Accidental strangers or star-crossed lovers? Tom and Sophie are about to find out.
Tom and Sophie have never met.
Tom is a music student and aspiring songwriter. He wholeheartedly believes in meant to be and, more specifically, in his turbulent relationship with a far more successful recording artist. Even when her sudden overseas tour threatens to up-end everything.
Sophie is an astrophysics PhD candidate. To her, the vast mysteries of the universe can be reduced down to cold, hard science. She knows there’s no such thing as fate or destiny, and not even the handsome undergrad assigned to her research project will change her mind.
Sophie doesn’t know it, but she’s been orbiting Tom all year.
They might be destined for each other, if only their meet-cutes were not a series of near misses…
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Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
I found this book really interesting and it kept me reading. If you happened to like Little Shop Around the Corner, if you are old enough to remember, and You’ve Got Mail, then this book is for you. It is much more in the here and now, but you keep waiting for the main characters to actually have a meeting; keeps you in suspense. Really good twist on an old tale, enjoy. Jan, VIC, 5 Stars
Bound to Happen is a shining light in the night sky. Tom and Sophie have never met and yet this whole story is about them. Bound to Happen is a very clever book that takes you on a journey with Tom’s life and then it connects to Sophie and you take a journey with Sophie’s life. It’s a bit like a ball that bounces back and forth between the two. Songwriter Tom wants to write a great song for his girlfriend. Sophie is into space and science. Jonathon Shannon has written a story that is more than a story – a science lesson, a music lesson, a book about hurt, reaching for your dreams and love. Once you start to read this book you won’t just ‘read’ this book, you’ll fall in love with it…. it’s Bound to Happen. Ann-Marie, SA, 5 Stars
This book transcends the rom-com genre to deliver a beautiful exploration of fate, love and what-ifs. Take You’ve Got Mail, a splash of Sliding Doors, and a dash of your favourite women in STEM romance. Then add philosophy, theoretical science, poetry and humour and you’re getting closer to this magic book. It’s the slowest of slow-burn romances that will warm your heart as Tom the musician and Sophie the astrophysicist develop a deep and honest connection by email. However, in the real world, they keep coming oh-so-close to meeting, only for fate to decree that their time has not yet come. The many ways that they (almost) meet in each chapter were so clever that I laughed with delight, when I wasn’t groaning with frustration. But the result was a hugely emotional payoff. I loved the way this book developed the characters and the relationship, and adored the way it ended. Critiques? Only that I wish I had more musical knowledge so that I could appreciated the talk of chords and sound mixing more. If this novel is made into a movie or tv show, their biggest challenge will be getting the music right. Lisa, QLD, 5 Stars
A delightful read showing how fate can intertwine with your future and shape an unexpected path. The alternating perspectives of Sophie and Tom will leave you turning the pages and questioning if those we meet is by pure chance or are we destined to cross their path. I loved this well-paced, intriguing rom-com, and I am so glad that fate (or was it Better Reading) that placed this novel in my path. Genene, SA, 5 Stars
Tom and Sophie have never met. They orbit each other without knowing it, exist in each other’s periphery, and all of this leads to a beautiful, angsty story that I was so drawn to, I wanted to simultaneously finish it quickly and never finish it. Sophie is an astrophysics PhD candidate and Tom is a musician. He wants to write music about ‘the meant to be’, but in a ‘real’ way, and for it to be authentic, he seeks advice about scientific theories and concepts from Sophie’s department. The pair correspond, enjoying the anonymity and the other’s thought processes and both ponder the ‘what-ifs’ and ‘what could be’. The strength of this author is his ability to tease events and moments and to create tension in a completely believable way. It’s sexy, but there are no sexy times. It’s intelligent and complex, but so deliciously simple. It isn’t a ‘true’ romance but is romantic. The romance is created in the wait and the missed connections, it’s tied to the idea, the possibilities, and the wonder of how many decisions we make, on any given day, that might have changed our course. I cannot sing the praises of this book enough. Aotea, QLD, 5 Stars
What an intriguing story. Right from the start I guessed what the plot would be. I was right! However, what I wanted to happen waited until the last page. Time and time again the two lead characters, who virtually narrated the story alternately from their own perspective, came so close to meeting each other but different life situations kept them apart. A good and easy read, highly recommended. Crystal, TAS, 5 Stars
I love You’ve Got Mail and Sliding Doors so this sounded up my alley when the opportunity came up to read it! And I enjoyed almost every second. Having it set in Australia is an added bonus, having both science and music woven into the story kept me interested more than a regular com-rom. The emails and voice felt almost lyrical and kept me flipping the pages at a speed I haven’t done in a while. Fiona, VIC, 5 Stars
I absolutely loved the storyline and concept of Bound to Happen by Jonathon Shannon. It was brilliantly fresh, young and modern. There is a wonderful chemistry of music and science explored by the author through the main characters of Tom and Sophie who share a love for both of these subject matters. Tom and Sophie are two university students in Sydney who have never met face to face. However, they have crossed paths many times but have missed each other by fractions of time and space. They share a long string of emails to each other that develops their interesting relationship and bonds them to their favourite topics. Not only does the novel explore the main relationship of Tom and Sophie, but also the two different sides of friendship groups of the main characters that help and support them through their university life challenges and career ambitions. The novel is intelligently written and the dialogue flows seamlessly through the written emails as though you, as the reader, are a part of their conversation. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to young readers going through their higher education stage of life as it is highly relatable. Raffaela, VIC, 5 Stars
Bound to Happen is my kind of romance; the protagonists, Sophie and Tom, communicate only through emails. They discuss music and astrophysics and all the while, as they keep just missing each other, have relationships with other people which fail, dramatically. I loved all the science thought and speculation and how music just might be the underlying string to the whole of the universe. Now, would that be harmony or discord? In Bound to Happen, it just might be both. I enjoyed following both Sophie and Tom as they moved through their separate lives slowly circling each other but never quite meeting up, except online. It was clever. It left me speculating what could be, instead of closing the book with a sigh of contentment at romance complete. If you like an open ending, like I do, then Bound to Happen might just be the book for you. Daniella, QLD, 5 Stars
Sweet, romantic and just delightful. This was like David Nicholls’ One Day meets Ali Hazelwood’s epic STEM romances meets You’ve Got Mail. In the best ways possible. I just fell in love with both Sophie and Tom, and was absolutely desperate for them to meet at last. The Sydney references were spot on too, especially the gorgeous birdcage installation at Angel Place. Recommended for all readers of intelligent romantic comedies. Jennifer, NSW, 5 Stars
The title of the book tells us all we need to know, doesn’t it? Sophie, an Astrophysics PhD candidate, is driven by facts and not fate or destiny. So when she answers an email, from music student Tom asking about String Theory, little does she know the course her universe now has for her. This book keeps you wondering when or even if the two will meet in person – with their other partners, parallel lives and the missed physical connections. What a wonderful debut novel by Jonathon Shannon. Nicole, VIC, 5 Stars
This wasn’t a book I would normally have picked up but, thanks to Good Reads, I did. Although initially I found the two main characters hard to get to know, I soon realised we had to get to know them, their interests, and their friends, slowly. Tom and Sophie, two people who shouldn’t have a lot in common, “meet” and, although they have two totally different occupations and interests, their worlds end up “colliding” in the strangest way. Tom, an aspiring musician and Sophie, an aspiring Astrophysicist are brought together through their love of music and science (strange bedfellows). I loved both the characters who take us through their lives over a long period of time. Although totally different, they tend to lead very similar lives, both through their ambitions and the people they choose to love. After finishing the book, I realised if I could talk to them both, my words would be “Tom and Sophie – what a magnificent ride you took me on.” A beautiful, poignant, funny and romantic story – I absolutely loved it! Oh, and those who love books with “sliding doors” moments won’t be disappointed – I certainly wasn’t! Diane, SA, 5 Stars
Well if Bound to Happen was a movie it would be a rom-com… It’s a lovely read about two people who are meant to be together but things always appear to be in their way… Sally, VIC, 5 Stars
If you believe in destiny then this is the book for you. Sophie and Tom only have a connection via email but realise they have a lot in common. I loved the way Jonathon Shannon made connections between science and music, the writing is interesting and captivating which makes this book an easy and enjoyable read. There are many times when you think that Sophie and Tom will meet up and the author keeps you guessing as to what just happened. Relationships are tested in various ways and some characters realise that what they thought they wanted was not the case. Such a wonderful read, for a debut novel. Lorraine, VIC, 5 Stars
An interesting book that challenged me to begin with, as I had to get into the exchange between Tom, the messy music student and songwriter, and Sophie, the astrophysics PhD student. They had never met but Tom started the email exchange when he was writing a love song and sent an email to the physics department asking for help to write his song as he had a theory about strings connecting people. Tom has a girlfriend Poppy whom he follows around and an old school friend Raj who is a med student; these characters are woven into the story and keep you guessing about what will happen. It’s a good well-written, intelligent book and the storyline makes you think and keeps you on your toes until the last page. Katrina, QLD, 5 Stars
A perfect mixture between The Love Hypothesis and Big Bang Theory. Obsessed with this book! Brea, NSW, 5 Stars
I really enjoyed this book. Christine, QLD, 4 Stars
A heart-lifting tale about two intertwining lives and the question of fate. It was well-written and easy to read. Ebony, WA, 4 Stars
As an avid fantasy reader, this romance book got me good!! Firstly, the author’s style of writing is so easy to get into and I was hooked by page one. The storyline was easy to follow but interesting enough that it didn’t get boring. Secondly, I love the characters. They are real, raw, intelligent, genuine people that no matter how big or small their part is in the story, they are written so well you want to read more about them. Thirdly, the combination of music and science was actually brilliant! I found myself enjoying seeing love from a scientist’s point of view versus a romantic musician. No trigger warnings that I could think of, just a great wholesome read. I will happily buy more of this author’s work. Jordi, QLD, 4 Stars
I really enjoyed Bound to Happen. A cleverly written “rom-com” with plenty of almost! and nearly! to keep you guessing (and waiting!). I enjoyed reading from two different points of view from Sophie and Tom. Lovable characters and an upbeat story, perfect for that weekend read. Bianca, NSW, 4 Stars
Bound to Happen is a STEM rom-com set in Australia. Our two F/M mc are Sophie, an astrophysics student and Tom, a musican. Whilst it did take me a while to actually get into the book (mum of five) I thoroughly enjoyed it. A must-read for those interested in these themes. Melissa, SA, 4 Stars
Bound to Happen is an easy-to-read, fun love story. I really enjoyed how Jonathon Shannon portrayed each character. This book is so well written and I enjoyed every page. Rebecca, QLD, 4 Stars
Do things really happen for a reason, or is that just what we tell ourselves to make us feel better when something happens to us? Is there such a thing as fate? Tom believes there is, yet Sophie does not, knowing everything can be scientifically explained. As their paths collide unknowingly and things in their lives change around them, will their opinion still be the same? Sarah, QLD, 4 Stars
This novel tells the story of Sophie currently working on her PhD in astrophysics, and Tom, a student musician and hopeless romantic, who connect online when Tom, wishing to write a song based on string theory for his long-distance girlfriend, seeks some general scientific advice. Both imagine how a relationship might be but fate seems to be against the match. Is it “bound to happen” or not? Will other relationships get in the way? How many sliding door moments can they have before destiny is served? I loved following the intellectual yet playful conversations between these two with seemingly little in common. A gentle, thoughtful read with generally likeable characters. I look forward to Jonathon Shannon’s next offering. Lesley, QLD, 4 Stars
Like a rom-com with a side of intellect. Aspiring astronaut Sophie and musician Tom move in different circles however sliding door moments continue to place them in each other’s path. Tom and Sophie meet through a series of question-and-answer emails where Tom seeks advice from the science department when writing a song about string theory for his current girlfriend. Whilst their relationship grows through the anonymous email thread, a series of near misses and parallel lives are occurring in real-life, much to the chagrin of the reader. The tension keeps the reader on the edge of their seat waiting for the moment of realisation. A fantastic debut novel from Johnathon Shannon – looking forward to what is to come next. Jenny, VIC, 4 Stars
This read is set at Sydney University. Sophie and Tom have never met and their paths crossed many times without them knowing. Are they meant to meet or will the universe keep them apart? Tom is a musician who makes you want to go to one of his gigs. Sophie wants to be an astronaut. Two easy-going and smart individuals make you want their worlds to collide. I enjoyed this read. Judy, NSW, 4 Stars
This was a fun and rather unexpected debut book. Unexpected because the two protagonists dance around each other for the entire book, not meeting, yet having an intense relationship. Read it to find out how. The circles they move in are very different: an astrophysicist (Sophie) and a musician (Tom). But the circles they move through, including acquaintances and situations from Sydney University, overlapped like crazy. Such unexpected fun to read, with great characters (including Tom’s friend Raj, who made me laugh). Can’t wait to read what this author does next. Malvina, NSW, 4 Stars
The storyline in this book is about Sophie who is at university studying astrophysics and believes in nothing but cold hard facts, and Tom who is a music student and promising songwriter who believes in fate and meant-to-bes. Will they actually meet, is the big question. This got me wondering about if the same thing happens to me but I just don’t realise it is happening! A very interesting read that makes you keep turning the pages to see what the ending is. There was also lots happening in each of their lives throughout the book to keep you riveted. Vicki, VIC, 4 Stars
Bound to Happen by Jonathon Shannon is a fun, entertaining book that reminds the reader how little moments can make a difference to the way your life goes. Tom is a songwriter who emails Sophie, an astrophysics PhD candidate, for help with a music idea. As their emails continue, they feel a connection. Tom is in a complicated relationship with a singer, Poppy, even though it seems to be falling apart. Sophie has started a relationship with an undergrad, but she’s not really sure about it. As they both consider what it would be like to date each other, both the reader and characters realise they are missing opportunities to meet each other. This type of intrigue made me want to see what situation would end up bringing them together and whether it would be successful. Having their relationship develop through emails is a great way to make the book a little different from other romances. The physics information can be a little overwhelming, though. Sophie and Tom are the type of characters you want to see end up together and I really enjoyed reading it. Theresa, NSW, 4 Stars
An amusing romance built around the idea of destiny. It’s not particularly original, but it’s a pleasant read that fulfills everything you could want from a rom-com. Some beats of this story are very obvious, and it’s not exactly hard to see what’s coming. That’s never really bothered anyone when it comes to a well-written rom-com. Shannon has a light touch – it’s not exactly funny, but it’s light-hearted and good-natured. There’s a fair wodge of science, but it’s light and easily digestible. Characters are strong and convincing, and readers will get more and more engaged with their stories as Tom and Sophie keep missing each other. Their lives are very recognizable – tight budgets, competing demands, taking the first steps into their professional futures, romantic uncertainty… Shannon makes the typical experiences of 20-somethings an opening for readers to identify with Sophie and Tom. Once snagged, most readers will care what happens to them. I enjoyed this novel a lot. It’s not deep, and there aren’t any big twists. However, the characters are strong, the story amusing, and the writing style light. It’s a satisfying entertainment that should appeal to most romance readers. Lorraine, ACT, 4 Stars
Bound to Happen is a delightful, fast-paced rom-com about Tom and Sophie. It is a lovely story full of “what ifs” and the story follows the couple, whose lives are parallel and they don’t even realise. Congratulations to Jonathon Shannon on his debut novel – I would highly reccommend!! Jacinda, NSW, 4 Stars
This story was captivating and enchanting; all of the twists of fate that determine your life and love. I found myself racing through the book to see what would unfold between Sophie and Tom. Kudos to Jonathon Shannon for creating a shining STEM female protagonist, and not being afraid to make the female ‘smarter’ than her male counterpart, and for eliminating toxic masculinity in having Tom not intimidated by Sophie’s intelligence. Alexandra, TAS, 4 Stars
I’ll start by saying I loved this book. I don’t want to spoil too much. I went in with a certain expectation of the plot but instead I was completely blown away. Jonathon Shannon created a beautiful love story of missed connections between astrophysics PhD candidate Sophie and musician Tom. This book takes you on a journey that makes you feel extremely invested in the outcome. With every chapter, you get closer to thinking this is it, only to be wrong! We watch Sophie’s journey, whose entire being as a scientist is numbers and the fundamentals of space. She’s witty and calculated, refusing to bow to no one in the desire to reach her dreams of being an astronaut. Then one day a chance student email to the physics department about string theory from Tom changes everything. Sophie is challenged both emotionally and intellectually by Tom, who attempts to intertwine science with love and emotions. Will these two end up being star-crossed lovers or will their meeting be a one-hit wonder? You’ll have to read Bound to Happen to find out! A well-written book that really brings the perfect amount of tension and wonder that makes you not want to put the book down. A perfect rom-com for those who like their “love when you least expect it” with a side of science. Shara, VIC, 4 Stars
Sophie and Tom have that many near misses that it leaves you hoping that eventually end up together. Their close connection and “almosts” keep it exciting. Between songwriting and science, surely something is “bound to happen”. A quick song/science email enquiring about string theory might be the nudge that Tom and Sophie need. Will it join these two lost souls together? Sharnee, QLD, 4 Stars
Jonathon Shannon’s book takes a detour from the usual ‘boy meets girl’ rom-com formula and makes for an enjoyable story of near meetings and misses, which are set in and around Sydney University and its environs. Chapters are titled with the passing months and weeks and it’s quite a journey. A nice twist and clever use of music, maths and science in the romance genre. An easy, fun read! Cheryl, NSW, 4 Stars
A sweet read filled with tenderness, music, warmth, the search for the perfect croissant and science! The science component was fascinating (learnt quite a lot), the characters were all endearing and the plot was delightful! A fun easy read with a perfect ending! Ilona, VIC, 4 Stars
Accidental strangers or star-crossed lovers? That is the question posed for this book. Tom is a music student and aspiring songwriter and Sophie is an astrophysics PhD candidate. The story has some cute moments e.g. when Sophie picks up Tom’s soy latte and other near misses (maybe a bit too many) but I did not really enjoy the emails between them when Tom seeks help for his song. Too much about string physics and the universe. To me, it lacks some humor or excitement. Sandra, NSW, 3 Stars
A charming and modern romance. An astrophysics PhD and a musician keep having near misses – and yet they’ve been emailing each other for a few years. Think rom-coms like Definitely, Maybe or Sleepless in Seattle or Notting Hill. The leads are nothing alike – or are they? Both are inquisitive and searching for meaning, both are open to new ideas, and both are closer than they realise. This is not your usual will they or won’t they – it’s clear that Sophie and Tom are perfect for each other and, at different points in time, they know it too, but meeting face-to-face seems to be a bit too difficult, even for fate to manage. This book is fun, hopeful, sweet, and even offers the reader a 101 on some of the big astrophysics questions about life and the universe. Want to know why Tom and Sophie’s common ground starts with string theory? You’ll have to read the book to find out. Sara, NSW, 3 Stars
I don’t usually read romance books by men – maybe it’s our different outlooks but rarely do I enjoy them. However, I did enjoy Bound to Happen, laughed at the coincidence of same place, same time but never meeting, and willed Tom and Sophie to finally meet. Loved to concept of the story. Found the theories of music and astrophysics interesting although sometimes too heavy in my light read. Would recommend as a holiday read; I enjoyed the opportunity to pre-read and the challenge to read outside my normal choices. Robyn, QLD, 3 Stars
Jonathon Shannon’s debut is the fast-paced romantic comedy you’re looking for. Funny, contemporary and filled with ‘will they/won’t they’ suspense to the very last page. Two alternating POVs drive the narrative: Tom and Sophie unknowingly circle each other for three years while studying at university… will coincidence or destiny bring them together – or not? Physics and music jargon fill email correspondence between our two main characters who are questioning, responding and discussing theory and unknowns – all the while, emotional connections are building. The novel is intricately plotted, and action-packed, with chapter headings helpfully reminding readers of the dates and time that is passing. The various side characters are entertaining and bring extra personality context to both Tom and Sophie and, in turn, affect how we react to them, their feelings and their decision-making. In essence, the novel is feel-good, witty and upbeat; even through the sad moments and introspection. Tom and Sophie are at times emotionally flawed, but they’re clever and honest and are sure to win many fans. Alida, VIC, 3 Stars
A quirky take on the usual rom-com offering and a bold debut novel. This book was a bit of a slow burn for me. Where some might say the constant and at times deep dives into all things physics is an added intellectual boost, at times I just found it too much and skimmed over it. I definitely enjoyed the book more as it progressed and the story revolved more around the characters than science. An interesting take on sliding doors moments and how intertwined our lives with others may or not be. Susanne, WA, 3 Stars
This novel touches on the themes of fate, destiny and science to name a few, with the two main characters Tom and Sophie debating these through their email exchanges. Tom’s goal is to make music and Sophie is in astrophysics. Tom wears his heart on his sleeve whereas Sophie believes everything comes down to science, is more of a cynic (and I found a bit pretentious). They are both smart but at times I felt the characters lacked common sense. The writing too is smart and the storyline unique but overall this story was very draining and the ‘uni talk’ email exchanges, whilst intelligent, were bordering on boring. I didn’t really get into the novel until 90 percent of the way through and that’s when I felt it really picked up. Danielle, VIC, 2 Stars
This book is a gripping tale that blends romance and suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The author weaves a narrative that explores the intricate dance between fate and free will. Set against the backdrop of a small town the story follows the lives of two compelling protagonists whose paths intersect in unexpected ways. The chemistry between the characters is palpable. The pacing is well-crafted, with each chapter offering intrigue and new layers. Twists and turns throughout keep you engaged. Definitely a romantic book telling personal stories of the characters. Melissa, NSW, 2 Stars
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