Member Reviews
It was the first chapter that hooked me, what an awesome way to start. How could you not want to find out how she got there, in that state? What happened next?
There were many times I wanted to just hug Constance during my read. Also other times I just wanted to shake some sense into her, but grief is a symbiotic creature that settles in each of us & makes us react a different way.
A debut novel about obsession and betrayal. What's not to love? It was disturbing but in just the right way. Actions are relatable and definitely emotional. Can't wait to read more from her in the future.
This is Charlotte Levin’s debut novel and I could not put it down! It is an addictive story about obsession, betrayal, and love.
Constance is a receptionist at a doctors surgery where she meets and falls in love with Samuel, the new doctor. They have a whirlwind romance and Constance thinks she has found the one. Until one day, Samuel puts an end to it and says “they have had their fun but it is time to move on” Constance can’t believe this and she will stop at nothing to get Samuel back.
The story is narrated by Constance and the author does such an amazing job with her characterization. You feel her vulnerability and passion towards others. At first while reading, I really didn’t like her character but by the end I loved it. I felt for her so much when Samuel would use her, only when it was on his terms and convenient for him. I also adored her relationship with Edward, and elderly man she starts to help out.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves stories about infatuation and raw human emotion and will definitely be on the look out for this authors next novel!
Thank you so much Netgalley, Pan Macmillan and Charlotte Levin for the opportunity to read this ARC.
If I Can't Have You by Charlotte Levin has left me utterly gobsmacked. I just cannot get my head around the fact that this is a debut novel. With excellent characterization, crisp dialogue, and sharply observed nuances pertaining to unrecquited love, this is one that you will want to add to your TBR.
Constance is working as a receptionist at a medical practice when she meets Samuel Stevens, a self-obsessed egomaniac who soon uses Constance exclusively to his own ends. To Constance, the relationship is so much more meaningful than it would otherwise be, as her current circumstances have left her vulnerable and raw. So begins an obsession that will lead Constance into the darkest recesses of human emotion.
This is a fascinating tale that will hook you immediately. Constance is a protagonist who will certainly linger in your mind and conscience long after the final page. I look forward to reading more from this exciting new entrant to the genre.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the opportunity to read this ARC.