"If I Never Met You" by Mhairi McFarlane offers a mix of strengths and weaknesses that result in a moderately enjoyable reading experience. The characters in the novel are well-developed and relatable, particularly protagonist Laurie, who finds herself navigating the complexities of love and career after a sudden breakup. McFarlane effectively captures the atmosphere of modern-day Manchester, infusing the story with a sense of realism and authenticity. However, while the writing style is engaging and accessible, the plot feels somewhat predictable and lacks the depth needed to fully captivate readers.

The premise of "If I Never Met You" holds promise, with Laurie entering into a fake relationship with her colleague Jamie in an effort to boost her professional image. However, the execution of the plot falls short in terms of delivering genuine intrigue and tension. While there are moments of humor and wit scattered throughout the narrative, the overall logic behind the characters' decisions and relationships feels somewhat contrived, leading to a lack of emotional resonance. Despite these shortcomings, readers may still find some enjoyment in the novel's light-hearted tone and charming moments of romantic comedy.

Overall, "If I Never Met You" is a pleasant but ultimately forgettable read that may appeal to fans of contemporary romance looking for a quick and breezy escape. While McFarlane's writing style is engaging and her characters are endearing, the lack of depth in both the plot and the relationships leaves much to be desired. However, for readers seeking a light and entertaining diversion, "If I Never Met You" may still offer a few moments of enjoyment.

3.5 stars. I really liked this rom com. It was the typical fake boyfriend to real boyfriend trope, but I liked the characters and was rooting for them.

In a romance reminiscent of the Mad Men era, we meet Laurie and Jamie. He needs a "wife', she's feed up with the modern dating age of Tinder. How does this relationship develop from a need to a desire? The dialogue and manner of communication of this modern novel brings the past up to date. Sign on for a fun romp through the modern age of dating in the internet world faced with the '60's mentality of corporations.

Perfect light reading, for a day of relaxation!!

A super cute British rom-com. Where the FMC's husband (who works at the same law firm) leaves her for another woman, who ends up pregnant shortly after. She engages in a fake dating (trope alert!) relationship with the playboy of the office and we all know how that ends... The characters were lovable and charming and you're really rooting for both Laurie & Jamie. Thank you to William Morrow for my digital copy of this book!

3.5 stars. Nice light romantic story, both funny and moving. Although the ending was predictable, it was still a fun read and the two main characters were likable, but with some tough edges due to difficulties encountered in their childhood. Overall, I liked the book.

Ok, I had a lot of mixed feelings about this book, but in the end I got over myself a bit and just really enjoyed this one!
LIKES:
1) mixed-race MC! I always love when I can see myself in the story… representation matters!
2) strong women mostly supporting strong women. Obviously this had hints of realness when women can be catty, but in the end the friendship are what the love was all about!
3) Emily and Hattie… the best mates of Laurie and Jamie. I just loved their support and advice. It just felt so real
4) fake-relationship trope! It’s my favorite. It usually has a tinge of enemies to lovers and I just always know that it will have a Hallmark ending
5) Laurie’s growth- there’s so much that happens and so much that can’t be shared because… spoilers, but I just really never got annoyed with her, never felt she was being dumb, I just really enjoyed her

DISLIKES:
1) I think after 2020, I will just never be 100% okay with white authors writing as the black MC. There were a lot of cringey moments in the hair salon with Honey, that black women have to deal with all the time and honestly Laurie’s downplaying of how offensive it was is what I did for so long. Like I said before, I got over myself and enjoyed the story, but just be aware that things that white people don’t consider “a big deal” black people still do. Micro aggressions are alive and well!

I really enjoyed this book. It started a bit painfully only because the situation felt so realistic. I could easily imagine a long term boyfriend breaking up with his girlfriend (and co-worker) but not be totally honest only later to blind side her with the truth. And who doesn’t love a fake dating story? Laurie was a great lead character. I liked how even though she was heartbroken she didn’t behave like a silly, ditzy way. And Jamie was an excellent love interest. The book was very romantic — my heart fluttered at times. It was a pleasure to read.

“If I Never Met You” by Mhairi McFarlane is a cute albeit predictable story of a fake romance turning into something real. But, it’s also about self-discovery and realizing your own worth. I did find it a little hard to read at times because I wasn’t familiar with some of the pop culture references and British phrasing. All in all I enjoyed the book and would give it a solid 4 stars.

I really enjoyed this one. I found it so relatable. I have been in Laurie’s shoes before. I felt for her so much.

I wouldn’t label this a romcom. Don’t get me wrong. It had humor, but I found it more to be a finding yourself book with our two main characters, Laurie and Jamie.

I loved their journey. Separate and together.

I love a good slow burn, fake romance story. This one was lots of fun. Thank you to William Morrow and Custom House, NetGalley, and The Book Club Girls for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I enjoyed this book overall. I really liked Laurie and was rooting for her but as with any romance it made sense to me they would be together in the end. I did like the friendships Laurie had with her closet coworkers and her best friend Emily. But I found myself missing a wow factor. Something for me to say I didn’t see that coming. But to me just seemed to drag along, and was predictable.

If I Never Met You follows the story of Laurie, after she’s broken up with Dan, her boyfriend of 18 years. She agrees to a fake romance with Jamie, a co-worker, to help them both out with their individual goals.

I enjoyed reading this light romance, however, I did find the beginning to be a slow start and some parts to be predictable.

I appreciated the honest topics that this book discussed, outside of the main romance. Topics about being a woman in a corporate workplace, close friendships and what they mean to us, and dealing with issues - both past and future.

Overall, I enjoyed reading the book and appreciate the copy I received to review it.

This was a sweet romance. However reading that it is comparable to a Tessa Bailey book I’d have to say it was a bit let down.

I like a little more steam and this was a closed door romance unlike most of Tessa baileys books.

It was such a slow burn that I was really wanting it to speed up. However I did enjoy her writing plot and characters.

A wonderful story that brought me to tears. I love Mhairi's writing style and the British humour infused in the story brought enough lightness to it to ensure the story wasn't too tragic. I will definitely be reading more of her books!

If I Never Met You isn't a typical light romcom; there's so much to it. As Laurie and Jaime navigate a mutually beneficial, fake office romance, they must deal with some heavy issues from their past and present. I appreciated the witty humor in the book, and it was often good well-timed comic relief from some of the more serious topics. I liked both Laurie and Jaime individually and as a couple, especially their growth. I was cheering for them to turn their fauxmance into the real deal. If I Never Met You is a realistic and entertaining read.

4 lawyers in love stars

This one started out a little slowly (and depressingly) and made me question if I had the right category for this one. Is this a romance?

Laurie and Dan have been together for 18 years, but Laurie's desire to start a family made him realize he didn't want that, and in fact he didn't want to stay with Laurie. Cue sad state of affairs for Laurie. To top it off, they work at the same law firm so she couldn't avoid him forever. To make matters even worse, a few months later Dan shows up and tells her that his new girlfriend is pregnant. Men are such cads!

Jamie is a gorgeous attorney at their same firm, known for dating a different woman practically every night of the week. One fateful evening, Laurie and Jamie are stuck in the work elevator for over an hour. Jamie is ambitious and wants to make partner, but he knows the other partners want him to settle down, maybe even get married first. Thus, the plot is hatched. Jamie and Laurie will pretend to date, making Dan jealous and getting Jamie the partnership.

As you might expect, the pretending turns into much more, but it takes Jamie and Laurie quite a while to acknowledge their growing feelings. Friends and colleagues at the firm can't believe that Laurie is dating Jamie, so they embark on a social media blitz.

Things are all working according to plan until meddling coworkers get involved. Can Jamie and Laurie really stay together or is it better to move along and put this all in their rear view mirror?

I really enjoyed Laurie's character. I found her to be flawed, but believable and I enjoyed her friendships and how she grew in this book. This is a new author for me, but I like the writing style and the escape this one provided.

Thank you to Book Club Girls and NetGalley for the copy of this one to read.

A good British rom-com. I truly felt for the main character when her boyfriend of 18 years decides randomly he doesn't want her and their future together. Even worse, they work together and every water cooler just loves office drama and gossip. When her younger colleague devises a plan to help them both out how could it possibly backfire? He gets to revamp his image as a ladies mana nd make partner, she gets to make her ex jealous. Except when you're faking it how or when do you know it's real? Quick, lighthearted read. The main character is relatable but often frustrating at times.

This was a new to me author, so I didn’t know what to expect. In the beginning, I was getting a little bored with the story, thinking “just get on it with it already.” But, I loved how the novel played out. I loved the characters and I was truly invested in what happened to them. Overall, I really liked it.

This was my first read by the author and although this isn't my typical genre, I found myself pleasantly surprised with this title! It had the perfect balance of realistic romance, steam, and conflict which I find isn't always applied in romance novels.

Mhairi McFarlane took me from heartbreak to restoration in 400 pages and I loved it! You could feel Laurie's anguish over the demise of her 18 year relationship, but I love that it wasn't all woe is me (though there was a little bit of that) - she is a fierce, independent, intelligent woman and she stood up for herself in a way that I found very admirable and even inspirational. I also really enjoyed Jamie's character and the way they advocating for each other and grew as individuals. I was taken aback by the small (and possible slightly triggering) reveal from Laurie's background - after reading Don't You Forget About Me which also had a character that had a traumatizing event in her background, it made me wonder if this is a tidbit that was included in all of the author's books. Other than that, I enjoyed watching Laurie regain her self-confidence, find new love, and recognize that love (real love) comes in many different forms. I look forward to checking out Mhairi McFarlane's back catalogue and I'll definitely be adding her to my "auto-buy" author list. 4 out of 5 wine glasses.