Reviews with content warning for Addiction - If I Never Met You

This book was just so so cute! It is the first book I have read by the author but I definitely want to read more of them.

The plot was quite tropey but just in the way I like it. There was fake dating, sleeping in the same bed, kind of rivals to lovers.. But the characters all felt so real. Even though I know these situation would never happen in real life the way they reacted to them never took me out of the story. It was realistic and sweet.

I could really relate to the main character. She wasn't self centred or shallow like so many romance protagonists. She was exactly what so many romance try to write as a heroine but don't succeed. She is witty, beautiful and a great friend. She dealt with some bad stuff but doesn't make it an excuse. I love her journey throughout the book. She found her own self worth and it was really beautiful to read that.
She is a character I would love to be friends with in real life.

I also loved that the secondary characters all had personalities of their own that got explored. Emily was a big part of the story and I really like her. So often the beat friends are just there so the mc can vent to them or give us more info about what's happening or their past. Emily was so much more than that.

So many romance authors make the main character seem quite shallow probably in an attempt to have the reader see themself in their place. Often I just don't get why the love interest falls for her at all. It's always because she is so 'special' but we don't get to see any of that.
I had the exact opposite feeling while reading this book. I totally understand their journey and even though it is romanticised it also seemed so real. I was so mad for her when Dan left her.

I listened to the audiobook which was certainly an experience. I loved the accent but I had to listen to it slower that usual to actually understand anything. (Usually I listen on 2x speed)

The one thing I didn't like was that she told multiple people about their arrangement. She promised not to tell anyone which totally makes sense and then she does anyway. I mean he did too so I guess it's not so bad but I would be mad if that was me. She even told her ex-boyfriend who is probably jealous and could expose them both so easily.
I'm glad though that that wasn't the main conflict.

I also loved that Laurie got the promotion in the end. Since we know she always had a tendency to help her boyfriend get ahead and not herself it's good to see that even though she fell back to old routines she is now rewarded as well. It was a very cathartic ending. :)

Content Warnings

alayamorning's review against another edition

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funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective 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? It's complicated

3.5

Content Warnings

drewlessard's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

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