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Don’t Count on Me
Not yet published
Expected 19 Sep 25What if you knew exactly how many more times you’d see someone again?
That’s Alma Pendle’s reality. Neon numbers float above everyone’s heads, counting down her remaining encounters with them. Friends. Strangers. Even family.
She thought it was normal until she told her best friend and wound up in the psych ward.
Now, her mum’s high as a kite, her beloved Nanke’s vanished without a word, and every man she ever meets is history before he even has a chance.
Alma doesn’t want to be special. She just wants to be normal.
But fate - or whatever’s behind the numbers - has other plans
That’s Alma Pendle’s reality. Neon numbers float above everyone’s heads, counting down her remaining encounters with them. Friends. Strangers. Even family.
She thought it was normal until she told her best friend and wound up in the psych ward.
Now, her mum’s high as a kite, her beloved Nanke’s vanished without a word, and every man she ever meets is history before he even has a chance.
Alma doesn’t want to be special. She just wants to be normal.
But fate - or whatever’s behind the numbers - has other plans
298 pages, ebook
Expected publication September 19, 2025
1 person is currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 29, 2025
I was given an advanced copy to review (thank you!). I loved the premise of the book, it was really unusual. I loved the main character Alma. It was a book which had lovely, funny and then sad and heartbreaking moments.
August 16, 2025
🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩
This is the first book I have ready by this author. I went in blind reading the book going off a brief description and name of the book. I didn’t know what to expect!!! As soon as I started turning the pages, then chapters, just one and another one. This book was calling me to read it when I had any spare time. I demolished it over a few days. It was unputdownable. I absolutely loved it ❤️❤️
**POSSIBLE SPOILERS BELOW**
In this book, we meet Alma, who sees numbers floating above the heads of people, family, and strangers telling her how many times she will see someone. Is this really it, or is it more like a death date, I thought. Reading the book, I couldn’t make my mind up, which it was. She couldn’t ask her mum as she was always high on drugs or having different men turn up at the house regularly. This was happening as Alma was growing up. So, we have Alma thinking if she is going mad. It’s driving her crazy. She ends up in a psych ward because she shared her gift with her friends. It was a very big mistake, and it bites her in the bum later 😱!!!
My question is, what would you do if with every relationship it was to be potentially doomed, all Alma ever wanted is to be loved but ended up driving those who were the closest away from her. That number above a person’s head could be classed as a gift or burden. Alma has no one who can help her, not even her grandma Nanke, who doesn’t want to see her, and she doesn’t understand why. Read on, and you’ll find out!!
This book was also so different due to the use of slang in the book, for example “leccy” and “sus” etc, which I loved oh and a character was named Damian too!! But the slang was regional loved it.
For a debut book by the author and I went in blind, fantastic read addictive, loved it, did I already say that lol!! I am looking forward to reading more by this new author to me!! Hurry up, please, lol!!!
JUST DOUGHNUT COUNT ON ME!!!!
🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩
This is the first book I have ready by this author. I went in blind reading the book going off a brief description and name of the book. I didn’t know what to expect!!! As soon as I started turning the pages, then chapters, just one and another one. This book was calling me to read it when I had any spare time. I demolished it over a few days. It was unputdownable. I absolutely loved it ❤️❤️
**POSSIBLE SPOILERS BELOW**
In this book, we meet Alma, who sees numbers floating above the heads of people, family, and strangers telling her how many times she will see someone. Is this really it, or is it more like a death date, I thought. Reading the book, I couldn’t make my mind up, which it was. She couldn’t ask her mum as she was always high on drugs or having different men turn up at the house regularly. This was happening as Alma was growing up. So, we have Alma thinking if she is going mad. It’s driving her crazy. She ends up in a psych ward because she shared her gift with her friends. It was a very big mistake, and it bites her in the bum later 😱!!!
My question is, what would you do if with every relationship it was to be potentially doomed, all Alma ever wanted is to be loved but ended up driving those who were the closest away from her. That number above a person’s head could be classed as a gift or burden. Alma has no one who can help her, not even her grandma Nanke, who doesn’t want to see her, and she doesn’t understand why. Read on, and you’ll find out!!
This book was also so different due to the use of slang in the book, for example “leccy” and “sus” etc, which I loved oh and a character was named Damian too!! But the slang was regional loved it.
For a debut book by the author and I went in blind, fantastic read addictive, loved it, did I already say that lol!! I am looking forward to reading more by this new author to me!! Hurry up, please, lol!!!
JUST DOUGHNUT COUNT ON ME!!!!
🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩
August 12, 2025
• ARC REVIEW •
Thank you to NetGalley and Lit Ideas publishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
•
The premise of this book is really interesting and it was executed really well. I got into it straight away and even though some of the language used was a bit weird and cringy at times, I still liked it.
The whole concept of seeing numbers above people’s heads to countdown the amount of encounters you’d have with them was so unique, but also creepy. Absolutely not. No thank you, I’d rather not know 😂 it was interesting to see how Alma dealt with it and how she figured out the maths behind the numbers.
I do feel like some of it was rushed, it would suddenly time jump with no warning and no explanation, she would suddenly be somewhere else with someone brand new in the very next chapter with little context.
I did like the way it was written, it read exactly how the character Alma is, and felt very personal and connected me more to her as I got to know her as a person throughout her story.
Overall, I did like this and it would have been a 3 stars, it was so so close to being so, until the epilogue. I took off a star because of my most hated trope, it’s overused and I’m sick of it, I don’t want to spoil so I won’t say what it is, but if you know you know!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lit Ideas publishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
•
The premise of this book is really interesting and it was executed really well. I got into it straight away and even though some of the language used was a bit weird and cringy at times, I still liked it.
The whole concept of seeing numbers above people’s heads to countdown the amount of encounters you’d have with them was so unique, but also creepy. Absolutely not. No thank you, I’d rather not know 😂 it was interesting to see how Alma dealt with it and how she figured out the maths behind the numbers.
I do feel like some of it was rushed, it would suddenly time jump with no warning and no explanation, she would suddenly be somewhere else with someone brand new in the very next chapter with little context.
I did like the way it was written, it read exactly how the character Alma is, and felt very personal and connected me more to her as I got to know her as a person throughout her story.
Overall, I did like this and it would have been a 3 stars, it was so so close to being so, until the epilogue. I took off a star because of my most hated trope, it’s overused and I’m sick of it, I don’t want to spoil so I won’t say what it is, but if you know you know!
August 15, 2025
This is the first work by this particular author I've read, and having enjoyed it immensely, I'm confident that it won't be the last! Despite knowing nothing about the book other than its title, I found myself instantly gripped by the unwinding storyline and thought the premise behind it was brilliant. Claire Camden's writing style is sharp, punchy, and quite witty, which I really liked.
The story centres around Alma, who has a very special talent. Whether it is a blessing or a curse may divide opinion. As we follow her through her young young life, getting to know her backstory and the people around her, we see how her unique 'gift' influences her journey, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. Along the way, there there are a number of interesting twists and turns and a few surprises. It isn't always smooth sailing for Alma, but she never gives up. Does it all work out well for her in the end? You'll have to read the story for yourself to discover the answer to that one!
Would I want Alma's ability? On balance, I think not. Did I enjoy reading about it. Yes, most definitely. This was a cracking book from start to finish.
The story centres around Alma, who has a very special talent. Whether it is a blessing or a curse may divide opinion. As we follow her through her young young life, getting to know her backstory and the people around her, we see how her unique 'gift' influences her journey, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. Along the way, there there are a number of interesting twists and turns and a few surprises. It isn't always smooth sailing for Alma, but she never gives up. Does it all work out well for her in the end? You'll have to read the story for yourself to discover the answer to that one!
Would I want Alma's ability? On balance, I think not. Did I enjoy reading about it. Yes, most definitely. This was a cracking book from start to finish.
August 14, 2025
Alma isn't your average woman - she sees numbers above everybody she meets, but what do they mean? And are they a curse? Or a blessing?
To answer this question would be somewhat of a spoiler, so I won't. I was fortunate enough to get my hands on an early ARC of the novel. I don't read as much as I'd like to or want to these days, because I find a lot of book, frankly, boring. Either thy fail to grab me, or they don't move at a sufficient pace. Thankfully, that wasn't the case with Don't Count On Me.
The plot is intriguing, Camden's writing style is clipped and urgent (big tick). Alma is a great character, as are her supporting cast. There's quite a few twists and turns - the reveal of what the numbers truly are was a surprise and I enjoyed how Alma learned how to live with her 'talent'.
There are several time jumps in the plot, they're quite significant shifts, but the point is to jar the reader, and they work. The ending was great, too.
All in all a highly unusual premise, great characters and really well written. Top drawer IMHO.
To answer this question would be somewhat of a spoiler, so I won't. I was fortunate enough to get my hands on an early ARC of the novel. I don't read as much as I'd like to or want to these days, because I find a lot of book, frankly, boring. Either thy fail to grab me, or they don't move at a sufficient pace. Thankfully, that wasn't the case with Don't Count On Me.
The plot is intriguing, Camden's writing style is clipped and urgent (big tick). Alma is a great character, as are her supporting cast. There's quite a few twists and turns - the reveal of what the numbers truly are was a surprise and I enjoyed how Alma learned how to live with her 'talent'.
There are several time jumps in the plot, they're quite significant shifts, but the point is to jar the reader, and they work. The ending was great, too.
All in all a highly unusual premise, great characters and really well written. Top drawer IMHO.
August 18, 2025
This book is outstandingly good
The whole concept of everyone you see having a number above their head representing the amount of times after this encounter you are going to meet them again is mind bogglingly fascinating,its good,bad,exciting and horrifying and throughout the book I changed my mind over and over again as to whether I would love or hate this,eventually deciding would like it as long as I could control it…
Alma does not have this luxury
Talking of Alma,she is a great character,funny and I mean lol funny in her ‘convos with herself’ and relatable and something just really likeable about her and how she copes with this thing in her life she never asked for
The story is dynamic as is the writing and it is an idea that will stay with you and I will forever look and wonder if a number will appear above peoples heads that I meet….I jest but the story leaves you with something that you cant forget,enjoy and I really hope this does well as deserves
The whole concept of everyone you see having a number above their head representing the amount of times after this encounter you are going to meet them again is mind bogglingly fascinating,its good,bad,exciting and horrifying and throughout the book I changed my mind over and over again as to whether I would love or hate this,eventually deciding would like it as long as I could control it…
Alma does not have this luxury
Talking of Alma,she is a great character,funny and I mean lol funny in her ‘convos with herself’ and relatable and something just really likeable about her and how she copes with this thing in her life she never asked for
The story is dynamic as is the writing and it is an idea that will stay with you and I will forever look and wonder if a number will appear above peoples heads that I meet….I jest but the story leaves you with something that you cant forget,enjoy and I really hope this does well as deserves
September 3, 2025
Alma has a difficult childhood and struggles to find her way in life. And the fact that she, herself, is different, makes it tougher. Alma’ sees numbers above people’s heads and comes to realise that they indicate how many more encounters she will have with that person in her lifetime.
This reminded me of the numbers trilogy by Rachel Ward, which I really loved, but sadly it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. It was okay, and I liked the way that Alma came to use her unusual ability to her advantage; for example, when job hunting, if she was interviewed by someone with a zero above their head, indicating she would never see them again, Alma could easily predict that she wouldn’t get the job, so no wasted effort required! The concept was clever and the ending was satisfying, I feel perhaps that this would appeal more to a YA audience.
3 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
This reminded me of the numbers trilogy by Rachel Ward, which I really loved, but sadly it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. It was okay, and I liked the way that Alma came to use her unusual ability to her advantage; for example, when job hunting, if she was interviewed by someone with a zero above their head, indicating she would never see them again, Alma could easily predict that she wouldn’t get the job, so no wasted effort required! The concept was clever and the ending was satisfying, I feel perhaps that this would appeal more to a YA audience.
3 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
August 20, 2025
Being someone who has been delusional for a period of my life I find the premise of the main character not being sure whether they are psychotic or whether weird stuff is really happening a riveting concept, and one I also write about. Alma sees numbers above people’s heads and needs to make the decision whether her theory on what these numbers mean should determine the course of her life. I loved Alma's voice, her terms of phrase made me laugh out loud and the original concept of the numbers appearing above people’s heads. I can think of no greater praise for a book than thinking I didn't want that to end, which is what I thought when I finished Don't Count On Me. In a world of sequels and reboots go buy something original, Don't Count On Me by Claire Campden will not disappoint.
August 13, 2025
Firstly I want to say thank you to NetGalley for an early copy of Don’t Count on Me.
Alma sees numbers above people’s heads telling her how many more encounters she has. What a brilliant concept!!!
This was unlike anything I’ve ever read. As soon as I started I was hooked and I flew through the chapters. I really laughed at some of Alma’s dialogue, being a millennial and growing up in the same era that Alma did made the book feel all that more relatable. The writing was witty and fast paced, the chapters short and easy to get through. I really really enjoyed the story and would definitely recommend!
Alma sees numbers above people’s heads telling her how many more encounters she has. What a brilliant concept!!!
This was unlike anything I’ve ever read. As soon as I started I was hooked and I flew through the chapters. I really laughed at some of Alma’s dialogue, being a millennial and growing up in the same era that Alma did made the book feel all that more relatable. The writing was witty and fast paced, the chapters short and easy to get through. I really really enjoyed the story and would definitely recommend!
August 16, 2025
I really enjoyed this. I was going to give it four stars, but I really really liked the ending. I saw the concept of numbers above the head being number of days until death on some TV show somewhere maybe a decade ago, but that show wasn't executed well. I remember thinking that it was such a cool concept and I wished someone would do something better with it someday. Well, this is that book we've been waiting for. I really liked reading about her experiments to understand how the numbers worked, and I really liked reading about her struggle to go from rags to comfort. Thanks for the advanced read.
August 13, 2025
This book was great! I read it all today in one sitting. Alma is a sassy, funny, strong heroine, and I love her internal dialogue. The plot is unique and keeps you on your toes. I did feel sorry for Sam and wondered what he wanted so desperately to tell her. I was so hoping she wouldn't settle for Damian the Mummy's boy! Yuck! What a nincompoop. And don't get me going on his mother! There were times when it was so sad, I did boo. And I'm glad Alma managed to use her gift/curse to find something perfect in the end.
August 17, 2025
Ten...nine...eight...seven...
Alma sees glary neon numbers above the heads of everyone she sees and the numbers are different for everyone and they are counting down every time she sees them again.
This has gone on Alma's whole life. And it's not something she tells most people or that most people would believe.
I really enjoyed Alma's story (especially her inner dialogue). I loved her life as she got it a little more under control. Her early life rather sucked.
I received this book from Lit Ideas through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
Alma sees glary neon numbers above the heads of everyone she sees and the numbers are different for everyone and they are counting down every time she sees them again.
This has gone on Alma's whole life. And it's not something she tells most people or that most people would believe.
I really enjoyed Alma's story (especially her inner dialogue). I loved her life as she got it a little more under control. Her early life rather sucked.
I received this book from Lit Ideas through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
September 3, 2025
Very different from what I typically read, but I was not disappointed. The concept is very unusual. I enjoyed the character growth. I thought for sure the ending was going to make me extremely angry because I'm sorry, Damo sucks. But the plot twist made it worth finishing the book. I even recommended the book to my best friend.
August 13, 2025
I was lucky enough to have received an advance copy of this book, and I loved it. A unique storyline with some great characters. I was rooting for Alma all the way through and it had some great laugh out loud moments. Alma's first meeting with Kate was brilliant. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews