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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I did not realize how much secrets, lies, and miscommunication were going to dominate this book. I knew going in that it would be an insta-love and missed connection trope. It is the twenty-first century so contact details are a given when you’re “in love” and making a potentially risky reunion plan. That said, I wasn’t prepared for the six years later timeline to have all these reveals about who Ash really was, and then to have a whole love triangle thrown in. If you like high drama for the sake of drama, have at it.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3 1/2 Stars
Ellie and Ash meet during a chance encounter while they are both inter-railing alone across Europe. They have a strong connection and are starting to fall in love after a few intense days together. They have to separate and make a plan to meet back up in Madrid at a specific place and time. Ellie makes it there but Ash never arrives.
It turns out they never exchanged numbers (Ash is off grid but Ellie isn’t so why wouldn’t they have exchanged numbers!!!) or even last names. So Ellie can’t find Ash for 6 YEARS! Umm, what!? Seems unlikely. Through a crazy coincidence, they cross paths again but with significant challenges. Lots of drama, lots of miscommunications.
I was endeared to both of these sweet characters and their love for one another. However, it was slightly maddening to see them continue to miss each other and miscommunicate. I would have loved a bit more from the ending. Sweet love story, but some frustrating aspects.
Ellie and Ash meet during a chance encounter while they are both inter-railing alone across Europe. They have a strong connection and are starting to fall in love after a few intense days together. They have to separate and make a plan to meet back up in Madrid at a specific place and time. Ellie makes it there but Ash never arrives.
It turns out they never exchanged numbers (Ash is off grid but Ellie isn’t so why wouldn’t they have exchanged numbers!!!) or even last names. So Ellie can’t find Ash for 6 YEARS! Umm, what!? Seems unlikely. Through a crazy coincidence, they cross paths again but with significant challenges. Lots of drama, lots of miscommunications.
I was endeared to both of these sweet characters and their love for one another. However, it was slightly maddening to see them continue to miss each other and miscommunicate. I would have loved a bit more from the ending. Sweet love story, but some frustrating aspects.
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Death, Sexual content, Death of parent
Minor: Cancer, Infidelity, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Suicide, Terminal illness, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Sexual harassment
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I wasn't sure about this one at first, but I ended up liking it well enough
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
I’ve read and loved Paige Toon’s two latest books so it was a no brainer to request this when I saw it on Netgalley. I’m smart like that :D
I totally loved the beginning of this story. I am usually not a fan of insta-love, but I instantly could feel Ellie and Ash’s connection and chemistry. It almost felt as if I was in Lisbon with them.
I think the story lost some of its touch after the first third. I would have wished for the underlying themes to be explored a little further (e.g. the grief elements), instead there was a lot of miscommunication and irrational behavior on both sides. I’m also always a fan of more fully fleshed side characters, there would have been more room for that as well.
Having said that, I still enjoyed this book and was constantly looking forward to reading the next chapter. I will definitely be picking up whatever Paige Toon blesses us with next.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
I totally loved the beginning of this story. I am usually not a fan of insta-love, but I instantly could feel Ellie and Ash’s connection and chemistry. It almost felt as if I was in Lisbon with them.
I think the story lost some of its touch after the first third. I would have wished for the underlying themes to be explored a little further (e.g. the grief elements), instead there was a lot of miscommunication and irrational behavior on both sides. I’m also always a fan of more fully fleshed side characters, there would have been more room for that as well.
Having said that, I still enjoyed this book and was constantly looking forward to reading the next chapter. I will definitely be picking up whatever Paige Toon blesses us with next.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What If I Never Get Over You by Paige Toon was an okay read overall, but it didn’t quite hit the emotional depth I was hoping for.
While the premise had potential — a love so intense it lingers for six years — the execution leaned heavily toward young adult tropes, even though it’s marketed as adult fiction.
The biggest challenge for me was Ellie, the main character. I found her frustrating and difficult to connect with. Her decisions often felt immature, and the pacing of the romance was hard to believe. Falling in love in just three days felt rushed and somewhat superficial, which made the emotional fallout over the next six years less impactful than it could have been.
While the premise had potential — a love so intense it lingers for six years — the execution leaned heavily toward young adult tropes, even though it’s marketed as adult fiction.
The biggest challenge for me was Ellie, the main character. I found her frustrating and difficult to connect with. Her decisions often felt immature, and the pacing of the romance was hard to believe. Falling in love in just three days felt rushed and somewhat superficial, which made the emotional fallout over the next six years less impactful than it could have been.
That said, Paige Toon’s writing style is easy to follow and engaging, and there were moments of sincerity that I appreciated. But ultimately, the book felt more like a teen romance than a nuanced adult love story. A decent read, but not a standout.
Thank you NetGalley and G.P Putnam's Sons publishing for my DRC.