The Missed Connection by Tia Williams

Rating: 4 of 5 stars 

Pages: 326 pages
Published: June 2026

My last read of September was a first read by author Tia Williams. The Missed Connection is a playful, fast-paced romcom with heart, humor, and a dash of chaos. In it, we follow protagonist Sasha Cruz who meets an engaging, handsome stranger during a transatlantic flight to Europe. After talking for several hours and forming what feels like an instant connection, the passengers are quickly deplaned, leaving Sasha and her mystery man with no chance to exchange contact information or even names! In a haze of anti-anxiety medication and wine, Sasha emails a coworker hoping for help tracking him down, but she accidentally copies the entire company. It’s hilarious and exactly the kind of inciting incident you’d expect in a romcom. 

Upon her return to the United States, Sasha reconnects with Wes Dane, a detective who previously helped her through a difficult situation. Together, they embark on a quest to find her elusive travel mate from Seat F. However, the rekindling of this professional relationship also stirs up personal complications and unresolved feelings that make Sasha’s search for her supposed soulmate far more complicated than she anticipated. 

The Missed Connection is a fast-paced and funny novel that also intertwines heavier themes of anxiety, mental health, and personal safety. I found the story intriguing, and I was deeply committed to Sasha’s mission to find Seat F. However, it was clear though, there were unresolved issues between Sasha and Wes. I found their dynamic predictable, and it felt appropriate for a romcom of this nature. I also appreciated how Williams handled some of the more serious elements with care, balancing emotional depth with well-timed humor. Her chapter titles were accurately descriptive and definitely added an extra layer of charm. 

The main shortcoming for me was the suspension of belief required for the plot to work. It took a little more than a stretch to imagine Sasha sharing intimate details with Seat F for hours without either person offering their name or contact information. As a reader, you have to accept this premise from the outset for the rest of the story to land. Additionally, the ending of the book felt a little underdeveloped. It seemed as though the author felt a little rushed to resolve the Seat F storyline, resulting in a conclusion that felt slightly far-fetched. 

In summary, if the reader approaches this novel as a lighthearted escape from reality, it delivers entertaining value. And for me, it was a nice story to end the summer reading season. 

Recommendation: This book is perfect for fans of romantic comedies, but I’ll offer a warning: There are several open-door sex scenes that didn’t necessarily add value to the story. If that’s not your preference, just keep it in mind. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.