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

~~I’m convinced this novel started out as a Dramione fic with a thoroughly fanon Draco (secretly supportive and kind; not canon Draco) but that is neither here nor there.~~

The first 25% of this book is a brutal, ripping betrayal. The piling on of a thousand, horribly unexpected and yet completely believable developments in the end of an 18 year relationship. She’s completely thrown and the absolute breakdown of her trust is gutting to witness and experience.

(I had to process through a long, emotional talk with my partner—that’s how impactful this girl’s breakup is.)

But then, slowly, you start to see the cracks in the former relationship as she does. A breakup that seemed to come from nowhere shifts into seeming something inevitable, given the quality of the relationship, which eventually turns into relief that she got out of it.

You grow to accept and hope better things for her as she does. I cried and laughed multiple times, and the dialogue is often excellent. Superb voice, and a generally incredible read that does not shy from angst in an often-fluffy genre. Hurt-comfort is top notch. Not lighthearted, but a satisfying close.

So poignant, you’d think it was really fantastic fanfiction.

Content Warnings

lisa_m's review

Go to review page

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-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

4.75

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

angelfireeast24's review

Go to review page

emotional hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

kelseyjameson's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful 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

3.75

Content Warnings

beca_reads's review

Go to review page

funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

This was such a nice surprise. I picked this up on a whim and I loved it. It took a while to get into the book as the first 100 pages are about Laurie's relationship breakdown, but once Laurie and Jaimie get stuck in the lift the pace picks up a lot. Laurie was such a loveable character, she was flawed, but she was also a strong independent women which I loved. Your definitely not meant to like Jaimie at the beginning but by the end it's hard not to love him. I loved the inclusion of a strong group of supportive friends, and also how the microaggressions where dealt with in relation to Laurie being black.

Content Warnings

sarainbookland's review

Go to review page

emotional sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I read this book while I was going through something and it really resonated with me, all the questions and if I am not good or challenging enough. I really liked the slow burn romance and it was the first time I enjoyed fake dating romance since I read exclusively enemies to lovers books. I loved the one bed trope as well and Jamie's family scenes were just so heartwarming.

The only down-side to this book was the childhood trauma of Laurie, I felt as it was too much for a fun romance. Definitely liked the mom and her reaction when she finally told her though.

The sexism in the office was real and I wish Laurie could have spoken sharply to these men.

Also the ending was kinda rushed and the marriage proposal left me wondering if Jamie actually changed his mind about marriage and how Laurie's bosses will react.
I really wish the author explained more in an epilogue.

I enjoyed the book but I am not sure if I want to pick up another book by the author.

Content Warnings

writtenontheflyleaves's review

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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

3.5

If I Never Met You by Mhairi McFarlane 💼
🌟🌟🌟✨
-
🥀 The plot: When Laurie’s boyfriend of 18 years breaks up with her, it feels like her life is over, and to make matters worse, they still have to work together. But when a lift breaks down and traps her with the office lothario, Jamie, the two hatch a plan: fake a relationship to help her get her ex back and him get ahead in the firm. What could go wrong?
-
Listen, I LOVE the fake dating trope. It’s a classic for a reason! The most charged moments in any rom com are always those sudden jolts of intimacy that make you question where you stand, and fake dating makes those obligatory from the get-go. However, this one didn’t quiiiite stick the landing for me.
-
To start with the stuff I loved: a lot of the relationships and social scenarios in this book felt so real. The breakup in particular was painful because it was so lifelike - I was internally screaming at Laurie’s ex that he was a wanker while also understanding why he was being one. The way sexism played out in a competitive office also felt very well-observed, albeit kicked up to a melodramatic note at points. I didn’t think there was a lot of romantic tension building up as I was reading, but for most of the book I didn’t care because I identified so much with Laurie and was so invested in her life!
-
However, as I got closer to the end, it started to nosedive a bit. Jamie’s love for Laurie came a little out of the blue. I couldn’t really feel them FALLING, you know? And that’s half the fun! It felt rushed, with the dialogue doing a lot of heavy lifting to move the narrative along, and the sharp 180 that Jamie does at the end of the novel didn’t make sense to me. Things fall apart so spectacularly and then just rapidly reassemble. It felt messy!
-
❤️‍🩹 Read it if you’re not super bothered about a romance, but are looking for a sharp, funny story about healing from heartbreak, that’s set in the UK but not in London!! Huzzah!
-
🚫 Avoid it if you’re looking for a sexy romance (whether tension or sex scenes, there’s none of the latter and imo little of the former) - Laurie’s growth is the star of this book, rather than the love story.

Content Warnings

More...