray, author of The Missing Treasures of Amy Ashton
"Told with tenderness, humor, and warmth, Hannah and Davey's story will leave your heart aching for more."-Holly Miller, author of The Sight of You
"Funny, relatable, and heartfelt . . . I fell in love with Hannah and Davey on the first page, the second, the third, and every page until the end!"-Lauren North, author of The Perfect Son
"This book has it all-laughter, tears, inspiration, warmth, and sparkle. I shall be thinking about Davey and Hannah for a long time."-Tracy Rees, author of Amy Snow
"I fell in love with The Man I Never Met. Never shying away from big issues, this beautiful love story was an absolute joy to read!"-Eleanor Ray, author of The Missing Treasures of Amy Ashton
Readers Top Reviews
D. Sankey-Kickovameg
This story is like a warm cup of tea enveloping you in a warm hug on a cold winter day, but then again, I wouldn’t expect anything else from Lorna aka Elle Cook. Hannah and Davey’s story is a slow-burner, an overly romantic love story that slowly emanates from an accidental phone call. Although hopelessly romantic, it also touches upon very real life events, that many of us can relate to. I would highly recommend this lovely feel-good story, perfect for those cosy wintry evenings.
pages.and.journeys
One of the most brilliant books I've read this year. Perfect for people who loved Always in December and Letters to Juliet! Following Hannah and Davey over the course of a year, The Man I Never Met is the story of two people miles apart learning to move on. After Davey accidentally calls Hannah thinking it's the right number for his job interview, the pair continue to chat while Davey plans to move to London. On the day he's due to arrive, Hannah heads to the airport but Davey doesn't show. From there this is a book of whirlwind emotions, hardships, and adventure. WOW I can't love this book much more than I already do. Hannah and Davey are both deep, amazing, and funny characters. Hannah's growth over the course of this year is tremendous and seeing her shift to care more for herself and putting herself first was the best. Davey faces a battle that drains him in every way. His vulnerability was beautifully done. The best part of this book though was seeing the US and UK crossover. As someone who's lived in both and sees both places as home. I LOVED THIS!!! All the little elements that Elle/Lorna included was perfect and it added so much to the humor. Go read this immediately because it's amazing.
lindseydomokur
Davey dials Hannah's number instead of the job that he is interviewing for and it makes for a super fun meet cute. After Davey gets the job, he messages Hannah that he got it and then things start up from there. Davey lives in Texas but will be moving to England for his job and Hannah and him strike up a friendship that leads to more. They are so excited to see each other when he moves there in January, but unforunately for both of them, things do not go as planned. Davey doesn't show up that day and then when he finally responds to her, days later, she finds out the reason why. The book wasn't quite as happy as I expected it to be, and it was quite sad, but there were lots of moments of joy throughout. I loved Hannah and Davey's friends and family, they were always rooting for them and wanted them to be happy. I am giving this book a 3.5 star rating because I really felt like it skipped over a lot of things. Each chapter was the next month, we had to infer a lot. Also, there were so much time that Hannah and Davey spent apart, or with other people that it felt odd to me and rushed at the end. I realize that the author had personal experience with this situation and that part was done with perfect care.
A Dillon
What a lovely story! The premise was so unique to me, which is rare for someone who reads as much as I do. Parts of the book were a little upsetting (especially if you’re sensitive to certain triggers), but never more than I could bear and enough to keep me riveted. Hannah and Davey had a very bumpy journey to each other, but the happy ending was beautifully depicted and I left this tale with a sincere smile on my face.
Bee#7
Hannah lives in England and she gets a call from the USA from Davey shall we say a misdial. They decide to continue with texting and then it involves video calling. They bond quickly and Davey let’s her know he is moving to London for a job as an architect. Hannah is beside herself and can’t wait to meet him in person. Joan is her neighbor and landlord and they have coffee once a week and they rate their coffee favors and chit chat. She has told Joan who is a older and she confides in her. Joan has started dating Geoff and they now are having adult sleepovers. Miranda is Hannah’s best friend and she is with Paul. Miranda, Paul and Hannah hang out every Saturday night together and they definitely have heard all about Davey. Davey is heading out for his flight but never shows up at the airport that Hannah is waiting at? We go through weddings, not terrific relationships, great friendships, family ties and the will to live. This book was emotional throughout the entirety of it but I just kept wanting the best for Hannah and Davey. The author really grew the characters and made you want to keep reading to find out the story. Couldn’t put this book down plus some information about a certain topic. I received this ARC from Netgalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Short Excerpt Teaser
Chapter 1
Hannah, December
Do you remember where you were and what you were doing the moment your life changed forever? I do. I was standing outside the gym, hair in a bit of a tangle, in need of a shower after a grueling spin class, rifling in my bag for my gloves while my mobile buzzed away. But of course I didn't know it at the time. That's always how it is, though, isn't it? You never realize the true significance of a moment until later.
I grab my phone, still unable to find the gloves that have disappeared into the depths of my bag. The December weather is biting cold, and although it's only early evening the sky is already a shade of ink, strewn with gray clouds that look as if they've been painted on and dragged gently from one side of the canvas to the other.
The dialing code says +1 and so I pause momentarily as my phone continues to vibrate in my hand. Where on earth is +1? Call centers start with a random assortment of codes and this doesn't look like any of those.
"Hello?" I ask.
"Hello," a man, with an American accent, replies. And then in a deeper, friendlier tone, "Jonathan White?"
I laugh. "Do I sound like a Jonathan White?"
"Oh, no. I'm sorry. I mean, is he there?"
"No. Sorry, you've got the wrong number."
A pause, a rustle of papers. "OK. Sorry. Bye."
"Bye," I say, but he's already gone. And then barely ten seconds pass before my phone rings again.
I draw out the word "Hello" as I answer-the same +1 number shining on my screen.
"Oh, not again," he says in exasperation. "How have I dialed it wrong a second time? I can't be that stupid." Which makes me laugh again, although not unkindly.
"I think you have."
Silence and then, "Hold on."
I wait, smiling with amusement. The cold weather is seemingly not as cold now as it was before.
"Is this plus-four-four . . ." and he reels out a list of digits that are most certainly mine.
"It is. What number were you looking for?"
"This one."
I try not to laugh.
"Shit," he replies. "I wrote it down wrong. I'm supposed to call this number at four p.m. UK time, for a job interview."
"Not this number, I'm afraid. Maybe try switching one of the digits?"
"Yeah," he says uncertainly. "But which one? There's about a billion possible combinations."
"I have no idea. Where are you ringing from?"
"Texas."
"And you have a job interview with someone on a UK number? Are you getting a job over here?" I'm so nosy.
"Hopefully . . ."
"Unlikely, given you're on the phone to me and you should be answering questions about . . . whatever it is you're interviewing for."
"Buildings. I should be answering questions about buildings right about now. Shit."
"Buildings?"
"Architecture, specifically." He has a really nice voice. Deep, but not too deep.
"Try and google the office number," I suggest, in case he really is that stupid and hasn't thought of it.
"I'm already on it." He's speaking quickly, both of us aware that he should be minutes into an interview by now.
"Well, good luck. I hope you get it."
"The right number or the job?"
"Both. Starting with the right number," I say, with a smile.
"Thanks. Sorry for bothering you. Twice."
"It's fine. I'm keen to know now if you get the job."
"Thanks again," he says. "Bye."
"Bye," I reply as the line goes dead. I stare at the phone for a few seconds, hoping he isn't silly enough to ring the same number a third time . . . just to be sure. It wouldn't be a terrible thing if he rings again, but now I want this man with the lovely voice to actually call the correct number, answer questions about buildings, and get the job. Whomever he might be.
It's not really the done thing to come home from an hour's spin class and crack open both a microwave meal and a large glass of wine, but given it's Friday night, that's what I do. And anyway I wouldn't have been at the gym if I hadn't been canceled by a flaky man, with whom I'd already decided I would categorically not reschedule. He's done this twice now and we still haven't actually had a first date yet. My best friend, Miranda, calls it Cancel-itis. So this glass of wine was the one that I would have had if I had been out. There, I have justified that, if not the hideous microwave curry.
Hours later I flick through the various options on TV and wonder how it is that I've managed to watch everything decent on Netflix when I really don't spend that much time at home. Perhaps, for once, I should watch the news and at least try to be as informed as my co-worke...
Hannah, December
Do you remember where you were and what you were doing the moment your life changed forever? I do. I was standing outside the gym, hair in a bit of a tangle, in need of a shower after a grueling spin class, rifling in my bag for my gloves while my mobile buzzed away. But of course I didn't know it at the time. That's always how it is, though, isn't it? You never realize the true significance of a moment until later.
I grab my phone, still unable to find the gloves that have disappeared into the depths of my bag. The December weather is biting cold, and although it's only early evening the sky is already a shade of ink, strewn with gray clouds that look as if they've been painted on and dragged gently from one side of the canvas to the other.
The dialing code says +1 and so I pause momentarily as my phone continues to vibrate in my hand. Where on earth is +1? Call centers start with a random assortment of codes and this doesn't look like any of those.
"Hello?" I ask.
"Hello," a man, with an American accent, replies. And then in a deeper, friendlier tone, "Jonathan White?"
I laugh. "Do I sound like a Jonathan White?"
"Oh, no. I'm sorry. I mean, is he there?"
"No. Sorry, you've got the wrong number."
A pause, a rustle of papers. "OK. Sorry. Bye."
"Bye," I say, but he's already gone. And then barely ten seconds pass before my phone rings again.
I draw out the word "Hello" as I answer-the same +1 number shining on my screen.
"Oh, not again," he says in exasperation. "How have I dialed it wrong a second time? I can't be that stupid." Which makes me laugh again, although not unkindly.
"I think you have."
Silence and then, "Hold on."
I wait, smiling with amusement. The cold weather is seemingly not as cold now as it was before.
"Is this plus-four-four . . ." and he reels out a list of digits that are most certainly mine.
"It is. What number were you looking for?"
"This one."
I try not to laugh.
"Shit," he replies. "I wrote it down wrong. I'm supposed to call this number at four p.m. UK time, for a job interview."
"Not this number, I'm afraid. Maybe try switching one of the digits?"
"Yeah," he says uncertainly. "But which one? There's about a billion possible combinations."
"I have no idea. Where are you ringing from?"
"Texas."
"And you have a job interview with someone on a UK number? Are you getting a job over here?" I'm so nosy.
"Hopefully . . ."
"Unlikely, given you're on the phone to me and you should be answering questions about . . . whatever it is you're interviewing for."
"Buildings. I should be answering questions about buildings right about now. Shit."
"Buildings?"
"Architecture, specifically." He has a really nice voice. Deep, but not too deep.
"Try and google the office number," I suggest, in case he really is that stupid and hasn't thought of it.
"I'm already on it." He's speaking quickly, both of us aware that he should be minutes into an interview by now.
"Well, good luck. I hope you get it."
"The right number or the job?"
"Both. Starting with the right number," I say, with a smile.
"Thanks. Sorry for bothering you. Twice."
"It's fine. I'm keen to know now if you get the job."
"Thanks again," he says. "Bye."
"Bye," I reply as the line goes dead. I stare at the phone for a few seconds, hoping he isn't silly enough to ring the same number a third time . . . just to be sure. It wouldn't be a terrible thing if he rings again, but now I want this man with the lovely voice to actually call the correct number, answer questions about buildings, and get the job. Whomever he might be.
It's not really the done thing to come home from an hour's spin class and crack open both a microwave meal and a large glass of wine, but given it's Friday night, that's what I do. And anyway I wouldn't have been at the gym if I hadn't been canceled by a flaky man, with whom I'd already decided I would categorically not reschedule. He's done this twice now and we still haven't actually had a first date yet. My best friend, Miranda, calls it Cancel-itis. So this glass of wine was the one that I would have had if I had been out. There, I have justified that, if not the hideous microwave curry.
Hours later I flick through the various options on TV and wonder how it is that I've managed to watch everything decent on Netflix when I really don't spend that much time at home. Perhaps, for once, I should watch the news and at least try to be as informed as my co-worke...
