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Insignificant Others
From New York Times bestselling author Sarah Jio comes an escapist timeslip novel following a young woman stuck in a “time loop” of one-day relationships with romantic partners from her past.
“An ingenious and heartfelt love story. I absolutely adored this novel!” —Emily Giffin, #1 New York Times bestselling author
What if you could have a second chance to say “yes” to the one who got away?
Lena Westbrook, a perfectionist and workaholic, has carefully planned and orchestrated every detail of her life. So when her boyfriend of two years breaks up with her on the night she expects him to propose, she’s heartbroken and confused. Lena flees to her beloved aunt’s home on Seattle’s picturesque Bainbridge Island to lick her wounds and recalibrate. That night, she falls asleep in the guest house. But when she awakens the next morning, she’s no longer in a cottage nestled on the Puget Sound, but rather in a chic Parisian apartment—wearing an expensive silk nightgown in bed with a handsome French man who seems to think that Lena is his wife.
From the elegant neighborhoods of Paris to the charming landscape of Kinsale, Ireland, to the sparkling skyline of New York City, and many other unexpected destinations in between, each time Lena awakens, she finds herself somewhere else with someone else. In each experience, she’s given a glimpse of what life might have looked like had she chosen the “road not taken.” And as she becomes more clear-sighted about her past decisions, Lena begins to wonder, were any of these former romantic encounters actually...significant?
Marrying the wish-fulfilling romance of Emily in Paris with the high-concept premise of Groundhog Day, Insignificant Others is a lively, surprising, and enchanting novel that explores the relatable and resonant “what ifs” of life, but most especially, love.
“An ingenious and heartfelt love story. I absolutely adored this novel!” —Emily Giffin, #1 New York Times bestselling author
What if you could have a second chance to say “yes” to the one who got away?
Lena Westbrook, a perfectionist and workaholic, has carefully planned and orchestrated every detail of her life. So when her boyfriend of two years breaks up with her on the night she expects him to propose, she’s heartbroken and confused. Lena flees to her beloved aunt’s home on Seattle’s picturesque Bainbridge Island to lick her wounds and recalibrate. That night, she falls asleep in the guest house. But when she awakens the next morning, she’s no longer in a cottage nestled on the Puget Sound, but rather in a chic Parisian apartment—wearing an expensive silk nightgown in bed with a handsome French man who seems to think that Lena is his wife.
From the elegant neighborhoods of Paris to the charming landscape of Kinsale, Ireland, to the sparkling skyline of New York City, and many other unexpected destinations in between, each time Lena awakens, she finds herself somewhere else with someone else. In each experience, she’s given a glimpse of what life might have looked like had she chosen the “road not taken.” And as she becomes more clear-sighted about her past decisions, Lena begins to wonder, were any of these former romantic encounters actually...significant?
Marrying the wish-fulfilling romance of Emily in Paris with the high-concept premise of Groundhog Day, Insignificant Others is a lively, surprising, and enchanting novel that explores the relatable and resonant “what ifs” of life, but most especially, love.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2025
115 people are currently reading
10278 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Jio
36 books4,680 followersSarah Jio is the New York Times bestselling author of WITH LOVE FROM LONDON, coming from Random House (Ballantine) 2/22, as well as seven other novels from Random House and Penguin Books, including, ALWAYS, ALL THE FLOWERS IN PARIS, THE VIOLETS OF MARCH, THE BUNGALOW, BLACKBERRY WINTER, THE LAST CAMELLIA, MORNING GLORY, GOODNIGHT JUNE, and THE LOOK OF LOVE. Sarah is a journalist who has contributed to The New York Times, Glamour, O, The Oprah Magazine, Glamour, SELF, Real Simple, Fitness, Marie Claire, and many others. She has appeared as a commentator on NPR’s Morning Edition. Her novels are translated into more than 25 languages. Sarah lives in Seattle with her husband, three boys, three step-children and two puppies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 375 reviews
April 26, 2025
4.5⭐️ A toxic workaholic who keeps her personal life less than personal becomes stuck in a time-loop of one-day relationships with men she has encountered in the past. Lena Westbrook, fresh off a recent breakup, goes home to visit her aunt and get away from her life for a bit. While there, she falls asleep in the guest house, only to awaken in a stranger’s bed. But as she begins to grow more and more attached to each person she awakens to, she realizes she might just want more than a partner who looks good on paper.
A truly fun read from start to finish, I loved the growth arc of Lena’s character as she meets each new boyfriend/husband and awakens to hopes for the future far different than she had ever imagined. The side characters add tremendously to the story, from Lena’s friend Frankie and her husband, Chris, to Aunt Rosie, the woman who raised Lena after the death of her mother.
There were quite a few laugh-out-loud scenes, one involving a baby, a Frappuccino, and a blow-out, that really set this book apart from other recent time-loop novels. Although there was a small dangle of a relationship I had concerns about, I was very happy to see it didn’t end up going where I thought it might be going. All in all, a fast-paced, very enjoyable romcom with more emotional depth than most.
Read if you like:
▪️women’s fiction
▪️magical realism
▪️found family
▪️journey’s of self discovery
▪️The Good Part meets The Husbands
Thank you William Morrow and Harper Audio for the gifted copies.
A truly fun read from start to finish, I loved the growth arc of Lena’s character as she meets each new boyfriend/husband and awakens to hopes for the future far different than she had ever imagined. The side characters add tremendously to the story, from Lena’s friend Frankie and her husband, Chris, to Aunt Rosie, the woman who raised Lena after the death of her mother.
There were quite a few laugh-out-loud scenes, one involving a baby, a Frappuccino, and a blow-out, that really set this book apart from other recent time-loop novels. Although there was a small dangle of a relationship I had concerns about, I was very happy to see it didn’t end up going where I thought it might be going. All in all, a fast-paced, very enjoyable romcom with more emotional depth than most.
Read if you like:
▪️women’s fiction
▪️magical realism
▪️found family
▪️journey’s of self discovery
▪️The Good Part meets The Husbands
Thank you William Morrow and Harper Audio for the gifted copies.
April 11, 2025
4 stars. I really, really like Sarah Jio’s blend of old-school chick-lit mixed with magic realism! This one is a “time loop” story about a dumped workaholic, Lena, who realizes through a lot of "sliding door” type romantic encounters that she needs to change her focus & expectations and she grows a lot by the end. Easy to read, entertaining & fairly quick with short chapters, yay!!
April 2, 2025
This was quite different from her other books, and it didn’t work for me. I never really understood why we needed all those possible lives, and the time in each one created to many new characters which made it hard to relate to them.
August 15, 2024
3⭐️ || TikTok ||
Imagine waking up everyday married to a different man from your past. A single day to live the “what if” of all the men that got away.
When workaholic Lena is dumped on the same night she thought she’d be getting engaged, she flees to visit her Aunt on Bainbridge Island. That night she falls asleep in the guesthouse, but the next morning she wakes up in Paris next to a man who is calling her his wife.
For the next 11 days Lena wakes up in a different place, with a different man in this groundhog day-ish magical realism novel.
I love a good time hop magical realism story and was pretty excited about this one. Unfortunately this fell flat for me. I love the concept and was really looking forward to a book with a little magic and a lot of self-exploration.
It delivered on the magic and pretty much nothing else. I found the FMC to be insufferable, a cardboard cutout of “perfectionist city girl” with a major lack of likable traits. Given the nature of the plot I expected to dislike the FMC at the beginning of book and then fall in love with her - that did not happen. I disliked her throughout the entire book and found her self-discovery journey to be more of a journey of what kind of guy she is into.
I am also very confused how some of these “what-if” husbands qualify as “romantic partners” - half of them were random guys she met one time…
Overall I couldn’t see the point of this book. Maybe I’m asking too much but I would have really liked a little character development.
This felt like a women’s fiction novel that would have been popular in the early 2000s, not a book published in 2024.
3⭐️ because it wasn’t horrid and the writing was decent, I was just bored and it lacked substance.
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Imagine waking up everyday married to a different man from your past. A single day to live the “what if” of all the men that got away.
When workaholic Lena is dumped on the same night she thought she’d be getting engaged, she flees to visit her Aunt on Bainbridge Island. That night she falls asleep in the guesthouse, but the next morning she wakes up in Paris next to a man who is calling her his wife.
For the next 11 days Lena wakes up in a different place, with a different man in this groundhog day-ish magical realism novel.
I love a good time hop magical realism story and was pretty excited about this one. Unfortunately this fell flat for me. I love the concept and was really looking forward to a book with a little magic and a lot of self-exploration.
It delivered on the magic and pretty much nothing else. I found the FMC to be insufferable, a cardboard cutout of “perfectionist city girl” with a major lack of likable traits. Given the nature of the plot I expected to dislike the FMC at the beginning of book and then fall in love with her - that did not happen. I disliked her throughout the entire book and found her self-discovery journey to be more of a journey of what kind of guy she is into.
I am also very confused how some of these “what-if” husbands qualify as “romantic partners” - half of them were random guys she met one time…
Overall I couldn’t see the point of this book. Maybe I’m asking too much but I would have really liked a little character development.
This felt like a women’s fiction novel that would have been popular in the early 2000s, not a book published in 2024.
3⭐️ because it wasn’t horrid and the writing was decent, I was just bored and it lacked substance.
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
March 27, 2025
I've been a fan of Sarah Jio's books for many years now, starting with The Violets of March back in 2011. Her novels never fail to impress and delight me. Sarah's latest, Insignificant Others, is an imaginative and heartfelt story with magical realism and romance.
Perfect for fans of The Midnight Library, this story explores the roads not taken with a series of men that Lena (the main character) had encountered in her life. I couldn't put it down and spent part of a snowy Sunday finishing it so I could see what happens.
Lena ends up in a lot of interesting scenarios with all these different men from her past and each day she has to orient herself to a new "reality." This made me think of 50 First Dates, although Lena didn't have short term memory loss. It has a bit of a Sliding Doors feel, as well, but with a large variety of doors showing what might have been. I like how she has some constants in her life, like her best friend Frankie, even though the time loops have impacts on their dynamic.
The settings were great and easy to visualize and I enjoyed that there was a variety of characters and locations to keep things surprising with each new chapter. It also had me reflecting about the insignificant others in my own life, even though I'm more than glad about who I married.
Overall, a great novel that I'm excited for everyone to read!
(Trigger warnings below.)
Movie casting suggestions:
If I tried to cast all the men, this review would never get finished! I'm sure there are plenty of actors who could fit any of these roles.
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TW: Death of parent, loss of infant, infidelity
Perfect for fans of The Midnight Library, this story explores the roads not taken with a series of men that Lena (the main character) had encountered in her life. I couldn't put it down and spent part of a snowy Sunday finishing it so I could see what happens.
Lena ends up in a lot of interesting scenarios with all these different men from her past and each day she has to orient herself to a new "reality." This made me think of 50 First Dates, although Lena didn't have short term memory loss. It has a bit of a Sliding Doors feel, as well, but with a large variety of doors showing what might have been. I like how she has some constants in her life, like her best friend Frankie, even though the time loops have impacts on their dynamic.
The settings were great and easy to visualize and I enjoyed that there was a variety of characters and locations to keep things surprising with each new chapter. It also had me reflecting about the insignificant others in my own life, even though I'm more than glad about who I married.
Overall, a great novel that I'm excited for everyone to read!
(Trigger warnings below.)
Movie casting suggestions:
Lena: Rose McIver
Frankie: Vanessa Hudgens
Rosie: Kathleen Quinlan
If I tried to cast all the men, this review would never get finished! I'm sure there are plenty of actors who could fit any of these roles.
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TW: Death of parent, loss of infant, infidelity
May 21, 2025
Story 4 stars. Narration 5 stars
This was a story of what happens when you fall asleep in a magical place and wake up in a bed somewhere you’ve never been before and with a man that you already know or knew at some point. And each man lasts exactly one day.
Lena is a high powered executive, a workaholic and a planner with a checklist of how her life should be. When her boyfriend of two years suddenly breaks things off with her, she’s lost. She goes to her aunts house and stays in the guesthouse for the first time. She wakes up in another country with a man she vaguely knew. Married to him. Each day thereafter she wakes up with a different man. Each time she learns more about herself and what she really wants from life. And no there’s no sex involved, but each new day was an adventure in itself and in all different places in the world.
I actually enjoyed this more than I thought I would, but at times I thought it was a bit too long? It was unique of course, but maybe could have been a bit shorter. I don’t know since I did enjoy it. It’s just something that occurred to me a few times towards the end. That was my only negative about the book because I did enjoy the plot, most of the characters and most of the situations. It was fun trying to figure out if she would end up with any of the men. Or who my favorite of her options were. Narration by Brittany Pressley was stellar as is her usual. I recommend this to woman’s lit readers or unconventional romance readers(if that makes sense).
This was a story of what happens when you fall asleep in a magical place and wake up in a bed somewhere you’ve never been before and with a man that you already know or knew at some point. And each man lasts exactly one day.
Lena is a high powered executive, a workaholic and a planner with a checklist of how her life should be. When her boyfriend of two years suddenly breaks things off with her, she’s lost. She goes to her aunts house and stays in the guesthouse for the first time. She wakes up in another country with a man she vaguely knew. Married to him. Each day thereafter she wakes up with a different man. Each time she learns more about herself and what she really wants from life. And no there’s no sex involved, but each new day was an adventure in itself and in all different places in the world.
I actually enjoyed this more than I thought I would, but at times I thought it was a bit too long? It was unique of course, but maybe could have been a bit shorter. I don’t know since I did enjoy it. It’s just something that occurred to me a few times towards the end. That was my only negative about the book because I did enjoy the plot, most of the characters and most of the situations. It was fun trying to figure out if she would end up with any of the men. Or who my favorite of her options were. Narration by Brittany Pressley was stellar as is her usual. I recommend this to woman’s lit readers or unconventional romance readers(if that makes sense).
April 13, 2025
I love Sarah Jio books! A fresh premise that will warm your heart and maybe even make you stop and smell the roses! I wish it was longer and continued the story!!
Definitely preorder this one. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Definitely preorder this one. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
June 21, 2025
I absolutely love time-loops and especially enjoyed the science-fiction aspects of Lena’s adventures! In fact, I think I would’ve enjoyed more about the science and less about the romances, but there are other book for that 😂 A usual romance for sure, but super fun!
March 26, 2025
Insignificant Others by Sarah Jio. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lena has life all planned and the last piece is about to fall in place when her boyfriend proposed. Instead, he breaks up with her. Licking her wounds, she stays at her aunt’s cottage but wakes up in Paris with a handsome man who says he’s her husband…
This was a cute little finding oneself story reminiscent of The Husbands. I love magical realism stories like this. Each part was a different husband and I looked forward to the mystery of each new partner and life. It’s pretty much impossible to get bored reading this one!
“Maybe love is less about fate and fairy dust and more about grit and intention? Maybe it’s as simple as being the one for the one you love?”
Insignificant Others comes out 4/1.
Lena has life all planned and the last piece is about to fall in place when her boyfriend proposed. Instead, he breaks up with her. Licking her wounds, she stays at her aunt’s cottage but wakes up in Paris with a handsome man who says he’s her husband…
This was a cute little finding oneself story reminiscent of The Husbands. I love magical realism stories like this. Each part was a different husband and I looked forward to the mystery of each new partner and life. It’s pretty much impossible to get bored reading this one!
“Maybe love is less about fate and fairy dust and more about grit and intention? Maybe it’s as simple as being the one for the one you love?”
Insignificant Others comes out 4/1.
July 5, 2025
Книгата, която най-много ми хареса от началото на годината до сега!
Романтична история с елементи на магически реализъм.
Засегната е темата за пътуването във времето, за паралелните реалности и за "какво би било ако...".
Топла история, чиито страници разгръщаш неусетно. Препоръчвам на всички, които някога са се питали: Взех ли правилното решение?
Романтична история с елементи на магически реализъм.
Засегната е темата за пътуването във времето, за паралелните реалности и за "какво би било ако...".
Топла история, чиито страници разгръщаш неусетно. Препоръчвам на всички, които някога са се питали: Взех ли правилното решение?
November 26, 2024
What if every morning you woke up in a different life? Lena has been seeing her boyfriend for two years and she's positive he's about to propose. But when his big surprise is not what she expected, she retreats to her aunts house to recover from her breakup. But when she wakes up the next morning, she's in Paris. And married. Every day after, she wakes up in another life, married to a different ex or missed connection. But how can she break herself out of this loop?
This was a good read and enjoyable, but it feels like I've read this story before? Not this exact one, but the idea feels a bit recycled.
This was a good read and enjoyable, but it feels like I've read this story before? Not this exact one, but the idea feels a bit recycled.
March 22, 2025
4.5/5
I absolutely love a time slip novel that plays with the what if? idea or the butterfly effect etc and this one did that in such a fun and interesting way. I was so sucked into Lena’s story, every morning she wakes up in a new life with an ex and I could not wait to see what happens next. This had lots of humor and heart but there were also emotional parts as well, some of the alternate worlds Lena spent a day in were rough and others were so sweet and delightful. If you like magical realism and books that make you contemplate life, try this I found it to be so charming!
I absolutely love a time slip novel that plays with the what if? idea or the butterfly effect etc and this one did that in such a fun and interesting way. I was so sucked into Lena’s story, every morning she wakes up in a new life with an ex and I could not wait to see what happens next. This had lots of humor and heart but there were also emotional parts as well, some of the alternate worlds Lena spent a day in were rough and others were so sweet and delightful. If you like magical realism and books that make you contemplate life, try this I found it to be so charming!
August 10, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing this book, with my honest review below.
I love a good wishes gone wrong / romantic fantasy book and Insignificant Others had an interesting plot line that had me eager to read it. Following Lena, who has a pretty awful break up (given she thought she was going to be proposed to), Insignificant Others opens leaving this reader excited to see what would happen next. Lena of course finds herself caught up in shenanigans when she wakes up in a strange apartment - in Paris - with an even stranger man and dog, one she’s married to and one who is her pet. Night after night Lena wakes up to a new partner and a new life as she quickly realizes that all of these life turns are where she could have ended up if she made different choices, seemingly insignificant ones that the time.
I loved experiencing new places and people through Lena’s eyes and was sure some of them were where she’d find the carousels of different lives ending, only to be shocked later. This was well written and entertaining but seemed to go on a touch longer than what would have been perfect to me, leading to a hasty ending, as Lena lives out truly long days in each reality. Past that, the Romantasy was exactly what draws me into this particular brand of the genre, and I think readers with little more life lived will appreciate that not every choice takes Lena to a dream outcome - just be patient.
I love a good wishes gone wrong / romantic fantasy book and Insignificant Others had an interesting plot line that had me eager to read it. Following Lena, who has a pretty awful break up (given she thought she was going to be proposed to), Insignificant Others opens leaving this reader excited to see what would happen next. Lena of course finds herself caught up in shenanigans when she wakes up in a strange apartment - in Paris - with an even stranger man and dog, one she’s married to and one who is her pet. Night after night Lena wakes up to a new partner and a new life as she quickly realizes that all of these life turns are where she could have ended up if she made different choices, seemingly insignificant ones that the time.
I loved experiencing new places and people through Lena’s eyes and was sure some of them were where she’d find the carousels of different lives ending, only to be shocked later. This was well written and entertaining but seemed to go on a touch longer than what would have been perfect to me, leading to a hasty ending, as Lena lives out truly long days in each reality. Past that, the Romantasy was exactly what draws me into this particular brand of the genre, and I think readers with little more life lived will appreciate that not every choice takes Lena to a dream outcome - just be patient.
dnf
March 2, 2025DNF at 22% . This one just wasn’t for me. I stopped being invested and was put off when it came to light Lena was attracted to her best friend’s husband, and was tempted at one point and came close to hooking up with him. Frankie is such a great friend and deserves a better friend and husband. Even though nothing ended up happening, just knowing they crossed a line is enough of an ick for me to not want to continue this story.
E-ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
E-ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2024
Interesting premise, but I felt like the execution felt flat? I think this could’ve been more effective if the story zoned in on just a few characters to make the ending more believable.
Felt kind of rushed and all over the place—such a shame because I love the idea of it as a concept 😭
Felt kind of rushed and all over the place—such a shame because I love the idea of it as a concept 😭
June 10, 2025
When the marriage proposal doesn't happen, Lena flees to her childhood home to ease her pain. When she awakens in the morning, she finds herself in France, married! Jumping from relationship to relationship, Lena is determined to find her way home while learning a lot about love and herself along the way.
This was quite an interesting personal journey. Lena had been living the life she thought she wanted, dating the may she thought was the one, but when she was thrust into this chain of what-if relationships, she begins to re-examine her beliefs about love, marriage, parenthood, and her future. I was invested in all Lena's "leaps" and appreciated how many different situations she round herself in. These what-ifs ranged from heartbreaking to joyful and even horrifying. Regardless of the success level of these relationships, Lena always gleaned something important from them. My small quibble would be that I wish we saw a bit further into the future at the end. I was quite happy about how it all worked out but still wanted to know a bit more. Otherwise, this was a delightful and entertaining journey.
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This was quite an interesting personal journey. Lena had been living the life she thought she wanted, dating the may she thought was the one, but when she was thrust into this chain of what-if relationships, she begins to re-examine her beliefs about love, marriage, parenthood, and her future. I was invested in all Lena's "leaps" and appreciated how many different situations she round herself in. These what-ifs ranged from heartbreaking to joyful and even horrifying. Regardless of the success level of these relationships, Lena always gleaned something important from them. My small quibble would be that I wish we saw a bit further into the future at the end. I was quite happy about how it all worked out but still wanted to know a bit more. Otherwise, this was a delightful and entertaining journey.
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April 28, 2025
Wow. When I say I skipped out on sleep to listen to this book. It was so cute. I loved the story, absolutely adored Lena and her journey, not only through love but her self growth journey! Such a cute clean read. It snatched me up and held me all the way until the last minute. Definitely worth reading.
The audio was also really good. I loved the emotion that came through from the narrator, it really helped engage with Lena's story even more!!!
10/10 would recommend!
**Thank you so much to NetGalley for giving me to eArc to read!!**
The audio was also really good. I loved the emotion that came through from the narrator, it really helped engage with Lena's story even more!!!
10/10 would recommend!
**Thank you so much to NetGalley for giving me to eArc to read!!**
April 17, 2025
4.5 stars! This book was crazy. Such a different type of romance book. Read this one if you want to switch up from your normal paced romance books. Thanks Debra for the rec, you're always right.
April 14, 2025
Love. Love. Love! This book was amazing. I love the whole idea of this book, like the ghosts of Christmas past, but make it romance. The main character was super relatable and the husbands were all over the place, in a good way. I HIGHLY suggest you read this book immediately if you’re looking for a cozy, uplifting read.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperAudio for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperAudio for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 3, 2024
3.25⭐
Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Insignificant Others is a "what if" story, following Lena through past loves, near misses, and neverweres. If everything in her life is perfect, why is she newly single and not really happy?
I wanted to love this. The concept was interesting and Jio's style is approachable and introspective. Lena is a likeable, relatable FMC, who obviously cares deeply for the people in her life. She and Frankie's friendship functioned well as an anchor to Lena's true timeline, even if Frankie herself seemed to morph with each new scenario.
Unfortunately, a dozen what ifs was too many for me. It really started to drag a bit. I also, personally, don't appreciate the "but have you considered that maybe you really need a baby?!" trope in books. Women can be successful and happy without children. It's ok if you want them and it's ok not to, as well. I wish sometimes we'd just let women exist in stories. That's obviously totally subjective.
Overall, an enjoyable read, and I can definitely think of people who would enjoy it immensely. Give it shot if you like second chances, or often find yourself wondering "what if I'd talked to that guy who smiled at me on the subway?"
Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Insignificant Others is a "what if" story, following Lena through past loves, near misses, and neverweres. If everything in her life is perfect, why is she newly single and not really happy?
I wanted to love this. The concept was interesting and Jio's style is approachable and introspective. Lena is a likeable, relatable FMC, who obviously cares deeply for the people in her life. She and Frankie's friendship functioned well as an anchor to Lena's true timeline, even if Frankie herself seemed to morph with each new scenario.
Unfortunately, a dozen what ifs was too many for me. It really started to drag a bit. I also, personally, don't appreciate the "but have you considered that maybe you really need a baby?!" trope in books. Women can be successful and happy without children. It's ok if you want them and it's ok not to, as well. I wish sometimes we'd just let women exist in stories. That's obviously totally subjective.
Overall, an enjoyable read, and I can definitely think of people who would enjoy it immensely. Give it shot if you like second chances, or often find yourself wondering "what if I'd talked to that guy who smiled at me on the subway?"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2025
Insignificant Others by Sarah Geo, in the book Lana experiences the romantic Groundhog Day but instead of every day being the same, every day she has a new husband. when the book starts Lana is living in San Francisco and engaged but unfortunately her engagement doesn’t last long and she retreats back to Washington to her aunt Rose’s house to lick her wounds but while there she decides to go investigate the place she was forbidden to go in as a child and that is the little summer house behind her aunts home. When she falls asleep she’ll only wish that’s where she woke up but instead wakes up in many different versions of her life with many different husbands and even a few children. I really enjoyed this book I just wish we would’ve known a more concrete origin story to the little summer house but that is the only negative I really loved the ending I only wish the ending would’ve been longer and I’m sure those who have read the book know what I mean. This is still a great book to Read and for those who love romance stories there is a lot to swoon over and many times you will wish she would stay with one of her groundhog husbands, I know I certainly did. I just want to say my favorite part was when she was married to Marcus and had Baby Sabrina and stopped to get her Starbucks and a chocolate doughnut for breakfast, a lot of things in this book made me laugh but nothing as hard as that I really did LMFAO! #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer,#MyHonestReview, #SarahGeo, #InsignificantOthers,
April 8, 2025
Lena, reeling from a breakup that she thought was going to be a proposal, goes back home to her aunts house to lick her wounds. When she falls asleep in the guest house, she isn't prepared for what will happen. Lena is transported to a new life every time she goes to sleep. Back with her exes and could have beens, to see if she somehow along the way missed out on what was right in front of her.
She feels love, she feels betrayal and she feels pain through these 24 hour experiences. She goes on journeys not just physically, but mentally. Understanding what love is and what it feels like so that she isn't just going through the motions.
I wasn't prepared for how much I loved this story. The premise sounded fun, so I decided to grab it, but I wasn't prepared for how this story would touch my heart and remind me of my own journey through life. Looking back on what could have been and finding love and comfort in places that weren't given a second glance before. Finding a HEA in something that was so unsuspected. Lena touched my heart and I love that fate played a hand in helping her see what had been in front of her before and bring it back to her.
Thanks to WIlliam Morrow, Netgalley and Sarah Jio for an early copy.
She feels love, she feels betrayal and she feels pain through these 24 hour experiences. She goes on journeys not just physically, but mentally. Understanding what love is and what it feels like so that she isn't just going through the motions.
I wasn't prepared for how much I loved this story. The premise sounded fun, so I decided to grab it, but I wasn't prepared for how this story would touch my heart and remind me of my own journey through life. Looking back on what could have been and finding love and comfort in places that weren't given a second glance before. Finding a HEA in something that was so unsuspected. Lena touched my heart and I love that fate played a hand in helping her see what had been in front of her before and bring it back to her.
Thanks to WIlliam Morrow, Netgalley and Sarah Jio for an early copy.
April 26, 2025
I listened to the Audiobook version narrated by Brittany Pressley. Pressley is very talented lending different dialect, tone/ pitch to each character. Truly an incredible job on this Audiobook.
A female version of relationships Past, Present and Future. Comical and heartbreaking listening to her pain and joy as she searches for her true love.
Have you thought how each one of your failed relationships could have turned out if you stayed together? Would you be Rich? poor? Would you be chartering Yachts or working on one? What career would you have? Each day she wakes up with a new person a new life each posing different challenges.
I like to listen to an audiobook at bedtime while playing a game on my phone. My partner usually doesn’t pay much attention to what’s playing until… He yelled out “KEVIN! Who the H&$$ is Kevin?” He got hooked somewhere in the middle and I had to get him up to speed. He really liked the book and could not wait to find out who she would end up with. He gave it 4 out of 5 stars because it didn’t end how he wanted it to.
Insignificant others is unlike any story I have read. You couldn’t guess what was going to happen. Unpredictable and Bingeworthy. Great beach read or Book Club pick. There is a lot you can discuss.
I am curious to know who you thought she would end up with…. Leave it below.
A female version of relationships Past, Present and Future. Comical and heartbreaking listening to her pain and joy as she searches for her true love.
Have you thought how each one of your failed relationships could have turned out if you stayed together? Would you be Rich? poor? Would you be chartering Yachts or working on one? What career would you have? Each day she wakes up with a new person a new life each posing different challenges.
I like to listen to an audiobook at bedtime while playing a game on my phone. My partner usually doesn’t pay much attention to what’s playing until… He yelled out “KEVIN! Who the H&$$ is Kevin?” He got hooked somewhere in the middle and I had to get him up to speed. He really liked the book and could not wait to find out who she would end up with. He gave it 4 out of 5 stars because it didn’t end how he wanted it to.
Insignificant others is unlike any story I have read. You couldn’t guess what was going to happen. Unpredictable and Bingeworthy. Great beach read or Book Club pick. There is a lot you can discuss.
I am curious to know who you thought she would end up with…. Leave it below.
September 2, 2024
After breaking up with her boyfriend, Lena travels back home and becomes stuck in a time loop-situation. Every morning, she wakes up in a different version of her life with a different partner. She gets to see where life takes her in all these different versions of time and who she ends up with (for better or worse).
I really enjoyed this book. It's a very entertaining premise, funny and emotional, and more complex than I expected. The self-reflection that Lena goes through along this journey felt pretty beautiful. I also really appreciated how complicated many of Lena's relationships were and the deep connection she makes with some of her lives. I was fully immersed in the story and her journey, and think other readers would find it an enjoyable, low stakes read as well!
Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy!
I really enjoyed this book. It's a very entertaining premise, funny and emotional, and more complex than I expected. The self-reflection that Lena goes through along this journey felt pretty beautiful. I also really appreciated how complicated many of Lena's relationships were and the deep connection she makes with some of her lives. I was fully immersed in the story and her journey, and think other readers would find it an enjoyable, low stakes read as well!
Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy!
March 26, 2025
Sarah Jio’s *Insignificant Others* is an absolute gem—beautifully written, deeply emotional, and utterly captivating. Her storytelling is immersive, her prose is elegant yet effortless, and the emotions woven throughout the pages feel so authentic and raw.
This book had me hooked from start to finish, making me feel every emotion along the way. Jio has an incredible ability to bring her characters to life in a way that makes them feel real and relatable. The themes of love, resilience, and self-discovery resonated deeply, leaving a lasting impact long after I turned the final page.
I personally loved this story, and it’s one I’ll be thinking about for a long time. A huge thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC—this was an absolute pleasure to read! Highly recommend!
This book had me hooked from start to finish, making me feel every emotion along the way. Jio has an incredible ability to bring her characters to life in a way that makes them feel real and relatable. The themes of love, resilience, and self-discovery resonated deeply, leaving a lasting impact long after I turned the final page.
I personally loved this story, and it’s one I’ll be thinking about for a long time. A huge thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC—this was an absolute pleasure to read! Highly recommend!
March 28, 2025
"You used to say you could never be with someone who didn't love books."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Insignificant Others is a contemporary time travel romance that tells the story of Lena - a workaholic who is just checking off all of life’s boxes and forgets to take time to enjoy love along the way.
The story is fast paced and whimsical. Imagine waking up each day with a new partner. Each one being someone from your past which allows you to see what life might’ve been like had you stuck together.
Lena goes through a whirlwind, and each part of her journey is so heartfelt as you watch her learn things about herself. I really wasn’t sure what to expect going into this book, but it was such a fun and beautiful journey.
Thank you to the team at William Morrow Epic TasteMakers for the gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Insignificant Others is a contemporary time travel romance that tells the story of Lena - a workaholic who is just checking off all of life’s boxes and forgets to take time to enjoy love along the way.
The story is fast paced and whimsical. Imagine waking up each day with a new partner. Each one being someone from your past which allows you to see what life might’ve been like had you stuck together.
Lena goes through a whirlwind, and each part of her journey is so heartfelt as you watch her learn things about herself. I really wasn’t sure what to expect going into this book, but it was such a fun and beautiful journey.
Thank you to the team at William Morrow Epic TasteMakers for the gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
April 2, 2025
4.5 stars
This was a touching and heartwarming magical realism book! I really enjoyed the growth the Lena went through and each day she woke up I was excited to see who she would be with now and how her life has changed.
I enjoyed this format and zoomed through this book. My only complaint is I wish some of the “lives” she had were longer! This is a sweet twist on the butterfly effect and I had a fun time with this book
Pub date: 4/1 (out now!)
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review
This was a touching and heartwarming magical realism book! I really enjoyed the growth the Lena went through and each day she woke up I was excited to see who she would be with now and how her life has changed.
I enjoyed this format and zoomed through this book. My only complaint is I wish some of the “lives” she had were longer! This is a sweet twist on the butterfly effect and I had a fun time with this book
Pub date: 4/1 (out now!)
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review
April 16, 2025
Lena is ticking all the boxes and knows her boyfriend is going to propose. They've discussed it and they make sense! On paper... so when he doesn't, she breaks it off with him and takes a much needed break at her aunt's house only to wake up in another man's bed, a ring on her finger, and no idea how she got there.
This concept was super interesting and I think it's a book that I'll carry with me. I loved the twist on a Groundhog day format but that the setting and characters constantly change in a carousel of WHAT IF?? One minor change in direction and a whole life looks completely different. Some of the men were cringey, some were terribly sweet, and some could have been perfect. Lena is very likeable and her character arc was fantastic as she realized there's more to life than idealism.
Thank you to William Morrow for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
Why it wasn't a five star (SPOILERS potentially ahead): I wish there was a day where the end game guy had more page time just to see more of them together. I like that we as the reader can interpret how we want BUT I'd have liked more fodder for me to root for them. Also it was very "tell me" and less "show me".
This concept was super interesting and I think it's a book that I'll carry with me. I loved the twist on a Groundhog day format but that the setting and characters constantly change in a carousel of WHAT IF?? One minor change in direction and a whole life looks completely different. Some of the men were cringey, some were terribly sweet, and some could have been perfect. Lena is very likeable and her character arc was fantastic as she realized there's more to life than idealism.
Thank you to William Morrow for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
Why it wasn't a five star (SPOILERS potentially ahead): I wish there was a day where the end game guy had more page time just to see more of them together. I like that we as the reader can interpret how we want BUT I'd have liked more fodder for me to root for them. Also it was very "tell me" and less "show me".
March 23, 2025
The best part about this book was you just didn’t know what might happen next! With the main character bouncing in and out of different lives and men it made for a fun and fresh story that also had some depth. Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for read and review
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